Title: Air bag including variable tethers
Abstract: An air bag assembly adapted for use in opposing relation to a vehicle occupant. The assembly includes one or more tethering elements which may be selectively released from a first restrained condition to a second restrained condition in a predefined manner so as to control the inflated profile of the air bag cushion based upon vehicle and/or occupant conditions while nonetheless maintaining tension within the tethering elements in both the first and second restrained conditions.
Patent Number: 7,021,657 Issued on 04/04/2006 to Kassman, et al.
| Inventors:
|
Kassman; Mark E. (Miamisburg, OH);
Winters; Mark Thomas (Troy, OH);
Kneisly; Ann L. (Dayton, OH);
Schatz; Patrick W. (Tipp City, OH);
Pinsenschaum; Ryan Todd (Vandalia, OH)
|
| Assignee:
|
Delphi Technologies, Inc. (Troy, MI)
|
| Appl. No.:
|
291127 |
| Filed:
|
November 8, 2002 |
| Current U.S. Class: |
280/743.2 |
| Current Intern'l Class: |
B60R 21/16 (20060101) |
| Field of Search: |
280/731,732,739,743.2
|
References Cited [Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
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| 5172934 | Dec., 1992 | Frantz et al.
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| 5308113 | May., 1994 | Moriset.
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| 5380038 | Jan., 1995 | Hawthorn et al.
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| 5489119 | Feb., 1996 | Prescaro et al.
| |
| 5762367 | Jun., 1998 | Wolanin.
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| 5887894 | Mar., 1999 | Castagner et al.
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| 5997037 | Dec., 1999 | Hill et al.
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| 6076854 | Jun., 2000 | Schenck.
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| 6086096 | Jul., 2000 | Link et al.
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| 6209911 | Apr., 2001 | Igawa et al.
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| 6390501 | May., 2002 | Greib et al.
| |
| 6419267 | Jul., 2002 | Hashimoto et al.
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| 6422597 | Jul., 2002 | Pinsenschaum et al.
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| 6425603 | Jul., 2002 | Eschbach.
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| 6454300 | Sep., 2002 | Dunkle et al.
| |
| 6502858 | Jan., 2003 | Amamori.
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| 6561545 | May., 2003 | Greib et al.
| |
| 6592146 | Jul., 2003 | Pinsenschaum et al.
| |
| 6616184 | Sep., 2003 | Fischer.
| |
| 6749217 | Jun., 2004 | Damian et al.
| |
| 2002/0036400 | Mar., 2002 | Winters et al.
| |
| 2002/0146949 | Oct., 2002 | Keshavaraj.
| |
Primary Examiner: Dickson; Paul N.
Assistant Examiner: Rosenberg; Laura B.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: McBain; Scott A.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An air bag assembly for cushioning restraint of a vehicle occupant during
an impact event, the air bag assembly comprising:
an inflatable air bag cushion adapted to be inflated to assume an inflated profile
when connected to a gas emitting inflator such that upon discharge of inflation
gas from the inflator the air bag cushion is inflated to a deployed state from
a location of deployment in substantially opposing relation to the occupant, the
air bag cushion including an impact face portion and side portions extending away
from the impact face portion;
a plurality of elongate profile restraining tether elements disposed within the
air bag cushion, wherein at least a portion of the profile restraining tether elements
intersect with one another so as to define a tether intersection, wherein the tether
elements are operatively coupled to one another at the tether intersection and
wherein the tether elements extend radially away from the tether intersection to
points of secure attachment remote from the impact face portion; and
an elongate anchoring line having a first end secured to the profile restraining
tether elements substantially at the tether intersection and a second end normally
anchored in releasable relation to a support structure remote from the impact face
portion, the elongate anchoring line having an operative length such that when
the anchoring line is anchored to the support structure the tether intersection
is pulled towards the support structure and the inflated profile of the air bag
cushion is restrained to a first depth, and wherein the anchoring line is releasable
from anchoring relation to the support structure in response to an activation signal
such that upon release the tether elements restrain the air bag cushion to a second
depth which is greater than said first depth, wherein a substantially two dimensional
tether guide element is secured to an interior surface of the impact face portion,
the tether guide element comprising a plurality of peripheral openings adapted
for sliding passage of the profile restraining tether elements and an interior
opening inboard of the peripheral openings adapted for sliding passage of the tether
intersection and surrounding portions of the tether elements therethrough when
the anchoring line is anchored to the support structure.
