U.S. patent application number 15/175354 was filed with the patent office on 2017-12-07 for side airbag energy management system.
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 Manoj Desai, Christian J. Hosbach, Johnathan Andrew Line, Richard Joseph Soyka, JR., Martin Voelker.
Application Number | 20170349131 15/175354 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 60327814 |
Filed Date | 2017-12-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170349131 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Line; Johnathan Andrew ; et
al. |
December 7, 2017 |
SIDE AIRBAG ENERGY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
Abstract
A vehicle seating assembly that includes a vehicle seating
assembly that includes a seatback having a passenger support
attached to a trim carrier with a suspension assembly connecting a
support structure. The support structure includes a first trim
piece, a seat frame, and a rear panel portion. The rear panel
portion includes one or more upper inverted hooks, an energy
transfer bracket, and one or more lower 2-stage attachment clips.
An airbag deployment system is positioned proximate the first trim
piece and a second trim piece and configured to deploy an airbag
between the first and second trim pieces. The deployment energy is
dissipated through the one or more upper inverted hooks, the energy
transfer bracket, and the one or more lower 2-stage attachment
clips of the rear panel portion.
Inventors: |
Line; Johnathan Andrew;
(Northville, MI) ; Soyka, JR.; Richard Joseph;
(Shelby Township, MI) ; Voelker; Martin; (Walled
Lake, MI) ; Desai; Manoj; (Novi, MI) ;
Hosbach; Christian J.; (Taylor, MI) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Ford Global Technologies, LLC |
Dearborn |
MI |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Ford Global Technologies,
LLC
Dearborn
MI
|
Family ID: |
60327814 |
Appl. No.: |
15/175354 |
Filed: |
June 7, 2016 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60R 21/207 20130101;
B60N 2/503 20130101; B60N 2/686 20130101; B60R 2021/23146 20130101;
B60R 2021/0032 20130101; B60R 2021/161 20130101; B60N 2/64
20130101; B60R 21/23138 20130101; B60R 2021/0006 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B60R 21/207 20060101
B60R021/207; B60N 2/68 20060101 B60N002/68; B60N 2/50 20060101
B60N002/50; B60R 21/231 20110101 B60R021/231; B60N 2/64 20060101
B60N002/64 |
Claims
1. A vehicle seat back assembly comprising: a passenger support; a
suspension assembly coupling the passenger support to a support
structure, wherein the support structure comprises a first trim
piece, a seat frame, and a rear panel portion; wherein the rear
panel portion comprises one or more upper inverted hooks, an energy
transfer bracket, and one or more 2-stage attachment clips; a side
airbag coupled in position to the frame member; and an airbag
deployment system configured to deploy the side airbag generating a
deployment energy wherein the deployment energy is transferred to
one or more upper inverted hooks, the energy transfer bracket, and
one or more lower 2-stage attachment clips wherein the seat frame
remains attached but can be lifted up from the one or more upper
inverted hooks and the one or more lower 2-stage attachment clips
to dissipate the deployment energy.
2. The vehicle seat back assembly of claim 1, wherein the one or
more upper inverted hooks, the energy transfer bracket, and the one
or more lower 2-stage attachment clips are attached in a
rectangular architecture on the rear panel portion.
3. The vehicle seat back assembly of claim 1, wherein the one or
more upper inverted hooks has a hook angle from 40.degree. to
50.degree. to engage the seat frame through a frame member
opening.
4. The vehicle seat back assembly of claim 1, wherein the one or
more upper inverted hooks comprises a ribbed hook wall extending
out towards the seat frame.
5. The vehicle seat back assembly of claim 4, wherein the ribbed
hook wall has a thickness of at least 10 mm.
6. The vehicle seat back assembly of claim 1, wherein the one or
more upper inverted hooks is a pair of upper inverted hooks and the
one or more lower 2-stage attachment clips is a pair of lower
2-stage attachment clips.
7. (canceled)
8. The vehicle seat back assembly of claim 1, wherein the energy
transfer bracket is a reinforced area on the rear panel portion
that forms an outer edge of a map pocket.
