Fold over design for small overlap
US9266494B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 15, 2013 |
| Grant date | Feb 23, 2016 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 15, 2033 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T29/49826
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An airbag assembly may include an inflatable curtain airbag with a stowed configuration and a deployed configuration. The inflatable curtain may have a first protection zone and a second protection zone that inflates forward of the first protection zone to provide enhanced protection. The second protection zone may be folded against the first protection zone so that, during deployment, the second protection zone pivots to unfold relative to the first protection zone. The airbag assembly may have a forward tether that provides longitudinal tension on the inflatable curtain airbag. The forward tether may be secured to the A-pillar of the vehicle and to a divider between the first and second protection zones so that deformation of the A-pillar may relieve the tension to allow the second protection zone to pivot inboard to provide protection from injuries that may be sustained in a small overlap or oblique collision.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.