U.S. patent application number 15/000320 was filed with the patent office on 2017-01-19 for airbag for oblique vehicle impacts.
This patent application is currently assigned to Ford Global Technologies, LLC. The applicant listed for this patent is Ford Global Technologies, LLC. Invention is credited to Jamel E. Belwafa, James Chih Cheng, Raed Essa EL-Jawahri.
Application Number | 20170015266 15/000320 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 57630043 |
Filed Date | 2017-01-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170015266 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
EL-Jawahri; Raed Essa ; et
al. |
January 19, 2017 |
AIRBAG FOR OBLIQUE VEHICLE IMPACTS
Abstract
An airbag system includes an inflator and an airbag in
communication with the inflator. The airbag system includes a
tether actuator and tethers extending from the tether actuator to
the airbag. A controller is programmed to receive signals from an
impact sensing system and a steering wheel angle sensor. The
controller is programmed to instruct the tether actuator to release
at least one of the tethers based at least on the signals from the
steering wheel angle sensor and the impact sensing system.
Inventors: |
EL-Jawahri; Raed Essa;
(Northville, MI) ; Belwafa; Jamel E.; (Ann Arbor,
MI) ; Cheng; James Chih; (Troy, MI) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Ford Global Technologies, LLC |
Dearborn |
MI |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Ford Global Technologies,
LLC
Dearborn
MI
|
Family ID: |
57630043 |
Appl. No.: |
15/000320 |
Filed: |
January 19, 2016 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62192245 |
Jul 14, 2015 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60R 21/233 20130101;
B60R 2021/23382 20130101; B60R 21/01552 20141001; B60R 21/2338
20130101; B60R 2021/0009 20130101; B60R 21/0134 20130101; B60R
2021/2395 20130101; B60R 21/01512 20141001; B60R 2021/161 20130101;
B60R 2021/23384 20130101; B60R 2021/0032 20130101; B60R 21/26
20130101; B60R 21/203 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B60R 21/015 20060101
B60R021/015; B60R 21/2338 20060101 B60R021/2338; B60R 21/233
20060101 B60R021/233; B60R 21/0134 20060101 B60R021/0134; B60R
21/203 20060101 B60R021/203 |
Claims
1. An airbag system comprising: an inflator; an airbag in
communication with the inflator; a tether actuator and tethers
extending from the tether actuator to the airbag; a controller
programmed to receive signals from an impact sensing system and a
steering wheel angle sensor, and to instruct the tether actuator to
release at least one of the tethers based at least on the signals
from the steering wheel angle sensor and the impact sensing
system.
2. The system as set forth in claim 1 wherein the airbag includes a
main portion defining an inflation chamber, and a plurality of
extensions in communication with the inflation chamber, and wherein
the tethers extend from the tether actuator to the extensions.
3. The system as set forth in claim 2 wherein the airbag presents
an impact surface spaced from the inflator in an inflated position
and wherein the plurality of extensions are disposed about a
perimeter of the impact surface.
4. The system as set forth in claim 2 wherein the airbag defines
holes between the main portion and the extension and includes flaps
connected to the tethers and mounted to the main portion adjacent
the holes.
5. An airbag assembly comprising: an inflator; an airbag in
communication with the inflator; the airbag including a main
portion defining an inflation chamber and an extension supported on
the main portion; the airbag defining a hole between the inflation
chamber and the extension and including a flap configured to cover
the hole; and a tether connected to the flap.
6. The airbag assembly as set forth in claim 5 further comprising a
tether actuator connected to the tether and configured to
selectively release the tether.
7. The airbag assembly as set forth in claim 6 wherein the tether
actuator is programmed to receive an instruction from a controller
to release the tether.
8. The airbag assembly as set forth in claim 5 wherein the flap is
mounted to the main portion.
9. The airbag assembly as set forth in claim 5 further comprising a
plurality of extensions positioned circumferentially about the main
portion of the airbag and wherein the airbag defines holes between
the inflation chamber and the extensions and includes flaps
configured to cover the holes, and further comprising tethers
connected to the additional flaps.
10. The airbag assembly as set forth in claim 9 further comprising
a tether actuator connected to the tethers and configured to
selectively release at least one of the tethers.
11. The airbag assembly as set forth in claim 9 further comprising
an impact surface and wherein the extensions are disposed about a
perimeter of the impact surface.
