Patent · US Expired

Adjustable deployment door for airbag module

US5564732A · kind A · utility

20Cited by
9References
18Claims
0Family size

Assignees

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateApr 20, 1995
Grant dateOct 15, 1996
Priority date
Expiry dateApr 20, 2015

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
  • CPC primaryB60R2021/2172
  • WIPO fieldTransport
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

An airbag module installed in a vehicle comprises a deployment door which comprises a face panel which covers the open top of a reaction canister and is positioned at an opening in the instrument panel of the vehicle and further comprises key and keyway connecting structure for securely holding the deployment door to the reaction canister before and during deployment of an airbag. This connecting structure allows limited movement of the deployment door in three directions with respect to the reaction canister and thus permits adjustment of the position of the face panel of the deployment door to obtain accurate fit and finish at the instrument panel. In preferred embodiments the invention further comprises structure for immovably fixing the position of the deployment door at the instrument panel after the deployment door has been adjusted. Reaction forces acting on the deployment door during deployment and inflation of the airbag are transmitted to the reaction canister through the adjustable connection that fastens the deployment door to the reaction canister, thereby avoiding transmission of damaging reaction forces to the instrument panel.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.