2. The invention as recited in claim 1, wherein the tether guide element comprises
a panel of pliable material.
3. The invention as recited in claim 2, wherein the panel of pliable material
comprises a textile fabric.
4. An air bag assembly for cushioning restraint of a vehicle occupant during
an impact event, the air bag assembly comprising:
an inflatable air bag cushion adapted to be inflated to assume an inflated profile
when connected to a gas emitting inflator such that upon discharge of inflation
gas from the inflator the air bag cushion is inflated to a deployed state from
a location of deployment in substantially opposing relation to the occupant, the
air bag cushion including an impact face portion and side portions extending away
from the impact face portion and wherein the side portions include a plurality
of guide slots disposed at an interior surface of the side portions;
a plurality of elongate profile restraining tether elements disposed within the
air bag cushion, wherein at least a portion of the profile restraining tether elements
intersect with one another so as to define a tether intersection, wherein the tether
elements are operatively coupled to one another at the tether intersection and
wherein the tether elements extend radially away from the tether intersection to
points of secure attachment remote from the impact face portion; and
an elongate anchoring line having a first end secured to the profile restraining
tether elements substantially at the tether intersection, a second end normally
anchored in releasable relation to a support structure remote from the impact face
portion of the air bag cushion and an intermediate segment between the first end
and the second end normally threaded through at least a portion of said plurality
of guide slots disposed at the interior surface of side portions of the air bag
cushion such that the side portions of the air bag cushion are normally held at
the anchoring line at least partially restraining the side portions against full
radial expansion, the anchoring line having an operative length such that when
the anchoring line is anchored to the support structure the tether intersection
is pulled towards the support structure and the inflated profile of the air bag
cushion is restrained to a first depth, and wherein the anchoring line is releasable
from anchoring relation to the support structure in response to an activation signal
such that the anchoring line is disengaged from said plurality of guide slots disposed
at the interior surface of side portions of the air bag cushion and such that the
tether elements restrain the air bag cushion to a second depth which is greater
than said first depth when the anchoring line is released from the support structure.
5. The invention as recited in claim 4, wherein a substantially two dimensional
tether guide element is secured to an interior surface of the impact face portion,
the tether guide element comprising a plurality of peripheral openings adapted
for sliding passage of the profile restraining tether elements and an interior
opening inboard of the peripheral openings adapted for sliding passage of the tether
intersection and surrounding portions of the tether elements therethrough when
the anchoring line is anchored to the support structure.
6. The invention as recited in claim 5, wherein the tether guide element comprises
a panel of pliable material.
7. The invention as recited in claim 6, wherein the panel of pliable material
comprises a textile fabric.
8. The invention as recited in claim 4, wherein the points of secure attachment
remote from the impact face portion are disposed at interior surfaces of the side
portions of the air bag cushion.
9. The invention as recited in claim 4, wherein the tether intersection is secured
in fixed relation to the impact face portion of the air bag cushion.
10. The invention as recited in claim 9, wherein the points of secure attachment
remote from the impact face portion are disposed at interior surfaces of the side
portions of the air bag cushion.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
This invention relates to an air bag assembly, and more particularly to an air
bag assembly including an inflatable air bag cushion having an arrangement of tethering
elements within the air bag cushion to provide variable controlled shaping restraint
within the air bag cushion. The tethers are releasable from a first restrained
condition imparting a restrained tension to the air bag cushion to at least a second
restrained condition so as to permit the air bag cushion to inflate to an enhanced
profile while still providing a restrained tensioning arrangement.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
It is well known to provide an air bag assembly including an inflatable air bag
cushion for protecting the occupant of a transportation vehicle. In an automotive
vehicle such air bag assemblies are typically located in the hub of the steering
wheel and in a recess in the vehicle instrument panel for protection of the vehicle
occupants seated in opposing relation to such assemblies. Additional air bag assemblies
may be located within the seats and/or door panels for protection of occupants
during a side impact event. Air bag assemblies typically include an inflatable
cushion, and a gas emitting inflator mounted in fluid communication with the inflatable
cushion. In a driver side air bag module, a base plate typically supports the inflator
at the interior of the steering wheel or other appropriate location opposing the
occupant to be protected. The mouth of the air bag is disposed in surrounding relation
to the inflator with a perimeter portion of the mouth being held between the base
plate and an overlying retainer to effect a secure relation between the inflator