9. A vehicle seating assembly comprising: a passenger support; a
suspension assembly; a support structure comprising a first trim
piece, a seat frame, and a rear panel portion; and an airbag
deployment system configured to deploy a side airbag using the rear
panel portion comprising one or more upper inverted hooks, an
energy transfer bracket, and one or more lower 2-stage attachment
clips to dissipate a deployment energy; wherein the seat frame can
be lifted up from the one or more upper inverted hooks and the one
or more lower 2-stage attachment clips to dissipate the deployment
energy.
10. The vehicle seating assembly of claim 9, wherein the one or
more upper inverted hooks, the energy transfer bracket, and the one
or more lower 2-stage attachment clips are attached in a
rectangular architecture on the rear panel portion.
11. The vehicle seating assembly of claim 9, wherein the one or
more upper inverted hooks have a hook angle from 40.degree. to
50.degree. to engage the seat frame through a frame member
opening.
12. The vehicle seating assembly of claim 9, wherein the one or
more upper inverted hooks comprise a ribbed hook wall extending out
towards the seat frame.
13. The vehicle seating assembly of claim 12, wherein the ribbed
hook wall has a thickness of at least 10 mm.
14. The vehicle seating assembly of claim 9, wherein the one or
more upper inverted hooks is a pair of upper inverted hooks and the
one or more lower 2-stage attachment clips is a pair of lower
2-stage attachment clips.
15. (canceled)
16. The vehicle seating assembly of claim 9, wherein the energy
transfer bracket is a reinforced area on the rear panel portion
that forms an outer edge of a map pocket.
17. A vehicle seating assembly comprising: an airbag deployment
system configured to deploy a side airbag coupled to a seat frame
using a rear panel portion comprising one or more upper inverted
hooks, an energy transfer bracket, and one or more lower 2-stage
attachment clips; wherein the seat frame can be lifted up from the
one or more upper inverted hooks and the one or more lower 2-stage
attachment clips to dissipate the deployment energy.
18. The vehicle seating assembly of claim 17, wherein the one or
more upper inverted hooks, the energy transfer bracket, and the one
or more lower 2-stage attachment clips are attached in a
rectangular architecture to the rear panel portion.
19. The vehicle seating assembly of claim 17, wherein the one or
more upper inverted hooks have a hook angle of 40.degree. to
50.degree. to engage the seat frame through a frame member
opening.
20. The vehicle seating assembly of claim 17, wherein the one or
more upper inverted hooks comprises a ribbed hook wall having a
thickness of at least 10 mm extending out towards the seat frame.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention generally relates to a vehicle seating
assembly, and more particularly, an attachment architecture and
energy transfer design for a side airbag deployment.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Vehicle seat assemblies are currently provided having
integrated safety features for the protection of the vehicle
occupant. Vehicle seat assemblies must be constructed in such a way
that the vehicle seat is structurally sound and provides the
support necessary for a vehicle occupant. In order to improve the
safety features of a vehicle seat, an airbag deployment device may
be incorporated into the vehicle seat design. When an airbag
deployment device is integrated into the vehicle seat design, the
assembly of the vehicle seat must accommodate proper deployment of
the airbag deployment device. Thus, it is desirable to provide a
seat assembly that can be assembled in an efficient manner while
providing coupling features that are configured to allow for proper
deployment of an airbag deployment device.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0003] According to one aspect of the present invention, a vehicle
seat back assembly includes a passenger support attached to a trim
carrier. The vehicle seat back assembly includes a suspension
assembly coupling the trim carrier and passenger support to a
support structure. The support structure includes a first trim
piece, a seat frame, and a rear panel portion wherein the rear
panel portion contains one or more upper inverted hooks, an energy
transfer bracket, and one or more lower 2-stage attachment clips. A
side airbag is coupled in position to the frame member and an
airbag deployment system is configured to deploy the side airbag
generating a deployment energy wherein the deployment energy is
transferred to the one or more upper inverted hooks, the energy
transfer bracket, and the one or more lower 2-stage attachment
clips to dissipate the deployment energy.
[0004] According to another aspect of the present invention, a
vehicle seating assembly includes a passenger support, a suspension
assembly, and a support structure wherein the support structure
includes a first trim piece, a seat frame, and a rear panel
portion. The vehicle seating assembly further includes an airbag
deployment system configured to deploy a side airbag using the rear
panel portion having one or more upper inverted hooks, an energy
transfer bracket, and one or more lower 2-stage attachment clips to
dissipate a deployment energy.
