WO2019069143A2

WO2019069143A2 - Airbag deployment trajectory control mechanism and method with positioner

Info

Publication number: WO2019069143A2
Application number: PCT/IB2018/001554
Authority: WO
Inventors: Heng Zhang; Jeffrey D. Rupp; Christopher J. ECKERT; Yih-Charng Deng
Original assignee: NIO Nextev Ltd
Current assignee: NIO Nextev Ltd
Priority date: 2017-03-29
Filing date: 2018-03-29
Publication date: 2019-04-11
Anticipated expiration: 2019-09-29
Also published as: WO2019069143A3

Abstract

A system and method of inflating an airbag and trajectory control tube are disclosed. The system and method include detecting application of a force towards at least one of a plurality of sensors, initiating an inflation system to cause inflation of the airbag and the trajectory control tube responsive to the detecting, inflating the trajectory control tube based on the initiating, inflating the airbag, and breaching the airbag and the trajectory control tube compartment. The system and method include guiding the airbag deployment trajectory via the trajectory control tube guides the airbag deployment trajectory. The system and method include the guiding occurs as the airbag begins to inflate, as the airbag inflates, after the airbag has inflated or before the airbag inflates. The system and method include inflating the airbag positioner to reposition an out-of-position occupant reducing the constraints on the design of the airbag and improving protection for the in-position occupant.

Description

AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT TRAJECTORY CONTROL MECHANISM AND METHOD WITH POSITIONER

FIELD OF INVENTION

[0001] The present invention is related to airbag deployment and particularly to an airbag positioner and the control of the trajectory of airbag deployment.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Airbag deployment trajectory is an important consideration in airbag restraint system design. Good deployment trajectory may enhance protection for occupants and avoid inflation induced injuries to out-of-position (OOP) occupants. In the past, the restraint system suppliers have used airbag shape and the assembly of fabric pieces, tethers inside the airbag, airbag folding pattern, and inflator nozzle orientation to attempt to control airbag deployment trajectory. The old methods have required trial-and-error techniques and can provide less than optimal outcomes.

[0003] Airbag suppliers have relied on tuning the inflator and airbag design to satisfy the in-position (IP) and OOP occupant requirements simultaneously. Generally, satisfying the requirements simultaneously leads to a compromise for the IP occupants.

SUMMARY

[0004] In one embodiment, systems and methods of inflating an airbag and trajectory control tube are disclosed. Embodiments of the systems and methods may comprise detecting application of a force towards at least one of a plurality of sensors, initiating an inflation system to cause inflation of the airbag and the trajectory control tube responsive to the detecting, inflating the trajectory control tube based on the initiating, inflating the airbag, and breaching the airbag and the trajectory control tube compartment. The system and method may comprise guiding the airbag deployment trajectory via the trajectory control tube. The system and method may comprise the guiding that occurs as the airbag begins to inflate, as the airbag inflates, after the airbag has inflated or before the airbag inflates.

[0005] In another embodiment, a passive restraint system is disclosed. The passive restraint system may comprise an airbag that is capable of deploying upon impact to restrain the body of at least one occupant and at least one trajectory control tube adhered to the airbag, the at least one trajectory control tube capable of guiding the airbag deployment trajectory. The passive restraint system may comprise the guiding that occurs as the airbag begins to deploy, as the airbag deploys, after the airbag has deployed or before the airbag deploys.

[0006] In another embodiment, an automobile including a passive restraint system is disclosed. The automobile may comprise an airbag that is capable of deploying upon impact to restrain the body of at least one occupant and at least one trajectory control tube adhered to the airbag, the at least one trajectory control tube capable of guiding the airbag deployment trajectory. The automobile may comprise the guiding that occurs as the airbag begins to deploy, as the airbag deploys, after the airbag has deployed or before the airbag deploys.

[0007] In another embodiment, a system and method of inflating an airbag are disclosed. The system and method include detecting application of a force towards at least one of a plurality of sensors, initiating an inflation system to cause inflation of the airbag and an airbag positioner responsive to the detecting, inflating the airbag positioner based on the initiating, inflating the airbag, and breaching a compartment initially housing at least one of the airbag and the airbag positioner. The system and method include inflating the airbag positioner to reposition an out-of-position occupant reducing the constraints on the design of the airbag and improving protection for the in-position occupant. The airbag positioner may be an airbag. The airbag positioner is inflated or sized to produce a force to re-position an out-of-position occupant.

[0008] In another embodiment, a passive restraint system is disclosed. The passive restraint system may comprise an airbag that is capable of deploying upon impact to restrain a body of at least one occupant, and at least one airbag positioner operating in conjunction with the airbag, the at least one airbag positioner capable of repositioning the occupant if the original position of the occupant is out-of-position. The repositioning the out-of- position occupant reduces the constraints on the design of the airbag and improves protection for the in-position occupant. The airbag positioner may be an airbag. The airbag positioner is inflated or sized to produce an appropriate force to re-position an out-of- position occupant.

