A steering wheel assembly (10) contains a dampening system for mitigating vibrations transferred from a vehicle to the steering wheel assembly (10). A plurality of damper spring elements or grommets or damper spring elements (22) are each retained within a corresponding steering wheel support member (330). An air bag module (14) is fixed to a steering wheel (18) while resting upon the damper spring elements (22) for eliminating and/or reducing lateral displacement/vibrations normally attendant to vehicle operation. A horn switch (16) containing a plurality of annular support members (76, 176) may be positioned over the damper spring elements (22), wherein each annular support member (76, 176) is coaxially aligned and positioned over a corresponding grommet (22) to also manage vertical displacement; the air bag module (14) is then fixed over the horn switch 16 and to the steering wheel (18). Movement of the airbag module can actuate the horn switch.
F16F 7/104 - Vibration-dampers; Shock-absorbers using inertia effect the inertia member being resiliently mounted
B60R 21/203 - Arrangements for storing inflatable members in their non-use or deflated condition; Arrangement or mounting of air bag modules or components in steering wheels or steering columns
It is disclosed a method and an apparatus for folding an airbag (2). The method comprises the steps of providing an airbag (2) connected to an inflator (40), connecting the airbag (2) to a straightening ram (10), generating relative movement between the airbag (2) connected to the straightening ram (10) and a guide sleeve (18), the guide sleeve (18) being provided with a radial ram group (60), compressing axially the airbag (2) against an abutment surface (30) of the guide sleeve (18), compressing radially the airbag (2) by activating a radial ram group (60) until the radial dimensions of the airbag (2) are reduced; and pushing the straightening ram (10) in order to insert the folded airbag (2) into an airbag module (80).
B60R 21/237 - Inflatable members characterised by the way they are folded
B60R 21/264 - Inflatable occupant restraints or confinements designed to inflate upon impact or impending impact, e.g. air bags characterised by the inflation fluid source or means to control inflation fluid flow using instantaneous generation of gas, e.g. pyrotechnic
The system for regulating temperature of a steering wheel includes a Peltier element having a first surface and a second surface, heat pipes. running through a steering wheel rim of the steering wheel, and cooling fins, Copper mesh can be used for improved heat distribution and a heat reflective leather is maintains the steering wheel at initially lower temperature by reflecting heat. The Peltier element can regulate the temperature of the steering wheel, wherein the first surface of the Peltier element is bounded with heat conducting plates and connected to the heat pipes to trans.port heat from a surface of the steering wheel through the heat pipes, and the second surface of the Peltier element is connected to the cooling fins to transport heat away from the heat pipes.
B62D 1/06 - Rims, e.g. with heating means; Rim covers
F25B 21/02 - Machines, plants or systems, using electric or magnetic effects using Nernst-Ettinghausen effect
F28D 15/02 - Heat-exchange apparatus with the intermediate heat-transfer medium in closed tubes passing into or through the conduit walls in which the medium condenses and evaporates, e.g. heat-pipes
4.
AUTOMATIC FIRE SUPPRESSION SYSTEM FOR INTERNAL COMBUSTION DEVICE
Provided is a fire suppression system for use in conjunction with an internal combustion device (1) such as an internal combustion engine, water heater or air heater (1) that may be part of a motor vehicle. The fire suppression system is compact and can be mounted as a kit (34) on combustion devices in existing vehicles. The fire suppression system includes one or more fire suppression vessels (4) which may be in the form of an inflator or gas generator such as used in conjunction with air bags. The fire suppression vessels (4) act automatically responsive to a sensor (6, 19, 25, 35) signal and direct an extinguishing material such as a gas or solid particles or liquid, through a valve (12) and into the combustion device.
A62C 3/06 - Fire prevention, containment or extinguishing specially adapted for particular objects or places of highly inflammable material, e.g. light metals, petroleum products
F02D 17/04 - Controlling engines by cutting-out individual cylinders; Rendering engines inoperative or idling rendering engines inoperative or idling, e.g. caused by abnormal conditions
A62C 3/07 - Fire prevention, containment or extinguishing specially adapted for particular objects or places in vehicles, e.g. in road vehicles
It is disclosed a system (1) and a method for detecting the presence or the absence of a hand on a steering wheel (9), the steering wheel being provided with one or more conductive wires (2, 2a, 2b, 3), said system (1) comprising a detection device (5) comprising an input circuit (6) for providing an input signal (11) to at least one conductive wire (2, 2a) of said one or more conductive wires (2, 2a, 2b, 3), said input signal (11) being an electrical signal having a frequency comprised in the RF range, and an output circuit (7) configured for sensing the impedance of said at least one conductive wire (2) or for sensing the inductive coupling between said at least one conductive wire (2a) and at least one second conductive wire (2b) in response to said input signal. The detection device (5) is configured for detecting a change in value of the impedance of said at least one conductive wire (2, 2b) or for detecting a change in value of said inductive coupling between said at least one conductive wire (2a) and said at least one second conductive wire (2b), that is indicative of the presence or the absence of a hand on said steering wheel (9).
The invention relates to an active restraint system (1), comprising a seat belt retractor (3), having a frame (2) and a belt reel (4) with a belt webbing (10) wound thereon and rotatable supported by the frame (2) for allowing winding and unwinding the belt webbing (10). An electric disc motor (28) comprising a rotor (30) and a stator (32) is attached to the belt reel (4). The rotor (30) is directly attached by an attachment (31) to the belt reel (4). The restraint system further comprises a control unit (40) connected to the disc motor (28) and adapted to control the disc motor (28) to drive the belt reel (4) in accordance with a determined belt motion profile.
Gas generator (1) including means (2) to provide a pressurized gas, a gas exit portion (3) and a throttle member (4) located in said gas exit portion (3), having one or more openings (17, 18) for the passage of said gas and being deformable by a gas flowing through said throttle member (4) when the pressure of said gas is above a predetermined pressure, to prevent or reduce gas flow.
B60R 21/268 - Inflatable occupant restraints or confinements designed to inflate upon impact or impending impact, e.g. air bags characterised by the inflation fluid source or means to control inflation fluid flow using instantaneous release of stored pressurised gas
A cylindrical inflator (10) has an elongated tubular housing (12), a hollow tubular filter and a plurality of gas generant pellets. The elongated tubular housing (12) has a first end sealed by an igniter assembly (20) and an opposite second end sealed by a diffuser assembly (40). The diffuser assembly (40) has a first set of discharge openings (44) sealed by frangible foil (32), and a combustion chamber (15) interposed and extending between the igniter assembly (20) and the foil sealed diffuser assembly (40). The hollow tubular filter (50) is positioned inside the combustion chamber (15) and has an enlarged first end (54) compressed against an inner wall of the elongated tubular housing (12) and an elongated narrow portion (52) extending from the enlarged first end (54) of the hollow tubular filter toward the second end (16) of the tubular housing (12).
B60R 21/264 - Inflatable occupant restraints or confinements designed to inflate upon impact or impending impact, e.g. air bags characterised by the inflation fluid source or means to control inflation fluid flow using instantaneous generation of gas, e.g. pyrotechnic
An airbag for a front passenger seat, comprising: an inlet port for inflation gas; a main body, formed of at least one panel of fabric, and comprising a retainer (3) adapted for mounting the airbag to a vehicle, and a passenger contact region; and at least one tether (4) located inside the main body and connecting the retainer (3) to the passenger contact region so as to restrain inflation of at least a portion of the passenger contact region, wherein the tether (4) is attached to the fabric panel along a generally vertical line by stitches (7) which pass through stitch holes which are located inside the main body.
The present invention describes a restraining system (20) for a seat belt buckle (22) comprising: a housing (44), a motor (24), a set of gears (25, 26, 28, 30), locking mechanism (46, 48,50), and a controlling unit (70); the restraining unit is mounted on the housing (44) for providing restraining force to the seat belt buckle (22); the restraining unit comprises at least one motor; the set of gears are mounted on the housing (44) and connected with the at least one motor (24) for providing either first direction motion or second direction motion to the seat belt buckle (22), on receiving the restraining force; the locking mechanism is mounted on the housing for controlling rotation of one or more gears from the set of gears (25, 26, 28, 30); the controlling unit is operatively connected with the restraining unit and the locking mechanism, the controlling unit (70) is configured for controlling operation of the motor (24) and the locking mechanism, based on a predefined instruction.
A child seat (56) detecting means employing a magnet and sensor (141) for detecting whether a child seat (56) is mounted on the passenger seat (14, 15). A controller (40) in response to a signal from the sensor (141) will prevent activation of a pretensioner or belt tightener (65) from tensioning the seat belt or webbing (55) which is often positioned about or through the child seat (56) and/or for preventing an inflator (34) from expanding an airbag (26) when a child seat (56) is detected on either the front or rear passenger seat (14, 15).
