Variable-Stiffness Restraint Blanket for Passenger Displacement Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing passenger restraint systems in vehicles are inadequate in providing effective protection during hazardous events, especially as vehicle usage increases and autonomy rises, necessitating improved safety measures to prevent passenger displacement and injury.

Innovation Solution

A variable-stiffness passenger restraint blanket with a sealed structure containing variable-stiffness material layers that transition from flexible to rigid states via a vacuum system, anchored to the vehicle interior, activated by sensors to respond to triggering events.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a traditional rigid restraint system is used, then passenger protection during crashes is improved, but passenger comfort and ease of operation deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepassenger protectionVSAvoidpassenger comfort

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The restraint blanket transitions from a flexible state during normal operation to a rigid state during crashes through vacuum activation. The variable-stiffness material layers change their mechanical properties dynamically based on operational conditions, providing comfort when flexible and protection when rigid.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The stiffness parameter of the restraint blanket is changed from flexible to rigid through the application of vacuum pressure. This parameter change allows the same structure to provide both comfort and protection functions without requiring separate systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If a variable-stiffness material system is used, then passenger comfort and protection are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomfort and protectionVSAvoidsystem structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The restraint system uses a blanket structure with variable-stiffness material layers that can transition between flexible and rigid states. This thin-film approach provides complex functionality without requiring heavy or complicated structural components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

A vacuum pump system is used to activate the variable-stiffness transition by creating negative pressure within the sealed blanket. This pneumatic mechanism provides a simple and effective way to control the stiffness change without complex mechanical actuation systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

3Reliability

If a sealed blanket with vacuum system is used, then restraint effectiveness is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverestraint effectivenessVSAvoidmanufacturing process

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The sealed blanket structure functions as a flexible shell that contains the variable-stiffness material layers and vacuum environment. This integrated shell design simplifies manufacturing compared to assembling multiple rigid components, as the blanket can be produced as a unified structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The system effectively restricts passenger movement during crashes or hazardous events, enhancing safety by absorbing impact energy and preventing dislodgment, while maintaining comfort and utility.

Implementation Method 1

A vacuum pump, responsive to the triggering event, pulls a vacuum within the sealed blanket to transition the set of variable-stiffness material layers from a flexible state to a rigid state.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVacuum: Vacuum

Data Source

PatentUS20250276666A1Systems and methods for restraining a passenger via a variable-stiffness blanket

Publication Date: 2025.09.04 TOYOTA MOTOR ENG & MFG NORTH AMERICA INC

AI summary

Systems, methods, and other embodiments described herein relate to restraining a passenger in a vehicle via a variable-stiffness blanket. In one embodiment, a passenger restraint system includes a sealed blanket. The sealed blanket is draped over a passenger. The passenger restraint system also includes a set of variable-stiffness material layers disposed within the sealed blanket. The variable-stiffness material layers have a flexible state and a rigid state. An anchor system is attached to the sealed blanket to fasten the sealed blanket to an interior cabin of a vehicle and a vacuum pump pulls a vacuum within the sealed blanket and transitions the variable-stiffness material layers from the flexible state to the rigid state.