[0009] In another embodiment, an automobile including a passive restraint system is disclosed. The automobile may comprise an airbag that is capable of deploying upon impact to restrain a body of at least one occupant, and at least one airbag positioner operating in conjunction with the airbag, the at least one airbag positioner capable of repositioning the occupant if the original position of the occupant is out-of-position. The repositioning the out-of-position occupant reduces the constraints on the design of the airbag and improves protection for the in-position occupant. The airbag positioner may be an airbag. The airbag positioner is inflated or sized to produce an appropriate force to re-position an out-of- position occupant.

[0010] In one embodiment, a method of inflating an airbag and trajectory control tube is disclosed, the method comprising: detecting application of a force towards at least one of a plurality of sensors; initiating an inflation system to cause inflation of the airbag and the trajectory control tube responsive to the detecting; inflating the trajectory control tube based on the initiating; inflating the airbag; and breaching a compartment initially housing the airbag and the trajectory control tube.

[0011] In another embodiment, a passive restraint system is disclosed, the system comprising: an airbag that is capable of deploying upon impact to restrain a body of at least one occupant; and at least one trajectory control tube adhered to the airbag, the at least one trajectory control tube capable of guiding a deployment trajectory of the airbag.

[0012] In another embodiment, an automobile including a passive restraint system is disclosed, the automobile comprising: an airbag that is capable of deploying upon impact to restrain a body of at least one occupant; and at least one trajectory control tube adhered to the airbag, the at least one trajectory control tube capable of guiding a deployment trajectory of the airbag.

[0013] In another embodiment, a method of inflating an airbag is disclosed, the method comprising: detecting application of a force towards at least one of a plurality of sensors; initiating an inflation system to cause inflation of the airbag and an airbag positioner responsive to the detecting; inflating the airbag positioner based on the initiating, wherein inflating the airbag positioner repositions an out-of-position occupant; inflating the airbag; and breaching a compartment initially housing at least one of the airbag and the airbag positioner.

[0014] In another embodiment, a passive restraint system is disclosed, the system comprising: an airbag that is capable of deploying upon impact to restrain a body of at least one occupant; and at least one airbag positioner operating in conjunction with the airbag, the at least one airbag positioner capable of repositioning the occupant if the original position of the occupant is out-of-position.

[0015] In another embodiment, an automobile including a passive restraint system is disclosed, the automobile comprising: an airbag that is capable of deploying upon impact to restrain a body of at least one occupant; and at least one airbag positioner operating in conjunction with the airbag, the at least one airbag positioner capable of repositioning the occupant if the original position of the occupant is out-of-position.

[0016] The phrases "at least one," "one or more," "or," and "and/or" are open-ended expressions that are both conjunctive and disjunctive in operation. For example, each of the expressions "at least one of A, B and C," "at least one of A, B, or C," "one or more of A, B, and C," "one or more of A, B, or C," "A, B, and/or C," and "A, B, or C" means A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, or A, B, and C together.

[0017] The term "a" or "an" entity refers to one or more of that entity. As such, the terms "a" (or "an"), "one or more," and "at least one" can be used interchangeably herein. It is also to be noted that the terms "comprising," "including," and "having" can be used interchangeably.

[0018] The term "automatic" and variations thereof, as used herein, refers to any process or operation, which is typically continuous or semi-continuous, done without material human input when the process or operation is performed. However, a process or operation can be automatic, even though performance of the process or operation uses material or immaterial human input, if the input is received before performance of the process or operation. Human input is deemed to be material if such input influences how the process or operation will be performed. Human input that consents to the performance of the process or operation is not deemed to be "material."

[0019] Aspects of the present disclosure may take the form of an embodiment that is entirely hardware, an embodiment that is entirely software (including firmware, resident software, micro-code, etc.) or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects that may all generally be referred to herein as a "circuit," "module," or "system." Any combination of one or more computer-readable medium(s) may be utilized. The computer- readable medium may be a computer-readable signal medium or a computer-readable storage medium.

[0020] A computer-readable storage medium may be, for example, but not limited to, an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, apparatus, or device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. More specific examples

(a non-exhaustive list) of the computer-readable storage medium would include the following: an electrical connection having one or more wires, a portable computer diskette, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or Flash memory), an optical fiber, a portable compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), an optical storage device, a magnetic storage device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. In the context of this document, a computer-readable storage medium may be any tangible medium that can contain or store a program for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device.

[0021] A computer-readable signal medium may include a propagated data signal with computer-readable program code embodied therein, for example, in baseband or as part of a carrier wave. Such a propagated signal may take any of a variety of forms, including, but not limited to, electro-magnetic, optical, or any suitable combination thereof. A computer-readable signal medium may be any computer-readable medium that is not a computer-readable storage medium and that can communicate, propagate, or transport a program for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device. Program code embodied on a computer-readable medium may be transmitted using any appropriate medium, including, but not limited to, wireless, wireline, optical fiber cable, RF, etc., or any suitable combination of the foregoing.

[0022] The terms "determine," "calculate," "compute," and variations thereof, as used herein, are used interchangeably and include any type of methodology, process, mathematical operation or technique.