B60R 22/415 - Belt retractors, e.g. reels self-locking in an emergency with additional means allowing a permanent locking of the retractor during the wearing of the belt
B60R 21/015 - Electrical circuits for triggering safety arrangements in case of vehicle accidents or impending vehicle accidents including means for detecting the presence or position of passengers, passenger seats or child seats, e.g. for disabling triggering
An airbag (10) comprises a plurality of interconnected adjacent inflatable cells, wherein a cell is attached to an adjacent cell by at least two seam lines (31, 32), said lines being spaced from each other to define a cell area, which is comprising a gas passage portion (1c, 2c, 3c, 4c) between said adjacent cells.
B60R 21/233 - Inflatable members characterised by their shape, construction or spatial configuration comprising two or more bag-like members, one within the other
A climate controlled steering device (10) for a vehicle including a hand control assembly (12) with air ducting (34), the climate controlled steering device (10) including a clock spring assembly (18) combined with a plenum (36) to guide HVAC air into the hand control assembly ducting (34) at a plurality of angular positions of the hand control assembly (12).
The present invention describes a battery system. The battery system comprises a battery housing having at least one inlet and at least one outlet, at least one battery cell positioned within the battery housing, and a battery protecting unit connected to the battery housing through the at least one inlet at one or more first predetermined positions. The battery protecting unit is adapted to detect one or more abnormalities in the at least one battery cell and provide coolant to the at least one battery cell through a dynamically determined at least one conduit. The system detects abnormalities based on receiving one or more signals received from one or more sensors. The system also comprises a controlling unit for providing the control signals based on detection abnormalities in one or more battery cells through one or more sensors configured in the battery housing.
H01M 10/48 - Accumulators combined with arrangements for measuring, testing or indicating the condition of cells, e.g. the level or density of the electrolyte
H01M 10/6564 - Gases with forced flow, e.g. by blowers using compressed gas
A system for increasing passenger safety within an airplane (10) includes a forward seat (16) having a back surface (17) that faces an occupant seat (14). A tray table holder (22) is secured to or formed integrally with the back of the forward seat (16). A tray table (20) is rotatably connected to the tray table holder via a hinge (40) and is rotatable relative to the tray table holder. The tray table defines a cavity (32) inside the tray table. An airbag (54) is within the cavity. An inlet device (42) is coupled to the airbag and is rotatable about the hinge (40) such that the inflator inlet can rotate as the tray table rotates relative to the tray table holder. An inflator (52) is connected to the inlet device and is configured to deliver gas to the airbag through the inflator inlet.
B60R 21/207 - Arrangements for storing inflatable members in their non-use or deflated condition; Arrangement or mounting of air bag modules or components in vehicle seats
B60N 3/00 - Arrangements or adaptations of other passenger fittings, not otherwise provided for
An assembly includes a housing (12) and a cover (20) that define a cavity (15). An air bag (22) is positioned in the cavity (15), and the cover (20) has hooks (46) that engage with the housing (12) to secure the cover (20) to the housing (12). The air bag (22) expands to absorb kinetic energy of a driver. The hooks (46) are energized into engagement with the housing (12) directly or indirectly by the air bag (22) as it expands.
B60R 21/203 - Arrangements for storing inflatable members in their non-use or deflated condition; Arrangement or mounting of air bag modules or components in steering wheels or steering columns
B60R 21/2165 - Arrangements for storing inflatable members in their non-use or deflated condition; Arrangement or mounting of air bag modules or components characterised by the covers for the inflatable member characterised by a tear line for defining a deployment opening
B60R 21/217 - Inflation fluid source retainers, e.g. reaction canisters; Connection of bags, covers, diffusers or inflation fluid sources therewith or together
An information processing and display system comprising steering wheel (10) having a rim (12) and at least one spoke (14), and a plurality of sensors (102, 106, 108) placed about one or both of the rim and the spoke, each sensor selectively actuable due to the proximity of a finger, fingers, a hand or hands of a driver; and a processor, logic device or computer (120) in communication with each sensor and capable of detecting specific hand or finger movements corresponding to specific desirable functions.
A steering wheel (102) having a hub portion (118), a rim (112) and at least one spoke (114) connected to the hub portion (118) and to the rim (112), the rim (112) having a groove and a surface of the steering wheel (102); a number of actuatable light sources located in or under the groove; light diffuser or lens (140) positioned in the groove above the light sources.
A side curtain airbag module (1) comprises an airbag (2) having a plurality of fastening flaps (3) that are configured to be fastened to the body of a vehicle (18); a ramp (4) to guide deployment of the airbag (2), the ramp (4) has at least one fastener (6) configured to be fastened to a vehicle body; means for securing the ramp (4) to the airbag (2) by relative movement of airbag (2) and ramp (4), whereby in a mounting condition of the airbag module the ramp fasteners (6) are at least in part housed by the airbag flaps (3).
B60R 21/214 - Arrangements for storing inflatable members in their non-use or deflated condition; Arrangement or mounting of air bag modules or components in roof panels
B60R 21/232 - Curtain-type airbags deploying mainly in a vertical direction from their top edge
B60R 21/16 - Inflatable occupant restraints or confinements designed to inflate upon impact or impending impact, e.g. air bags
B60R 21/215 - Arrangements for storing inflatable members in their non-use or deflated condition; Arrangement or mounting of air bag modules or components characterised by the covers for the inflatable member
A seat belt buckle (10, 50) has a first end (56) configured for fixing the seat belt buckle (10, 50) to a component of a vehicle and a second end (58) opposite the first end provided with a seat belt buckle tongue ejection button (28, 60) and a slot (26) for receiving a seat belt buckle tongue (10a), the seat belt buckle includes at least one clear polycarbonate light diffuser (34, 64, 66) and a light source (39, 40, 41) for providing light to be transmitted through the light pipe.
A 3-point seat belt system having a seat belt retractor (20) with a spool (32), the spool (32) having a locked mode of operation and a freewheeling mode of operation; a seat belt (411) characterized as having a known elongation rate under stress; a collapsible member (40) wrapped about a center portion of the spool (32) of the retractor (20), the member (40) having an initial diameter d1 when unstressed and collapsible to a lesser diameter of d2 under stress. The method having the step of generating a retarding force on the occupant (404) in proportion to the degree by which the collapsible member (40) collapses.
A system (300) for controlling vibratory motion in a vehicle steering wheel (20) prone to oscillate in a given direction due to extraneous inputs at one or more frequencies. The system (300) has a steering wheel (20) of the type exhibiting a vibratory motion along a defined axis at one or more frequencies, at least one sensor for sensing the acceleration of the steering wheel (20) along the defined axis and an active control mechanism responsive to the output of the at least one sensor. The sensor is an accelerometer having a movable first mass (70) and a solenoid coil (56) which when activated moves the mass (70) in a direction opposite to the motion of the steering wheel (20) and at the frequency of motion of the steering wheel (20).
A system for use primarily with removable vehicle seats comprising: a removable vehicle seat (100); a seat belt buckle (150) secured to the seat (100), the buckle (150) including: a passage to receive a tongue (120); a first part movable in response to the introduction of the tongue (120) into the buckle (150) from a first position to a second position; an RFID tag (200) movable with the first part to corresponding first and second positions; an RFID reader (204) located remote from the seat; an EM shield (214) mounted in the buckle (150) to shield the RFID tag (200) from EM radiation when the RFID tag (200) is in the first position and to not block the RFID tag (200) from EM radiation when the RFID tag (200) is in the second position.
A method instrumenting in a lead vehicle at least one sensor or component which is capable of generating a signal or in general generating data, collecting some or all of the data; determining from the collected data relevant information regarding a determinable physical location of the lead vehicle; communicating the relevant data to: a receiver associated with one or more of said individuals including a driver of another vehicle or a pedestrian: a control system in the lead vehicle or a control system or component in the other vehicle, a billboard or to a news agency.
An airbag module comprising an airbag (50) having a passive adaptive vent on a rear panel of the airbag, the vent having a movable vane which when moved causes the vent (200) to change state from open to closed or from closed to open, the airbag further including a main tether (100) secured to a face panel (54) of the airbag, the main tether moving with the face panel, the main tether having an opening (130) into which is threaded a portion of a control tether (80), the control tether is connected to the vane (210) and to the face panel, wherein movement of the end of the control tether in a first direction generally that of the inflating air bag causes the other end of the control tether secured to the vane to be moved in a direction different than the first direction.
A passenger airbag (50) with the adaptive vent mechanism (60) located upon a face panel (52) of the airbag, the adaptive vent mechanism (60) includes a vent (54) and a flexible panel (62) which upon inflation form a chute (62a) open at one end which covers the vent; panel (62) is movable from a first position in close proximity to vent (54) and movable to a second position by exiting inflation gas to permit inflation gas to push the panel away from the face panel forming the chute (62a) permitting gas to exit the airbag through a now opened panel or chute (62), however, if panel (62) in its initial position or the formed chute (62a) is engaged by a body part such as a head of a vehicle passenger this action will effectively fully or substantially closed off gas flow through the vent (54) and chute (62a).
