U.S. patent application number 13/843350 was filed with the patent office on 2014-09-18 for inflatable airbag assembly with an internally mounted inflator.
This patent application is currently assigned to AUTOLIV ASP, INC.. The applicant listed for this patent is AUTOLIV ASP, INC.. Invention is credited to Kurt Lawrence Gammill, Jeffrey Eugene Low.
Application Number | 20140265264 13/843350 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 51399860 |
Filed Date | 2014-09-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140265264 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Low; Jeffrey Eugene ; et
al. |
September 18, 2014 |
INFLATABLE AIRBAG ASSEMBLY WITH AN INTERNALLY MOUNTED INFLATOR
Abstract
An inflatable airbag assembly can include an inflatable curtain
airbag and an inflator. In some arrangements, the inflatable
curtain airbag may include an inflator housing region where the
inflator may be at least partially disposed. In some arrangements,
the inflatable airbag assembly may also include a mounting assembly
that includes a coupling member tethered to a mounting member.
Inventors: |
Low; Jeffrey Eugene;
(Layton, UT) ; Gammill; Kurt Lawrence; (Layton,
UT) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
AUTOLIV ASP, INC. |
Ogden |
UT |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
AUTOLIV ASP, INC.
Ogden
UT
|
Family ID: |
51399860 |
Appl. No.: |
13/843350 |
Filed: |
March 15, 2013 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
280/728.2 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60R 21/2171 20130101;
B60R 21/213 20130101; B60R 21/232 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
280/728.2 |
International
Class: |
B60R 21/232 20060101
B60R021/232 |
Claims
1. An inflatable airbag assembly, comprising: an inflatable curtain
airbag comprising an inflator housing region that is constrained to
a location that is inwardly of an outer perimeter seam of the
inflatable curtain airbag, wherein the inflator housing region
comprises an inflator insert opening that is in fluid communication
with an inflatable void of the inflatable curtain airbag; an
inflator positioned at least partially within the inflator housing
region; and a mounting assembly comprising a coupling member,
wherein the coupling member is configured to close around the
inflatable curtain airbag after the inflator has been positioned at
least partially within the inflator housing region such that the
inflator and the inflatable curtain airbag are coupled
together.
2. The inflatable airbag assembly of claim 1, wherein the outer
perimeter seam is continuous at the inflator housing region, and
the inflator insert opening comprises an aperture that extends
through at least one of the faces of the inflatable curtain
airbag.
3. The inflatable airbag assembly of claim 1, wherein the outer
perimeter seam is discontinuous at the inflator housing region, and
the inflator insert opening comprises an opening through a
discontinuous portion of the outer perimeter seam.
4. The inflatable airbag assembly of claim 1, wherein the mounting
assembly further comprises a tether and a mounting member, wherein
the tether extends between the mounting member and the coupling
member.
5. The inflatable curtain airbag assembly of claim 4, wherein the
inflatable curtain airbag is configured to be disposed in a
packaged configuration wherein the inflator is disposed at a first
position, and a deployed configuration wherein the inflator is
disposed at a second position, wherein the inflator is disposed at
a distance that is closer to the mounting member in the first
position than in the second position.
6. The inflatable airbag assembly of claim 5, further comprising a
fastener, wherein the fastener is configured to couple the mounting
member to the coupling member when the inflatable airbag assembly
is in the packaged configuration, and wherein the fastener is
configured to break away as the inflatable airbag assembly
transitions from the packaged configuration to a deployed
configuration.
7. The inflatable airbag assembly of claim 1, further comprising a
second mounting assembly.
8. The inflatable airbag assembly of claim 1, further comprising a
liner that is disposed within the inflatable void of the inflatable
curtain airbag, wherein an end of the inflator is positioned within
the liner.
9. The inflatable airbag assembly of claim 8, wherein the coupling
member is configured to couple the inflator, the liner, and the
inflatable curtain airbag together.
10. The inflatable airbag assembly of claim 1, wherein the inflator
is not configured to be rigidly attached to a vehicle
structure.