[0023] The term "means" as used herein shall be given its broadest possible interpretation in accordance with 35 U.S.C., Section 112(f) and/or Section 112, Paragraph

6. Accordingly, a claim incorporating the term "means" shall cover all structures, materials, or acts set forth herein, and all of the equivalents thereof. Further, the structures, materials or acts and the equivalents thereof shall include all those described in the summary, brief description of the drawings, detailed description, abstract, and claims themselves.

[0024] The preceding is a simplified summary of the invention to provide an understanding of some aspects of the invention. This summary is neither an extensive nor exhaustive overview of the invention and its various embodiments. It is intended neither to identify key or critical elements of the invention nor to delineate the scope of the invention but to present selected concepts of the invention in a simplified form as an introduction to the more detailed description presented below. As will be appreciated, other embodiments of the invention are possible utilizing, alone or in combination, one or more of the features set forth above or described in detail below. Also, while the disclosure is presented in terms of exemplary embodiments

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0025] The present disclosure is described in conjunction with the appended figures:

[0026] Figure 1 illustrates an airbag and associated inflation device depicted in an uninflated state in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0027] Figure 2 illustrates an airbag and associated inflation device depicted in an inflated state in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0028] Figure 3 illustrates a method of inflating an airbag and traj ectory control tube in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0029] Figure 4 illustrates a diffuser plate that may be used to control the flow of gas into the airbag and trajectory control tube in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0030] Figure 5 illustrates an exemplary trajectory control tube in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0031] Figure 6 illustrates a dashboard of a vehicle to provide areas where the present trajectory control tube may be implemented in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0032] Figure 7 A illustrates an airbag and associated inflation device depicted in an uninflated state from an isometric view in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0033] Figure 7B illustrates an airbag and associated inflation device depicted in an uninflated state from a front view in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0034] Figure 8A illustrates an airbag and associated inflation device depicted in an inflated state from an isometric view in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0035] Figure 8B illustrates an airbag and associated inflation device depicted in an inflated state from a front view in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0036] Figure 9 illustrates a method of inflating an airbag and airbag positioner in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0037] Figure 10A illustrates an example airbag positioner from a front view in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure; and

[0038] Figure 10B illustrates an example airbag positioner from a side view in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0039] The ensuing description provides embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the claims. Rather, the ensuing description will provide those skilled in the art with an enabling description for implementing the embodiments. It will be understood that various changes may be made in the function and arrangement of elements without departing from the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

[0040] The exemplary systems and methods of this disclosure will also be described in relation to analysis software, modules, and associated analysis hardware. However, to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the present disclosure, the following description omits well- known structures, components, and devices that may be shown in block diagram form, and are well known or are otherwise summarized.

[0041] For purposes of explanation, numerous details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present disclosure. It should be appreciated, however, that the present disclosure may be practiced in a variety of ways beyond the specific details set forth herein.

[0042] Figure 1 illustrates an airbag and associated inflation device depicted in an uninflated state 100. Airbag and associated inflation device 100 includes an airbag 110, a trajectory control tube 120, an inflation system 130, a sensor or plurality of sensors 140. As shown in Figure 1, airbag and associated inflation system 100 is depicted within a steering wheel assembly including a steering wheel 150 and a steering wheel compartment 160. While shown within the steering wheel, airbag and associated inflation device 100 may be located in a myriad of different locations as would understood to those possessing an ordinary skill in the pertinent arts, and as will be set forth herein below.

[0043] In an implementation airbag 110 is made of thin, nylon fabric and folded into steering wheel compartment 160 or other compartment in the vehicle. As is known to those possessing an ordinary skill in the art, airbag 110 may be part of a passive vehicle restraint system within a vehicle, the airbag 110 designed to rapidly inflate on impact to restrain the body of an occupant or occupants, often above torso level, to prevent direct contact with the vehicle structure.

[0044] Airbag 110 may have associated therewith a trajectory control tube 120.

Trajectory control tube 120 may also be made of thin, nylon fabric. Trajectory control tube 120 may be included within airbag 110 (as shown) or may be adjacent to airbag 110. Airbag 110 and trajectory control tube 120 may be inflated by inflation system 130. As shown a single inflation system 130 may be used for the inflation of both airbag 110 and trajectory control tube 120, although multiple inflation systems 130 may be used for inflation of airbag 110 and/or trajectory control tube 120. While a single trajectory control tube 120 and/or airbag 110 is discussed in the examples below, the present invention encompasses the use of multiple trajectory control tubes 120 and/or multiple airbags 110.

[0045] Inflation system 130 may include an inflator mechanism, such as a chemical reaction to produce a large pulse of gas. This gas inflates airbag 110 and trajectory control tube 120 causing airbag 110 and trajectory control tube 120 to burst out of steering wheel compartment 160 or other compartment as airbag 110 and trajectory control tube 120 expand. The breaching of steering wheel compartment 160 may be caused by the inflation trajectory control tube 120 without any inflation of airbag 110, by the inflation of airbag 110 without any inflation of the trajectory control tube 120, or may be caused by a combination of the inflation of trajectory control tube 120 and airbag 110 with any combination between the trajectory control tube 120 and airbag 110. Airbag 110 and trajectory control tube 120 are deflated as appropriate during the energy absorption phase of interaction with the vehicle occupant.

