Airbag cushion with adaptive venting for reduced out-of-position effects
First Claim
1. An airbag cushion, comprising:
- an inflatable airbag having a vent, wherein the inflatable airbag defines an inflatable airbag interior;
a strap coupled to an interior surface of the airbag;
a vent flap coupled to the strap and extending through the vent and outside of the inflatable airbag in a looped configuration which permits the vent flap to be pulled into the inflatable airbag interior;
wherein upon inflatable airbag deployment with obstruction, the strap is adapted to not fully extend and at least a portion of the vent flap remains partially outside of the inflatable airbag thereby allowing gas to exit through the vent, andwherein upon inflatable airbag deployment without obstruction, the strap is adapted to extend and to pull the vent flap into the inflatable airbag interior.
2 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
An airbag cushion is disclosed for use in automotive protective systems. The airbag cushion includes a vent flap that, prior to cushion deployment, extends from the cushion exterior through a vent. A strap is coupled to the vent flap and to an interior surface of the cushion. Upon airbag deployment, the strap extends until taut or extends until the cushion encounters an obstruction. If pulled taut, the strap pulls the vent flap into the cushion interior where the interior air pressure effectively presses the vent flap against the vent. If the cushion encounters an obstruction, the strap remains lax, and the vent remains open. Devices are provided for retaining the vent in the closed position during occupant ride down.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. An airbag cushion, comprising:
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an inflatable airbag having a vent, wherein the inflatable airbag defines an inflatable airbag interior; a strap coupled to an interior surface of the airbag; a vent flap coupled to the strap and extending through the vent and outside of the inflatable airbag in a looped configuration which permits the vent flap to be pulled into the inflatable airbag interior; wherein upon inflatable airbag deployment with obstruction, the strap is adapted to not fully extend and at least a portion of the vent flap remains partially outside of the inflatable airbag thereby allowing gas to exit through the vent, and wherein upon inflatable airbag deployment without obstruction, the strap is adapted to extend and to pull the vent flap into the inflatable airbag interior. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
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7. An airbag cushion, comprising:
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an inflatable airbag having a first vent and a second vent; a first strap coupled to an interior surface of the airbag; a first vent flap coupled to the strap and extending through the first vent and outside of the inflatable airbag in a looped configuration which permits the first vent flap to be pulled into the inflatable airbag interior; a second strap coupled to an interior surface of the airbag; a second vent flap coupled to the second strap and extending through the second vent and outside of the inflatable airbag in a looped configuration which permits the second vent flap to be pulled into the inflatable airbag interior; wherein the vent flaps and straps are configured such that upon inflatable airbag deployment with obstruction, the straps do not fully extend and at least a portion of each of the vent flaps remain partially outside the inflatable airbag interior, and wherein vent flaps and straps are configured such that upon inflatable airbag deployment without obstruction, the straps extend and pull the corresponding vent flap into the inflatable airbag interior. - View Dependent Claims (8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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14. An airbag cushion, comprising:
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an inflatable airbag; means for venting gas out of the airbag; and means for restricting gas venting by pressing against the venting means to restrict venting gas upon inflatable airbag deployment without obstruction and enabling the venting means to remain open upon inflatable airbag deployment with obstruction by remaining extended through the venting means in a looped configuration outside of the inflatable airbag interior. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
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20. A method for manufacturing an inflatable airbag, comprising:
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disposing a vent on an airbag; coupling a vent flap to an interior surface of the airbag and extending the vent flap through the vent outside of the airbag in a looped configuration; and coupling a strap fixed to the vent flap to an interior surface of the airbag, wherein the vent flap, strap, and vent are configured such that upon inflatable airbag deployment with obstruction, the strap does not fully extend and the vent flap remains partially outside the inflatable airbag interior, and wherein the vent flap, strap, and vent are configured such that upon inflatable airbag deployment without obstruction, the strap extends and pulls the vent flap into the inflatable airbag interior, the vent flap adapted to press against the vent and thereby restrict gas passing through the vent.
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Specification