Multiple chambered airbag system
AssigneeAutoliv ASP, Inc.
InventorsChangsoo Choi, David W. Schneider
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Disclosed are methods and systems relating to automotive airbags. Embodiments of the disclosed invention include multiple inflatable chambers. The chambers may be configured to inflate sequentially such that one or more side chambers may inflate before a center chamber is inflated. Embodiments of the invention may employ separate inflators to inflate the side and center chambers such that the side chamber inflator is deployed prior to the center chamber inflator or, alternatively, a single inflator may be employed with vent openings between the side and center chambers to allow for fluid communication of the inflation gas therethrough.
Claims21
An airbag system, comprising:
- a first inflatable chamber;
- a second inflatable chamber configured to inflate adjacent to the first chamber;
- a third inflatable chamber configured to inflate adjacent to the first chamber and opposite from the second chamber such that at least part of the first chamber is positioned in between the second and third chambers, wherein after inflation the second and third chambers are each thinner than the first chamber;
- a first inflator positioned to inflate the first chamber;
- and
- a second inflator positioned to inflate at least one of the second and third chambers, wherein the system is configured such that the second inflator inflates before the first inflator.
An airbag system, comprising:
- a first inflatable chamber;
- a second inflatable chamber configured to inflate adjacent to the first chamber;
- a third inflatable chamber configured to inflate adjacent to the first chamber and opposite from the second chamber such that at least part of the first chamber is positioned in between the second and third chambers, wherein the second and third chambers have one or more non-inflatable portions, and wherein the second and third chambers each have at least one opening to allow for fluid communication with the first chamber;
- and
- an inflator positioned to inflate the second and third chambers, wherein the inflation gas travels through the openings and into the first chamber from the second and third chambers.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.