12. An airbag assembly comprising: an inflator; an airbag in
communication with the inflator and inflatable to an inflated
position, the airbag including a main portion defining an inflation
chamber and an extension supported on the main portion, and the
airbag defining a hole between the inflation chamber and the
extension; and means for restricting gas flow from the extension to
the inflation chamber in the inflated position when the extension
is impacted.
13. The airbag assembly as set forth in claim 12 further comprising
a plurality of extensions positioned circumferentially about the
main portion of the airbag and wherein the airbag defines holes
between the inflation chamber and the extensions and includes flaps
configured to cover the holes, and further comprising tethers
connected to the additional flaps.
14. The airbag assembly as set forth in claim 13 further comprising
a tether actuator connected to the tethers and configured to
selectively release at least one of the tethers.
15. The airbag assembly as set forth in claim 13 further comprising
an impact surface and wherein the extensions are disposed about a
perimeter of the impact surface.
16. (canceled)
17. (canceled)
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED MATTER
[0001] This application claims the benefit of United States
provisional patent application entitled "AIRBAG FOR OBLIQUE VEHICLE
IMPACTS filed Jul. 14, 2015 and assigned Ser. No. 62/192,245, which
is incorporated by reference herein.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Vehicles may include a variety of airbags deployable during
vehicle impacts to absorb energy from occupants of the vehicles
during the impact. The airbag may be a component of an airbag
assembly including a base supporting the airbag, and an inflation
device in communication with the airbag for inflating the airbag
from an uninflated position to an inflated position. The airbag
assemblies may be supported on a steering wheel of the vehicle, an
instrument panel of the vehicle, a headliner of the vehicle,
etc.
[0003] The vehicle may include an impact sensing system in
communication with the airbag assembly for sensing a vehicle impact
and instructing the inflation device to inflate the airbag when a
vehicle impact is sensed. The impact sensing system may sense the
direction of the impact and may selectively inflate, or not
inflate, certain airbags of the vehicle when an impact is sensed
based on the type and magnitude of impact that is sensed, e.g.,
based on direction, magnitude, etc.
[0004] Vehicles are subject to a variety of impact tests. These
impact tests may include those standardized by the National Highway
Traffic and Safety Agency (NHTSA). These impact tests may include,
for example, oblique impact tests. One such test is the small
overlap rigid barrier (SORB) test in which the vehicle is impacted
in the front left corner of the vehicle at an oblique angle with a
rigid barrier. In this test, the test dummy in the driver seat is
urged forwardly and toward the driver side door of the vehicle.
Another type of impact test is the angular impact test, in which
the test dummy in the driver seat is urged in a cross-vehicle
direction toward the driver side door of the vehicle.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0005] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle including an
airbag assembly supported by a steering wheel with the airbag of
the airbag assembly in an uninflated position.
[0006] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the vehicle including the
airbag in an inflated position with one of the plurality of
extensions in a deployed position.
[0007] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the vehicle including the
airbag in an inflated position and another one of the plurality of
extension in a deployed position.
[0008] FIG. 4 is a front view of the airbag assembly supported by
the steering wheel in the inflated position with each of the
extensions in an undeployed position.
[0009] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the airbag assembly
supported by the steering wheel with the airbag in the inflated
position and on of the extensions in the deployed position.
[0010] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the airbag through one
of the extensions when the extension is in the undeployed
position.
[0011] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the airbag through one
of the extensions when the extension is in the deployed position
with a flap open to allow gas flow from an inflation chamber into
the extension.
[0012] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the airbag through one
of the extensions when the extension is in the deployed position
and a force is applied to the extension with the flap closed to
restrict gas flow from the extension to the inflation chamber.
[0013] FIG. 9 is a schematic of a control system of the
vehicle.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0014] With reference to the Figures, wherein like numerals
indicate like parts throughout the several views, an airbag system
10 includes an inflator 12 and an airbag 14 in communication with
the inflator 12. As shown in FIGS. 4-5, the airbag system 10
includes a tether actuator 16 and tethers 18 extending from the
tether actuator 16 to the airbag 14. A controller 20, as shown in
FIG. 9, is programmed to receive signals from an impact sensing
system 22 and a steering wheel angle sensor 24. The controller 20
is programmed to instruct the tether actuator 16 to release at
least one of the tethers 18 based at least on the signals from the
steering wheel angle sensor 24 and the impact sensing system
22.
[0015] Since the controller 20 is programmed to instruct the tether
actuator 16 based on signals from the steering wheel angle sensor
24 and the impact sensing system 22, the controller 20 may instruct
the tether actuator 16 to release a selected tether 18 based on
magnitude and direction of a vehicle impact and a rotational
position of a steering wheel 26. As set forth further below, the
airbag 14 may rotate with the steering wheel 26. In the event of an
oblique impact or a side impact of the vehicle 28, the occupant may
impact the airbag 14 and may slide along the airbag 14. The
controller 20 may instruct the tether actuator 16 to release a
selected tether 18, based on the rotational position of the
steering wheel 26 and the direction of the vehicle impact, to
reduce and/or prevent the sliding of the occupant along the airbag
14 in such situations.
[0016] For example, the airbag 14 may include a main portion 30 and
a plurality of extensions 32 supported on the main portion 30. The
main portion 30 may define an inflation chamber 34 and the
plurality of extensions 32 may be in communication with the
inflation chamber 34. The tethers 18 may extend from the tether
actuator 16 to the extensions 32. As set forth above, the airbag 14
may rotate with the steering wheel 26, i.e., the extensions 32 may
rotate with the steering wheel 26 relative to an occupant of the
vehicle 28. The controller 20 may instruct the tether actuator 16
to release a selected tether 18, and thus release a selected
extension 32, to reduce and/or prevent sliding of the occupant
along the airbag 14, based on a signal indicating the angle of the
steering wheel 26 from the steering wheel angle sensor 24 and based
on a signal indicating the direction of the impact force from the
impact sensing system 22. As one example, in the event of a front
left oblique impact of the vehicle 28, the controller 20 may
instruct the tether actuator 16 to release an extension 32 disposed
on a left side of the airbag 14, as shown in FIG. 5. Specifically,
in this example, if the occupant is in the process of turning the
steering wheel 26 at the time of the front left oblique impact, the
controller 20 may instruct the tether actuator 16 to release the
tether 18 disposed at the left side of the airbag 14 at the time of
impact. Similarly, in the event of a front right oblique impact of
the vehicle 28, the controller 20 may instruct the tether actuator
16 to release an extension 32 disposed on a right side of the
airbag 14. In any event, the controller 20 may instruct the tether
actuator 16 to release a tether 18 on the left side of the airbag
14 in response to any impact that may slide the occupant leftward
along the airbag 14, and may instruct the tether actuator 16 to
release a tether 18 on the right side of the airbag 14 in response
to any impact that may slide the occupant rightward along the
airbag 14.
[0017] As set forth above, the airbag system 10 may be installed in
a vehicle 28, as shown in FIGS. 1-3. The vehicle 28 may be of any
suitable type. The vehicle 28 may, for example, include a center
console 36, a driver side door 38, and the steering wheel 26
disposed between the center console 36 and the driver side door 38.
The center console 36 may be disposed in a middle of the vehicle 28
at the front of a passenger compartment of the vehicle 28, i.e.,
forward and to the right of the steering wheel 26. The driver side
door 38 may be disposed to the left of the steering wheel 26. The
steering wheel 26 is supported on a steering column 42 and is
rotatable relative to the steering column 42 to steer the vehicle
28.
[0018] An airbag assembly 44, i.e., an airbag 14 module, may
include a base 40 and the airbag 14. The airbag 14 may be supported
by the base 40. The base 40 may be fixed relative to the steering
wheel 26. For example, the base 40 and the airbag 14 may rotate
with the steering wheel 26, as set forth above.
[0019] The airbag assembly 44 includes an inflator 12 (shown
schematically in FIG. 9) in communication with the inflation
chamber 34 to expand the inflation chamber 34 with the inflation
medium, such as a gas. The inflator 12 may be, for example, a
cold-gas inflator, a pyrotechnic inflator that uses a chemical
reaction to drive inflation medium to the inflation chamber 34,
etc. The inflator 12 may be of any suitable type for inflating the
airbag 14.
[0020] The base 40 of the airbag assembly 44 may be define a cavity
(not shown) that houses the airbag 14 in the uninflated position.