11. An inflatable airbag assembly, comprising: an inflatable
curtain airbag comprising an inflator housing region, wherein the
inflator housing region comprises an inflator insert opening that
is in fluid communication with an inflatable void of the inflatable
curtain airbag; an inflator positioned at least partially within
the inflator housing region; and a mounting assembly comprising a
coupling member that is tethered to a mounting member, wherein the
mounting member is configured to be rigidly attached to a vehicle
structure, and the coupling member is configured to couple the
inflator and the inflatable curtain airbag together, wherein the
inflatable curtain airbag is configured to be disposed in a
packaged configuration wherein the inflator is disposed at a first
position, and a deployed configuration wherein the inflator is
disposed at a second position, wherein the inflator is disposed at
a distance that is closer to the mounting member in the first
position than in the second position.
12. The inflatable airbag assembly of claim 11, further comprising
a fastener, wherein the fastener is configured to couple the
mounting member to the coupling member when the inflatable airbag
assembly is in the packaged configuration, and wherein the fastener
is configured to break away as the inflatable airbag assembly
transitions from the packaged configuration to the deployed
configuration.
13. The inflatable airbag assembly of claim 11, wherein the
inflator insert opening comprises an aperture that extends through
at least one of the faces of the inflatable curtain airbag.
14. The inflatable airbag assembly of claim 11, wherein the
inflator insert opening comprises an opening through a
discontinuous portion of an outer perimeter seam of the inflatable
curtain airbag.
15. An inflatable airbag assembly, comprising: an inflatable
curtain airbag comprising an inflator housing region, wherein the
inflator housing region comprises an inflator insert opening that
is in fluid communication with an inflatable void of the inflatable
curtain airbag; an inflator comprising a first end and a second
end, wherein the inflator is positioned at least partially within
the inflator housing region; and a first mounting assembly and
second mounting assembly, wherein each mounting assembly comprises
a coupling member that is tethered to a mounting member that is
configured to be coupled to a vehicle structure, wherein the
coupling member of the first mounting assembly is configured to
couple the inflatable curtain airbag to a first end of the
inflator, and the coupling member of the second mounting assembly
is configured to couple the inflatable curtain airbag to a second
end of the inflator.
16. The inflatable airbag assembly of claim 15, wherein the
inflatable curtain airbag is configured to be disposed in a
packaged configuration wherein the inflator is disposed at a first
position, and a deployed configuration wherein the inflator is
disposed at a second position, wherein the inflator is disposed at
a distance that is closer to the mounting member of the first
mounting assembly in the first position than in the second
position.
17. The inflatable airbag assembly of claim 16, further comprising
a fastener, wherein the fastener is configured to couple the
mounting member of the first mounting assembly to the coupling
member of the first mounting assembly when the inflatable airbag
assembly is in the packaged configuration, and wherein the fastener
is configured to break away as the inflatable airbag assembly
transitions from the packaged configuration to the deployed
configuration.
18. The inflatable airbag assembly of claim 15, wherein the
inflator insert opening comprises an aperture that extends through
at least one of the faces of the inflatable curtain airbag.
19. The inflatable airbag assembly of claim 15, wherein the
inflator insert opening comprises an opening through a
discontinuous portion of an outer perimeter seam of the inflatable
curtain airbag.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to the field of
automotive protective systems. More specifically, the present
disclosure relates to an inflatable airbag assembly with an
internally mounted inflator.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0002] The present embodiments will become more fully apparent from
the following description and appended claims, taken in conjunction
with the accompanying drawings. Understanding that the accompanying
drawings depict only typical embodiments, and are, therefore, not
to be considered to be limiting of the disclosure's scope, the
embodiments will be described and explained with specificity and
detail in reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0003] FIG. 1A is a perspective view of one embodiment of an
inflatable airbag assembly, wherein an inflatable curtain airbag is
in a packaged configuration.
[0004] FIG. 1B is a perspective view of the inflatable airbag
assembly of FIG. 1A, wherein the inflatable curtain airbag is in a
deployed configuration.
[0005] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a portion of the
inflatable airbag assembly of FIGS. 1A-1B.
[0006] FIG. 3A is a cutaway perspective view of a portion of the
inflatable airbag assembly of FIGS. 1A-1B, wherein the inflatable
curtain airbag is in a packaged configuration.
[0007] FIG. 3B is a cutaway perspective view of a portion of the
inflatable airbag assembly of FIGS. 1A-1B, wherein the inflatable
curtain airbag is in a deployed configuration.
[0008] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a mounting
assembly, which may be a component of the inflatable airbag
assembly of FIGS. 1A-1B.