and the cushion. In a passenger side assembly, the inflator is typically held within
a trough-like housing with the air bag cushion being held along the walls of the
housing such that inflation gas passes from the inflator into the cushion upon
activation of the inflator. Both driver side air bag modules and passenger side
air bag modules are well known. In the past it has been advocated to adjust the
inflated profile of air bag cushions by selective release of tethering elements.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides advantages and alternatives over the prior art
by providing an air bag assembly adapted for use in opposing relation to a vehicle
occupant which assembly includes one or more tethering elements which may be cooperatively
released from a first restrained condition to a second restrained condition in
a predefined manner so as to control the inflated profile of the air bag cushion
based upon vehicle and/or occupant conditions while nonetheless maintaining tension
in within the tethering elements in both the first and second restrained conditions.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The present invention will now be described by way of example only, with reference
to the accompanying drawings which constitute a part of the specification herein
and in which:
FIG. 1 is a view of the interior of an automotive vehicle incorporating driver
side and passenger side air bag modules;
FIG. 2 is a cut-away schematic of an air bag cushion incorporating shape-controlling
tethering elements held in a first restrained condition restraining the air bag
cushion to a first depth;
FIG. 3 is a view similar to FIG. 2 illustrating the tethering elements in an
extended operative depth condition restraining the air bag cushion to a second depth;
FIG. 4 is a view illustrating an arrangement of tethering elements at the interior
of the impact face of the air bag cushion;
FIG. 5 is a view similar to FIG. 4 illustrating an air bag cushion construction
including tether accepting openings disposed around the perimeter of the air bag cushion;
FIG. 6 illustrates the air bag cushion arrangement in FIG. 5 in operation with
the tethers at the interior and passing through the tether accepting openings collected
at the center of the air bag cushion;
FIG. 7 is a view taken generally along line 7—7 in FIG.
6 illustrating the gathered edge arrangement of the air bag cushion;
FIG. 8 is a view similar to FIG. 6 following release of the tethering elements
to an extended operative depth;
FIG. 9 is a view similar to FIG. 5 illustrating an alternative tethering arrangement
at the interior of the face of the air bag cushion;
FIG. 10 is a view illustrating the air bag cushion of FIG. 9 in a constrained
gathered condition with the tethering elements held to a first restrained operative
depth; and
FIG. 11 is a view similar to FIG. 10 but with the tethering elements in a released
condition and with air bag cushion expanded to an increased depth.
While the invention has been illustrated and generally described above, it
will hereinafter be described in connection with certain exemplary embodiments,
constructions and procedures, it is to be understood that in no event is the invention
to be limited to such illustrated and described embodiments, constructions and
procedures. On the contrary, it is intended that the present invention shall extend
to all alternatives and modifications as may embrace the principles of this invention
within the true spirit and scope thereof.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Reference will now be made to the drawings wherein to the extent possible
like reference numerals are utilized to designate like components throughout the
various views. In FIG. 1, there is illustrated the interior of a vehicle 10
for transporting an operator 12 and a passenger 14. As illustrated,
the vehicle 10 may include a passenger side air bag system 16 mounted
within the dash panel in substantially opposing relation to the vehicle passenger
14. The vehicle 10 will also include a driver side air bag system
17 mounted within the steering wheel 18 for protection of the vehicle
operator 12. According to a potentially preferred practice, the air bag
assembly mounted within the steering wheel 18 is stored in hidden relation
below a cover 20 which opens along tear seams 22 upon activation
of the air bag assembly in a manner as will be well known to those of skill in
the art. Such activation typically takes place upon the occurrence and measurement
of predetermined vehicle conditions such as deceleration at a rate exceeding a
predetermined value.
As shown, the vehicle 10 may incorporate one or more sensors 24
such as optical sensors for measuring the dimensions of the vehicle occupants 12,
14. Likewise, mass and/or position sensors (not shown) may be incorporated
within the seaming structure and/or at other suitable locations to provide further
information on the characteristics of the vehicle occupants. A sensor may also
be provided to register whether or not the occupants are utilizing recommended
seat belts. Data from the various sensors measuring occupant parameters as well
as data from sensors measuring vehicle conditions may be translated to an onboard
computer which in turn relays deployment activation signals to the driver side
air bag system 17 and the passenger side air bag system 16 during
a collision event. Referring to FIGS. 2-4, a first arrangement for a vehicle air
bag assembly is shown schematically. As shown, the air bag assembly 28 includes
an inflatable air bag cushion 30 having a gas inlet opening 32 in
fluid communication with a gas emitting inflator 34 which may be housed
at a support member 35 such as a base plate or the like.