The base 40 may support the inflator 12 and may be mounted to the
steering wheel 26 and/or the steering column 42 to support the
airbag assembly 44 on the steering wheel 26 and/or the steering
column 42. The base 40 may be mounted to the steering wheel 26
and/or the steering column 42 in any suitable manner.
[0021] The airbag 14 is inflatable from an uninflated position, as
shown in FIG. 1, to an inflated position, as shown in FIGS. 2-5.
The airbag 14 presents an impact surface 46 spaced from the base 40
in the inflated position. The impact surface 46 is spaced from the
steering wheel 26 in the inflated position.
[0022] The airbag 14 defines an inflation chamber 34 that is
inflated with an inflation medium, as set forth further below. As
set forth further below, the inflation chamber 34 may be in
communication with the extension 32 when the tether 18 is released
to inflate the extension 32 with the inflation medium.
[0023] With reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, the impact surface 46 may
be the surface of the airbag 14 directly in front of the occupant
and may be the surface that the occupant initially impacts during a
vehicle impact. The impact surface 46 may extend in a cross-vehicle
direction. For example, the impact surface 46 may extend in a plane
generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle 28.
The impact surface 46 may extend to an outer perimeter OP of the
airbag 14. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, a diameter DE of the
extension 32 through the perimeter surface 48 is less than a
diameter DI of the impact surface 46.
[0024] The airbag 14 may be formed of any suitable type of
material, e.g., from a woven polymer. For example, the airbag 14
may be formed of woven nylon yarn, e.g., nylon 6, 6. Other suitable
examples include polyether ether ketone (PEEK),
polyetherketoneketone (PEKK), polyester, or any other suitable
polymer. The woven polymer may include a coating, such as, for
example, silicone, neoprene, urethane, etc. For example, the
coating may be polyorgano siloxane.
[0025] As set forth above, the airbag 14 may include a plurality of
extensions 32. Each of the extensions 32 may be independently
inflated from an undeployed position, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, to
a deployed position. One of the extensions 32, for example, is
shown in the deployed position in FIGS. 2, 3, 5, 7, and 8. The
extensions 32 may be independently inflated, i.e., one or more of
the extensions 32 may be inflated independently of the other
extensions 32, to limit or prevent sliding of the head of the
occupant across the impact surface 46 of the airbag 14 while
limiting delay of inflation of the main portion 30. In other words,
extensions 32 not needed to prevent sliding of the head of the
occupant may be retained in the undeployed position, as shown in
FIG. 6, to avoid reducing the inflation time of the main portion
30. More than one extension 32 may be inflated to the deployed
position depending on the direction and magnitude of the vehicle
impact.
[0026] Each extension 32 may include a perimeter surface 48 and the
perimeter surface 48 may extend transversely from the impact
surface 46 around a perimeter P of the extension 32 in the deployed
position. In other words, the perimeter surface 48 may extend along
a path that crosses a line along which the impact surface 46
extends near the extension 32. The perimeter surface 48 may extend
at a right angle, i.e., 90 degrees, relative to the impact surface
46.
[0027] A transition from the perimeter surface 48 to the impact
surface 46 may be angular or may be rounded. The extensions 32 may
be formed separately from the main portion 30 and subsequently
connected the main portion 30 about the perimeter surface 48, e.g.,
stitched, or may be integrally formed with main portion 30 about
the perimeter surface 48, i.e., formed simultaneously with the main
portion 30 as a single continuous unit.
[0028] The perimeter surface 48 of the extension 32 extends around
the perimeter of the extension 32. Specifically, the perimeter
surface 48 is continuous, and the perimeter surface 48 extends
entirely around and encloses the portion of the inflation chamber
34 that extends into the extension 32.
[0029] The extension 32 includes an end 50 spaced from the impact
surface 46. The tether 18 may be connected to the end 50. The end
50 may be flat, as shown in FIGS. 2-8, or may be rounded. The
extension 32 shown in FIGS. 2-8 has a kidney shaped cross-section,
however, the extension 32 may have any suitable shape.
[0030] When the airbag 14 is in the inflated position and the
extension 32 is in the undeployed position, the extension 32 may be
folded on the impact surface 46, as shown in FIG. 6. Alternatively,
when the airbag 14 is in the inflated position and the extension 32
is in the undeployed position, the extension 32 may be flush with
the impact surface 46 around the perimeter of the extension 32 or
may be slightly indented relative to the impact surface 46 around
the perimeter of the extension 32.