[0005] According to another aspect of the present invention, a
vehicle seating assembly includes a support structure having a
first trim piece, a seat frame, and a rear panel portion. The
vehicle seating assembly additionally includes an airbag deployment
system configured to deploy a side airbag coupled to the seat frame
using the rear panel portion having one or more upper inverted
hooks, an energy transfer bracket, and one or more lower 2-stage
attachment clips to dissipate a deployment energy.
[0006] These and other aspects, objects, and features of the
present invention will be understood and appreciated by those
skilled in the art upon studying the following specification,
claims, and appended drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] In the drawings:
[0008] FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of one embodiment of the
present disclosure disposed on a seating assembly within a
vehicle;
[0009] FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of the vehicle seat of FIG.
1;
[0010] FIG. 3 is a front elevational view of one embodiment of a
seating assembly, showing an airbag deployed in dashed lines;
[0011] FIG. 4 is side elevational view of one embodiment of a
seating assembly, showing an airbag deployed in dashed lines;
[0012] FIG. 5 is an exploded top perspective view of one embodiment
of a seatback;
[0013] FIG. 6 is an exploded top perspective view of one embodiment
of a support structure of a seatback;
[0014] FIG. 7 is a front perspective view of one embodiment of a
rear panel portion;
[0015] FIG. 8 is a rear perspective view of one embodiment of a
rear panel portion;
[0016] FIG. 9 is a front perspective view of one embodiment of a
rear panel portion;
[0017] FIG. 10 is an enhanced side view of one embodiment of a
upper inverted hook;
[0018] FIG. 11A is an enhanced view of one embodiment of an upper
inverted hook attached to a seat frame; and
[0019] FIG. 11B is an enhanced view of one embodiment of a 2-stage
attachment clip attached to a seat frame.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0020] Reference will now be made in detail to the present
embodiments, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying
drawings. Whenever possible, the same reference numerals will be
used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like
parts.
[0021] For purposes of description herein, the terms "upper,"
"lower," "right," "left," "rear," "front," "vertical,"
"horizontal," and derivatives thereof, shall relate to the
disclosure as oriented in FIG. 1, unless stated otherwise. However,
it is to be understood that the disclosure may assume various
alternative orientations, except where expressly specified to the
contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and
processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in
the following specification, are simply exemplary embodiments of
the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence,
specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to
the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as
limiting unless the claims expressly state otherwise. Additionally,
embodiments depicted in the figures may not be to scale or may
incorporate features of more than one embodiment.
[0022] As used herein, the term "and/or," when used in a list of
two or more items, means that any one of the listed items can be
employed by itself, or any combination of two or more of the listed
items can be employed. For example, if a composition is described
as containing components A, B, and/or C, the composition can
contain A alone; B alone; C alone; A and B in combination; A and C
in combination; B and C in combination; or A, B, and C in
combination.
[0023] Referring to FIGS. 1-11B, reference numeral 10 generally
designates a vehicle seating assembly that includes a seatback 22
having a passenger support 58 attached to a trim carrier 104 with a
suspension assembly 128 connecting a support structure 78. The
support structure 78 includes a first trim piece 50, a seat frame
132, and a rear panel portion 180. The rear panel portion 180
includes one or more upper inverted hooks 184, an energy transfer
bracket 192, and one or more lower 2-stage attachment clips 188. An
airbag deployment system 46 is positioned proximate the first trim
piece 50 and a second trim piece 54 and configured to deploy an
airbag 42 between the first and second trim pieces 50, 54. The
deployment energy is dissipated through the rear panel portion's
180 one or more upper inverted hooks 184, the energy transfer
bracket 192, and the one or more lower 2-stage attachment clips
188.
