Autoliv Asp, Incorporated

Kurt Petersen

David Henderson

Jeffrey Daniel Williams

James Coleman

Vince Bennett

Daniel Vine

Disclosed are embodiments of apparatus, methods, and systems for inflatable curtain venting. In one embodiment, an inflatable curtain airbag is tested using a 50th-percentile dummy. The inflatable curtain airbag comprises a vent opening positioned such that during the crash test, the head of the 50-percentile dummy strikes the airbag at the location of the vent such that the exit of inflation gas through the vent is at least partially blocked. The same inflatable curtain airbag may then be used in a test involving a 5th-percentile dummy, in which case the head of the 5th-percentile dummy would not strike the airbag so as to block the vent, thereby allowing for venting of the airbag.

Inflatable curtain venting

An inflatable cushion module is disclosed. The inflatable cushion module is configured to be combined with other inflatable cushion modules to form a modular airbag system. Such modular airbag systems may be used to protect passengers of a vehicle from impact with a side surface of the vehicle. In general, the inflatable cushion module has an airbag and an attachment mechanism for attaching the airbag to the airbag of another module. When combined, the inflatable cushion modules form a single airbag system which can be used to protect the passengers of a vehicle from lateral impact. The airbag system can be configured to protect passengers in a single row of seats as well as passengers in two or more rows of seats.

Interconnectable inflatable airbag cushion module

A mounting system and method of attaching an a side impact curtain airbag to a vehicle is provided that is inexpensive, simple to use, and does not require fasteners or other connectors. The mounting system includes one or more airbag mounts comprising a plate that has been positioned within the vehicle. The plate may a separate structure that may be attached to a vehicle as a well as a surface of the vehicle's body to which an airbag may be attached. Preferably, the plate includes one or more first tabs and one or more second tabs which are configured to define a receiving area in the plate. The first and second tabs are also configured such that the second tabs are inverted relative to the first tabs. An airbag with one or more slits and a hemmed portion may also be added to the mounting system. The mounting system operates to attach the curtain airbag by having the first and second tabs configured such that the airbag engages the first and second tabs so as to bind a portion of the airbag's hemmed portion within the receiving area formed into the plate.

Quick connect cushion mounting system

An airbag inflator housing for mounting an airbag inflator to a vehicle. The airbag inflator housing includes a press-fit inflator mount for engaging an outer surface of an airbag inflator and a bracket member attached to the inflator mount that is configured to be attached to a vehicle. The inflator housing may hold the inflator in a press-fit manner by having an inside diameter that is smaller than an outside diameter of the airbag inflator. Alternatively, the inflator housing may hold the inflator in a clearance-fit or slip-fit manner, in which the inside diameter is equivalent to or larger than an outside diameter of the airbag inflator. In these inflator housings, the inflator must be additionally secured by a weld, a set screw, crimping, adhesive, or another suitable method.

Inflator press fit housing for inflatable curtains

A novel mounting bracket for an inflatable curtain is described. The mounting bracket includes a pair of attachment plates for engaging respective sides of the inflatable curtain. One plate includes an opening through which a fastener may be positioned to secure the bracket and attached inflatable curtain to the interior of a vehicle. A bushing having an inner surface and an outer surface is positioned within the opening in the mounting plate. Flanges extending from an outer surface of the bushing maintain the bushing within the opening. The outer surface of the bushing is smaller than the opening which allows the bushing to rotate freely within the bracket when a fastener is used to secure the mounting bracket to the interior of a vehicle.

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Wellsville, UT, United States of America

Kurt Petersen