A method of forming an airbag cushion (10, 10A) has the steps of providing placing the cushion in a vacuum bag (20) and evacuating the air shrinking the airbag cushion (10, 10A) to a compacted size; conforming the airbag cushion to a predetermined shape; placing the airbag cushion (10, 10A) in a high temperature environment between +50° C to +140° for a predetermined time to thermally set the fabric material (120) to maintain the compacted airbag cushion (10, 10A) to the predetermined shape; and releasing the vacuum and removing the thermally set airbag cushion (10, 10A) from the vacuum bag (20).
An igniter activated relief valve to cut a pressurized air conditioning fluid line (40). The relief valve has a housing (30) disposed about the fluid line and an igniter(38), when activated, initiates the opening of the line. Activation of the igniter causes a cutting element (50) to rapidly move into and cut the line. The relief valve is removable from the line with disturbing the fluid in the line.
F16L 41/06 - Tapping pipe walls, i.e. making connections through the walls of pipes while they are carrying fluids; Fittings therefor making use of attaching means embracing the pipe
B23D 15/14 - Shearing machines or shearing devices cutting by blades which move parallel to each other characterised by drives or gearings therefor actuated by fluid or gas pressure
B60H 1/00 - Heating, cooling or ventilating devices
A system (23, 300) including a fire extinguishing apparatus capable of delivering a high velocity stream of fluid and fire extinguishing agent, both the fluid and agent directed toward the fire, the apparatus comprising: at least an outer first tube (100, 34) having a first end and a second end, the first tube having a predetermined length L, inner diameter and outer diameter, an air permeable tube, hose or sack (120, 350) positioned inside of the first tube, the sack having a first tube end and a second tube end; the sack extending from a first position along first tube end to a second position along the first tube and terminating close to or at the second end of the first tube; fire extinguishing agent (160) located between the permeable tube and the inner diameter of the first tube; a dislodgable plug or breakable disk secured to the second end of the first tube to prevent contaminants from entering the first tube; a source of high pressure fluid (180) connected directly or indirectly such as through a manifold to the first end of the first tube, the source configured to deliver the high pressure fluid upon receipt of an activation signal causing pressurizing fluid to enter the first end of the sock, the gas flow causing the plug to dislodge and flowing out of the sock to push the fire extinguishing material out the now open second end of the first tube.
A62C 35/02 - Permanently-installed equipment with containers for delivering the extinguishing substance
A62C 35/13 - Permanently-installed equipment with containers for delivering the extinguishing substance controlled by a signal from the danger zone with a finite supply of extinguishing material
F15B 1/12 - Accumulators using a gas cushion; Gas charging devices; Indicators or floats therefor with flexible separating means attached at their periphery
A62C 13/00 - Portable extinguishers which are permanently pressurised or pressurised immediately before use
A seat belt retractor (10) having a frame with sides (14, 16) and a cover associated with at least one side, an inertial sensor (30) positioned between the at least one side of the frame and the cover, a seal located between the cover and the frame side to prevent contaminants from entering a space about the inertial sensor, the inertia sensor including a movable mass (34) and a magnet (36) spaced from the mass (34) to create a magnetic force upon the mass (34) preventing the magnet from moving excessively if the retractor is subject to predetermined levels of vibration.
A quick connect anchor (10) is provided with a self-locking feature for attachment to a fastener (100). The anchor includes a plate (12) and a deflectable cap (20) partially covering the plate (12). The plate (12) has a top and a bottom side and a fastener opening (18). The plate (12) is configured to be placed over the fastener (100) and configured to be moved in a first direction from a free position to a locked position. The deflectable cap (20) has a central opening (28) to receive a fastener (100). On insertion of a head (110) of a fastener, the cap (20) deflects lifting away from the plate (12) by the head (110) allowing the head of the fastener when moved to the locked position to clear the cap (20) and enter the central opening (28) as the cap (20) snaps back past the head into a locking engagement with the fastener below the top of the head (110).
The present invention inflator (10) has an inflator housing (12), a diffuser (30), a frangible closure (40) and an igniter assembly (20). The igniter assembly (20) has an igniter housing (22), a squib (60) electrically actuated and fitted in an end of the igniter housing (22) and a retractable piston (50) affixed to the igniter housing (22). Upon actuation of the squib (60), the retractable piston (50) propels forward breaking the frangible closure (40) releasing gases pushing the piston (50) retractably back into or over the igniter housing (22) as the pressurized gas releases out of the diffuser (30).
B60R 21/274 - Inflatable occupant restraints or confinements designed to inflate upon impact or impending impact, e.g. air bags characterised by the inflation fluid source or means to control inflation fluid flow using instantaneous release of stored pressurised gas characterised by means to rupture or open the fluid source
A side airbag cover (20) having a top surface (22) upon which can be positioned a decorative emblem (30), the top surface (20) and emblem (30) are configured to break when subjected to a determinable force pressuring on an undersurface (25) of the cover (20), the undersurface (25) including a tear seam (40) which breaks when subjected to a determinable pressure or load, the emblem (30) having its own tear seam (50), wherein the emblem tear seam (50) is displaced laterally relative to an adjacent portion of the tear seam (40).
B60R 21/2165 - Arrangements for storing inflatable members in their non-use or deflated condition; Arrangement or mounting of air bag modules or components characterised by the covers for the inflatable member characterised by a tear line for defining a deployment opening
A curtain airbag (2) for mounting along a roof rail (22) of a vehicle has an inflatable cushion (2) and a deflector (10). The inflatable cushion or airbag (2) has inflatable portions (4). The airbag (2) when mounted to and extends along the roof rail (22) of a vehicle and having a mid-portion mountable above a pillar (32). The deflector (10) is sewn on, into or otherwise integral to the inflatable cushion (2) and positioned at the mid-portion. The inflatable cushion (2) when folded or rolled and attached to the vehicle has the deflector positioned directly above the pillar (32) and trim (32a). A deflector (10) can be positioned above a B, C, D or other pillar.
B60R 21/213 - Arrangements for storing inflatable members in their non-use or deflated condition; Arrangement or mounting of air bag modules or components in vehicle roof frames or pillars
An airbag cushion assembly (10, 100) has an airbag cushion (12) and an inflator (20, 120). The airbag cushion has a plurality of inflatable chambers including a primary chamber (11, 111) configured to receive inflation gas and one or more additional chambers (14, 16, 114, 115, 116) for receiving inflation gas from the primary chamber (11, 111). The inflator (20, 120) is in communication with, or open to, the gas inlet of the primary chamber (11, 111). One or more of the additional chambers has one or more one-way gas flow check valves (30, 130) for receiving inflation gases into the chamber and preventing the received gases from back flowing to maintain the one or more additional chambers at full inflation when the airbag cushion is inflated and loaded.
B60R 21/233 - Inflatable members characterised by their shape, construction or spatial configuration comprising two or more bag-like members, one within the other
B60R 21/231 - Inflatable members characterised by their shape, construction or spatial configuration
B60R 21/239 - Inflatable members characterised by their venting means
B60R 21/36 - Protecting non-occupants of a vehicle, e.g. pedestrians using airbags
A driver side airbag module (10) mounted on a steering wheel (68) has a housing or base (12), an inflator (20) and an airbag cushion (30). The airbag cushion (30) has a driver facing outer portion (36) and a steering wheel facing inner portion (33) with a vent opening (32). A tether (50) is affixed to an inside surface (37) of the outer portion (36) at a first end (53) and extending rearwardly to a second end (51) affixed to the inner portion (33). A tether vent cover (40) is sewn to the inner surface (31) of the inner portion (33). The tether (50) covers the vent opening (32) on inflation and while under tension blocks and seals the vent opening (32). When the occupant or driver (2) rides into the airbag (30) and upon the front portion contacting the driver (2), the tether (50) slackens and is pushed outward the vent opening (32).
An airbag (10) has a first tier of material (11) and a second tier of material (12). The second tier (12) at least partially overlaps the first tier (11). The first and second tiers (11, 12) are joined together by one or more rows of a sealed stitch seam. The sealed stitch seam has a plurality of thread stitches (30) extending from one exterior side (14) through to the opposite exterior side (16) of the at least partially overlapped first and second tiers (11, 12). The thread stitches (30) are coated in each exterior side (14, 16) with a seam coating material (40). The seam coating material (40) is either applied over the stitches (30) on one exterior side (14 or 16) and flows through to the opposite side (14 or 16) through thread holes formed upon the creation of the seam or is applied to both exterior sides (14, 16) and flows into the thread holes to encapsulate and seal the seam.
The invention is an improved method of sealing a sewn seam (66) on an airbag (60) or other inflatable device and apparatus to accomplish this method. The method has the steps of a) creating a sewn seam, b) applying a seam sealant (90) to an exposed portion of the seam on an exposed surface; and c) locally applying a pressure differential to an opposite exposed surface proximate a portion of the seam on this surface to urge the seam sealant to migrate along the thread from the first exposed surface to regions between the panels to the opposite exposed surface.