[0024] Referring now to FIG. 1, the vehicle seating assembly 10 is
positioned in a driver side location of a vehicle 18. The vehicle
seating assembly 10 includes a seat bottom 30 that is pivotally
coupled with the seatback 22 for pivotally adjusting the seatback
22 between upright and reclined positions relative to the seat
bottom 30. The seat bottom 30 is slidably coupled with a floor 34
of the vehicle 18 upon a track assembly 38. The track assembly 38
is configured to allow the vehicle seating assembly 10 to adjust in
a forward and rearward direction relative to the floor 34 of the
vehicle 18. It is understood that the vehicle seating assembly 10
may be positioned in various positions throughout the vehicle 18
other than the illustrated location, such as a passenger side
location, a mid-row location, and a rear seat location. It is also
conceivable that the vehicle seating assembly 10 may not include
the reclining feature and may not include the track 38, such that
the vehicle seating assembly 10 may be fixedly or alternatively
coupled with the floor 34 of the vehicle 18.
[0025] As also shown in FIG. 1, a controller 26 on the vehicle 18
is electrically coupled with the airbag deployment system 46. The
controller 26 operates to actuate the airbag 42 within the airbag
deployment system 46, causing the airbag 42 to inflate to a
deployed position 86 (FIG. 3) when the controller 26 senses a
collision event of the vehicle 18, as generally understood in the
art. The airbag deployment system 46 is included on and deploys
from the outboard side of the support structure 78 of the seatback
22. The outboard connotation, for purposes of this disclosure,
refers to a lateral side most proximate a side door or a side
interior region of the vehicle 18. In turn, the inboard connotation
for purposes of this disclosure refers to an area most proximate in
a central interior region of the vehicle 18 between the laterally
opposing outboard sides.
[0026] With reference to FIG. 2, the seatback 22 includes the
support structure 78, which has a first side member 70 and a second
side member 74 (FIG. 3), each pivotally coupled with a rear portion
of the seat bottom 30. A head restraint 14 is coupled with and
supported by a top member 82 of the support structure 78 and is
positioned centrally between the first and second side members 70,
74. The passenger support 58 extends forward from the support
structure 78 and includes an upper support component 62 and a lower
support component 66 for supporting an occupant's upper and lower
back, respectively. The upper support component 62 is configured to
pivot forward relative to the support structure 78 and the lower
support component 66 statically couples with the support structure
78. Although, it is conceivable that the upper support component 62
may also be static relative to the support structure 78. It is also
contemplated that the upper and lower support components 62, 66 of
the passenger support 58 may be a single integral component that
extends forward from the support structure 78. Further, it is
conceivable that the head restraint 14 may be integrated with the
upper support component 62 or that the head restraint 14 may
otherwise not be included on the vehicle seating assembly 10.
[0027] The passenger support 58, as shown in the embodiment
illustrated in FIGS. 3-4, extends forward and is suspended away
from the support structure 78 to define an external peripheral gap
94 spanning along the first and second side members 70, 74 and the
top member 82. The external peripheral gap 94 may expand upon
forward pivoting of the upper support component 62 and may be
compressed proximate an application of rearward force to the
passenger support 58. However, the external peripheral gap 94 is
configured to remain large enough for the airbag 42 of the airbag
deployment system 46 (FIG. 1) to deploy forward from the first side
member 70, through the external peripheral gap 94, and position the
airbag 42 in the deployed position 86, as shown in dashed lines.
The deployed position 86 of the airbag 42 in the illustrated
embodiment aligns the airbag 42 accurately between an occupant
seated in the seating assembly 10 and an adjacent door of the
vehicle 18 (FIG. 1), as described in more detail below.