[0009] FIG. 5 is a cutaway perspective view of a portion of another
embodiment of an inflatable airbag assembly.
[0010] FIG. 6 is a cutaway perspective view of a portion of another
embodiment of an inflatable airbag assembly.
[0011] FIG. 7A is a cross-sectional end view of an embodiment of a
mounting assembly and inflator, wherein the mounting assembly is in
a packaged configuration.
[0012] FIG. 7B is a cross-sectional end view of the mounting
assembly and inflator of FIG. 7A, wherein the mounting assembly is
in a deployed configuration.
[0013] FIG. 8A is a cross-sectional end view of another embodiment
of a mounting assembly and inflator, wherein the mounting assembly
is in a packaged configuration.
[0014] FIG. 8B is a cross-sectional end view of the mounting
assembly and inflator of FIG. 8A, wherein the mounting assembly is
in a deployed configuration.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0015] It will be readily understood that the components of the
embodiments as generally described and illustrated in the figures
herein could be arranged and designed in a wide variety of
different configurations. Thus, the following more detailed
description of various embodiments, as represented in the figures,
is not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, as claimed,
but is merely representative of various embodiments. While the
various aspects of the embodiments are presented in drawings, the
drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale unless specifically
indicated.
[0016] The phrases "coupled to" and "in communication with" refer
to any form of interaction between two or more entities, including
mechanical, electrical, magnetic, electromagnetic, fluid, and
thermal interaction. Two components may be coupled to each other
even though they are not in direct contact with each other. The
terms "abut" and "abutting" refer to items that are in direct
physical contact with each other, although the items may not
necessarily be attached together.
[0017] Inflatable airbag systems are widely used to minimize
occupant injury in a collision scenario. Airbag modules or
assemblies have been installed at various locations within a
vehicle, including, but not limited to, the steering wheel, the
instrument panel, within the side doors or side seats, adjacent to
the roof rail of the vehicle, in an overhead position, or at the
knee or leg position. In the following disclosure, "airbag" may
refer to an inflatable curtain airbag, overhead airbag, front
airbag, or any other airbag type.
[0018] Inflatable curtain airbags may be used to protect the
passengers of a vehicle during a side collision or roll-over event.
Inflatable curtain airbags typically extend longitudinally within
the vehicle and may be coupled to or next to the roof rail of the
vehicle. Inflatable curtain airbags may expand in a collision
scenario along the side of the vehicle between the vehicle
passengers and the side structure of the vehicle. In a deployed
state, an inflatable curtain airbag may cover at least a portion of
the side windows of a vehicle. In some embodiments, inflatable
curtain airbags may extend from an A-pillar to a C-pillar of the
vehicle. In alternative embodiments, inflatable curtain airbags may
extend from the A-pillar to a D-pillar of the vehicle.
[0019] Inflatable curtain airbags often comprise inflator throats
or housing regions that protrude or otherwise extend beyond an
outer perimeter seam of the airbag. In contrast, the disclosed
inflatable curtain airbags comprise an inflator housing region that
may be constrained within the body of the airbag, or inwardly of an
outer perimeter seam, and may not have a protruding throat.
Eliminating and/or minimizing the protruding throat may decrease
manufacturing costs. For example, by eliminating and/or minimizing
the protruding throat, the height of the inflatable curtain airbag
may be shortened which increases the number of airbag cushions that
can be fit across a loom of material. Additionally, eliminating
and/or minimizing the protruding throat decreases the amount of
material that needs to be trimmed from the airbag cushion during
the manufacturing process.
[0020] FIG. 1A depicts a perspective view of an airbag assembly
100, wherein an inflatable curtain airbag 110 is in a packaged
configuration and is mounted adjacent to a vehicle roof rail 12.
Inflatable curtain airbag 110 comprises an inflator housing region
in which an inflator is at least partially disposed. Airbag
assembly 100 further comprises one or more mounting assemblies. The
mounting assemblies may be used to couple inflatable curtain airbag
110 to vehicle roof rail 12. The mounting assemblies may also be
used to couple the inflator within inflatable curtain airbag 110.
In the depicted embodiment, inflatable curtain airbag 110 extends
from an A-pillar 14, to a D-pillar 19. Inflatable curtain airbag
110 also extends past a B-pillar 16 and a C-pillar 18 such that in
a deployed configuration, the inflatable curtain airbag 110 at
least partially covers B-pillar 16 and C-pillar 18, as depicted in
FIG. 1B.
