Inflatable airbag assemblies with modular components and related methods of manufacture
AssigneeAutoliv ASP, Inc.
InventorsMark S. Hatfield, Kevin Button, James Coleman
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Inflatable airbag cushions often have modular components attached to them after the main airbag has been manufactured. Such modular components can include external tethers, mounting tabs, mounting assemblies, inflatable curtain ramps, and fill tubes. Often, these modular components are positioned at predetermined locations on the airbag. The modular component can be coupled to the airbag by employing one or more adhesives. Also, the modular component can be coupled to the airbag by stitching.
Claims14
An inflatable airbag assembly, comprising:
- an inflatable airbag;
- a non-inflatable modular component coupled to the inflatable airbag;
- an adhesive layer interposed between the inflatable airbag and the modular component,
- wherein the adhesive layer is double-sided tape;
- and
- stitching that protrudes through a portion of the modular component, the adhesive layer, and the a portion of the inflatable airbag.
An inflatable curtain airbag assembly, comprising:
- an inflatable curtain airbag comprising a first face and a second face;
- a fill tube comprising a first panel and a second panel,
- wherein the first panel and the second panel are positioned opposite from each other,
- wherein the first panel is positioned adjacent to the first face and the second panel is positioned adjacent to the second face;
- first adhesive layer interposed between the first panel and the second panel at a first perimeter of the fill tube;
- first stitching that protrudes through the first panel, the second panel, and the first adhesive layer;
- a second adhesive layer interposed between the first panel and the second panel at a second perimeter of the fill tube, wherein the first perimeter and the second perimeter of the fill tube are located at opposing sides of the fill tube:
- second stitching that protrudes through the first panel, the second panel, and the second adhesive layer;
- and
- a third adhesive layer interposed between one of the panels of the fill tube and an adjacent face of the inflatable curtain airbag to affix the fill tube to the inflatable airbag cushion.
An inflatable curtain airbag assembly comprising:
- an inflatable curtain airbag comprising a first face and a second face;
- a mounting assembly comprising:
- a mounting member having an aperture, wherein the mounting member is configured to be mounted to a vehicle structure;
- a connecting member that protrudes through the aperture in the mounting member and is coupled to the inflatable curtain airbag, wherein the connecting member comprises a first portion and a second portion;
- and
- wherein the first portion is coupled to the first face of the inflatable curtain airbag and the second portion is coupled to the second face of the inflatable curtain cushion;
- wherein a first adhesive layer is located between the first portion and the first face and a second adhesive layer is located between the second portion and the second face;
- and
- stitching that protrudes through the first portion, the first adhesive layer, the first face, the second portion, the second adhesive layer, and the second face.
A method of manufacturing an inflatable airbag with modular components, the method comprising the steps of:
- providing a non-inflatable modular component;
- providing an inflatable airbag;
- positioning the modular component on the inflatable airbag;
- placing double-sided tape between a portion of the modular component and a portion of the inflatable airbag;
- and
- sewing a portion of the inflatable airbag, a portion of the modular component, and the double-sided tape together such that the the modular component is coupled to the inflatable airbag by stitching and the double-sided tape such that a portion of the stitching protrudes through a portion of the modular component, the double-sided tape, and a portion of the inflatable airbag.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.