[0046] Inflation system 130 may be controlled or initiated by a single or series of signals from a sensor or plurality of sensors 140. Sensors 140 may detect an impact or deceleration of the vehicle and provide a signal to inflation system 130 to initiate inflation of airbag 110 and trajectory control tube 130. Sensors 140 send an electric signal to inflation system 130 to fill airbag 110 and trajectory control tube 120. Sensors 140 may be located throughout the vehicle, generally at the periphery of the vehicle, such as in the doors, and in the center of the vehicle in the front and back.

[0047] Figure 2 illustrates an airbag and associated inflation device depicted in an inflated state 200. While Figure 2 is representation of an airbag and inflation device, Figure 2 provides illustration of the parts of the present invention and is not intended to provide an actual depiction of the shape or configuration of an actual inflated airbag.

[0048] Airbag and associated inflation device 200 is a depiction of the inflated state of the airbag and associated inflation device 100 of Figure 1. Airbag and associated inflation device 200 includes an airbag 210, a trajectory control tube 220, an inflation system 230, a sensor or plurality of sensors 240. As shown in Figure 2, airbag and associated inflation system 200 is depicted within a steering wheel assembly including a steering wheel 250 and a steering wheel compartment 260.

[0049] Upon application of a force 245, or otherwise initiating sensor 240 a signal is provided to inflation system 230 causing initiation of inflation 235. This inflation results in airbag 210 and trajectory control tube 220 inflating and breaching compartment 260. [0050] Figure 3 illustrates a method of inflating an airbag and traj ectory control tube

300. Method 300 includes detecting application of a force towards at least one of a plurality of sensors at step 310. At step 320, method 300 includes initiating the inflation system to cause inflation of airbag and trajectory control tube. At step 330, method 300 includes inflating the trajectory control tube. Inflating the trajectory control tube guides the airbag deployment trajectory as the airbag begins, or continues to inflate at step 330. Method 300 includes inflating the airbag at step 330 and breaching the airbag and trajectory control tube compartment at step 350.

[0051] As set forth, inflating the trajectory control tube guides the airbag deployment trajectory. This guiding may occur before the airbag inflates, as the airbag begins to inflate, as the airbag inflates, and/or after the airbag has inflated.

[0052] By way of example, in an implementation illustrated in Figure 4 a diffuser plate 400 that may be used to control the flow of gas into the airbag and trajectory control tube. The diffuser plate 400 may include a main body 430 that mounts the diffuser plate 400 to the airbag (not shown) and the trajectory control tube (not shown). A series of holes 410a, b, c, d may be provided allowing the gas contained on one side of the diffuser plate 400 to expand and inflate the airbag. A second series of holes 420 (shown as only a single larger hole in the depiction) may be used to direct the expanding gas into the trajectory control tube. The ratio of the area of the airbag holes 410a, b, c, d and the trajectory control tube holes 420 may be used to control the respective rates of inflation of the airbag and trajectory control tube to allow the trajectory control tube to inflate more quickly than the airbag to provide the guiding forces to position the airbag as desired during and for inflation. Other mechanisms for controlling the inflation of the trajectory control tube and airbag may be used while the implementation of Figure 4 illustrates only one way of performing the inflation by example only. These other mechanisms include having separate inflators for each, for example.

[0053] By way of non-limiting example only, other mechanisms may employ a tear seam in the trajectory control tube. The trajectory control tube seam may be configured such that during initial inflation all, or the majority, of the gas is directed into the trajectory control tube causing the trajectory control tube to become completely filled. Once the trajectory control tube becomes filled and the pressure in the tube reaches a certain level, the trajectory control tube seam tears open and allows gas from the trajectory control tube to then proceed into the main airbag. Any continual gas filling the trajectory control tube at this point may proceed into the main airbag. [0054] While a tear seam is described above, other forms of pressure relief may be used. This pressure relief may include a device or devices that react to the pressure, or a switchable device that is triggered at the appropriate time, allowing the trajectory control tube to open as if the seam is there. This opening may include a valve or something similar that opens and allows gas to flow into the main airbag.

[0055] These examples may be employed in the present system to cause the trajectory control tube to inflate ahead of the main airbag, for example. The air flow may also be controlled allowing the airbag to begin inflating while the trajectory control tube is inflated. The timing may be controlled such that the trajectory control tube fills ahead of the main airbag, in conjunction with the main airbag, or even after the main airbag for example.

[0056] Figure 5 illustrates an exemplary trajectory control tube 120. Trajectory control tube 120 may be condensed into a non-filled tube depicted as non-filled tube 550. One end of trajectory control tube 120 may be coupled to the main body 430 of diffuser plate 400 and may be filled upon activation of the gas via an opening, hole or series of holes 420.

