Airbag assembly including internal and external tethers

US10391968B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Ford Global Technologies, LLC · US

Inventors

• Dean M. Jaradi · Waldenburg, US
• Mohammed Omar Faruque · Ann Arbor, US
• S. M. Iskander Farooq · Novi, US
• James Chih Cheng · Troy, US
• Robert William McCoy · Ann Arbor, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Oct 21, 2016
• Grant date: Aug 27, 2019
• Expiry date: Dec 10, 2036

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B60R2021/23509
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

An airbag assembly includes a base, an airbag supported by the base and defining an inflation chamber, an external tether, and an internal tether. The airbag includes a panel and an extension extending transverse to the panel. The panel includes an internal surface facing the inflation chamber and an external surface facing away from the inflation chamber. The external tether extends from the extension to the external surface of the panel. The internal tether extends from the base to the internal surface of the panel. During a vehicle impact, the momentum of the occupant may move the occupant towards the extension. The extension may absorb energy from the occupant and reduce or prevent the head of the occupant from sliding across the panel and/or rotating.