[0028] As illustrated in FIG. 5, the upper and lower support
components 62, 66 of the passenger support 58 are attached to the
support structure 78 with a suspension assembly 128. In the
illustrated embodiment, the suspension assembly 128 includes
flexible members 130 extending forward and laterally outward from
the seatback support structure 78 to operably couple with angled
side bolsters 108 of the passenger support 58. The angled side
bolsters 108 are located on the lateral sides of the upper and
lower support components 62, 66 and are integrated with the shape
of the upper and lower support components 62, 66 to prevent lateral
movement of an occupant's back relative to the passenger support
58. An upper section 124 of the suspension assembly 128 has a
central body 120 and two outwardly extending flexible members 130
on opposing sides of the central body 120. The central body 120 of
the upper section 124 operably couples with a pivot bar 112 that
laterally extends between the opposing side portions of a lower
section 116 of the suspension assembly 128. The opposing side
portions of the lower section 116 similarly include outwardly
extending flexible members 130 that couple with the lower support
component 66 of the passenger support 58. Accordingly, in the
illustrated embodiment, the lower section 116 is static and the
upper section 124 is configured to pivot forward about the pivot
bar 112 to pivotally adjust the upper support component 62 relative
to the lower support component 66. It is contemplated that the
pivot bar 112 may be operably controlled with a motorized actuation
assembly or a manually adjustable actuation mechanism, and also
conceivable that the upper support component 62 may be statically
coupled with the support structure 78 of the seatback 22. It is
also conceivable that more or fewer flexible members 130 may be
included on the upper and/or lower sections 124, 116, such as a
single fin-shaped flexible member 130 on either side of the upper
or lower sections 124, 116.
[0029] As also shown in FIG. 5, the passenger support 58 in the
illustrated embodiment includes a trim carrier 104 having an open
matrix that defines a pattern of resilient elements that are
configured to support the weight of an occupant. The trim carrier
104 has an upper panel and a lower panel that detachably couple
with the respective upper section 124 and the lower section 116 of
the suspension assembly 128. The passenger support 58 also includes
a cushion 102 that is disposed over a forward facing surface of the
trim carrier 104. The cushion 102 includes a resilient structure of
woven fibers that has open areas for ventilation; however, the
cushion 102 may also include open cell foam, closed cell foam, or
other conceivable flexible and breathable materials. Further, the
passenger support 58 includes a cover stock 98 to define the back
support surface of the passenger support 58 and to assist in
retaining the cushion 102 against the trim carrier 104. The cover
stock 98 may conceivably include a fabric material, a leather
material, a vinyl material, or other upholstery materials generally
known in the art.
[0030] Referring now to FIG. 6, the internal seat frame 132 or the
seat frame 132 of the support structure 78 in the illustrated
embodiment includes a first frame member 160 and a second frame
member 164 extending upward from the pivotal connection with the
recliner brackets that attach to the seat bottom 30 (FIG. 2). The
first and second frame members 160, 164 are substantially parallel
with each other and curve upward and rearward from the recliner
brackets to provide a curved shape that is substantially similar to
an occupant's spinal column. Further, the first and second frame
members 160, 164 are more robust proximate the recliner brackets
and taper as they extend upward to couple with a top frame member
168 that extends orthogonally between the first and second frame
members 160, 164 to support the head restraint 14. Accordingly, the
first and second side members 70, 74 of the overall support
structure 78 include the first and second frame members 160, 164,
respectively, and the top member 82 (FIG. 2) includes the top frame
member 168. The first frame member 160 includes an elongated cavity
152 on an exterior side of the first frame member 160, such that
the first frame member 160 corresponds with the outboard side of
the vehicle seating assembly 10 in the driver's side location of
the illustrated embodiment. The elongated cavity 152 is shaped to
receive a base portion 194 of the airbag deployment system 46. A
retention aperture 156 is formed in the elongated cavity 152 for
receiving a lateral protrusion 196 on the base portion 194 that
houses an electrical wire that extends from the airbag deployment
system 46 to electrically couple with the vehicle controller 26.
More specifically, an intermediate region of the longitudinal
extent of the first frame member 160 includes a portion of the
elongated cavity 152 that is shaped to retain the airbag 42 in a
contained position. For purposes of this disclosure, the airbag 42
is shown throughout as being disposed on the first frame member 160
of the seat frame 132. However, it is contemplated that the airbag
deployment system 46 can be disposed on the second frame member 164
of the seat frame 132, such that the vehicle seat assembly 10 (FIG.
1) can be configured for use as a driver's side or passenger's side
assembly. The seat frame 132 is contemplated to be a reinforced
metal seat frame for providing sufficient support for a vehicle
occupant in use. The seat frame 132 further provides structural
support for the attachment of the support structure 78 and the
passenger support 58 of the vehicle seating assembly 10.