[0057] Upon application of gas, non-filled tube 550 becomes filled with gas via hole

420 and expands from the non-filled state to take the shape defined by the materials and geometry of the trajectory control tube 120. This may include a first side 510 of trajectory control tube 120 and a second side 520 of trajectory control tube 120 illustrated in the two- dimensional depiction of Figure 5. Once inflated with gas, trajectory control tube 120 defines the location of the distal end 530 of trajectory control tube 120. The distal end 530 defines a point or plane in space distal to the diffuser plate 400 base on the specific geometry of the design of trajectory control tube 120). The placement of distal end 530 defines the guiding that trajectory control tube 120 performs in locating the airbag (not shown). That is, the airbag may be adhered to trajectory control tube 120 via end 530 to locate a portion of the airbag at the same point as end 530. Since distal end 530 may be positioned by controlling the geometric parameters of trajectory control tube 120, the portion of the airbag adhered to distal end 530 is also similarly located, thereby defining the position of the airbag. The airbag and trajectory control tube may be adhered by being sewn together, glued together, or alternatively the airbag may have a chute in which the trajectory control tube resides.

[0058] Alternatively, or additionally, there also may be no physical attachment between the trajectory control tube 120 and the airbag 110. The present invention may be designed to be achieved through friction / sliding interaction between, or among, the trajectory control tube and airbag. The use of friction may be beneficial when the main airbag is folded within the chamber and the trajectory control tube pushes against different areas of the main airbag as it unfolds.

[0059] Figure 6 illustrates a dashboard of a vehicle to provide areas where the present trajectory control tube may be implemented. By way of non-limiting example only, the present trajectory control tube and airbag may be deployed in the steering wheel 610, above center on the dashboard 620, in the center console 620, and below center on the dashboard 640. The airbag may also be located within the ceiling of the vehicle (not shown), the door of the vehicle (not shown), the seat where the airbag is deployed to protect the occupant seated in the seat (not shown) and/or the seat where the airbag is deployed to protect the occupant seated behind the seat (not shown). The trajectory control tube described above may be utilized to control the direction and placement of the airbag once deployed.

[0060] Figures 7 A and 7B collectively illustrate an airbag and associated inflation device 700 depicted in an uninflated state. Airbag and associated inflation device 700 includes an airbag 710, an airbag positioner 720, an inflation system 730, and a sensor or plurality of sensors 740. As shown in Figures 7A and 7B, airbag and associated inflation system 700 is depicted within a steering wheel assembly including a steering wheel 750 and a steering wheel compartment 760. While shown within the steering wheel, airbag and associated inflation device 700 may be located in a myriad of different locations as would understood to those possessing an ordinary skill in the pertinent arts, and as will be set forth herein below.

[0061] In an implementation, airbag 710 is made of thin, nylon fabric and folded into steering wheel compartment 760 or other compartment in the vehicle. As is known to those possessing an ordinary skill in the art, airbag 710 may be part of a passive vehicle restraint system within a vehicle; the airbag 710 being designed to rapidly inflate on impact to restrain the body of an occupant or occupants, often above torso level, to prevent direct contact with the vehicle structure.

[0062] Airbag 710 may have associated therewith an airbag positioner 720 which may also be referred to as an airbag cushion. Airbag positioner 720 may also be made of thin, nylon fabric. Airbag positioner 720 may be included within airbag 710, may be discrete from airbag 710, or may be adj acent to airbag 710 (as shown), such as in the steering wheel rim, for example. Airbag 710 and airbag positioner 720 may be inflated by inflation system 730. As shown, a single inflation system 730 may be used for the inflation of both airbag 710 and airbag positioner 720, although multiple inflation systems 730 may be used for inflation of airbag 710 and/or airbag positioner 720. Each of airbag 710 and airbag positioner 720 may have discrete inflation systems 730. While a single airbag positioner 720 and/or airbag 710 is discussed in the examples below, the present invention encompasses the use of multiple airbag positioners 720 and/or multiple airbags 710.

[0063] Airbag positioner 720 may be sized or may be fed by inflation system 730 to generate a small amount of force to push the occupant' s head, neck or chest away from the deploying airbag 710. This push may move the out-of-position (OOP) occupant to lessen the potential realm of positions the OOP occupant may occupy. The push of the occupant may occur either before or during the deployment of airbag 710. The push may include constraining the OOP occupant to a smaller OOP location, in order to provide less constraint on the airbag 710 design dictated by the OOP occupant allow more design freedom to offer better protection for the in-position (IP) occupant.

[0064] The size of airbag positioner 720 may be used to cause a force to push or move the OOP occupant. The inflation rate or other configurations may be used to alternatively or additionally cause the push force.

[0065] Airbag positioner 710 may include a deployable positioner or other movable apparatus that is deployed to interact with the occupant for purposes of repositioning the occupant prior to occupant's interaction with the airbag 710. That is, airbag positioner 710 may be any mechanical device and may not be a type of airbag at all, even though the present examples show airbag positioner as an airbag.