An airbag inflator (10) has an inflator housing (20) with an internal chamber (11); a pyrotechnic gas generant (8) stored in the internal chamber inside the housing (20) for generating inflation gases upon ignition; a strainer (50) with openings through which the inflation gases pass prior to inflating the airbag; a primary nozzle wall (40) positioned between the strainer and the gas generator; a plenum chamber (12) between the primary nozzle wall (40) and the strainer (50). The primary nozzle wall (40) has a plurality of nozzles (40a, 40b) with nozzle openings (42, 44) oriented radially about the wall which directs gas flow tangentially spiraling laterally onto the strainer while preventing the inflation gas from flowing radially. The tangentially flowing gases impinge an internal face of the strainer laterally causing gas generant particles to recirculate and burn internally and residual debris of a size greater than the openings of the strainer (50) to be swept and settle in the plenum chamber (12) of the housing.
B60R 21/264 - Inflatable occupant restraints or confinements designed to inflate upon impact or impending impact, e.g. air bags characterised by the inflation fluid source or means to control inflation fluid flow using instantaneous generation of gas, e.g. pyrotechnic
A seat belt retractor comprising a gimbaled vehicle sensor (100) having a gimbal (160) rotationally movable relative to a housing (120) fixed to a portion of the retractor, the retractor including a force generator (70) generating a radial force which upon movement of the gimbal creates a tangential torque to slow or damp the motion of the gimbal relative to the housing.
A curtain airbag (10A - 10F) for a vehicle (2) has an inflatable cushion. The cushion (10A - 10F) has one or more side inflatable portions extending along one side of the interior of the vehicle (2) adjacent the interior door or doors on the one side and an inflatable frontal portion (12) projecting inwardly directionally toward the interior of the vehicle positioned in front of a seated occupant (1) and between the occupant (1) and an instrument panel or dash of the vehicle. Preferably, the inflatable frontal portion (12) is positioned between the occupant (1) and the steering wheel (4) wherein the frontal portion (12) laterally juts into the passenger compartment forming an inflatable barrier between a front pillar (60) of the vehicle (2) and the occupant (1).
An inflatable external pedestrian protection system for a motor vehicle has a unique deployment configuration. The motor vehicle has a hood and a windshield adjacent the hood at a rear end of the hood. The inflatable external pedestrian protection system has an inflatable airbag cushion for deployment between the hood and along the windshield and a means for inflating the airbag cushion. The airbag cushion has an inflated deployed cushion position angle α between 60 and 90 to a horizontal plane. The inflatable airbag cushion when deployed has the cushion position angle α greater than the windshield inclination angle as measured in a horizontal plane. The inflatable airbag cushion when deployed has a space between the vehicle windshield and the airbag cushion due to the difference in the windshield inclination angle and the cushion position angle α.
A hinge mechanism (30) for connecting a bonnet (18) to a motor vehicle (10) allows a portion of the bonnet that is closest to the vehicle's windscreen (21) to be raised by a mechanism (25) such as an airbag (27) deployed by an airbag module located in the engine compartment (16). A hinge member fixed to the wheel well housing (26) does not move when the bonnet is raised or lowered during normal operation but does move when the mechanism inside the engine compartment is activated.
A side airbag cushion (10, 10A or 10B) has a front side panel (22), a rear side panel (24), a top panel (26) spaced between the upper edges of the front and rear side panels (22, 24), and a bottom panel (28) spaced between the lower edges of the front and rear side panels (22, 24). The top and bottom panels (26, 28) are configured to create a contoured or concavity (23) shaped fully inflated side airbag cushion with a larger sized forward end (27) volume and with a smaller sized volume at the occupant mid-location (25) wherein the inflated airbag cushion fills the gap between the door trim (7) and the occupant (2).
B60R 21/207 - Arrangements for storing inflatable members in their non-use or deflated condition; Arrangement or mounting of air bag modules or components in vehicle seats
B60R 21/231 - Inflatable members characterised by their shape, construction or spatial configuration
The present invention relates to an airbag for a motor vehicle. The airbag comprises a gas cushion (1) which is formed from at least two layers of fabric and which is brought on inflation from a folded or rolled state into an unfolded state. The at least two layers of fabric atre connected to each other at connection points to form inflated cushion portions (3) and non-inflated cushion portions (4), and the connection points have linear connection points (5) and rounded connection points (6). The linearly extending connection points (5) are arranged at an angle of 45° relative to the threads (7, 8) forming the layers of fabric, or at an angle deviating slightly there from that does not impair the tear strength of the connection points when the gas cushion (1) is in the inflated state.
A driver airbag module (20) comprising a cover (22), a housing (40) matably configured with cover (22), a pyrotechnic inflator (60) having a flange (70), and airbag fitted within the space between housing (40, 40a) and cover (22), the airbag inflating with gas provided by the inflator (60), wherein the heat shield (80) is positioned between the lower surface (42) of housing (40, 40a) and an upper surface (71) of flange (70), the heat shield protectively shielding surface (42) from the heat transfer from flange (70) to prevent surface (42) from melting.
B60R 21/26 - Inflatable occupant restraints or confinements designed to inflate upon impact or impending impact, e.g. air bags characterised by the inflation fluid source or means to control inflation fluid flow
A knee air bag (10) has an upper section (14) for protecting an occupant and a lower section (12) for delivering gas from an inflator (11) to the upper section (14). The upper section (14) and the lower section (12) have a forward facing panel (21) and a rearward facing panel (22) joined together by one or more joints (30) adhering the two opposing panels (21, 22). This separates the upper section (14) and the lower section (12) into inflatable chambers (12A, 14A). One chamber is the single chamber of the upper section (14A). The other chamber is a manifold chamber (12 A) of the lower section (12) for providing inflation gases from an inflator (11) into the manifold chamber (12A) and thereafter into the single chamber (14A).
B60R 21/206 - Arrangements for storing inflatable members in their non-use or deflated condition; Arrangement or mounting of air bag modules or components in dashboards in the lower part of dashboards, e.g. for protecting the knees
48.
DRIVE DEVICE FOR LIFTING A VEHICLE ENGINE HOOD ADAPTED TO PROTECT PEDESTRIAN
The invention relates to a drive device for lifting a vehicle engine hood to protect pedestrians, said drive device comprising • - a pressure pipe (1) in which a piston (2) which can be driven by a drive gas can be moved along a linear guideway (3), • - a piston rod (4) connected to said piston (2), said piston rod (4) having a connection point (6) to be connected force-lockingly to a lifting gear for the engine hood at a rod portion(5) projecting beyond a first guideway end (11) of the pressure pipe (1), • - a second connection point (7) disposed at the second guideway end (12) located opposite the first guideway end (11), for force- locking support of the pressure pipe on the vehicle body, wherein • - said two connection points (6,7) are arranged at the pressure pipe in line with the linear guideway (3) of the piston (2), and • - a gas source (8) supplying the drive gas, said gas source (8) being disposed in a pressure pipe portion (9) which is at an angle to the linear guideway (3).
A belt buckle for a vehicle safety belt, comprising a housing (3) which is formed by at least two housing shells (1, 2) joined together and in which a locking mechanism (4) is arranged, and a pushbutton (22), provided on said housing, for operating the locking mechanism (4), wherein at least two housing shells (1,2) are joined together at their shell rims and that elongated cover strips (8, 9) made of solid material and covering the mutually abutting rims (17, 18) of the housing shells (1, 2) are fixed to the joined housing shells (1, 2).
A44B 11/25 - Buckles; Similar fasteners for interconnecting straps or the like, e.g. for safety belts with two or more separable parts
B60Q 3/00 - Arrangement of lighting devices for vehicle interiors; Lighting devices specially adapted for vehicle interiors
B60Q 3/02 - Arrangement of lighting devices for vehicle interior, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor for lighting passenger or driving compartment
A seat belt buckle presenter assembly (10) has a guide track (40) and a buckle presenter assembly (20). The guide track (40) is anchored to a vehicle seat frame at a first end and a second end. The buckle presenter assembly (10) is secured to and mounted onto the guide track (40) and is movable along the guide track (40) from a stowed position at the first end to an extended position toward the second end. Preferably, the guide track (40) is inclined having the first end of the guide track (40) fixed lower than the second end.
A vehicle seat belt system (20) has a seat belt webbing (22) which is attached to a tongue (30) that fastens into a buckle mechanism (6) fixed to a load bearing part of the vehicle. The belt system (20) has a seat belt retractor (40), a seat belt webbing (22) with a lap belt portion (23) appropriately anchored and shoulder harness portion (25), a self-adjustable webbing guide (65) and a vertical strap webbing (55). The self-adjusting webbing guide (65) includes a pivoting guide (66) connected to a locking mechanism (70) activated by a forward movement of the occupant (1, 100) extending the shoulder webbing (25).
An improved airbag assembly (20) has an inflator (40), an airbag (20) and a diffuser (70). The diffuser (70) is formed from two folded inner and outer pocket panel layers of fabric and sewn to the airbag (20). The folded inner pocket layer (71) is configured to fit inside the outer pocket layer (73) forming a two-layer structure. The fold (75) in the inner layer (71) is oriented in a first direction relative to the weave of the fabric and the fold of the outer layer (73) is oriented at a second direction relative to the weave of the fabric wherein the second direction is different from the first direction. The first direction and second direction of folds (75, 77) are inclined relative to the other so upon assembly the inner pocket layer (71) fabric weave is directionally inclined on a bias relative to the outer pocket layer (73) fabric weave.
