Airbag arrangement for motor vehicles

US5971431A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• VOLKSWAGEN AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT · DE

Inventors

• Thomas Wohllebe · Braunschweig, DE
• Ruprecht Sinnhuber · Gifhorn, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Mar 16, 1999
• Grant date: Oct 26, 1999
• Expiry date: Mar 16, 2019

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B60R2021/23169
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A motor vehicle airbag arrangement has an airbag stored behind a cover disposed in the region of the dashboard panel. When the airbag, which can be inflated by a gas generator, is triggered, the cover moves to form an opening so that the airbag can unfold into a position which protects a seat occupant's upper body. Unfolding of the airbag is controlled as a function of the position in which the occupant is sitting by using the cover as a shield for the unfolding airbag which can deflect part of the airbag into a position which provides additional protection for a further body region of the occupant. The size of the opening formed by moving the cover depends on the position in which the occupant is sitting at the time.