For the 2023–2024 Conrad Challenge, I modeled an adjustable airbag deployment mechanism. The idea was to use an array of linear servos to change the inflator’s position and angle, exploring whether deployment geometry could be adapted to the occupant.
The enclosure represents a simplified steering column, and the yellow component represents the inflator. Changing the actuators’ extensions moves and tilts the supported assembly. The images below illustrate the concept’s geometry and deployment views.
This is a CAD motion concept; its effect on occupant safety remains untested. The engineering questions include whether the mechanism could move quickly enough, withstand deployment loads, and operate reliably within the available space.
Explore the CAD model on GrabCAD
If you’d like to explore the actuator positions in Onshape, contact me with the email associated with your Onshape account.