Autoliv Asp, Incorporated

Autoliv Development Ab

James T Hoskyns

Robert F McGee

Conrad C Dumbrique

Chandrakanth Siddharthan

David E Hoeft

Bengt Bo/ Rjesson

Airbag systems comprising at least one energy-absorbing component configured to absorb energy generated during the deployment of an airbag cushion. In some embodiments, a system may include a steering wheel assembly and an airbag assembly. The airbag assembly may comprise a housing configured to couple to the steering wheel assembly, an inflator coupled to the housing, and an airbag cushion coupled with the inflator. A first gap may be disposed between the inflator and at least one energy-absorbing component. A force from a deployment of the airbag cushion may cause the first gap to close and may result in contact between the inflator and at least one energy-absorbing component. The contact between the inflator and one or more of the energy-absorbing components transfers energy from the deployment of the airbag to one or more of the energy-absorbing components.

Airbag systems with energy-absorbing components

An attachment assembly for attaching a cushion member for an airbag apparatus to a vehicle surface is disclosed. The attachment assembly is particularly useful for attaching curtain type cushion members, as for a side impact airbag system. The attachment assembly may include a protrusion with a rod and a knob larger than the rod. A compressible spring washer is affixed to the rod. A hole formed in a mounting portion of the cushion member is then fitted around the rod, outside the washer. A cap is affixed to the rod to keep the cushion member in place. The protrusion, with the attached cushion member, may then be affixed to the vehicle surface through the use of a keyhole formed in the vehicle surface. The knob is pushed longitudinally into a larger, clearance portion of the keyhole, such that the spring washer is compressed. Then, the protrusion is moved transversely into an engaged configuration, in which the knob and the spring washer engage the interference portion. The protrusion can be locked in place to form a locked configuration by providing an arcuate slot intersecting the keyhole, into which the washer fits. Alternatively, upraised tabs may be formed around the keyhole, such that the spring washer slides over the upraised tabs and locks into place abutting them. As another alternative, a locking tab may be formed in the washer in such a position that the locking tab can rest within the clearance portion to resist motion of the protrusion into the clearance portion.

Apparatus and method for rapidly fastening an airbag apparatus

A retractor for a vehicle safety belt comprises a housing, a spindle rotatably mounted within the housing and to which one end of a safety belt is attached, the spindle being spring-biased for retracting the safety belt so that the belt is wound around the spindle. The retractor has a sensor adapted to provide a signal indicative of whether the safety belt is retracted and not in use or is withdrawn from the spindle and in use. The sensor provides said signal in dependence upon the length of safety belt withdrawn from the spindle, with means transmitting movement of the spindle to an element which activates the sensor, said means comprising a gear train, one component of which is coupled directly to the spindle. The means which transmit movement of the spindle to the element which activates the sensor cause the element to adopt a unique position upon withdrawal of any one particular length of safety belt.

Growing community of inventors

Lake Orion, MI, United States of America

James T Hoskyns