[0031] As also illustrated in FIG. 6, the first and second trim
pieces 50, 54 that engage to substantially enclose the internal
seat frame 132 are shown exploded away from the internal seat frame
132. The first trim piece 50 is a front, or vehicle forward, piece
and the second trim piece 54 is a rear trim piece. The first and
second trim pieces 50, 54 removably engage along a seam 90 (FIG. 4)
to conceal the airbag 42 and to define an exterior surface of the
support structure 78 (FIG. 2). The first trim piece 50 includes a
U-shape and substantially encloses a front portion of the internal
seat frame 132 and it is contemplated that the first trim piece 50
may extend laterally inward to couple with the suspension assembly
128. The second trim piece 54 wraps over the exterior sides of the
first and second frame members 160, 164 to partially conceal the
elongated cavity 152 and includes the rear panel portion 180 that
spans between the first and second frame members 160, 164 and to
substantially enclose a rear portion of the seat frame 132. As also
shown, an interior surface of the second trim piece 54 couples with
a sleeve member 200 of the airbag deployment system 46, as
described in more detail below. It is contemplated that the
internal seat frame 132 is constructed of a metal material and that
the first and second trim pieces 50, 54 are molded of a polymer
material. However, it is also conceivable that the frame 132 may be
constructed of other similar substantially rigid materials and the
first and second trim pieces 50, 54 may be made of other flexible
materials relative to the internal frame 132.
[0032] Additionally illustrated in FIG. 6, the rear panel portion
180 includes one or more upper inverted hooks 184, the energy
transfer bracket 192, and one or more lower 2-stage attachment
clips 188. The first trim piece 50 has an edge 140 that includes a
flange 144 having a body portion 148 with notches 136 that connect
with an attachment element 220 (FIG. 7) located in a cavity 176 of
an outer wall 172 of the second trim piece 54. The rear panel
portion 180 is molded of a rigid polymeric material, but can also
be composed of a flexible polymer, fabrics, and other materials.
Accordingly, the rear panel portion 180 may be hard, soft, or
flexible.
[0033] In some embodiments, the one or more upper inverted hooks is
a pair of upper inverted hooks and the one or more lower 2-stage
attachment clips is a pair of lower 2-stage attachment clips. In
other embodiments, the one or more upper inverted hooks can be 2,
3, 4, 5, or a higher number of upper inverted hooks. In additional
embodiments, the one or more lower 2-stage attachment clips can be
2, 3, 4, 5, or a higher number of lower 2-stage attachment clips.
In still other embodiments, the number of upper inverted hooks can
have the same number or a different number than the number of lower
2-stage attachment clips. For example, there can be 2 upper
inverted hooks and 2, 3, 4, 5, or a higher number of lower 2-stage
attachment clips
[0034] As illustrated in FIG. 7, the one or more of upper inverted
hooks 184, the energy transfer bracket 192, and the one or more
lower 2-stage attachment clips 188 are all directly attached or
formed to the rear panel portion 180. The one or more upper
inverted hooks 184 faces upwards and have a ribbed hook wall 204
extending out towards the seat frame 132 (FIG. 6) or the frame
member opening 166 (FIG. 6). The one or more upper inverted hooks
184 are constructed from a metal material or can be molded with a
polymer material the same as or different than the rear panel
portion 180. A rupture line 190 is a thinly contoured line
generally in a "W-shaped configuration" defined by a recessed
portion in the rear panel portion. The rupture line 190 is
configured to allow the buttocks and hips of an occupant to push
this portion of the vehicle seating assembly 10 rearward or allow
the knees of a rear occupant to push this portion of the vehicle
seating assembly 10 forward in a collision. A group of fins 208 are
located centrally between the one or more upper inverted hooks 184
to align and support the seat frame 132 while additionally
preventing lateral movement. A first receiving member 212 is
coupled at the top inside edge of the rear panel portion 180 and a
second receiving member 216 is coupled on both sides of the rear
panel portion 180 near the top inner side edge of the panel. Both
the first receiving member 212 and the second receiving members 216
are configured to attach to the seat frame 132 and/or first trim
piece 50 (FIG. 2). The attachment elements 220 on the inside edge
