Variable-Size Airbag Deployment with Dynamic Seat Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional airbag systems struggle to optimally deploy airbags for various collision speeds and passenger positions, leading to inadequate impact absorption due to fixed deployment settings and varying passenger physical characteristics.

Innovation Solution

A passenger protection apparatus that includes a first airbag deployable in different sizes, a second airbag deployable between the first airbag and vehicle equipment, a collision speed detector, a passenger position detector, and a seat moving unit, which adjusts the seat position and airbag deployment based on collision speed and passenger position to ensure optimal impact absorption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the airbag is deployed in a fixed size, then the deployment structure is simple, but the impact absorption is inadequate for various collision speeds and passenger positions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimpact absorption adaptabilityVSAvoidairbag deployment structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The airbag system is segmented into a first airbag and a second airbag that can be independently deployed. The first airbag deploys from the steering wheel, while the second airbag deploys from the dashboard, allowing separate control and optimization of each airbag's deployment characteristics for different collision scenarios

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The airbag deployment system transitions from a fixed-size design to a dynamic, adjustable configuration. The controller selectively deploys the first and second airbags in different combinations based on real-time detection of collision speed and passenger position, enabling the system to adapt its protective characteristics dynamically

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Strength

If the airbag size is increased to improve impact absorption, then the protection capability is enhanced, but the reaction force reception effectiveness may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimpact absorption capabilityVSAvoidreaction force reception

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Different regions of the vehicle interior are assigned different airbag deployment characteristics. The first airbag near the steering wheel provides localized protection for the driver's upper body, while the second airbag from the dashboard provides localized protection for the lower body and legs, with each region optimized independently

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes deployment parameters (which airbag deploys, deployment timing, deployment pressure) based on detected collision conditions. For high-speed collisions, both airbags deploy with higher pressure; for lower-speed collisions or when passengers are present, the system adjusts deployment parameters to maintain effectiveness while reducing excessive reaction forces

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If the seat position is adjusted dynamically, then the airbag deployment optimization is improved, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveairbag deployment optimizationVSAvoidseat position control system

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary detection of seat position and passenger presence before a collision occurs, storing this information for rapid retrieval during deployment. The controller uses pre-stored seat position data to determine the optimal airbag deployment strategy, eliminating the need for real-time seat adjustment during the collision event

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The controller acts as an intermediary that integrates data from the seat position detector, passenger presence detector, and collision speed detector, then translates this information into appropriate airbag deployment commands, simplifying the overall system architecture by centralizing the decision-making logic

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS11117536B2Passenger protection apparatus

Publication Date: 2021.09.14 SUBARU CORP

AI summary

A passenger protection apparatus for a vehicle includes first and second airbags, an airbag deployment device, a collision speed detector, a passenger's position detector, a seat moving unit, an airbag deployment determination unit, and a deployment controller. The first airbag is deployable in different sizes. The second airbag is deployable between the first airbag and vehicle equipment. The airbag deployment device deploys the airbags. The collision speed detector detects a collision or collision possibility of a vehicle, and calculates a collision speed. The passenger position detector detects a position of a passenger sitting on a seat. The seat moving unit moves the seat. The airbag deployment determination unit determines a size of the deployed first airbag. The deployment controller determines an amount of movement of the seat, causes the seat moving unit to move the seat, and causes the airbag deployment device to deploy the airbags.