B60R 21/261 - Inflatable occupant restraints or confinements designed to inflate upon impact or impending impact, e.g. air bags characterised by the inflation fluid source or means to control inflation fluid flow with means other than bag structure to diffuse or guide inflation fluid
An airbag inflator (10) has a primary igniter (28) and a secondary igniter (34). The primary igniter (28) ignites an ignition enhancer material (52), which in turn ignites a primary supply of a gas generant material (72) in a first chamber (71). A secondary supply of the gas generant material (64) is located in a second chamber (57) that is closed and is not in contact with any ignition enhancer material. Activation of the secondary igniter (34) does not ignite the secondary supply of gas generant material (64), but does cause the second chamber (57) to be opened. Combustion products from the primary supply of gas generant material (72) enter the chamber (57) and ignite the secondary supply of the gas generant material (64).
B60R 21/264 - Inflatable occupant restraints or confinements designed to inflate upon impact or impending impact, e.g. air bags characterised by the inflation fluid source or means to control inflation fluid flow using instantaneous generation of gas, e.g. pyrotechnic
A ramp deflector mechanism (50) for attachment to a vehicle frame (20) has a metal housing (52) having a first wall or plate (54), a second wall or plate (56), a hinge (58) and an articulated third wall or plate (60); an inflatable member (70) situated in the housing (52); an inflator (72) operatively connected between the first wall or plate (54) and the inflatable member (70); and wherein the inflation of the inflation member (70) causes the articulated wall (60) to rotate outwardly to absorb crash energy and slow down the accident.
An airbag module (400) has a housing (402), an airbag (404), an inflator (406) and a deflector mechanism (420) which provides a barrier or guide and a reaction hood 401 or surface to modify the trajectory of the airbag on inflation to inflate at a lower trajectory. The deflector mechanism (420) has a tensioning member (430).
B60R 21/205 - Arrangements for storing inflatable members in their non-use or deflated condition; Arrangement or mounting of air bag modules or components in dashboards
56.
AIRBAG ARRANGEMENT FOR A CLOSEABLE OR OPENABLE ROOF OPENING OF A MOTOR VEHICLE
An airbag arrangement for closeable or openable roof opening (2) of a motor vehicle, comprising a gas cushion arrangement which is to be anchored to the vehicle roof (1) and which is suitable in the inflated state for covering the surface of the roof opening (2), wherein the gas cushion arrangement has two inflatable gas cushions (3, 4) which are suitable in the non-inflated state for being arranged along lateral inside edges (5, 6) of the roof opening (2), that extend in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, and for moving the two front cushion edges (7, 8) extending in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle towards each other upon inflation of the gas cushions (3, 4), and wherein when the two front cushion edges (7, 8) meet they are suitable for being stably connected to each other, and for the cushion edges (9, 10) of the two gas cushions (3, 4) extending transversely to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle to be moved during inflation beneath the vehicle roof along the two inside edges (11, 12) of the roof opening (2), that extend transversely to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, and to be arranged there in the inflated state.
B60R 21/214 - Arrangements for storing inflatable members in their non-use or deflated condition; Arrangement or mounting of air bag modules or components in roof panels
A system comprising a vehicle seat (10) having a seat back (104) and a seat cushion (102) upon which an occupant can sit, a first portion of the seat cushion being adjacent an interior side wall (300) of a vehicle and an air bag (152) deployable out from the first portion positioned upon deployment between a side of a pelvic region of the occupant and the side wall, wherein the first portion of the seat cushion includes a frangible seam (14) and the air bag deploys through the frangible seam.
B60R 21/207 - Arrangements for storing inflatable members in their non-use or deflated condition; Arrangement or mounting of air bag modules or components in vehicle seats
A belt retractor comprising a safety belt reel (1) rotatably mounted on a frame (7) and a load limiter (2) which acts on a rotational movement of the belt reel (1) and has a switchable energy consumption, said load limiter having a granulate (3), which is enclosed in a closed load limiter chamber (8) and consists of dry, granular solid, and at least one rotating member (4) which can be rotated relative to the granulate (3), the energy consumption resulting from shear forces acts between the grains of granulate.
An air bag having a tri-state vent, in an initial state the vent is configured to be closed, the vent in a medial state configured to be at least partially open or fully open as the air bag is starting to inflate permitting some inflator gas to exit through the vent and the vent in a final state configured to be at least partially closed or fully closed as the air bag continues to inflate.
B60R 21/239 - Inflatable members characterised by their venting means
B60R 21/16 - Inflatable occupant restraints or confinements designed to inflate upon impact or impending impact, e.g. air bags
B60R 21/26 - Inflatable occupant restraints or confinements designed to inflate upon impact or impending impact, e.g. air bags characterised by the inflation fluid source or means to control inflation fluid flow
60.
FIRE PREVENTION OR FIRE EXTINGUISHING IN AN ELECTROCHEMICAL ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEM
A device for preventing or extinguishing a fire in an electrochemical energy storage system comprising storage cells arranged in a storage housing, in particular lithium-ion cells, wherein a composition of expandable volume, containing a chemical compound for preventing or extinguishing a fire, is disposed with limited volume in one or a plurality of hollow spaces in or on the storage housing, and expansion of the volume of the composition can be activated by sensors.
H01M 2/10 - Mountings; Suspension devices; Shock absorbers; Transport or carrying devices; Holders
H01M 10/42 - Methods or arrangements for servicing or maintenance of secondary cells or secondary half-cells
H01M 10/48 - Accumulators combined with arrangements for measuring, testing or indicating the condition of cells, e.g. the level or density of the electrolyte
H01M 10/0525 - Rocking-chair batteries, i.e. batteries with lithium insertion or intercalation in both electrodes; Lithium-ion batteries
An inflator (30) for producing inflation gas from a propellant (31) has a housing (32) for storing the propellant (31), a diffuser (10) for attachment to the inflator housing (32) and a sealing member (20). The diffuser (10) has one or more open passages (14) for passing inflation gas upon ignition of the propellant (31) and a plurality of sealed passages (12) oriented opposite to the one or more open passages (14). The sealing member (20) covers the sealed passages (12). The sealing member (20) is consumed when exposed to an open flame thereby opening the sealed passages (12) to vent inflation gases opposite the opposed one or more open passages (14) to create a thrust neutral exhaust upon an inadvertent ignition of the propellant (31) due to exposure to fire.
B60R 21/261 - Inflatable occupant restraints or confinements designed to inflate upon impact or impending impact, e.g. air bags characterised by the inflation fluid source or means to control inflation fluid flow with means other than bag structure to diffuse or guide inflation fluid
A DAB module assembly (10) for attachment to a steering wheel armature (20) has a housing (12) for storing an airbag cushion and a leaf spring (2). The housing (12) has a plurality of guides (18) positioned on the housing (12) spaced from an axial center of the housing (12). The leaf spring (2) has a three point attachment wherein the leaf spring (2) is attached in two locations (5) on a lower portion of the housing (12), and a third attachment location of the leaf spring (2) separate of the housing is spaced from a housing bottom (13) and has an aperture (3) for fitting onto a projection (22) fixed on the armature.
B60R 21/203 - Arrangements for storing inflatable members in their non-use or deflated condition; Arrangement or mounting of air bag modules or components in steering wheels or steering columns
An air bag (102 or 320) having a tether (30 or 130), the tether formed into a hook (155, 157) and loop or eye (142) configured to be looped about a structure including an inflator (332) to which the air bag and tether are to be secured.
B60R 21/217 - Inflation fluid source retainers, e.g. reaction canisters; Connection of bags, covers, diffusers or inflation fluid sources therewith or together
A restraint system (120, 120a) for protecting at least one aircraft occupant, the aircraft including a cabin having at least one seat (54, 56, 58) facing a longitudinal center line of the aircraft, the restraint system including a first airbag (162) inflatable from a stored position to an inflated position, the airbag when inflated being adjacent the seated occupant and located on a side of the occupant facing the front of the aircraft, the airbag reducing occupant movement toward the front of the aircraft and cushioning the occupant from any impact, the system also includes a mechanism (222, 240) to lessen movement of the lower legs of the occupant.
B60R 21/20 - Arrangements for storing inflatable members in their non-use or deflated condition; Arrangement or mounting of air bag modules or components
A fall arrester (100) for reducing injuries of a user (108) thereon when falling comprising a rotatable spool (314) with webbing (200) wound thereon, the webbing (200) being protracted from and retracted back upon the spool (314), a torsion bar (310) operationally connected to the webbing (200) through the spool (314) to generate a generally constant reaction force on the spool (314) as the torsion and bar and spool (314) rotate to absorb kinetic energy of the fall; the fall arrester (100) according to the preferred embodiment of claim 3 further including a counting mechanism (500) to maintain a reserve amount of webbing (200) on the spool (314) to enable the torsion bar (310) to twist through its operational range without encountering an end-of-webbing condition.
