Adaptive Impact Response of Coupled Tendon Constrained Inflatables for Occupant Safety in Future Mobility

Abstract The transition to autonomous vehicles poses a challenge for occupant safety devices during a collision due to the large variation in the direction and location of passenger impacts. A new technological approach is presented that offers adaptive impact response (i.e., trajectory control, energy absorption, and peak acceleration reduction) for diverse impact scenarios through a deployable smart wall based on tendon constrained inflatables (TCIs). The wall comprises coupled TCI cells, each comprising an inflatable bladder with rigid end caps connected by inextensible tendons, which act similar to a linkage mechanism. The tendon configuration determines each cell's deployment position and impact-activated motions, enabling different motions depending on the impact location and angle. Collaboratively, the coupled TCI cells provide adaptive impact response to enhance occupant safety in future mobility. The TCI cells are designed for independent and collaborative motions based on analytical methods. Experimental characterization of a four-TCI row demonstrates that their energy absorption and peak acceleration reduction capabilities remain consistent regardless of impact variations—showing a maximum improvement of 128% in energy absorption and a 50% reduction in peak acceleration compared to an inflatable bag. Moreover, the TCI row effectively redirects impacts to be perpendicular to the row, further enhancing safety.