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Vehicle occupant protection apparatus with inflation volume and shape control

  • US 6,616,184 B2
  • Filed: 04/25/2001
  • Issued: 09/09/2003
  • Est. Priority Date: 04/25/2001
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. A vehicle occupant protection apparatus comprising:

  • an inflatable device for helping to protect an occupant of a vehicle during a crash condition;

    a support structure securing a portion of the inflatable device;

    a plurality of tethers extending between the support structure and the inflatable device;

    at least one sensor for sensing a vehicle occupant condition and generating an occupant condition signal indicative of the sensed condition; and

    a control module for receiving the occupant condition signal and determining a preferred inflation volume and shape for the inflatable device;

    the control module selectively determining whether one or more of the plurality of tethers is to be released for controlling the inflation of the inflatable device to the preferred inflation volume and shape and initiating the release of the one or more of the plurality of tethers from the support structure.

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