[0066] Inflation system 730 may include an inflator mechanism, such as a chemical reaction to produce a large pulse of gas. This gas inflates airbag 710 and airbag positioner

720, thereby causing airbag 710 and airbag positioner 720 to burst out of steering wheel compartment 760 or other compartment as airbag 710 and airbag positioner 720 expand.

The breaching of steering wheel compartment 760 may be caused by the inflation of airbag positioner 720 without any inflation of airbag 710, by the inflation of airbag 710 without any inflation of the airbag positioner 720, or may be caused by a combination of the inflation of airbag positioner 720 and airbag 710 with any combination between the airbag positioner

720 and airbag 710. Airbag 710 and airbag positioner 720 are deflated as appropriate during the energy absorption phase of interaction with the vehicle occupant.

[0067] Inflation system 730 may be controlled or initiated by a single or series of signals from a sensor or plurality of sensors 740. Sensors 740 may detect an impact or deceleration of the vehicle and provide a signal to inflation system 730 to initiate inflation of airbag 710 and airbag positioner 720. Sensors 740 send an electric signal to inflation system 730 to initiate filing of airbag 710 and airbag positioner 720. Sensors 740 may be located throughout the vehicle, generally at the periphery of the vehicle, such as in the doors, in the front and back of the vehicle.

[0068] Figures 8A and 8B collectively illustrate an airbag and associated inflation device 800 depicted in an inflated state. While Figures 8A and 8B represent of an airbag and inflation device 800, Figures 8A and 8B collectively provide illustration of the parts of the present invention and is not intended to provide an actual depiction of the shape or configuration of an actual inflated airbag.

[0069] Airbag and associated inflation device 800 is a depiction of the inflated state of the airbag and associated inflation device 700 of Figure 7. Airbag and associated inflation device 800 includes an airbag 810, an airbag positioner 820, an inflation system 830, and a sensor or plurality of sensors 840. As shown in Figures 8A and 8B, airbag and associated inflation system 800 is depicted within a steering wheel assembly including a steering wheel 850 and a steering wheel compartment 860 for consistency with the example depicted in Figure 7.

[0070] Upon application of a force 845, or otherwise initiating sensor 840, a signal is generated by the sensor 840 and sent to inflation system 830 initiating inflation. This results in airbag 810 and airbag positioner 820 inflating and breaching compartment 860. Airbag 810 and airbag positioner 820 may be within a common compartment or may be separate compartments.

[0071 ] Figure 9 illustrates a method 900 of inflating an airbag and airbag positioner.

Method 900 includes detecting application of a force towards at least one of a plurality of sensors at step 910. At step 920, method 900 includes initiating the inflation system to cause inflation of airbag and airbag positioner. At step 930, method 900 includes inflating the airbag positioner. Inflating the airbag positioner generates a small amount of force to push the occupant's head, neck or chest away from the deploying airbag at step 930. Method 900 includes inflating the airbag at step 930 and breaching the airbag and/or airbag positioner compartment at step 950.

[0072] As set forth hereinbefore, inflating the airbag positioner generates a small amount of force to reposition the occupant away from the deploying airbag. This force generation may occur before the airbag inflates, as the airbag begins to inflate, and/or as the airbag inflates. [0073] Figures 10A and 10B collectively illustrate an exemplary airbag positioner

720. Airbag positioner 720 may be condensed into a non-filled tube depicted as non-filled tube 1050. The base of airbag positioner 720 may be coupled to the main body 430 of diffuser plate 400 and may be filled upon activation of the gas via an opening, hole or series of holes 410a,b,c,d.

[0074] Upon application of gas, non-filled tube 1050 becomes filled with gas via holes 410a,b,c,d and expands from the non-filled state to take the shape defined by the materials and geometry of the airbag positioner 720. This may include a first side 1010 of airbag positioner 720 and a second side 1020 of airbag positioner 720 illustrated in the two- dimensional depiction of Figure 10B. As it inflates with gas, air positioner 720 generates the pushing force via the distal end 1030 of airbag positioner 720. The distal end 1030 ultimately defines a point or plane in space distal to the diffuser plate 400 base on the specific geometry of the design of airbag positioner 720. The movement from the non-filled position to the skilled state of distal end 1030 creates the pushing force of air positioner 720.

[0075] Alternatively, or additionally, there also may be a physical attachment between the airbag positioner 720 and the airbag 710 which may provide advantages in the inflation of airbag 710 once airbag positioner 720 creates and utilizes the pushing force and subsequently becoming unnecessary.

[0076] Exemplary aspects are directed toward:

A method of inflating an airbag and trajectory control tube, the method comprising: detecting application of a force towards at least one of a plurality of sensors;

initiating an inflation system to cause inflation of the airbag and the trajectory control tube responsive to the detecting; inflating the trajectory control tube based on the initiating;

inflating the airbag; and breaching a compartment initially housing the airbag and the trajectory control tube.

