Universal seat-mounted airbag

US11084447B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• NIO USA, INC. · US

Inventors

• Jeffrey Dan Rupp · Ann Arbor, US
• Samantha Lynne Schoell · San Francisco, US
• Jane Williams · Leicester, GB
• Colin J. Stevens · San Jose, US
• Teh Feng Fang · San Jose, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Aug 6, 2019
• Grant date: Aug 10, 2021
• Expiry date: Dec 4, 2039

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B60R2021/23161
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A “universal” airbag system according to embodiments of the present disclosure provides for occupant protection in both conventional and unconventional seating orientations (rotated, reclined, and lying positions), when impacted in various directions. The universal airbag system features a seat mounted airbag which may be used with a seat-integrated seatbelt. The material may be selected, constructed, and attached such that it does not fail or tear under application-specific loading conditions, is strong enough to capture the occupant, has the elongation/expansion properties for a flexible yet stable shape with excursion limiting functionality, and is optionally inflatable.