Airbag module for protection of a vehicle occupant

• US 7,669,886 B2
• Filed: 08/03/2005
• Issued: 03/02/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 08/07/2004
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Autoliv Development AB (Autoliv Incorporated)
• Original Assignee: Autoliv Development AB (Autoliv Incorporated)
• Inventors: Aström, Anders
• Primary Examiner(s): Fleming; Faye M.
• Application Number:
  US11/659,711
• Publication Number:
  US 20080238059A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,672 Days
• Field of Search: 280/740, 280/741, 280/736, 280/730.2, 280/743.1, 280/729
• US Class Current: 280/729
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2021/23123 Heat protection panels
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2021/23316 Inner seams, e.g. creating separate compartments or used as tethering means
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2021/23332 using independent bags, one within the other
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/2346 Soft diffusers
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/26 characterised by the inflation fluid source or means to control inflation fluid flow arrangement or mounting thereof to the vehicle B60R21/20; blasting cartridges for producing gas under pressure in general F42B3/04; initiators or igniters therefor F42B3/10
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/261 with means other than bag structure to diffuse or guide inflation fluid

Abstract

An airbag module for protecting a vehicle occupant is provided. The airbag module comprises at least one airbag. A gas generator is in fluid communication with the airbag to inflate the airbag with a gas. A deformable ribbon interfaces with the fluid communication between the gas generator and the airbag. The deformable ribbon has a spiral form with a first radial end covering a second radial end when the gas generator is deactivated.

Claims

1. An airbag module for protection of a vehicle occupant, the airbag module comprising:

at least one airbag;

a gas generator that is in fluid communication with the airbag to inflate the airbag with a gas; and

a deformable ribbon interfacing with the fluid communication between the gas generator and the airbag, wherein the deformable ribbon has a spiral form with a first radial end covering a second radial end when the gas generator is in a deactivated state and an unfold form with the first and second radial ends extending outwardly in correspondingly different directions when the gas generator is in an activated state, and wherein the airbag includes at least one seam that is disposed towards the deformable ribbon and which is cooperatively configured with the airbag such that during the activated state of the gas generator the deformable ribbon circumferencely expands to the seam which limits further unfolding of the deformable ribbon.

2. The airbag module according to claim 1 wherein both the gas generator and the deformable ribbon are disposed within the airbag, and the deformable ribbon surrounds the gas generator.

3. The airbag module according to claim 2 wherein the deformable ribbon is configured to unfold the spiral form to lie against inner walls of the airbag when the gas generator is activated and the gas flows out under pressure.

4. The airbag module according to claim 1 wherein the deformable ribbon is a flexible plastic or metal material.

6. The airbag module according to claim 3 wherein when the gas generator is activated unfolding of the deformable ribbon is circumferencely limited by both the inner walls of the airbag and the seam.

7. The airbag module according to claim 1 wherein the deformable ribbon defines at least one gas exit opening.

8. The airbag module according to claim 1 wherein the gas generator, the airbag and the deformable ribbon are fixedly connected together about at least one point.

9. The airbag module according to claim 1 wherein the deformable ribbon includes two cylinder segments which circumferencely overlap.

5. An airbag module for protection of a vehicle occupant, the airbag module comprising:

at least two airbags including a first airbag and a second airbag that is disposed in the first airbag;

a gas generator that is in fluid communication with the airbags to inflate the airbags with a gas; and

a deformable ribbon interfacing with the fluid communication between the gas generator and the airbags, wherein the second airbag is disposed between the deformable ribbon and the first airbag, and is in fluid communication with the first airbag and gas generator, wherein the deformable ribbon has a spiral form with a first radial end covering a second radial end when the gas generator is in a deactivated state and an unfold form with the first and second radial ends extending outwardly in correspondingly different directions when the gas generator is in an activated state, and wherein both the gas generator and the deformable ribbon are disposed within the airbags, and the deformable ribbon surrounds the gas generator.

10. The airbag module according to claim 5 wherein the deformable ribbon is configured to unfold the spiral form to lie against inner walls of the second airbag when the gas generator is activated and the gas flows out under pressure.

11. The airbag module according to claim 10 wherein when the gas generator is activated unfolding of the deformable ribbon is circumferencely limited by the inner walls of the second airbag.

12. The airbag module according to claim 5 wherein the deformable ribbon is a flexible plastic or metal material.

13. The airbag module according to claim 5 wherein the deformable ribbon defines at least one gas exit opening.

14. The airbag module according to claim 5 wherein the gas generator, the airbag and the deformable ribbon are fixedly connected together about at least one point.

15. The airbag module according to claim 5 wherein the deformable ribbon includes two cylinder segments which circumferencely overlap.