Vehicle instrument panel with top-mount airbag deployment door having contact bend initiator
US7594674B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 6, 2008 |
| Grant date | Sep 29, 2009 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 6, 2028 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB60R21/205
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An interior trim arrangement is provided that is adapted to house a supplemental inflatable restraint (SIR) system when installed in a motorized vehicle. The trim arrangement includes a trim panel configured to attach to the vehicle. The trim panel has opposing inner and outer surfaces that define an upper portion adjacent to a middle portion. The trim panel defines a cavity with an opening formed through the upper portion. The cavity is configured to nest the SIR system therein. A deployment door is integrated into the trim panel, and configured to transition from a closed position, in which the door covers the opening, to an open position, in which the door sufficiently uncovers the opening such that the inflatable cushion can deploy therethrough. The deployment door includes one or more bend initiators that are configured to attenuate kinetic energy transferred to the windshield by the deployment door upon contact therebetween.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.