Low aggressivity variable-volume variable-inflation air bag system
US5871231A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 9, 1996 |
| Grant date | Feb 16, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 9, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB60R2021/2765
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An air bag system for protecting an occupant in a motor vehicle against injuries resulting from a crash. The system is distinguished by an air bag with releasable partitioning, preferably breakaway stitching, that provides a variable-size inflatable volume and by a means to control the level of inflation. These features allow the present invention to provide optimum protection regardless of whether the occupant is restrained by a seat belt and regardless of whether the crash speed at impact is moderate or severe. The air bag of the invention accommodates the occupant who is wearing a seat belt restraint by inflating to a relatively small inflated volume with a varying internal pressure depending on the crash speed. It accommodates the occupant who is not belted and is in a vehicle traveling 21 mph or faster at the moment of impact by inflating to a larger inflated volume. Thus, the invention provides protection that is appropriate to and optimal for specific crash conditions. The releasable partitioning also helps control the forcefulness, or aggressivity, of the deployment. Additionally, the design minimizes rebound energy imparted to the occupant by the selection of air bag size …
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.