Method and apparatus for pre-impact deployment of air bag
US7905515B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 17, 2009 |
| Grant date | Mar 15, 2011 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 16, 2029 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB60R2021/23384
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An air bag deployment system includes a pre-impact sensor operative to detect an imminent impact and at least one post-impact sensor operative to detect an impact. An air bag has a non-deployed volume, a pre-impact deployed volume, and a post-impact deployed volume smaller than the pre-impact deployed volume. The air bag is deployed to the pre-impact volume wherein the air bag deployment system is arranged to deploy the air bag before the impact and the at least one air bag is deployed into the pre-impact deployed volume, in reaction to the imminent impact, and to the post-impact deployed volume in reaction to the impact. The system provides for enhanced occupant safety during a collision by allowing pre-impact deployment of the air bag in order to utilize the full possible length of deceleration for the occupant as the impact pulse affects the occupant.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.