As will be appreciated by those of skill in the art, the air bag cushion 30
may be formed by seaming together panels of pliable material such as fabric and
the like to achieve a desired configuration. In the illustrated assembly, the air
bag cushion 30 may be formed by seaming together two substantially disk
shaped pieces of material by a seam 36 to form the construction substantially
as illustrated in FIG. 2. Of course, it is to be understood that this simplified
construction is exemplary only and that any other construction including multiple
panel constructions may likewise be utilized if desired.
In the illustrated embodiment, the air bag assembly 28 includes an arrangement
of shape restraining elongate tethering elements 38 such as elongate straps
or the like. As illustrated, the tethering elements 38 preferably extend
from positions of attachment 40 on a body portion of the air bag cushion
30 to a collection region 42 at the interior of an impact face 44
of the air bag cushion 30.
As best illustrated in FIG. 4 wherein the air bag cushion 30 is shown turned
inside out from its normal operative condition, the collection region 42
may include a threaded guide element 46 in the form of a panel of material
seamed around its perimeter to the underside of the impact face 44. According
to the illustrated construction, the guide element 46 includes a plurality
of perimeter acceptance openings 48 for acceptance of the tethering elements.
The guide element 46 also preferably includes a central outlet opening 50
through which the joined together tethering elements 38 may be pulled in
a manner to be described further hereinafter.
As best illustrated through simultaneous reference to FIGS. 2 and 4, the tethering
elements 38 may be joined together at the position of convergence below
the guide element 46 such as by a seam 52 which connects the tethering
elements 38 together and in affixed relation to an anchoring line 54
such as a strap or the like. Thus, by pulling the anchoring line 54 away
from the impact face 44, the effective operative depth of the tethering
elements 38 may be shortened (FIG. 2). As illustrated, the shortened
operative depth of the tethering elements 38 may be maintained by holding
the anchoring line 54 at an anchoring assembly 56 which is adapted
to selectively disengage from the anchoring line 54 under conditions where
expanded depth is desired in the air bag cushion 30.
By way of example only, and not limitation, according to one contemplated arrangement
the anchoring assembly 56 may include a displaceable locking pin element
60 which mateably engages a portion of the anchoring line 54 so as
to hold the anchoring line 54 in place with the tethering elements 38
in the shortened operative condition illustrated in FIG. 2. The locking
pin element 60 may be operatively connected to a solenoid 62 which
strokes open or closed upon the receipt of an activation signal through lead lines
64 such that upon activation, the locking pin element 60 is moved
out of locking relation to the anchoring line 54 (FIG. 3). By way
of example only, such activation may take place in instances such as use of the
system by a large occupant and/or an occupant seated a substantial distance away
from the air bag cushion and/or an impact event of extreme severity in which enhanced
cushion depth may be desirable.
Of course, the disengagement of a locking pin element is to be understood as
being
merely an exemplary method of releasing the anchoring line 54 and that any
other suitable method may likewise be used. By way of example only, and not limitation,
it is contemplated that the solenoid 62 may be replaced with a pressure
generating squib which moves the locking pin element 60 out of engagement
with the anchoring line 54. It is also contemplated that the anchoring line
54 may be held in place by a frangible explosive-type bolt release which
is activated by an initiator. It is also contemplated that the anchoring line 54
may be cut or burned through such as by the use of an actuated knife blade or detonation
cord or the like.
Regardless of the actual structure of the anchoring assembly, it is contemplated
that the anchoring assembly 56 will be adapted to selectively retain or
release the anchoring line 54 so as to adjust the operative depth of the
tethering elements 38. In operation, it is contemplated that the anchoring
line 54 will be normally held at the anchoring assembly 56 so as
to shorten the operative depth of the tethering elements 38 and thereby
restrain the depth of the air bag cushion 30 (FIG. 2). However, upon
the occurrence of vehicle and/or occupant conditions which necessitate a deeper
air bag profile, the solenoid 62 or other release mechanism is activated
thereby releasing the anchoring line 54 and allowing the air bag cushion
30 to expand to a deeper profile (FIG. 3). As will be appreciated,
in the extended depth arrangement illustrated in FIG. 3, the tethering elements
38 preferably remain in affixed relation to one another even after the release
of the anchoring line 54. Thus, even in the expanded depth arrangement,
the tethering elements 38 are held in tension and cannot be withdrawn completely
from the guide element 46. A degree of profile restraint is thereby maintained
by the tethering elements 38 even in the released condition.