[0031] When the airbag 14 is in the inflated position and the
extension 32 is in the deployed position, the extension 32 extends
farther outwardly relative to the impact surface 46. As set forth
above, the perimeter surface 48 of the extension 32 extends
transversely from the impact surface 46 around the perimeter P of
the extension 32 when the extension 32 is in the deployed
position.
[0032] The plurality of extensions 32 may be disposed about the
outer perimeter OP of the impact surface 46 to reduce and/or
prevent sliding of the head of the occupant from sliding along the
airbag 14 in side or oblique impacts. The airbag 14 may be
configure to position at least one of the extensions 32 between the
steering wheel 26 and the driver side door 38 and to position at
least one of the extensions 32 between the steering wheel 26 and
the center console 36 in any rotational position of the steering
wheel 26. For example, the extensions 32 may be sized and
positioned such that, in any rotational position of the steering
wheel 26, at least one extension 32 is disposed between the
steering wheel 26 and the driver door 38 and at least one extension
32 is disposed between the steering wheel 26 and the center console
36. The airbag 14 may include any suitable number of extensions 32.
The extensions 32 shown in FIGS. 4-5 extend along a single
concentric path, e.g., circumferentially about the main portion 30
of the airbag 14. The airbag 14 may include additional extensions
32 along additional concentric paths.
[0033] The extensions 32 may be of identical construction, size,
and shape. Alternatively, the extensions 32 may have differing
construction, size, and/or shape. Common numerals are used herein
to refer to common features of the extensions 32 in the
Figures.
[0034] The airbag 14 may include one or more tethers 18 for each
extension 32. Each tether 18 may be formed of the same construction
and material, or, alternatively, the tethers 18 may be formed of a
different construction and/or material relative to each other. The
tethers 18 may be formed of the same type of material as the airbag
14 or from any other suitable type of material.
[0035] Each tether 18 extends between a first end 52 and a second
end 54. The first end 52 of the tether 18 is anchored when the
airbag 14 is in the uninflated position. For example, the first end
52 may be fixed relative to the base 40 of the airbag 14, as shown
in FIGS. 5 and 7. Specifically, the first end 52 may be fixed to
the tether actuator 16. The first end 52 of the tether 18 may be
anchored in any suitable manner, e.g., fusing, adhesive, integral
formation (i.e., simultaneous formation of the airbag 14 and the
tether 18 fixed to the extension 32), etc. The second end 54 of the
tether 18 may be fixed to a one-way valve 60, e.g., a flap 56, as
described further below.
[0036] The tether 18 is configured to selectively retain the
extension 32 in the undeployed position, i.e., a retracted
position, relative to the impact surface 46, as shown in FIG. 6,
and to selectively release the extension 32 to the deployed
position, i.e., an extended position, relative to the impact
surface 46, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8. Specifically, as set forth
further below for example, the vehicle 28 includes an impact
sensing system 22 that may sense an impact of the vehicle 28 and
may trigger inflation of the airbag 14 in response to a sensed
impact. In addition, the impact sensing system 22 may sense the
type of impact, e.g., based on direction, magnitude, etc.
[0037] The airbag 14 may define holes 58 between the main portion
30 and each extension 32. The holes 58 extend between the inflation
chamber 34 and the extensions 32 to allow gas flow from the
inflation chamber 34 to the extensions 32 when the main portion 30
of the airbag 14 is inflated and the extensions 32 are deployed.
Specifically, when the main portion 30 of the airbag 14 is inflated
and one of the tethers 18 is released, the inflation medium flows
from the inflation chamber 34 in the main portion 30, through the
respective hole 58, and into the respective extension 32, as shown
in FIG. 7. For the tethers 18 that are not released, the respective
tether 18 retains the respective extension 32 in the undeployed
position and limits or prevents gas flow from the inflation chamber
34 through the respective hole 58 into the respective extension 32,
as shown in FIG. 6.
[0038] The airbag 14 may include means for restricting gas flow
from the extension 32 to the inflation chamber 34 in the inflated
position when the extension 32 is in the deployed position and is
impacted. In other words, this means retains the extension 32
inflated in the deployed position when an occupant impacts the
extension 32, i.e., to limit or prevent deflation of the extension
32 to limit or prevent sliding of the occupant's head past the
extension 32.