of the outer wall 172 on the second trim piece 54 can be attached
to the flange 144 (FIG. 5) with notches 136 (FIG. 5) of the first
trim piece 50 to enclose the seat frame 132. The one or more lower
2-stage attachment clips 188 is connected near the bottom inside
edge of the rear panel portion 180 and can be spaced closer
together than the one or more upper inverted hooks 184. The energy
transfer bracket 192 is a reinforced area on the rear panel portion
180, in the shape of a "U" that acts as a stiffener to add
structural rigidity. In some embodiments, the energy transfer
bracket 192 is made with the same material or thermoplastic
polyolefin (TPO) as the rear panel portion 180 and is positioned
above the one or more lower 2-stage attachment clips 188 with the U
facing up towards the top of the rear panel portion 180. The one or
more lower 2-stage attachment clips 188 are positioned near the
bottom of the rear panel portion 180 and are attached to the seat
frame 132 through a receiving slot 254 (FIG. 11B). A first stage of
attachment for the 2-stage attachment clips has the 2-stage
attachment clips attached at a top 252 (FIG. 11B) of the receiving
slot 254. A second stage of attachment for the 2-stage attachment
clips has the 2-stage attachment clips attached at a bottom 256
(FIG. 11B) of the receiving slot 254 after the airbag is deployed
pushing the 2-stage attachment clips down into the bottom 256 of
the receiving slot 254. A number of cylindrical bosses 224 and a
number of holes 228 are formed into or attached to the rear panel
portion 180 for additional means of connecting the rear panel
portion 180 to the seat frame 132 and the first trim piece 50.
[0035] As illustrated in FIG. 8, this rear perspective view of one
embodiment of the rear panel portion 180 includes the one or more
upper inverted hooks 184, the energy transfer bracket 192, and the
one or more lower 2-stage attachment clips 188 attached to or
formed into the rear panel portion 180. The energy transfer bracket
192 forms an outer edge or trim of a map pocket 232. The outer wall
172 on the second trim piece 54 forms the outer rear surface of the
seatback 22 (FIG. 1).
[0036] As illustrated in FIG. 9, the one or more upper inverted
hooks 184, the energy transfer bracket 192, and the one or more
lower 2-stage attachment clips 188 are positioned on the rear panel
portion 180. A rectangle 236 has been superimposed over these upper
inverted hooks 184, energy transfer bracket 192, and the lower
2-stage attachment clips 188 features to visualize a rectangular
architecture on the rear panel portion 180. The rectangular
architecture is defined on its short sides by the one or more upper
inverted hooks 184 and the one or more lower 2-stage attachment
clips 188 and is defined on its long sides by the sides of the
energy transfer bracket 192.
[0037] As illustrated in FIG. 10, the upper inverted hook 184 is
attached to the seat frame 132 through a frame member opening 166.
The frame member opening 166 of the seat frame 132 is nested in the
upper inverted hook 184 creating a space 248 beneath a top edge 240
of the frame member opening 166 and the base of the upper inverted
hook 184. The frame member opening 166 of the seat frame 132
additionally has a bottom edge 244 of the frame member opening 166.
The upper inverted hook 184 has a hook angle A to prevent the seat
frame from being back driven out upon deployment of the airbag 42
(FIG. 1). The hook angle A of the upper inverted hook 184 can be
from 40.degree. to 50.degree.. In other embodiments, the hook angle
A can be from 44.degree. to 48.degree., from 42.degree. to
46.degree., about 43.8.degree., about 44.0.degree., about
44.2.degree., about 44.4.degree., or about 44.6.degree.. There is a
width or a distance B beneath the top edge 240 of the frame member
opening 166 and between a front surface 260 and a back surface 264
of the upper inverted hook 184 of at least 5.4 mm. This distance is
required for the tolerance stampings and variations in the seat
frame 132 produced in manufacturing. In some embodiments, the width
or distance B beneath the top edge 240 of the frame member opening
166 and between the front surface 260 and the back surface 264 of
the upper inverted hook 184 is at least 6 mm, at least 5 mm, or at
least 4 mm. The ribbed hook wall 204 (FIG. 11A) of the upper
inverted hook 184 has a thickness C of at least 10.4 mm. This
ribbed hook wall 204 must be a minimum thickness to impart enough
strength to the upper inverted hook 184. In other embodiments, the
thickness of the ribbed hook wall 204 is at least 10 mm, at least
11 mm, or at least 12 mm.