[0021] FIG. 1B is a perspective view of airbag assembly 100,
wherein inflatable curtain airbag 110 is depicted in a deployed
configuration. As can be appreciated, inflatable curtain airbag 110
is configured to become inflated upon activation of one or more
inflators such that inflatable curtain airbag 110 transitions from
a packaged configuration to a deployed configuration. As shown in
FIG. 1B, inflatable curtain airbag 110 may comprise an upper
portion 111, a lower portion 112, a first face 113, a second face
(not visible), and an inflator housing region 120. An inflator may
be at least partially positioned within inflator housing region
120, which may be mounted to vehicle roof rail 12 via one or more
mounting assemblies 150. The various faces of inflatable curtain
airbag 110 define an interior inflatable void 118 which is in fluid
communication with inflator housing region 120. Inflatable void 118
may also be divided into one or more inflation cells. In some
embodiments, the various faces of inflatable curtain airbag 110
comprise panels of a woven nylon fabric that are coupled together
at a seam.
[0022] Upper portion 111 of inflatable curtain airbag 110 is the
portion of the curtain airbag that is closest to the headliner of a
vehicle when the airbag is in a deployed state. Lower portion 112
is below upper portion 111 when inflatable curtain airbag 110 is in
a deployed state, and is closest to a floor of the vehicle. The
term "lower portion" is not necessarily limited to the portion of
inflatable curtain airbag 110 that is below a horizontal medial
plane of the inflatable curtain airbag 110, but may include less
than half, more than half or exactly half of the bottom portion of
inflatable curtain airbag 110. Likewise, the term "upper portion"
is not necessarily limited to the portion of inflatable curtain
airbag 110 that is above a horizontal medial plane of inflatable
curtain airbag 110, but may include less than half, more than half
or exactly half of the top portion of inflatable curtain airbag
110.
[0023] As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, a
variety of types and configurations of airbags can be utilized
without departing from the scope and spirit of the present
disclosure. For example, the size, shape, and proportions of the
airbag may vary according to its use in different vehicles or
different locations within a vehicle such that the airbag may
comprise an inflatable curtain airbag, a rear passenger side
airbag, a driver's airbag, a knee airbag, and/or a front passenger
airbag. Also, the airbag may comprise any suitable material, such
as, for example, a woven nylon fabric, which may be coated with a
substance, such as silicone. Additionally, the airbag may be
manufactured using a variety of techniques such as one piece
weaving, cut and sew, or a combination of the two techniques.
Further, the airbag may be manufactured using sealed or unsealed
seams, wherein the seams are formed by stitching, adhesive, taping,
radio frequency welding, heat sealing, or any other suitable
technique or combination of techniques. The airbag may also
comprise one or more vents, which may be configured as discreet
vents or dynamic vents.
[0024] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a portion of
inflatable airbag assembly 100 comprising inflatable curtain airbag
110, inflator 130, and mounting assembly 150. Inflatable curtain
airbag 110 comprises an inflator housing region 120. In the
depicted embodiment, inflator housing region 120 is located in
upper portion 111 of inflatable curtain airbag 110, and comprises
an inflator insert opening 128 that is in fluid communication with
inflatable void 118.
[0025] Inflator housing region 120 may comprise a void between
first face 113 and second face (not depicted) of inflatable airbag
110 that may be configured to receive inflator 130. Inflator
housing region 120 may be disposed within the main body of
inflatable curtain airbag 110. In some embodiments, inflator
housing region 120 may be defined by an upper seam 122, a lower
seam 124 and a side seam 126. One or more additional upper, lower
and/or side seams may be used for added structure and support.
[0026] In some embodiments, inflator housing region 120 may be
constrained to a location that is inwardly of an outer perimeter
seam 121 of inflatable curtain airbag 110. The term "inwardly"
refers to a direction that is towards a center portion of
inflatable curtain airbag 110. The term "outwardly" refers to a
direction that is away from the center portion of inflatable
curtain airbag 110. When inflator 130 is at least partially
positioned within inflator housing region 120, inflator 130 does
not extend outwardly beyond outer perimeter seam 121. In the
depicted embodiment, a portion of outer perimeter seam 121 also
functions as the upper seam 122 of inflator housing region 120 such
that inflator housing region 120 may be, in part, defined by outer
perimeter seam 121. Inflatable curtain airbag 110 also does not
comprise an airbag throat and/or inflator housing that protrudes
outwardly beyond outer perimeter seam 121 of inflatable curtain
airbag 110.
