ENERGY ABSORBER
First Claim
1. An energy absorber for a structure within a vehicle cabin comprising:
- (a) a plurality of airbags;
(b) an inflator coupled to the plurality of airbags, wherein the inflator comprises a canister and a firing module;
(c) a control module electrically connected to the firing module of the inflator;
(d) an outer surface positioned adjacent the plurality of airbags, wherein the outer surface comprises a surface area that is greater than an inflated surface area of the plurality of airbags; and
(e) a plurality of mechanical energy absorbers positioned adjacent the plurality of airbags and coupled to the outer surface.
2 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
Described are energy absorbers for a structure within a vehicle cabin having at least one airbag, an inflator, a control module, and an outer surface positioned adjacent the airbag. The outer surface may include a plurality of mechanical energy absorbers positioned adjacent the airbag and coupled to the outer surface, wherein the outer surface comprises a surface area that is greater than an inflated surface area of the airbag. The outer surface may also include a breakable area positioned adjacent the airbag, wherein the breakable area has a weaker coupling to the outer surface on at least a first side and a stronger coupling to the outer surface on at least a second side.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. An energy absorber for a structure within a vehicle cabin comprising:
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(a) a plurality of airbags; (b) an inflator coupled to the plurality of airbags, wherein the inflator comprises a canister and a firing module; (c) a control module electrically connected to the firing module of the inflator; (d) an outer surface positioned adjacent the plurality of airbags, wherein the outer surface comprises a surface area that is greater than an inflated surface area of the plurality of airbags; and (e) a plurality of mechanical energy absorbers positioned adjacent the plurality of airbags and coupled to the outer surface. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5)
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6. An energy absorber for a structure within a vehicle cabin comprising:
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(a) a plurality of airbags; (b) an inflator coupled to the plurality of airbags, wherein the inflator comprises a canister and a firing module; (c) a control module electrically connected to the firing module of the inflator; and (d) an outer surface comprising a breakable area positioned adjacent the plurality of airbags, wherein the breakable area comprises a weaker coupling to the outer surface on at least a first side and a stronger coupling to the outer surface on at least a second side, wherein the breakable area comprises a surface area that is greater than an inflated surface area of the plurality of airbags. - View Dependent Claims (7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. A monument for a passenger seat comprising:
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(a) an inner surface; (b) an outer surface spaced apart from the inner surface; (c) an energy absorber comprising; (i) at least one airbag positioned in the space between the inner surface and the outer surface; (ii) an inflator coupled to the at least one airbag, wherein the inflator comprises a canister and a firing module; and (iii) a control module electrically connected to the firing module of the inflator; and (d) at least one mechanical energy absorber positioned adjacent the at least one airbag and coupled to the inner surface and the outer surface. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification