Gas flow deflection apparatus and method for airbag systems
US7195279B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 4, 2003 |
| Grant date | Mar 27, 2007 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 13, 2024 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB60R21/2346
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An airbag module may include an inflator, a cushion, and a deflection hood. When used as a passenger side, frontal impact module, the cushion deploys upward from a vehicle instrument panel. The deflection hood directs gas downward through a discharge opening and into the cushion to expedite inflation of the lower portion of the cushion to more uniformly cushion a vehicle occupant's body. The discharge opening may be sewn shut via a tear seam to ensure that the discharge opening is properly positioned when the tear seam opens to release inflation gas. Alternatively, the discharge opening may be sewn shut by a non-tearable seam, and perforations may be applied proximate the non-tearable seam so that the discharge opening opens along the perforations to release the inflation gas. According to one alternative, the deflection hood may be angled within the cushion to provide a significant asymmetrical, lateral gas flow.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.