[0027] In the depicted embodiment, outer perimeter seam 121 is
continuous at inflator housing region 120. A continuous outer
perimeter seam 121 may provide strength and stability to inflatable
curtain airbag 110. A continuous outer perimeter seam 121 may also
aid in restraining inflatable curtain airbag 110 during deployment
such that inflatable curtain airbag 110 is not twisted or rotated
upon activation of inflator 130. In other embodiments, outer
perimeter seam 121 is discontinuous at inflator housing region
120.
[0028] Inflator insert opening 128 provides a port through which
inflator 130 can be extended and/or inserted. In some embodiments,
inflator insert opening 128 comprises an aperture that extends
through at least one of the faces (e.g., first face 113, or second
face) of inflatable curtain airbag 110. In some embodiments,
inflator insert opening 128 comprises an opening in the top of the
inflatable curtain airbag 110, or an opening through a
discontinuous portion of outer perimeter seam 121.
[0029] Although not depicted, inflator housing region 120 may
comprise a reinforcing material and/or heat resistant material,
such that inflatable curtain airbag 110 can be employed without a
liner. Further, the location of the inflator housing region 120 may
vary. For example, inflator housing region 120 may be located on a
side portion of the inflatable curtain airbag 110, the bottom
portion, or a middle portion.
[0030] As further depicted in FIG. 2, inflator 130 comprises a
tubular body 132, a first end 134, and a second end 136. First end
134 may comprise a connection for electric or electronic
communication with vehicle sensors. Second end 136 may be
positioned within a liner 140, which may encompass vents 138. Upon
activation, inflator 130 is configured to rapidly generate and/or
release inflation gas through vents 138. The inflation gas rapidly
inflates inflatable curtain airbag 110. Inflator 130 may be one of
several types, such as pyrotechnic, stored gas, or a combination
inflator and may comprise a single or multistage inflator.
[0031] In some embodiments, liner 140 can be positioned within
inflatable void 118 of inflatable curtain airbag 110. Liner 140 may
be configured to direct inflation gas in one or more predetermined
directions. For example, liner 140 may be configured to direct
inflation gas to pass from inflator 130 to the bottom and/or side
portions of inflatable curtain airbag 110. A variety of types and
configurations of liners 140 may be used. For example, liner 140
may comprise a heat resistant and/or reinforcing material such as a
fibrous material, silicone, or any other suitable material.
Further, liner 140 may comprise more than one layer of material. In
some embodiments, liner 140 comprises the same woven nylon fabric
as inflatable curtain airbag 110, and may be formed from a single
piece of material.
[0032] Inflator 130, inflatable curtain airbag 110, and optionally,
liner 140, may be coupled together via mounting assembly 150.
Mounting assembly 150 may also be used to couple inflatable curtain
airbag 110 to a vehicle roof rail or other vehicle structure.
Mounting assembly 150 may comprise a coupling member 152, a tether
154, and a mounting member 156. In some embodiments, a plurality of
mounting assemblies 150 is used. For example, the depicted
embodiment comprises two mounting assemblies 150.
[0033] In certain embodiments, use of two or more mounting
assemblies 150 may be advantageous. For example, two or more
mounting assemblies 150 may minimize the amount of inflation gas
that is leaked from within interior inflatable void 118. Two or
more mounting assemblies 150 may also stabilize inflator 130 within
inflatable curtain airbag 110. For example, a first mounting
assembly 150 may couple first end 134 of inflator 130 to inflatable
curtain airbag 110, while a second mounting assembly 150 may couple
second end 136 of inflator 130 to inflatable curtain airbag 110.
Two or more mounting assemblies 150 may also aid in restraining the
inflatable curtain airbag 110 during deployment such that
inflatable curtain airbag 110 is not twisted or rotated upon
activation of inflator 130.
[0034] Coupling member 152 may couple inflator 130 to inflatable
curtain airbag 110. For example, coupling member 152 may close or
wrap around inflatable curtain airbag 110 after inflator 130 has
been positioned at least partially within inflator housing region
120 such that inflator 130 and inflatable curtain airbag 110 are
coupled together. Coupling member 152 may also provide the
necessary pressure to seal inflatable curtain airbag 110 around
inflator 130.
