Automotive air bag chute door hinge with variable extension
US9975514B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 31, 2017 |
| Grant date | May 22, 2018 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 31, 2037 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB60R2021/21537
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An air bag chute assembly attaches an air bag module to an automotive instrument panel. An outer collar attaches the assembly to the instrument panel. A tubular chute extends interiorly from the collar to a lower end defining a deployment path for the air bag. A door flap is disposed in an upper end of the chute rotatable from the collar to emerge from the instrument panel. A hinge attaching the door flap to the collar comprises a plurality of S-shaped extendable hinge straps laterally spaced along one edge of the door flap. A first hinge strap proximate one lateral end of the hinge has a first length shorter than a second length of a second hinge strap proximate an opposite lateral end of the hinge, thereby restricting rotation of the door flap at the one lateral end in order to avoid contacting a windshield during deployment.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.