Patent · US Expired

Air bag system

US7374205B2 · kind B2 · utility

18Cited by
6References
17Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateFeb 21, 2006
Grant dateMay 20, 2008
Priority date
Expiry dateMar 5, 2026

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
  • CPC primaryB60R2021/23388
  • WIPO fieldTransport
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

An air bag system includes an inflator operable to inflate an inflatable air bag housed within an air bag housing. A tether extends from the air bag through the housing. A mechanism operatively connected to the housing selectively retains the tether. The mechanism includes a movable member selectively movable from a first position to a second position, with movement of the movable member to the second position breaking the tether, thereby detaching the tether from the mechanism. The air bag inflates to a first profile when the mechanism retains the tether and to a second profile when the tether is detached. The air bag system may include a cutting element, with movement of the movable member causing the cutting element to slice through the tether. The mechanism may include an actuator operable to release actuation fluid, with the released fluid breaking the tether to detach the tether from the mechanism.

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