A62B 35/00 - Safety belts or body harnesses; Similar equipment for limiting displacement of the human body, especially in case of sudden changes of motion
A62B 35/04 - Safety belts or body harnesses; Similar equipment for limiting displacement of the human body, especially in case of sudden changes of motion incorporating energy absorbing means
A62B 1/08 - Devices for lowering persons from buildings or the like by making use of rope-lowering devices with brake mechanisms for the winches or pulleys
A first member adapted to attach to a lever (102): wherein the lever has an engagement portion receivable into a passage of the first member, the engagement portion being generally cylindrically shaped, the engagement portion having: a center axis, a first portion comprising a sloped first plane intersecting the center axis, the first plane sloping toward an outer surface of the lever at a first angle, a, relative to the center axis and intersecting the outer surface at a determinable first location; the engagement portion further includes a second sloped portion oriented at angle, b, the second sloped portion being opposite in slope to the first angle a, a mechanism is provided to urge the lever into the first member; a spring loaded catch (156), the catch configured to impact the second sloped portion at a predetermined angle to generate an axial component of force in a direction to urge the lever and shift knob (100) to move into and remain engaged with one another.
An airbag cushion (15) of flexible sheet material has a vent opening (31) therein with a vent cover (40) of flexible sheet material stitched to an interior surface of the airbag cushion aligned with the vent opening in the airbag cushion to form a pocket. A vent flap (32) of flexible sheet material is disposed at least partially within the pocket and inboard of the vent openings in the airbag cushion and vent cover. The vent flap is fixed to at least one tether (33) that extends outboard from the vent flap through an opening in the vent cover to a tether end that is permanently attached to the airbag cushion outboard of the vent cover. A tether extends (17) inboard from vent flap to a tether end that is fixed in a releasable manner to a tether end securing device fixed to a module housing.
A buckle 1 for a safety belt, comprising a latching mechanism which is disposed in a buckle housing 2 and provided for a tongue 3 which is connected to the safety belt, a slot-shaped aperture 5 for inserting the tongue 3 into the latching mechanism, and a pushbutton 4 provided in the buckle housing 2 and having a pushbutton surface on which pressure is exerted in order to release the tongue 3 from the latching mechanism, the slot-shaped aperture 5 being formed by a peripheral recess in the pushbutton 4 and an adjacent housing surface of the buckle housing 2, or by a recess on the inner side of the housing and the edge of the pushbutton 4, wherein the slot-shaped aperture 5 is spaced apart further at its one aperture end 8 from a housing side 6 defining the width of the buckle housing 2 than the other aperture end 9 from an opposite housing side 7 defining the width of the buckle housing 2.
A safety restraint system having a seat belt (51) and an inflatable air bag (200), the air bag including first (220) and second (222) opposing panels, the first panel including one or more loops (234) and slots (232) to receive a seat belt (51), the air bag and/or seat belt configured to slide relatively to each other along the length of the seat belt.
B60R 21/18 - Inflatable occupant restraints or confinements designed to inflate upon impact or impending impact, e.g. air bags the inflatable member formed as a belt or harness or combined with a belt or harness arrangement
An air bag (20) for use in a vehicle (200) having a border region (22) having a top (24) situated about at least one inflatable region (30, 30a, 30b); the top of the border region configured to be secured directly or indirectly to a portion of the vehicle or component of the vehicle; wherein the border region includes at least one slit.
A curtain air bag 100 for containing an occupant within a vehicle 300, has a top 130, bottom 132 and a first and opposing second side portions 104, 106 linking the top and bottom; the top portion 130 configured to be attached to a corresponding portion of the vehicle 300 above a location of windows 304 in a side 302 of the vehicle 300, the bottom 132 configured to be disposed, upon deployment of the air bag 100, proximate a lower edge of the vehicle window 304, each of the first and second sides 104, 106 being configured to be connected to a respective adjacent first and second structure of the vehicle 300 at an anchoring location of at or not more than 25 millimeters below the center of gravity of a NHTSA test head form 20 impact location, preferably the inflated portion of the air bag 100 extends well below the anchoring location so that the lower inflated portion of the air bag extends 25 mm or more below the bottom of the test head form 20, preferably, 113mm or more from the bottom of the vehicle window opening wherein the deployed air bag, preferably extending at least 25mm or more from the lower portion of the test head form 20 to a folded-over stiffened member of the bottom of the air bag 100. The invention also identifies various structures to enhance a reduction in elongation of the lower or bottom edge of the air bag 100.
B60R 21/213 - Arrangements for storing inflatable members in their non-use or deflated condition; Arrangement or mounting of air bag modules or components in vehicle roof frames or pillars
B60R 21/232 - Curtain-type airbags deploying mainly in a vertical direction from their top edge
B60R 21/214 - Arrangements for storing inflatable members in their non-use or deflated condition; Arrangement or mounting of air bag modules or components in roof panels
Disclosed is a belt retractor for a vehicle safety belt, comprising a belt reel (2), onto which the safety belt can be wound during the belt strap winding process and from which the safety belt can be unwound during the belt strap extension process, and a belt strap-sensitive blocking mechanism (12) which blocks the belt strap from being extended when the same is extended at an excessive acceleration. An arresting device (1) is rotatingly connected to the belt reel (2), said arresting device (1) preventing the belt strap-sensitive blocking mechanism from being activated along a certain length of extension of the belt strap at the beginning of the belt strap extension process.
A linear motion sensor has two pairs of opposed spaced apart stacks of two simple two-pole bar magnets. Each stack has one shorter outer magnet and one longer inner magnet, with the outer magnets centered on the inner magnets. The poles of the magnets are oriented the same in each pair, but opposite with respect to the other pair. The shape of the magnets results in the magnetic fields produced by each pair of magnets being substantially outside of the magnets themselves, so that the load line for the combined magnets is above the knee in its B/H material demagnetization curve. The pairs of magnets define a gap therebetween in which a magnetic field sensor is mounted for travel. The shorter magnets are about one half the length of the longer magnets such that the magnetic field in the gap varies substantially linearly as the sensor moves along the gap.
G01B 7/14 - Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of electric or magnetic techniques for measuring distance or clearance between spaced objects or spaced apertures
G01D 5/12 - Mechanical means for transferring the output of a sensing member; Means for converting the output of a sensing member to another variable where the form or nature of the sensing member does not constrain the means for converting; Transducers not specially adapted for a specific variable using electric or magnetic means
G01R 33/02 - Measuring direction or magnitude of magnetic fields or magnetic flux
G01B 7/004 - Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of electric or magnetic techniques for measuring coordinates of points
A diffuser (50) for use in an air bag system has a connector part (52) configured to be connected to an air bag inflator, the connector part including a side wall (53); and a gas distribution part formed as an integral extension of the connector part and configured to deliver gas from the connector part to the air bag (150), and the distribution part including a first outlet (60) and a second outlet (70), the two outlets configured to give the diffuser a low profile.
B60R 21/217 - Inflation fluid source retainers, e.g. reaction canisters; Connection of bags, covers, diffusers or inflation fluid sources therewith or together
B60R 21/20 - Arrangements for storing inflatable members in their non-use or deflated condition; Arrangement or mounting of air bag modules or components
A steering wheel (20) having: an armature (22) comprising: a central hub (30), a rim (34) positioned apart from the hub and at least one spoke (36; 38) connecting the hub and rim; the rim (34) including stress risers (92 - 98; 102 - 108; 92a 98a; 102a, 108a) to enable a top portion and/or a lower portion of the rim to compress more when a determinable force is applied against the rim in a radial direction compared to when the same force is applied to the lower portion of the rim at an angle to a plane in which the rim is located.
A kit for a device for restraining a vehicle occupant includes a prefabricated seat belt retractor (1 ) that has a winding shaft (2) mounted in a rotatable manner in a retractor frame (4) to wind up and unwind the seat belt. The kit further includes a similarly prefabricated drive module (30) having an electric motor (32), the drive module being connectable to the retractor frame (4) in a rotationally fixed manner. Force-transmission elements are provided on the drive module (30) and on the seat belt retractor (1 ) that are to be connected to each other to transmit the torque from the electric motor (32) to the winding shaft (2) when the seat belt retractor (1 ) and drive module (30) are assembled. An assembled device for restraining a vehicle occupant and having the components of the kit is also disclosed. Further disclosed is a set of electrical components that when assembled with the seat belt retractor provide a signal indicating the state of locking device that can lock the winding shaft from unwinding a seat belt.
B60R 22/35 - Belt retractors, e.g. reels with means for permanently locking the retractor during the wearing of the belt the locking means being automatically actuated
An inflatable member is inflated by compressed gas that flows through the latch and hollow tubular tongue of a seat belt anchor. The inflatable member is retained in an uninflated condition in a split two layer belt. The latch is pivotally secured to a conduit that receives compressed inflation gas from a cylinder that is provided within a diffuser.
