Tension-based airbag mounting system
First Claim
Patent Images
1. An airbag assembly, comprising:
- an airbag including a mounting surface, the mounting surface configured to be coupled to a vehicle;
a tensioning mechanism configured to be attached to a vehicle, wherein the tensioning mechanism comprises a one-way locking mechanism and a locking band, wherein the locking band extends through the one-way locking mechanism with a ratcheting configuration that permits the locking band to move linearly in one direction while impeding movement in the opposite direction; and
an attaching element attached to the mounting surface and interconnecting the mounting surface and the locking band;
wherein the tensioning mechanism is configured to provide tension along the mounting surface, the attaching element and the locking band upon installation and to keep the mounting surface, the attaching element and the locking band in a tension condition after installation such that the airbag is maintained in a desired position after installation.
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Abstract
An airbag assembly including a tension mounting mechanism is disclosed. In one embodiment, an inflatable curtain is coupled to a one-way locking mechanism via an attaching element to provide tension along the longitudinal mounting surface of the inflatable curtain during its installation adjacent the vehicle roof rail.
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Citations
19 Claims
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1. An airbag assembly, comprising:
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an airbag including a mounting surface, the mounting surface configured to be coupled to a vehicle; a tensioning mechanism configured to be attached to a vehicle, wherein the tensioning mechanism comprises a one-way locking mechanism and a locking band, wherein the locking band extends through the one-way locking mechanism with a ratcheting configuration that permits the locking band to move linearly in one direction while impeding movement in the opposite direction; and an attaching element attached to the mounting surface and interconnecting the mounting surface and the locking band; wherein the tensioning mechanism is configured to provide tension along the mounting surface, the attaching element and the locking band upon installation and to keep the mounting surface, the attaching element and the locking band in a tension condition after installation such that the airbag is maintained in a desired position after installation. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. A method for installing an inflatable curtain airbag, comprising:
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positioning a mounting surface of an inflatable curtain in a mounting position adjacent the roof rail of a vehicle; and providing a tensioning force longitudinally along the mounting surface of the inflatable curtain when the inflatable curtain is in the mounting position, wherein providing a tensioning force comprises; actuating a tensioning mechanism coupled to an attaching element, which is attached directly to the inflatable curtain, to maintain the attaching element and mounting surface in a tensioned condition, wherein the tensioning mechanism comprises a one-way locking mechanism through which a locking band extends with a ratcheting configuration that permits the locking band to move linearly in one direction while impeding movement in the opposite direction, and wherein actuating the tension mechanism comprises ratcheting the locking band through the one-way locking mechanism. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12)
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13. An airbag assembly, comprising:
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an airbag including a mounting surface, the mounting surface configured to be coupled to a vehicle; a one-way locking mechanism configured to be attached to a vehicle; and a locking band extending through an opening in the one-way locking mechanism with a ratcheting configuration that permits the locking band to move linearly in one direction while impeding movement in the opposite direction; wherein the locking band is coupled to the mounting surface to interconnect the mounting surface and the one-way locking mechanism such that tension is provided and maintained along the mounting surface and the locking band upon installation to maintain the airbag in a desired position. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16)
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17. A method for installing an inflatable curtain airbag, comprising:
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positioning a mounting surface of an inflatable curtain in a mounting position adjacent the roof rail of a vehicle, wherein a locking band is coupled to the mounting surface; attaching a one-way locking mechanism to the vehicle; moving the locking band linearly through the one-way locking mechanism to provide a tensioning force longitudinally along the mounting surface of the inflatable curtain when the inflatable curtain is in the mounting position, wherein the locking band and the one-way locking mechanism have a ratcheting configuration such that the locking band moves linearly in one direction while impeding movement in the opposite direction; wherein the ratcheting configuration permits tension to be provided and maintained along the mounting surface and the locking band upon installation and to maintain the airbag in a desired position. - View Dependent Claims (18, 19)
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Specification