[0039] For example, the airbag 14 may include one-way valves 60 to
prevent gas flow from the extension 32 to the main portion 30 when
the extension 32 in the deployed position is impacted. For example,
the one-way valve 60 may be a flap 56 at each hole 58. The flaps 56
may be configured to uncover the respective hole 58 to allow gas
flow from the inflation chamber 34 to the respective extension 32
when the respective tether 18 is released, as shown in FIG. 7, and
to cover the respective hole 58 when the respective extension 32 is
impacted to limit or prevent gas flow from the extension 32 back
into the main portion 30 as shown in FIG. 8. The means for
restricting gas flow from the extension 32 to the inflation chamber
in the inflated position when the extension 32 is in the deployed
position and impacted may be the one-way valve 60, e.g., the flap
56/hole 58, and structural equivalents thereof.
[0040] The flaps 56 may be mounted to the main portion 30 adjacent
the holes 58. The main portion 30 of the airbag 14 may, for
example, define a platform 62 inside the extension 32 and the flaps
56 may be connected to the platform 62. For example the flaps 56
may be sewn to the main portion 30, i.e., to the platform 62.
Alternatively, the flaps 56 may be connected to the main portion 30
in any suitable manner, e.g., fusion, adhesion, bonding, welding,
fastening, etc.
[0041] The flaps 56 may be formed of the same type of material as
the main portion 30 of the airbag 14 or may be formed of a separate
material. The flaps 56 may be integrally formed with the main
portion 30 of the airbag 14, i.e., formed simultaneously with the
main portion 30, or may be formed separately from and subsequently
connected to the main portion 30.
[0042] The tethers 18 may be connected to the flaps 56 in any
suitable fashion. The tethers 18 may be formed separately from and
subsequently connected to the flaps 56. For example, the tethers 18
may be sewn to the flaps 56. Alternatively, the tethers 18 may be
connected to the main portion 30 in any suitable manner, e.g.,
fusion, adhesion, bonding, welding, fastening, etc. Alternatively,
the tethers 18 may be integrally formed with the flaps 56, i.e.,
formed simultaneously with the flaps 56.
[0043] The tether actuator 16 is connected to the tether 18 and is
configured to selectively release at least one of the tethers 18.
The tether actuator 16 may programmed to receive an instruction
from a controller 20, e.g., a restraints control module of the
vehicle 28, to release the tether 18. The controller 20 may provide
an instruction to the tether actuator 16 based signals from the
impact sensing system 22 and the steering wheel angle sensor 24.
The controller 20, e.g., the restraints control module, may also
control the inflator 12, i.e., to provide instructions to the
inflator 12 to inflate the airbag 14.
[0044] The tether actuator 16 may be of any suitable type to
selectively retain the tether 18 to retain the extension 32 in the
undeployed position, as shown in FIG. 6, and to selectively release
the tether 18 to release the extension 32 to the deployed position,
as shown in FIGS. 76 and 8. As one example, the tether 18 may
include a plurality of pins (not shown) each connected to the first
end 52 of the tether 18, and a plurality of actuators (not shown)
connected to the pins and in communication with the controller 20.
The actuators, for example, may be actuated mechanically,
pneumatically, hydraulically, etc. At rest, the actuators may
retain the pins pinned to the first end 52 of the extensions 32.
Based on signals from the impact sensing system 22 and/or the
steering wheel angle sensor 24, the controller 20 may provide
instruction to at least one of the actuators to release the pin,
and thus release the associated tether 18 and extension 32 to the
deployed position.
[0045] In the alternative to pins, the tether actuator 16 may be
releasably connected to the first end 52 of the tether 18 in any
suitable manner. As another example, the tether actuator 16 may
include one or more cutters (not shown) engaged with the first end
52 of the tethers 18 and in communication with the controller 20.
Based on signals from the impact sensing system 22 and/or the
steering wheel angle sensor 24, the controller 20 may provide
instruction to the cutter to cut at least one of the tethers 18,
and thus release the associated tether 18 and extension 32 to the
deployed position.