B60R 21/18 - Inflatable occupant restraints or confinements designed to inflate upon impact or impending impact, e.g. air bags the inflatable member formed as a belt or harness or combined with a belt or harness arrangement
A seat belt system for adults and children has a strap (55) that extends vertically along the front surface of a seat back or a structural pillar at the side of a vehicle. Seat belt webbing (19) is configured to provide a three-point seat belt system. The seat belt webbing passes through a stationary seat belt webbing guide (50) located higher than the shoulder of an adult seat occupant and attached to the same component of the vehicle as the vertically extending strap (55). A movable seat belt webbing guide (65) is movable along the strap (55). The stationary seat belt webbing guide (50) has a stationary seat belt webbing passageway (53) through which the seat belt webbing (19) passes and the movable seat belt webbing guide (65) has a seat belt webbing passageway (67) through which the seat belt webbing (19) passes. The seat belt webbing passageway of the movable seat belt webbing guide (65) can be vertically aligned with the stationary seat belt webbing passageway (53) of the stationary seat belt webbing guide (50) when an adult occupies the vehicle seat and the seat belt webbing passageway of the movable seat belt webbing guide (65) can be vertically spaced from the seat belt webbing passageway of the stationary seat belt webbing guide (50) when a child occupies the vehicle seat. A vehicle seat can be assembled with the seat belt system for adults and children.
A knee airbag module includes a trough shaped housing (90) having an open top, an airbag inflator (50), a knee airbag (60, 60a) received with the housing and inflatable by the airbag inflator. The knee airbag moves out of the housing (90) along a first direction (250) and to inflate laterally across the top of the housing along a second direction (252) and upon full inflation to move opposite to the first direction to protect the legs of a vehicle occupant.
A seat belt buckle (65, 100) has a frame (10) that forms an insertion path for a buckle tongue (30) of a seat belt. The seat belt buckle includes a locking device having a locking member (7, 120) for locking the buckle tongue (4, 130) in the locked state. A retaining member (8, 140) is tensioned by a spring (14, 170) for securing the locking member (7, 120) in a locked state. An ejector (5, 150) for the buckle tongue (4, 130) is tensioned by a spring (14, 170) that is provided with at least one damping device (172, 174, 176) to reduce the noise generated when the seat belt buckle changes from a locking state to a released state.
A device for tightening a seat belt has a piston (2) drivable linearly in a piston guide (1 ) by the gas pressure of a propellant gas. A gearing (3) is also caused to move by the piston (2), the gearing serving the transmission of the piston movement to a pinion (4). The pinion (4) is connected to, or configured to be connected to, a belt spool of a seat belt retractor (13) in a manner whereby rotation of the pinion causes rotation of the belt spool. The gearing (3) on associated with the piston (2) is mounted displaceable transversely to the piston's direction of movement and meshes with the pinion (4) as a result of gas pressure in an expandable bladder (24).
A device for supporting a repairable closure member (60) of a pressure vessel (11, 200), such as an airbag inflator (100) has a hollow support (51) with a tapered portion (53) and an adjoining cylindrical portion (52). An exterior surface of the tapered portion has longitudinally extending grooves (57) therein. An igniter (3) is located adjacent the cylindrical portion of the hollow support (51) and a pyrotechnic substance (5) is located in the cylindrical portion (52) of the hollow support (51) between the igniter and the tapered portion of the hollow support. The repairable closure member (60) being forced against an open first end (54) of the tapered portion (53) of the hollow support (51) by the gas in the pressure vessel such that a chamber is formed within the hollow support. The igniter (3) when activated ignites the pyrotechnic substance (5) and the burning pyrotechnic substance generates gas under pressure that causes the tapered portion (53) of the hollow support (51) to break along the longitudinally extending grooves (57) and no longer support the repairable closure member (60) allowing the gas in the pressure vessel to rupture the unsupported repairable closure member.
B60R 21/26 - Inflatable occupant restraints or confinements designed to inflate upon impact or impending impact, e.g. air bags characterised by the inflation fluid source or means to control inflation fluid flow
A vehicle has a pedestrian protection airbag system (2) that includes an airbag (4) disposed in a folded configuration between a sound-absorbing mat (19) provided beneath the vehicle's hood (8) and a bottom (20) of the hood (8) in a region at the rear end of the hood closest to a windshield (6) of the vehicle. The vehicle is provided with a mechanical device (10) that functions as both a hinge allowing the hood to be raised at the front of the vehicle during normal operation of the vehicle and a release allowing a region of the hood closest to the windshield to be raised. The mechanical device (10) may be two hinged joints (13, 14) with the airbag located between them. The sound-absorbing mat (19) is provided with one at least partially rolled or arched extension tab (21), which encloses at least a region of the folded airbag (4) and provides a shield or protection for the deploying airbag (4) in relation to vehicle parts in the front region (3) of the vehicle. A hard shell (22) for protecting other vehicle components in the engine compartment is provided on the sound-absorbing mat (19) in the region of the extension tab (21 ). The deploying airbag (4) expanding and pushing against both the bottom of the hood and the hard shell to activate the opening kinematics and lift the region of the hood nearest the windshield. The airbag in a deployed state (9) covers at least a region of the windshield (6).
Airbag inflators employ gas generating compositions formed from a mixture of fuels and a mixture of oxidizers and preferably mica at levels of 1 to 5 % by weight. The gas generant composition contains a primary and secondary fuel. The primary fuel is a guanidine compound, preferably guanidine nitrate. The secondary fuel is selected from tetrazoles, triazoles and mixtures thereof at levels of 5% by weight or less of the total gas generant composition. The oxidizer system is a mixture of at least two components selected from the group consisting of transition metal oxides, alkali metal nitrates and alkaline earth metal nitrates. The novel gas generants yield inflating gases having a reduced content of undesirable gases such as nitrous oxides and carbon monoxide.
C06D 5/00 - Generation of pressure gas, e.g. for blasting cartridges, starting cartridges, rockets
B60R 21/26 - Inflatable occupant restraints or confinements designed to inflate upon impact or impending impact, e.g. air bags characterised by the inflation fluid source or means to control inflation fluid flow
A device for detecting the occupancy status of a vehicle seat with an electrical capacity sensor device (2) that is arranged in a seat belt buckle (1) assigned to the vehicle seat and whose electrical capacity is altered relative to a reference potential (mass, ground) by the presence of a person occupying the vehicle seat and which, as a result, emits an electrical seat occupant presence output signal.
A magnetic rotational position sensor (20) has a single magnet (40) mounted on a rotating turret (30) that rotates on a housing (22) that is mounted about a fixed ball stud (52). The turret (30) is arranged to rotate in a first plane around the ball stud (52). A magnetic field orientation sensor (42) is mounted to the housing (22), such that the magnet (40) is moved along an arc tangent to the Hall effect sensor. The ball (54) of the ball stud (52) forms one half of a universal joint, the other half being formed by a shaft termination (32) that is mounted to rotate with the turret (30), and also mounted for rotation in a second plane perpendicular to the first plane of the turret.
An airbag (20) usable to protect the driver of the vehicle has a face panel (22). A rear panel (30) of the same shape as the face panel (22) is secured to the face panel along its periphery. The rear panel (30) has a central opening (32) configured to receive an airbag inflator (40) that introduces gas into a space formed by the face and rear panels (22, 30). A tether (70) of elongated shape has first and second ends (74, 76) and a center region (78). The center region (78) of the tether (70) is formed into a Z-shaped configuration and secured to the face panel (22) near a geometric center (22a) of the face panel.
B60R 21/20 - Arrangements for storing inflatable members in their non-use or deflated condition; Arrangement or mounting of air bag modules or components
An electromechanical seat belt retractor (100) has a spool (50) that rotates about an axis of rotation (R) for winding and unwinding a seat belt. An electric motor (30) selectively rotates the spool (50). A clutch mechanism (10) including an over-clutch (14) is driven by the electric motor (30) through one or more gears. The clutch mechanism (10) is coaxially aligned with the axis of rotation (R) of the spool (50) and is linearly spaced from the spool. Upon a forward actuation of the electric motor (30) a clutch plate (12) of the clutch mechanism (10) moves linearly to engage the spool coupling to the spool (50) and rotates the spool about the axis of rotation (R) to initiate a winding of the seat belt. After the clutch plate (12) engages the spool (50) a reversal of the electric motor (30) linearly moves the clutch plate (12) away from the spool disengaging from the spool (50). Preferably the clutch mechanism (10) is a Bendix type clutch mechanism. In a preferred embodiment, the clutch plate (12) first engages the over-clutch (14) that is locked to the spool (50).
A seat belt retractor (100) has a seat belt pretensioner (80) and an energy absorption device (76). The seat belt pretensioner (80) comprising a pyrotechnic device (83) for generating gas (300) that exerts pressure when a vehicle is in emergency situation. A piston (85) is received in and movable within a vertical portion (84A) of an internal chamber of the pretensioner housing (84) and is moved by the pressure exerted by the gas (300). A venting mechanism has a gas passageway in the piston (85) for exhausting the gas (300) from a space filled with the gas to the vertical portion (84A) of an internal chamber of the housing (84) above a sealed end portion (87C) of the piston (85). The gas passageway having a vertical portion (85D) extending in a vertical direction inside the piston (85) to a closed end (85F) and a transverse portion (85E) intersecting the vertical portion (85D) at a distance of at least 10 mm from the closed end (85F) of the gas passageway. A section of the vertical portion (85D) of the gas passageway between the transverse portion (85E) of the gas passageway and the closed end (85F) of the vertically extending portion (85D) of the gas passageway collects and entraps debris and particulate produced by the pyrotechnic device (83) thereby keeping the transverse portion (85E) of the gas passageway open and unobstructed during venting of the gas (300).
