Airbag cover weakening patterns and related systems and methods
AssigneeAutoliv ASP, Inc.
InventorsJohn F. Witt, Jr., David W. Schneider, Jan Pontus Söderström, Uriel Hernandez Padilla
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Abstract
Airbag cushion covers and related methods. Some embodiments may comprise an airbag cover comprising a weakened pattern configured to facilitate separation of the cover during deployment of an airbag cushion. The weakened region may comprise a first tear seam comprising a first shape defined by a first line comprising at least one of regions of curvature and angled regions, and a second tear seam comprising a second shape defined by a second line comprising at least one of regions of curvature and angled regions. In some embodiments, the first shape may comprise, or at least substantially comprise, a reflected image of the second shape.
Claims12
A cover for an airbag cushion, comprising:
- a weakened region configured to facilitate separation of the cover during deployment of an airbag cushion, wherein the weakened region comprises:
- a first tear seam comprising a first shape defined by a first line comprising at least one of regions of curvature and angled regions;
- and
- a second tear seam comprising a second shape defined by a second line comprising at least one of regions of curvature and angled regions, wherein the first shape at least substantially comprises a reflected image of the second shape, and wherein the first shape comprises an unshifted, reflected image of the second shape such that the first shape has reflectional symmetry with respect to the second shape.
A method for manufacturing an airbag cushion cover, the method comprising the steps of:
- obtaining a first layer of an airbag cushion cover;
- forming a first weakened pattern in the first layer such that the first weakened pattern facilitates separation of the first layer to allow for deployment of an airbag cushion therethrough,
- wherein the first weakened pattern comprises a first shape;
- forming a second weakened pattern in the first layer such that the second weakened pattern further facilitates separation of the first layer to allow for deployment of an airbag cushion therethrough,
- wherein the second weakened pattern comprises a second shape, and wherein the second shape comprises a reflected image of the first shape;
- coupling a second layer of the airbag cushion cover to the first layer;
- and
- forming a tear seam in the second layer, wherein the tear seam is positioned in between the first weakened pattern and the second weakened pattern.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.