Variable Angle Side Airbag Reaction Force Surface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional side airbag apparatuses have a fixed deployment direction, which is insufficient for passengers of varying physiques, as the deployment direction of the airbag may differ between individuals with small and large physiques during a side collision.
Innovation Solution
A side airbag apparatus with a variable mechanism that adjusts the angle of the reaction force surface, allowing the deployment direction to be controlled by attaching the support part to the seat frame, enabling the airbag to deploy in a direction suitable for each passenger's physique.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the deployment direction of the airbag is fixed in one direction, then the structure is simple, but it cannot adapt to passengers of varying physiques
Solution Approach 1:
The support part is designed to be rotatable relative to the seat frame, allowing the reaction force surface angle to be dynamically adjusted. This enables the airbag deployment direction to adapt to different passenger physiques while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and structural complexity.
2Ease of operation
If the reaction force surface angle is variable, then the deployment direction can be controlled, but the attachment mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment mechanism is segmented into a seat frame, a support part with reaction force surface, and a variable mechanism. This segmentation allows the deployment direction control function to be isolated in the variable mechanism while keeping the overall attachment structure manageable, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and attachment mechanism complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A side airbag apparatus includes a support part having a reaction force surface for receiving the deployment force of an airbag upon expanding and deploying the airbag. An inflator is fixed to the support part. A variable mechanism is configured to attach the support part to a seat frame such that the angle of the reaction force surface is variable with respect to the seat frame.