A steering wheel assembly has a steering wheel armature (5), a hub portion (18) and spokes (2). The hub portion (18) is fixable to a conventional steering column shaft (6). The steering wheel assembly has a first drum (9) supported on the steering column shaft (6), to freely rotate about only the axis of the steering column shaft (6). A second drum (10) is freely rotatable with respect to the first drum (9) about only a second axis. The second axis is parallel to and spaced apart from or incident to of the steering column shaft (6). Stationary means (11 ) are provided for supporting the second drum (10) on the first drum (9). Both the first drum (9) and the second drum (10) are rotated around their respective axes (X, Y) by the spokes (2) engaging their sidewalls. The support (11 ) provides a stationary support member onto which an airbag module or other devices can be mounted.
B60R 21/20 - Arrangements for storing inflatable members in their non-use or deflated condition; Arrangement or mounting of air bag modules or components
A reed switch (20) has a contact surface (36) composed of three layers of metal applied to the contacts of the reed switch. The three layers comprise first a layer of titanium (38) of 0.381 micron to 3.81 microns thickness, a second a layer of molybdenum (40) of 0.381 micron to 3.81 microns thickness, and a contact layer (42) of 0.127 micron to 0.508 micron of ruthenium, or other platinum group metal or alloy. The layers (38, 40, 42) may be applied by any suitable methods, for example by sputtering.
A side curtain airbag assembly has an airbag (260) with suspension loops (10A) that encircle a gas supply tube (4) such that at least a portion of the airbag can be slipped over the gas supply tube (4) and suspended similar to a shower curtain on a curtain rod. The suspension loops (10A) can be passed through passages (31) in the airbag, each suspension loop encircling the gas supply tube (4). Each suspension loop (10A) can have a hole (11) therein to enable the suspension loop to be fastened to the vehicle. Upon deployment the side curtain airbag (200) will remain suspended from the suspension loops (10A).
B60R 21/20 - Arrangements for storing inflatable members in their non-use or deflated condition; Arrangement or mounting of air bag modules or components
B60R 21/21 - Arrangements for storing inflatable members in their non-use or deflated condition; Arrangement or mounting of air bag modules or components in vehicle side panels, e.g. doors
B60R 21/213 - Arrangements for storing inflatable members in their non-use or deflated condition; Arrangement or mounting of air bag modules or components in vehicle roof frames or pillars
A vehicle seat belt system has seat belt webbing that is attached to a tongue (18) adapted to mate with a buckle mechanism (19) fixed to a load-bearing part of the vehicle. A vertically extending strap (9) is adapted to be located in a position against a seat back. An adjustable webbing guide (10) connects the strap (9) to the seat belt webbing; and there is a device for positively locking the webbing guide (10) to the strap (9) at any one of a plurality of selectable locations on the strap (9). A load limiter is operative for a child seat occupant but not operative for an adult seat occupant.
A seatbelt retractor (10) has a spool (14). A torsion bar (18) absorbs energy from the spool (14) during seatbelt protraction. The torsion bar (18) has at least a first portion (22) for a relatively high rate of energy absorption and preferably a second portion (26) for a relatively low rate of energy absorption. The torsion bar (18) has an outer sheath (50A) that is cast, molded, coated or otherwise bonded to and encircling a portion of an external surface of the first portion (22) or the second portion (26) which upon a sufficient exposure to rotational energy breaks the bond between the first portion (22) or the second portion (26) and the outer sheath (50A).
A linear displacement sensor (20) uses four spaced apart magnets (28, 30, 32, 34) arranged in a rectangular array and has an axis of symmetry (24). Each magnet has a staircase shape of at least two steps (38, 42) ascending towards a centerline. Each magnet of the array has a single N-S with magnets arranged as mirror images about the axis of symmetry (24) having opposed poles, and magnets located on diagonals defined by the rectangular array having the same pole facing the axis of symmetry. The linear displacement sensor (20) employs a magnetic strength field sensor (22) such as a programmable Hall effect sensor that is mounted for movement relative to the magnetic array along the axis of symmetry (24). The height of the steps (38, 42) defining the staircase shape of the magnets (28, 30, 32, 34) is selected to produce a magnetic field of selected linearity along a selected portion of the axis of symmetry.
G01D 5/12 - Mechanical means for transferring the output of a sensing member; Means for converting the output of a sensing member to another variable where the form or nature of the sensing member does not constrain the means for converting; Transducers not specially adapted for a specific variable using electric or magnetic means
G01B 7/00 - Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of electric or magnetic techniques
A seat belt system for a vehicle provides a child safety restraint for the three to fourteen year old age range. It can be used with or without a booster cushion or booster seat and would therefore be particularly suitable for minibuses so that the safety belt can still be used by adult passengers. A strap (9) is adapted to be located in a generally vertical orientation against a seat back (2). A seat belt webbing is attached to a tongue (18) adapted to be located in a buckle mechanism (19) fixed to a load-bearing part of the vehicle. An adjustable webbing guide (10) connects the vertically extending strap (9) to the seat belt webbing. The webbing guide (10) is locked to the vertically extending strap (9) at any one of a plurality of locations on the vertically extending strap (9).
A vehicle seat (1) provides location and fixing points on the vehicle seat that will take crash loads and can be used to position a webbing path adapter (14) to serve as a guide for placing a seat belt (4) in a suitable position for when a child is occupying the seat. The vehicle seat (1) includes a seat backrest (2) having an upholstered part overlying a load-bearing plate (15). A first plurality of holes (11) pass through the upholstered part and a second, aligned, plurality of holes (11A) pass through the load-bearing plate (15). A webbing path adapter (14) has a passageway (19) for receiving the seat belt in a removable manner. A pin (16) connects the webbing path adapter (14) to the seat back (2) in a removable manner via a pair of aligned holes (11, 11A) in the upholstered part and the load-bearing plate (15).
A band clamp (50) for securing an inflator to a mounting surface of an airbag module housing to has a metal band (51 ) formed into a loop with diameter slightly larger than the diameter of the inflator to allow the metal band (50) to be slipped over the inflator. The metal band has a fastener- receiving hole (32) through which a fastener (22) that is receivable into the mounting surface of the airbag module housing extends. The metal band has a feature (40) for tightening (40) the metal band about the inflator. The tightening creates stress in the metal band which if uncompensated tends to enlarge the fastener-receiving hole (32). The band clamp has a pair of stress relief holes (58, 60) that are larger than the fastener-receiving hole (32) for absorbing stress to abate the enlargement of the fastener- receiving hole.
B60R 21/26 - Inflatable occupant restraints or confinements designed to inflate upon impact or impending impact, e.g. air bags characterised by the inflation fluid source or means to control inflation fluid flow
B60R 21/20 - Arrangements for storing inflatable members in their non-use or deflated condition; Arrangement or mounting of air bag modules or components
A side airbag module has an inflator (140), an airbag (102) and an inflator retainer bracket (150). The inflator has inflation ports (145) and first and second ends (142, 144). The inflator is configured to be inserted through a first opening of a first set of openings in an upper portion (104a) of a main panel (105) and configured to exit the upper portion of the main panel through a second opening of the first set of openings. When the inflator (140) is in place in the airbag, the first and second ends (142, 144) of the inflator extend through the first and second openings. The main panel (105) has a lower portion (104b) that can be connected to the upper portion (104a) to form the main panel. A reinforcement panel (130) and the lower portion of the main panel include similarly shaped, spaced and aligned sets of openings through which the inflator (140) extends. The inflator retainer bracket is situated about the extending ends of the inflator (140) on the exterior of the airbag.
B60R 21/207 - Arrangements for storing inflatable members in their non-use or deflated condition; Arrangement or mounting of air bag modules or components in vehicle seats
An airbag assembly mounting system includes a fastener (70) having a base plate (72). A resilient expansion element (90) extends along a rear side of the base plate (72) and is configured to extend through a passageway (204) in a structural member (510) of a vehicle and through a portion of an airbag (200) or an airbag cover. The resilient expansion element (90) has two co-acting resilient clips (90a, 90b) each having an inner leg (100) extending from the base plate (72). A resilient outer leg (106) is supported by the inner leg (100). The outer leg (106), at a distal end (120), includes extending wings that during assembly to the structural member (510) rotate and over-travel the inner leg (100) to reduce the dimension between the wings of one outer leg (106) and the wings (124) of the other outer leg (106).
B60R 21/20 - Arrangements for storing inflatable members in their non-use or deflated condition; Arrangement or mounting of air bag modules or components
patents