[0046] Based on the type of sensed impact, the impact sensing
system 22 may trigger release of one or more of the tethers 18 to
allow one or more of the extensions 32 to move to the deployed
position. For example, if the impact sensing system 22 detects a
head-on impact, the tethers 18 may retain the extensions 32 in the
undeployed position, as shown in FIG. 6. Alternatively, for
example, if the impact sensing system 22 detects an oblique impact,
the impact sensing system 22 may trigger release one or more of the
tethers 18 to release one or more of the extensions 32 to the
deployed position.
[0047] With reference to FIG. 2, during a left-side oblique impact,
such as that tested during a small overlap rigid barrier (SORB)
test, or a left-side angular impact, the occupant may move forward
and initially impact the impact surface 46 of the airbag 14. In
addition to forward movement, the occupant also moves toward the
left side of the vehicle 28, as shown in FIG. 2, i.e., in the
general direction toward the driver side door 38 and/or an A-pillar
64. During this forward and left motion, the head of the occupant
may slide along the impact surface 46 toward the driver side door
38 and/or the A-pillar 64 and may contact the extension 32, as
shown in FIG. 2, to slow and/or stop movement of the head of the
occupant toward the driver side door 38 and/or A-pillar 64. In
other words, because the perimeter surface 48 of the extension 32
extends transversely from the impact surface 46, the extension 32
catches the head of the occupant as the occupant slides along the
impact surface 46 to slow and/or stop movement of the head of the
occupant toward the driver side door 38 and/or A-pillar 64.
[0048] With reference to FIG. 3, during a right-side oblique impact
test, such as that simulated by a small overlap rigid barrier
(SORB) test, or a right-side angular impact, the occupant may move
forward and initially impact the impact surface 46 of the airbag
14. In addition to forward movement, the occupant also moves toward
the right side of the vehicle 28, as shown in FIG. 3, i.e., in the
general direction toward the center console 36. During this forward
and right motion, the head of the occupant may slide along the
impact surface 46 toward the center console 36 and may contact the
extension 32, as shown in FIG. 3, to slow and/or stop movement of
the head of the occupant toward the center console 36. In other
words, because the perimeter surface 48 of the extension 32 extends
transversely from the impact surface 46, the extension 32 catches
the head of the occupant as the occupant slides along the impact
surface 46 to slow and/or stop movement of the head of the occupant
toward the center console 36.
[0049] During inflation of the airbag 14 from the uninflated
position to the inflated position, the airbag 14 extends in a first
direction D from the base 40 to the impact surface 46, as
identified in FIG. 2. Specifically, the first direction D extends
generally in a vehicle 28-rearward direction from the base 40 to
the impact surface 46, e.g., in parallel with the longitudinal axis
of the vehicle 28. During inflation of the extension 32 from the
undeployed position to the deployed position, the extension 32
extends from the impact surface 46 in the first direction. In other
words, the extension 32 extends from the impact surface 46 in the
same direction as the airbag 14 extends from the base 40.
[0050] A schematic of a control system 66 of the vehicle 28 is
shown in FIG. 9. The control system 66 may include an impact
sensing system 22, a restraints control system 68, and a chassis
control system 70.
[0051] The control system 66 may include a communication bus 72,
such as a controller area network (CAN) bus, of the vehicle 28. The
impact sensing system 22, the restraints control system 68, and the
chassis control system 70 may be in communication with the
communication bus 72. The controller 20, e.g., the restraints
control module, may be configured use information from the
communication bus 72 to control the activation of the inflator 12
and/or the tether actuator 16. The inflator 12 and/or the tether
actuator 16 may be connected to the controller 20, as shown in FIG.
9, or may be connected directly to the communication bus 72.
[0052] The impact sensing system 22 may include at least one sensor
74 for sensing impact of the vehicle 28. The sensor 74 may be in
communication with the controller 20 of the restraints control
system 68, e.g., the restraints control module. The impact sensing
system 22 may be configured to determine the direction and/or
magnitude of the vehicle impact. Specifically, the impact sensing
system 22 may include a plurality of impact sensors 74 disposed at
various positions of the vehicle 28 for sensing various directions,
magnitudes, etc., of impacts.