A passive restraint system, the system comprising:

an airbag that is capable of deploying upon impact to restrain a body of at least one occupant; and

at least one trajectory control tube adhered to the airbag, the at least one trajectory control tube capable of guiding a deployment trajectory of the airbag.

An automobile including a passive restraint system, the automobile comprising: an airbag that is capable of deploying upon impact to restrain a body of at least one occupant; and at least one trajectory control tube adhered to the airbag, the at least one trajectory control tube capable of guiding a deployment trajectory of the airbag.

A method of inflating an airbag, the method comprising:

detecting application of a force towards at least one of a plurality of sensors;

initiating an inflation system to cause inflation of the airbag and an airbag positioner responsive to the detecting;

inflating the airbag positioner based on the initiating, wherein inflating the airbag positioner repositions an out-of-position occupant;

inflating the airbag; and

breaching a compartment initially housing at least one of the airbag and the airbag positioner.

An automobile including a passive restraint system, the automobile comprising: an airbag that is capable of deploying upon impact to restrain a body of at least one occupant; and

at least one airbag positioner operating in conjunction with the airbag, the at least one airbag positioner capable of repositioning the occupant if the original position of the occupant is out-of-position.

A passive restraint system, the system comprising:

Any of the above aspects, wherein inflating the trajectory control tube guides a deployment trajectory of the airbag.

Any of the above aspects, wherein the guiding occurs as the airbag begins to inflate.

Any of the above aspects, wherein the guiding occurs as the airbag inflates.

Any of the above aspects, wherein the guiding occurs after the airbag has inflated.

Any of the above aspects, wherein the guiding occurs before the airbag inflates.

Any of the above aspects, wherein the airbag is adhered to trajectory control tube via an end of the trajectory control tube.

Any of the above aspects, the adhering defines a position of the airbag relative to the trajectory control tube. Any of the above aspects, wherein the guiding occurs as the airbag begins to deploy.

Any of the above aspects, wherein the guiding occurs as the airbag deploys.

Any of the above aspects, wherein the guiding occurs after the airbag has deployed.

Any of the above aspects, wherein the guiding occurs before the airbag deploys.

Any of the above aspects, wherein the adhering defines a position of the airbag relative to the trajectory control tube.

Any of the above aspects, wherein the adhering comprise sewing.

Any of the above aspects, wherein the adhering comprises glue.

Any of the above aspects, further comprising a chute within the airbag that defines a location of the trajectory control tube.

Any of the above aspects, wherein the trajectory control tube and the airbag are located with respect to reach other via friction.

Any of the above aspects, wherein the repositioning the out-of-position occupant reduces the constraints on the design of the airbag.

Any of the above aspects, wherein reducing the constraints improves protection for the in-position occupant.

Any of the above aspects, wherein the airbag positioner is located on the shoulder belt.

Any of the above aspects, wherein the airbag positioner is located within the steering wheel.

Any of the above aspects, wherein the airbag positioner is an airbag.

Any of the above aspects, wherein the airbag positioner is inflated or sized to produce of force to re-position an out-of-position occupant.

Any of the above aspects, wherein the airbag positioner is located within the steering wheel. Any of the above aspects, wherein the airbag positioner is located on the shoulder belt.

Any of the above aspects, wherein the airbag positioner is an airbag.

Any of the above aspects, wherein the airbag positioner is an airbag that is inflated or sized to produce of force to re-position an out-of-position occupant

[0077] Having thus described the presently preferred embodiments in detail, it is to be appreciated and will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many physical changes, only a few of which are exemplified in the detailed description of the invention, could be made without altering the inventive concepts and principles embodied therein. It is also to be appreciated that numerous embodiments incorporating only part of the preferred embodiment are possible which do not alter, with respect to those parts, the inventive concepts and principles embodied therein. The present embodiments and optional configurations are therefore to be considered in all respects as exemplary and/or illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the invention being indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description, and all alternate embodiments and changes to this embodiment which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of said claims are therefore to be embraced therein.

[0078] Although the present invention describes components and functions implemented in the embodiments with reference to particular standards and protocols, the invention is not limited to such standards and protocols. Other similar standards and protocols not mentioned herein are in existence and are considered to be included in the present invention. Moreover, the standards and protocols mentioned herein and other similar standards and protocols not mentioned herein are periodically superseded by faster or more effective equivalents having essentially the same functions. Such replacement standards and protocols having the same functions are considered equivalents included in the present invention.

[0079] The present invention, in various embodiments, configurations, and aspects, includes components, methods, processes, systems and/or apparatus substantially as depicted and described herein, including various embodiments, subcombinations, and subsets thereof. Those of skill in the art will understand how to make and use the present invention after understanding the present disclosure. The present invention, in various embodiments, configurations, and aspects, includes providing devices and processes in the absence of items not depicted and/or described herein or in various embodiments, configurations, or aspects hereof, including in the absence of such items as may have been used in previous devices or processes, e.g., for improving performance, achieving ease, and\or reducing cost of implementation.

