Bumper airbag with multiple chambers

US7036844B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignees

• Ford Global Technologies, LLC · US
• UNIVERSAL PROPULSION COMPANY, INC. · US

Inventors

• David R. Hammer · Glendale, US
• Larry K. Hansen · Sandy, US
• Deborah L. Kalisz · Phoenix, US
• Paul G. Curry · Phoenix, US
• Wesley Pack · Pontiac, US
• Saeed David Barbat · Novi, US
• Priyaranjan Prasad · Plymouth, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jan 10, 2002
• Grant date: May 2, 2006
• Expiry date: Jan 17, 2023

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B60R2021/23386
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A multi-chambered bumper airbag for deployment from the bumper of a vehicle in the event of a collision with another vehicle is provided. The airbag comprises a main inflatable portion that, when inflated, absorbs the energy from contact with a structural member of the struck vehicle. The airbag also has one or more secondary inflatable portions concentric with the main inflatable portion. Because the secondary inflatable portions have a lower gas pressure than the main inflatable portion, they are used to cushion the occupant of the struck vehicle should the occupants' head and neck be forced out of the window of the struck vehicle.