[0053] Based on signals from the sensor 74, the controller 20,
e.g., the restraints control module, may instruct the inflator 12
to inflate the airbag 14, e.g., for providing an impulse to a
pyrotechnic charge of the inflator 12, when the sensor senses an
impact of the vehicle 28. Alternatively or additionally to sensing
impact, the impact sensing system 22 may be configured to sense
impact prior to impact, i.e., pre-impact sensing. The sensor 74 may
be of any suitable type, e.g., using radar, lidar, and/or a vision
system. The vision system may include one or more cameras, CCD
image sensors, and/or CMOS image sensor, etc.
[0054] The controller 20, e.g., the restraints control module, may
be a microprocessor-based controller 20. The sensor is in
communication with the controller 20 to communicate a signal to the
controller 20. Based on the signal communicated by the sensor 74,
the controller 20 instructs the inflator 12 to activate.
[0055] The controller 20 may, for example, be a computing device
including a processor, memory, etc. The memory may store
instructions comprising programming to perform the functions
described herein.
[0056] Computing devices such as those discussed herein generally
each include instructions executable by one or more computing
devices such as those identified above, and for carrying out blocks
or steps of processes described above. For example, process blocks
discussed above may be embodied as computer-executable
instructions.
[0057] Computer-executable instructions may be compiled or
interpreted from computer programs created using a variety of
programming languages and/or technologies, including, without
limitation, and either alone or in combination, Java.TM., C, C++,
Visual Basic, Java Script, Perl, HTML, etc. In general, a processor
(e.g., a microprocessor) receives instructions, e.g., from a
memory, a computer-readable medium, etc., and executes these
instructions, thereby performing one or more processes, including
one or more of the processes described herein. Such instructions
and other data may be stored and transmitted using a variety of
computer-readable media. A file in a computing device is generally
a collection of data stored on a computer readable medium, such as
a storage medium, a random access memory, etc.
[0058] A computer-readable medium includes any medium that
participates in providing data (e.g., instructions), which may be
read by a computer. Such a medium may take many forms, including,
but not limited to, non-volatile media, volatile media, etc.
Non-volatile media include, for example, optical or magnetic disks
and other persistent memory. Volatile media include dynamic random
access memory (DRAM), which typically constitutes a main memory.
Common forms of computer-readable media include, for example, a
floppy disk, a flexible disk, hard disk, magnetic tape, any other
magnetic medium, a CD-ROM, DVD, any other optical medium, punch
cards, paper tape, any other physical medium with patterns of
holes, a RAM, a PROM, an EPROM, a FLASH-EEPROM, any other memory
chip or cartridge, or any other medium from which a computer can
read.
[0059] The chassis control system 70 includes the steering wheel
angle sensor 24. The steering wheel angle sensor 24 senses the
rotational position of the steering wheel 26, e.g., relative to a
base 40 position. The chassis control system 70 includes a chassis
control module 76 in communication with the communication bus 72.
The chassis control module 76 may be configured to receive a signal
from the steering wheel angle sensor 24 indicating the rotational
position of the steering wheel 26. The chassis control module 76
may communicate a signal to the communication bus 72 indicating the
rotational position of the steering wheel 26. The controller 20,
e.g., the restraints control module, of the restraints control
system 68 may be configured to receive the signal indicating the
rotational position of the steering wheel 26.
[0060] As set forth above, the restraints control system 68
includes the controller 20, e.g., the restraints control module,
the inflator 12 in communication with the controller 20, and the
tether actuator 16 in communication with the controller 20. Based
on signals from the impact sensing system 22, e.g., the impact
sensors 74, and the chassis control system 70, e.g., the steering
wheel angle sensor 24, the controller 20, e.g., the restraints
control module, may provide instruction to the inflator 12 to
inflate the main portion 30 of the airbag 14 and may provide
instruction to the tether actuator 16 to release one or more of the
tethers 18 to release one or more of the extensions 32. The
instruction from the controller 20 to the tether actuator 16 may be
based on the direction of the vehicle impact, as sensed by the
impact sensing system 22, and/or may be based on the rotational
position of the steering wheel 26, as sensed by the steering wheel
angle sensor 24.
[0061] The disclosure has been described in an illustrative manner,
and it is to be understood that the terminology which has been used
is intended to be in the nature of words of description rather than
of limitation. Many modifications and variations of the present
disclosure are possible in light of the above teachings, and the
disclosure may be practiced otherwise than as specifically
described.
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