[0035] Various types of coupling members 152 may be used. In some
embodiments, coupling member 152 comprises a clamp or like
structure. In the depicted embodiment, for example, coupling member
152 comprises a clamp having a first arm 151 and a second arm 153.
First arm 151 and second arm 153 may be coupled together via a
fastener 161. Exemplary fasteners 161 include rivots, pins, screws,
etc. In FIG. 2, fastener 161 is configured to extend from first arm
151 through an aperture 160 in second arm 153 thereby coupling
first and second arms 151, 153 together. Further, as shown in FIG.
2, in some embodiments, a portion of coupling member 152, or
fastener 161, may extend through an aperture (e.g., 116, 117) in
inflatable curtain airbag 110. For example, the depicted inflatable
curtain airbag 100 comprises a first aperture 116, and a second
aperture 117, each of which may receive a fastener 161 of a
mounting assembly 150. Thus coupling member 152 may close around
inflatable curtain airbag 110. Other known clamping structures may
also be used. For example, coupling member 152 may comprise a
band-it clamp or other brackets or clips. In some embodiments, two
or more different types of coupling members 152 may be used.
[0036] In some embodiments, coupling member 152 may be directly and
rigidly attached to a vehicle structure. In other embodiments,
coupling member 152 may be tethered to a separate mounting member
156 via tether 154. As depicted in FIG. 2, tether 154 extends
between coupling member 152 and mounting member 156. Mounting
member 156 may be configured to directly and/or rigidly attach to a
vehicle structure. Thus, in some embodiments, inflator 130 is not
rigidly attached to a vehicle structure. Further, in the depicted
embodiment, inflator 130 does not comprise any mounting stems or
other mounting structure that rigidly attaches inflator 130 to a
vehicle structure.
[0037] Tether 154 may comprise one or more non-rigid materials and
may allow inflator 130 and inflatable curtain airbag 110 to move or
otherwise be displaceable during deployment. For example, in the
packaged configuration, tether 154 may be rolled or folded, and
inflator 130 and inflatable curtain airbag 110 may be disposed at a
first position that is adjacent mounting member 156. During
deployment, tether 154 extends and inflator 130 and inflatable
curtain airbag 110 transition downwardly to a second position
wherein inflator 130 and inflatable curtain airbag 110 are spaced
away from mounting member 156. Inflator 130 and inflatable curtain
airbag 110 are thus moveable between a first position and a second
position, wherein inflator 130 is disposed at a distance that is
closer to mounting member 156 in the first position than in the
second position.
[0038] FIGS. 3A-3B depict airbag assembly 100 in a packaged
configuration (FIG. 3A) and a deployed configuration (FIG. 3B). In
the depicted embodiment, inflator 130 is positioned at least
partially within inflator housing region 120 of inflatable curtain
airbag 110. Inflator 130 is also coupled to inflatable curtain
airbag 110 via two mounting assemblies 150a 150b. Each mounting
assembly 150a, 150b comprises coupling member 152a, 152b, tether
154a, 154b, and mounting member 156a, 156b, respectively. Mounting
assembly 150a couples inflatable curtain airbag 110 to first end
134 of inflator 130 and mounting assembly 150b couples inflatable
curtain airbag 110 to second end 136 of inflator 130. Mounting
assemblies 150a, 150b may restrict inflatable curtain airbag 110
and inflator 130 from twisting and/or rotating during deployment.
Mounting assemblies 150a, 150b may also control the movement of
inflatable curtain airbag 110 and inflator 130 during the
transition from the packaged configuration to the deployed
configuration.
[0039] As depicted in FIG. 3A, inflatable curtain airbag 110 is
rolled or folded in the packaged configuration. Tethers 154a, 154b
may also be rolled or folded in the packaged configuration.
Further, inflatable curtain airbag 110 is disposed in a first
position that is adjacent to mounting members 156a, 156b when in
the packaged configuration. In some embodiments, inflatable curtain
airbag 110 is restrained in the first position until
deployment.
[0040] As depicted in FIG. 3B, inflatable curtain airbag 110 is
unrolled or otherwise extended in the deployed configuration.
Tethers 154a, 154b are also extended in the deployed configuration.
