Airbag reaction canister having softened edges
AssigneeMorton International, Inc.
InventorsThomas M. Kriska, Donald R. Lauritzen, Larry D. Rose
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A reaction canister for a vehicle passive restraint system has its side walls weakened in the regions adjoining edges which are adjacent automotive panels likely to be impacted by occupants in the event of a low speed collision. The resultant softening serves to prevent injury.
Claims4
In an automotive airbag reaction canister comprising a trough-shaped sidewall having first and second edges and an end plate mounted to each end of the sidewall to form a housing for an airbag and inflator, said canister being adapted for installation behind, and adjacent to, an automotive panel, the improvement which comprises:
- corrugations formed in said sidewall adjacent each of said first and second edges, said corrugations being characterized by a plurality of substantially parallel adjacent planar surfaces separated by substantially semi-cylindrical portions of said sidewall, whereby said side wall is weakened and collapsible upon impact by forced displacement of said panel.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.