Multiple chambered airbag system

• US 20060197318A1
• Filed: 03/02/2005
• Published: 09/07/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 03/02/2005
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Autoliv ASP Incorporated (Autoliv Incorporated)
• Original Assignee: Autoliv ASP Incorporated (Autoliv Incorporated)
• Inventors: Choi, Changsoo, Schneider, David W.
• Granted Patent: US 7,396,043 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 280/729
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2021/0004 Frontal collision
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2021/0044 Chest
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/233 comprising a plurality of individual compartments; comprising two or more bag-like members, one within the other B60R21/232 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/239 characterised by their venting means

Abstract

Disclosed are methods and systems relating to automotive airbags. Embodiments of the disclosed invention include multiple inflatable chambers. The chambers may be configured to inflate sequentially such that one or more side chambers may inflate before a center chamber is inflated. Embodiments of the invention may employ separate inflators to inflate the side and center chambers such that the side chamber inflator is deployed prior to the center chamber inflator or, alternatively, a single inflator may be employed with vent openings between the side and center chambers to allow for fluid communication of the inflation gas therethrough.

Claims

1. An airbag system, comprising:

a first inflatable chamber;

a second inflatable chamber configured to inflate adjacent to the first chamber;

a third inflatable chamber configured to inflate adjacent to the first chamber and opposite from the second chamber such that at least part of the first chamber is positioned in between the second and third chambers;

a first inflator positioned to inflate the first chamber; and

a second inflator positioned to inflate at least one of the second and third chambers, wherein the system is configured such that the second inflator inflates before the first inflator.

2. The airbag system of claim 1, wherein the second inflator inflates both the second and third chambers.

3. The airbag system of claim 1, wherein the second inflator inflates only the second chamber and further comprising a third inflator positioned to inflate the third chamber.

4. The airbag system of claim 3, wherein the system is configured such that the second and third inflators inflate substantially simultaneously.

5. The airbag system of claim 1, wherein the second and third chambers have one or more non-inflatable portions.

6. The airbag system of claim 5, wherein the second and third chambers each have a non-inflatable portion positioned such that the second and third chambers are approximately donut-shaped.

7. The airbag system of claim 5, wherein the second and third chambers each have a plurality of non-inflatable portions.

8. The airbag system of claim 7, wherein the plurality of non-inflatable portions comprise a plurality of sew patches.

9. The airbag system of claim 7, wherein the plurality of non-inflatable portions are approximately parallel to one another.

10. The airbag system of claim 9, wherein the plurality of non-inflatable portions direct inflation gas directly towards an occupant'"'"'s upper body upon inflation.

11. The airbag system of claim 9, wherein the plurality of non-inflatable portions direct inflation gas away from an occupant'"'"'s upper body upon inflation.

12. The airbag system of claim 1, wherein after inflation the second and third chambers are each thinner than the first chamber.

13. The airbag system of claim 1, wherein the second and third chambers each comprise one piece woven cushions.

14. An airbag system, comprising:

a first inflatable chamber;

a second inflatable chamber configured to inflate adjacent to the first chamber;

a third inflatable chamber configured to inflate adjacent to the first chamber and opposite from the second chamber such that at least part of the first chamber is positioned in between the second and third chambers, wherein the second and third chambers have one or more non-inflatable portions, and wherein the second and third chambers each have at least one opening to allow for fluid communication with the first chamber; and

an inflator positioned to inflate the second and third chambers, wherein the inflation gas travels through the openings and into the first chamber from the second and third chambers.

15. The airbag system of claim 14, wherein the second and third chambers each have a non-inflatable portion positioned such that the second and third chambers are approximately donut-shaped.

16. The airbag system of claim 15, wherein the second and third chambers each have a plurality of non-inflatable portions.

17. The airbag system of claim 16, wherein the plurality of non-inflatable portions comprise a plurality of sew patches.

18. The airbag system of claim 16, wherein the plurality of non-inflatable portions are approximately parallel to one another.

19. The airbag system of claim 18, wherein the plurality of non-inflatable portions direct inflation gas directly towards an occupant'"'"'s upper body upon inflation.

20. The airbag system of claim 18, wherein the plurality of non-inflatable portions direct inflation gas away from an occupant'"'"'s upper body upon inflation.

21. The airbag system of claim 14, wherein after inflation the second and third chambers are each thinner than the first chamber.

22. The airbag system of claim 14, wherein the second and third chambers each comprise one piece woven cushions.

23. A method for inflating a series of inflatable chambers together comprising an airbag cushion, the method comprising the steps of:

substantially simultaneously inflating two side chambers; and

inflating a center chamber after a brief time delay following substantially simultaneously inflating the two side chambers, wherein the center chamber is at least partially positioned in between the two side chambers.

24. The method of claim 23, wherein the time delay is between about 1 milliseconds and about 100 milliseconds.

25. The method of claim 24, wherein the time delay is between about 20 milliseconds and about 60 milliseconds.

26. The method of claim 25, wherein the time delay is about 40 milliseconds.

27. The method of claim 23, wherein the center chamber and side chambers are all inflated with a single inflator, and wherein the inflator is positioned to directly inflate the side chambers and allow for indirect inflation of the center chamber via at least one opening in the center chamber.

28. The method of claim 23, wherein the side chambers are inflated with at least a first inflator, and wherein the center chamber is inflated with a second inflator.