Inflatable curtain airbag 110 may thus transition from the first
position wherein inflator 130 and inflatable curtain airbag 110 are
adjacent to and/or abut mounting members 156a, 156b to a second
position wherein inflator 130 and inflatable curtain airbag 110 are
spaced from mounting members 156a, 156b during the deployment
process. In the second position, the inflatable curtain airbag 110
may be disposed properly over one or more windows of a vehicle.
[0041] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a mounting
assembly 150, which may be a component of the inflatable airbag
assembly 100 of FIGS. 1A-1B. The depicted mounting assembly 150
comprises coupling member 152, tether 154, and mounting member 156.
Tether 154 is coupled to and extends between coupling member 152
and mounting member 156. Coupling member 152 is thus moveable
relative to mounting member 156 which may be directly and rigidly
attached to a vehicle structure.
[0042] The exemplary coupling member 152 is also depicted
comprising first arm 151 and second arm 153. As previously
discussed, fastener 161 may extend from first arm 151 through
aperture 160 in second arm 153 thereby coupling first arm 151 and
second arm 153 together such that coupling member 152 may be
closed.
[0043] FIG. 5 is another embodiment of an inflatable airbag
assembly 200 according to the present disclosure. Inflatable
curtain airbag assembly 200 can, in certain respects, resemble
components of inflatable curtain airbag assembly 100 described in
connection with FIGS. 1A-3B above. It will be appreciated that the
illustrated embodiments may have analogous features. Accordingly,
like features are designated with like reference numerals, with the
leading digits incremented to "2." (For instance, first inflatable
curtain airbag is designated "110" in FIGS. 1A-3B, and an analogous
inflatable curtain airbag is designated as "210" in FIG. 5.)
Relevant disclosure set forth above regarding similarly identified
features thus may not be repeated hereafter. Moreover, specific
features of the inflatable curtain airbag assembly and related
components shown in FIG. 5 may not be shown or identified by a
reference numeral in the drawings or specifically discussed in the
written description that follows. However, such features may
clearly be the same, or substantially the same, as features
depicted in other embodiments and/or described with respect to such
embodiments. Accordingly, the relevant descriptions of such
features apply equally to the features of the inflatable curtain
airbag assembly of FIG. 5. Any suitable combination of the
features, and variations of the same, described with respect to the
inflatable curtain airbag assembly and components illustrated in
FIGS. 1A-3B, can be employed with the inflatable curtain airbag
assembly and components of FIG. 5, and vice versa. This pattern of
disclosure applies equally to further embodiments depicted in
subsequent figures and described hereafter.
[0044] FIG. 5 depicts inflatable airbag assembly 200 comprising
inflatable curtain airbag 210 and inflator 230. Inflator 230 is
positioned at least partially within inflator housing region 220
and is coupled to inflatable curtain airbag 210 via mounting
assemblies 250a, 250b. Inflatable housing region 220 is defined by
lower seam 224, side seam 226 and upper seam 222, which is portion
of outer perimeter seam 221.
[0045] In the depicted embodiment, outer perimeter seam 221 is
discontinuous at inflatable housing region 220, and inflator insert
opening 228 comprises a notched opening through a discontinuous
portion of outer perimeter seam 221. In some embodiments, mounting
assembly 250a may comprise a support tab or structure that may
provide inflatable curtain airbag 210 with added structure support,
especially in embodiments wherein outer perimeter seam 221 is
discontinuous. The support tab or structure may be used in place of
mounting assembly 250a and may be rigidly attached to a vehicle
structure.
[0046] FIG. 6 depicts an inflatable airbag assembly 300 comprising
inflatable curtain airbag 310 and inflator 330. Inflator 330 is
positioned at least partially within inflator housing region 320
and is coupled to inflatable curtain airbag 310 via mounting
assemblies 350a, 350b. Inflatable housing region 320 is defined by
lower seams 324, 325, side seam 326, and upper seam 322, which is
portion of outer perimeter seam 321.
[0047] In the depicted embodiment, outer perimeter seam 321 is
discontinuous at inflatable housing region 320, and inflator insert
opening 328 comprises a notched opening through a discontinuous
portion of outer perimeter seam 321. Inflatable curtain airbag 310
further comprises a slit 327 disposed between first lower seam 324
and second lower seam 325 at a location that is inwardly of
inflator housing region 320. In some embodiments, slit 327 may
allow one or more closed circular clamps (e.g., band-it clamps) to
be slid over inflator 330 and inflatable airbag cushion 310. The
closed circular clamps may be used to couple inflator 330 and
inflatable airbag cushion 310 together.