[0080] The foregoing discussion of the invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. The foregoing is not intended to limit the invention to the form or forms disclosed herein. In the foregoing Detailed Description for example, various features of the invention are grouped together in one or more embodiments, configurations, or aspects for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. The features of the embodiments, configurations, or aspects of the invention may be combined in alternate embodiments, configurations, or aspects other than those discussed above. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed invention requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in less than all features of a single foregoing disclosed embodiment, configuration, or aspect. Thus, the following claims are hereby incorporated into this Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate preferred embodiment of the invention.

[0081] Moreover, though the description of the invention has included description of one or more embodiments, configurations, or aspects and certain variations and modifications, other variations, combinations, and modifications are within the scope of the invention, e.g., as may be within the skill and knowledge of those in the art, after understanding the present disclosure. It is intended to obtain rights, which include alternative embodiments, configurations, or aspects to the extent permitted, including alternate, interchangeable and/or equivalent structures, functions, ranges, or steps to those claimed, whether or not such alternate, interchangeable and/or equivalent structures, functions, ranges, or steps are disclosed herein, and without intending to publicly dedicate any patentable subject matter.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A method of inflating an airbag and trajectory control tube, the method

comprising:

initiating an inflation system to cause inflation of the airbag and the trajectory control tube responsive to the detecting;

inflating the trajectory control tube based on the initiating;

inflating the airbag; and

breaching a compartment initially housing the airbag and the trajectory control tube.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein inflating the trajectory control tube guides a deployment trajectory of the airbag.

3. The method of claim 2 wherein the guiding occurs as the airbag begins to inflate.

4. The method of claim 2 wherein the guiding occurs as the airbag inflates.

5. The method of claim 2 wherein the guiding occurs after the airbag has inflated.

6. The method of claim 2 wherein the guiding occurs before the airbag inflates.

7. The method of claim 2 wherein the airbag is adhered to trajectory control tube via an end of the trajectory control tube.

8. The method of claim 7 the adhering defines a position of the airbag relative to the trajectory control tube.

9. A passive restraint system, the system comprising:

10. The system of claim 9 wherein the guiding occurs as the airbag begins to deploy.

11. The system of claim 9 wherein the guiding occurs as the airbag deploys.

12. The system of claim 9 wherein the guiding occurs after the airbag has deployed.

13. The system of claim 9 wherein the guiding occurs before the airbag deploys.

14. The system of claim 9 wherein the airbag is adhered to trajectory control tube via an end of the trajectory control tube.

15. The system of claim 14 wherein the adhering defines a position of the airbag relative to the trajectory control tube.

16. The system of claim 14 wherein the adhering comprise sewing.

17. The system of claim 14 wherein the adhering comprises glue.

18. The system of claim 9 further comprising a chute within the airbag that defines a location of the trajectory control tube.

19. The system of claim 9 wherein the trajectory control tube and the airbag are located with respect to reach other via friction.

20. An automobile including a passive restraint system, the automobile comprising: an airbag that is capable of deploying upon impact to restrain a body of at least one occupant; and

21. A method of inflating an airbag, the method comprising:

inflating the airbag; and

22. The method of claim 21 wherein the repositioning the out-of-position occupant reduces the constraints on the design of the airbag.

23. The method of claim 22 wherein reducing the constraints improves protection for the in-position occupant.

24. The method of claim 22 wherein the airbag positioner is located on the shoulder belt.

25. The method of claim 21 wherein the airbag positioner is located within the steering wheel.

26. The method of claim 21 wherein the airbag positioner is an airbag.

27. The method of claim 26 wherein the airbag positioner is inflated or sized to produce of force to re-position an out-of-position occupant.

28. A passive restraint system, the system comprising:

an airbag that is capable of deploying upon impact to restrain a body of at least one occupant; and at least one airbag positioner operating in conjunction with the airbag, the at least one airbag positioner capable of repositioning the occupant if the original position of the occupant is out-of-position.

29. The system of claim 28 wherein the repositioning the out-of-position occupant reduces the constraints on the design of the airbag.

30. The system of claim 29 wherein reducing the constraints improves protection for the in-position occupant.

31. The system of claim 28 wherein the airbag positioner is located within the steering wheel.

32. The system of claim 28 wherein the airbag positioner is located on the shoulder belt.

33. The system of claim 28 wherein the airbag positioner is an airbag.

34. The system of claim 33 wherein the airbag positioner is inflated or sized to produce of force to re-position an out-of-position occupant.

35. An automobile including a passive restraint system, the automobile comprising: an airbag that is capable of deploying upon impact to restrain a body of at least one occupant; and

36. The automobile of claim 35 wherein the repositioning the out-of-position occupant reduces the constraints on the design of the airbag.

37. The automobile of claim 36 wherein reducing the constraints improves protection for the in-position occupant.

38. The automobile of claim 35 wherein the airbag positioner is located within the steering wheel.

39. The automobile of claim 35 wherein the airbag positioner is located on the shoulder belt.

40. The automobile of claim 35 wherein the airbag positioner is an airbag that is inflated or sized to produce of force to re-position an out-of-position occupant.