As will be appreciated, the present invention is adaptable to a large number
of
alternatives and variations. By way of example only, and not limitation, a variation
on the embodiment as described above is illustrated in FIGS. 5-8 wherein elements
corresponding to those previously illustrated and described are designated by like
reference numerals increased by 100. As shown, the air bag cushion 130
is substantially similar to the configuration previously described with the exception
that the perimeter includes a peripheral selvage portion 170 located outboard
of the perimeter seam 136. As shown, a multiplicity of openings 172
is disposed around the selvage portion 170. As will be appreciated by those
of skill in the art, the air bag cushion is typically formed with the attached
tethers sewn around the exterior and is thereafter turned inside out for subsequent
use. Thus, in the operative condition the selvage 170 defines an interior
ring with the openings 172 inboard of the perimeter seam 136 (FIG.
8). As best seen in FIG. 7, in order to provide radial profiling restraint,
each of the openings 172 may thereafter be pulled to the center of the air
bag cushion 130 in a gathered relationship. This gathering at the center
transforms the previously circular air bag cushion 130 to a substantially
square orientation. As best illustrated in FIG. 6, the gathered arrangement yielding
the relatively low profile square orientation may be maintained by passing the
anchoring line 154 through the aligned openings 172 and securing
the anchoring line 154 in place at the anchoring assembly 156 as
previously described. Thus, prior to the activation of the anchoring assembly 156
to release the anchoring line 154, the tethering elements 138 are
held in a state of shortened operative depth with the sides of the air bag cushion
130 being simultaneously restrained against radial expansion. Upon the release
of the anchoring line 154, the outward projection of the impact face 144
pulls the anchoring line 154 out of engagement with the openings 172
thereby allowing the air bag cushion 130 to expand radially outwardly to
provide enhanced lateral coverage. At the same time, the tethering elements 138
are permitted to extend to their full normal operative depth between the positions
of attachment 140 on the air bag cushion body and the guide element 146
at the collection region 142. However, as with the previously described
construction, the tethering elements 138 remain attached to one another
and thus maintain a degree of shape forming tethering tension even in the released
stated illustrated in FIG. 8.
Still another exemplary embodiment of the present invention is illustrated
in FIGS. 9-11 wherein elements corresponding to those previously described are
designated by like reference numerals within a 200 series. In the illustrated
embodiment, the tethering elements 238 extend away from positions of attachment
240 along the air bag cushion body to a collection region 242 at
the impact face 244. At the collection region 242, the tethering
elements 238 are affixed by a seam 252 to both the impact face 244
as well as to an anchoring line 254. Thus, as illustrated in FIG. 10, the
impact face 244 is restrained directly by the anchoring line 254.
As shown, such an arrangement provides an enhanced degree of restraint at the impact
face 244. In the illustrated arrangement, the air bag cushion 230
also includes a selvage portion 270 with acceptance openings 272
as previously described in relation to the embodiment of FIGS. 5-8. Thus, as shown
in FIG. 10, substantial restraint may be achieved in both the lateral and vertical
expansion of the air bag cushion 230 when the anchoring line 254
is held in an anchored position. However, upon release of the anchoring line 254,
both vertical and lateral expansion is permitted (FIG. 11). Of course, as
with previous embodiments, the tethering elements 238 retain an effective
operative depth between the positions of attachment 240 and the collection
region 242 such that a degree of shape defining tensioning restraint is
maintained even in the released condition. Of course, if desired, the perimeter
openings 272 may be eliminated or not used so as to provide greater radial
expansion even in the initial restrained condition.
It is to be understood that while the present invention has been illustrated
and
described in relation to various exemplary embodiments, constructions and practices
that such embodiments, constructions and practices are intended to be illustrative
only and that the present invention is in no event to be limited thereto. Rather,
it is contemplated that modifications and variations embodying the principles of
the present invention will no doubt occur to those of skill in the art and it is
therefore contemplated and intended that the present invention shall extend to
all such modifications and variations as may incorporate the broad principles of
the invention within the full spirit and scope thereof.
*