[0048] FIGS. 7A-7B depict cross-sectional end views of an
embodiment of a mounting assembly 450 and inflator 430 in a
packaged configuration (FIG. 7A) and a deployed configuration (FIG.
7B). For clarity, inflatable curtain airbag is absent or otherwise
removed from the embodiment of FIGS. 7A-7B. It will, however, be
appreciated that an inflatable curtain airbag may be employed with
the depicted embodiment. As shown in FIGS. 7A-7B, mounting assembly
450 may comprise coupling member 452, tether 454, and mounting
member 456. Coupling member 452 is closed or wrapped around
inflator 430 and is moveable between a first position and a second
position.
[0049] As depicted in FIG. 7A, inflator 430 may be disposed in the
first position when mounting assembly 450 is in the packaged
configuration. In the first position, tether 454 may be folded
and/or wrapped and inflator 430 may be adjacent to and/or abut
mounting member 456. The distance between mounting member 456 and
the midpoint of inflator 430 is L.sub.1. As can be appreciated, in
the first position, there may be minimal distance L.sub.1 between
inflator 430 and mounting member 456.
[0050] As depicted in FIG. 7B, inflator 430 may be disposed in the
second position when mounting assembly 450 is in the deployed
configuration. In the second position, tether 454 is extended and
inflator 430 is spaced away from mounting member 456. The distance
between mounting member 456 and the midpoint of inflator 430 is
L.sub.2. As can be appreciated, in the second position, there is
maximal distance L.sub.2 between inflator 430 and mounting member
456. Further, inflator 430 is disposed at a distance that is closer
to mounting member 456 in the first position than in the second
position. In the depicted embodiment, L.sub.2 is greater than
L.sub.1. The length of L.sub.2 may vary according to the length of
tether 454.
[0051] FIGS. 8A-8B depict cross-sectional end views of an
embodiment of a mounting assembly 550 and inflator 530 in a
packaged configuration (FIG. 8A) and a deployed configuration (FIG.
8B). For clarity, inflatable curtain airbag is absent or otherwise
removed from the embodiment of FIGS. 8A-8B. It will, however, be
appreciated that an inflatable curtain airbag may be employed with
the depicted embodiment. As shown in FIGS. 8A-8B, mounting assembly
550 may comprise coupling member 552, tether 554, and mounting
member 556. Coupling member 552 is closed or wrapped around
inflator 530 and is moveable between a first position and a second
position.
[0052] FIGS. 8A-8B further depict a fastener 565 that may be
configured and/or used to retain an inflatable airbag assembly in
the packaged configuration. For example, FIG. 8A depicts fastener
565 coupling mounting member 556 to coupling member 552 in the
packaged configuration. Upon deployment, fastener 565 may be
configured to break away into pieces 566, 567, and the inflatable
airbag assembly may transition to the deployed configuration of
FIG. 8B.
[0053] Reference throughout this specification to "an embodiment"
or "the embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure or
characteristic described in connection with that embodiment is
included in at least one embodiment. Thus, the quoted phrases, or
variations thereof, as recited throughout this specification are
not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment.
[0054] Similarly, it should be appreciated that in the above
description of embodiments, various features are sometimes grouped
together in a single embodiment, figure, or description thereof for
the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This method of
disclosure, however, is not to be interpreted as reflecting an
intention that any claim require more features than those expressly
recited in that claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect,
inventive aspects lie in a combination of fewer than all features
of any single foregoing disclosed embodiment. Thus, the claims
following this Detailed Description are hereby expressly
incorporated into this Detailed Description, with each claim
standing on its own as a separate embodiment. This disclosure
includes all permutations of the independent claims with their
dependent claims.
[0055] Recitation in the claims of the term "first" with respect to
a feature or element does not necessarily imply the existence of a
second or additional such feature or element. Elements recited in
means-plus-function format are intended to be construed in
accordance with 35 U.S.C. .sctn.112 6. It will be apparent to those
having skill in the art that changes may be made to the details of
the above-described embodiments without departing from the
underlying principles of the invention. Embodiments of the
invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed
are defined as follows.
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