Directional device for deployment of an airbag
First Claim
1. A directional device for the deployment of an airbag, the directional device comprising a flexible deflection element integrally formed with an attachment section, wherein the attachment section is adapted to be directly fixed to an instrument panel substrate, to an airbag firing channel formed beneath the instrument panel substrate, or to an airbag module containing a folded airbag, the deflection element directing airbag deployment, said deflection element on actuation of the airbag, exerting a targeted pressure upon the airbag and influencing a direction of deployment during an entire airbag deployment phase, wherein the flexible deflection element and the airbag do not contact a windscreen during the entire airbag deployment phase, and wherein the deflection element remains integral with the attachment section during the entire airbag deployment phase.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A directional device for the deployment of an airbag includes a deflection element that directs airbag deployment, the deflection element on actuation of the airbag exerting a pressure on the airbag which is directed away from the windscreen during the entire airbag deployment phase such that the airbag is directed away from the windscreen on its deployment. The directional device prevents damage/destruction of the windscreen on actuation of the airbag and thus improves protection of the vehicle occupants. The directional device is also capable of being variable fixed and replaceable in an airbag configuration/covering and may also optionally be integrated therein such that simplification of the development or series production of the airbag configuration is achieved.
44 Citations
14 Claims
- 1. A directional device for the deployment of an airbag, the directional device comprising a flexible deflection element integrally formed with an attachment section, wherein the attachment section is adapted to be directly fixed to an instrument panel substrate, to an airbag firing channel formed beneath the instrument panel substrate, or to an airbag module containing a folded airbag, the deflection element directing airbag deployment, said deflection element on actuation of the airbag, exerting a targeted pressure upon the airbag and influencing a direction of deployment during an entire airbag deployment phase, wherein the flexible deflection element and the airbag do not contact a windscreen during the entire airbag deployment phase, and wherein the deflection element remains integral with the attachment section during the entire airbag deployment phase.
Specification