[0038] As illustrated in FIGS. 11A and 11B, FIG. 11A shows a zoomed
in view of the upper inverted hook 184 attached to the seat frame
132 through the frame member opening 166 and FIG. 11B shows the
2-stage attachment clip 188 connected to the seat frame 132 in its
lower first stage. When the airbag deployment system 46 (FIG. 1) is
triggered to deploy the airbag 42 (FIG. 1), a deployment energy is
generated and the airbag 42 first deploys outwardly against a
vehicle door or a vehicle wall. Upon deployment and an initial
impact with the vehicle door or vehicle wall, the deployment energy
is transferred to the vehicle seating assembly 10 and is absorbed
by the one or more upper inverted hooks 184, the energy transfer
bracket 192 (FIG. 9), and the one or more lower 2-stage attachment
clips 188 of the rear panel portion 180 (FIG. 10) to fully
dissipate the deployment energy. To absorb and dissipate the
airbag's 42 deployment energy, the rear panel portion 180 is pushed
and lifted up and out from the one or more upper inverted hooks 184
and the one or more lower 2-stage attachment clips 188. The seat
frame 132 remains attached but can be lifted up from both the one
or more upper inverted hooks 184 and the one or more lower 2-stage
attachment clips 188 to dissipate the deployment energy. In a first
attachment, the lower 2-stage attachment clip 188 is coupled to the
seat frame 132 through a receiving slot 254. Upon deployment of the
airbag 42, the lower 2-stage attachment clip 188 slides up through
the receiving slot 254 of the seat frame 132. The added stiffness
and structural stability imparted by the energy transfer bracket
192 prevents the rear panel portion 180 from ripping or tearing off
of the seat frame 132 and passenger support 58 (FIG. 2) of the
vehicle seating assembly 10. The one or more upper inverted hooks
184, the energy transfer bracket 192, and the one or more lower
2-stage attachment clips 188 of the rear panel portion 180 work
together to fully dissipate the deployment energy created by the an
airbag deployment system 46.
[0039] It will be understood by one having ordinary skill in the
art that construction of the described disclosure and other
components is not limited to any specific material. Other exemplary
embodiments of the disclosure disclosed herein may be formed from a
wide variety of materials, unless described otherwise herein.
[0040] For purposes of this disclosure, the term "coupled" (in all
of its forms, couple, coupling, coupled, etc.) generally means the
joining of two components (electrical or mechanical) directly or
indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary in nature
or movable in nature. Such joining may be achieved with the two
components (electrical or mechanical) and any additional
intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary
body with one another or with the two components. Such joining may
be permanent in nature or may be removable or releasable in nature
unless otherwise stated.
[0041] It is also important to note that the construction and
arrangement of the elements of the disclosure as shown in the
exemplary embodiments is illustrative only. Although only a few
embodiments of the present innovations have been described in
detail in this disclosure, those skilled in the art who review this
disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are
possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes
and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters,
mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations,
etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and
advantages of the subject matter recited. For example, elements
shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts or
elements shown as multiple parts may be integrally formed, the
operation of the interfaces may be reversed or otherwise varied,
the length or width of the structures and/or members or connector
or other elements of the system may be varied, the nature or number
of adjustment positions provided between the elements may be
varied. It should be noted that the elements and/or assemblies of
the system may be constructed from any of a wide variety of
materials that provide sufficient strength or durability, in any of
a wide variety of colors, textures, and combinations. Accordingly,
all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope
of the present innovations. Other substitutions, modifications,
changes, and omissions may be made in the design, operating
conditions, and arrangement of the desired and other exemplary
embodiments without departing from the spirit of the present
innovations.
[0042] It will be understood that any described processes or steps
within described processes may be combined with other disclosed
processes or steps to form structures within the scope of the
present disclosure. The exemplary structures and processes
disclosed herein are for illustrative purposes and are not to be
construed as limiting.
[0043] It is also to be understood that variations and
modifications can be made on the aforementioned structures and
methods without departing from the concepts of the present
disclosure, and further it is to be understood that such concepts
are intended to be covered by the following claims unless these
claims by their language expressly state otherwise.
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