US20020089158A1 - Dual volume air bag with vent - Google Patents
Dual volume air bag with vent Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20020089158A1 US20020089158A1 US09/756,406 US75640601A US2002089158A1 US 20020089158 A1 US20020089158 A1 US 20020089158A1 US 75640601 A US75640601 A US 75640601A US 2002089158 A1 US2002089158 A1 US 2002089158A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- vent
- points
- stitching section
- rupturable
- inflated condition
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
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Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60R21/00—Arrangements or fittings on vehicles for protecting or preventing injuries to occupants or pedestrians in case of accidents or other traffic risks
- B60R21/02—Occupant safety arrangements or fittings, e.g. crash pads
- B60R21/16—Inflatable occupant restraints or confinements designed to inflate upon impact or impending impact, e.g. air bags
- B60R21/23—Inflatable members
- B60R21/231—Inflatable members characterised by their shape, construction or spatial configuration
- B60R21/233—Inflatable members characterised by their shape, construction or spatial configuration comprising a plurality of individual compartments; comprising two or more bag-like members, one within the other
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60R21/00—Arrangements or fittings on vehicles for protecting or preventing injuries to occupants or pedestrians in case of accidents or other traffic risks
- B60R21/02—Occupant safety arrangements or fittings, e.g. crash pads
- B60R21/16—Inflatable occupant restraints or confinements designed to inflate upon impact or impending impact, e.g. air bags
- B60R21/23—Inflatable members
- B60R21/231—Inflatable members characterised by their shape, construction or spatial configuration
- B60R21/2334—Expansion control features
- B60R21/2338—Tethers
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60R21/00—Arrangements or fittings on vehicles for protecting or preventing injuries to occupants or pedestrians in case of accidents or other traffic risks
- B60R21/02—Occupant safety arrangements or fittings, e.g. crash pads
- B60R21/16—Inflatable occupant restraints or confinements designed to inflate upon impact or impending impact, e.g. air bags
- B60R21/23—Inflatable members
- B60R21/231—Inflatable members characterised by their shape, construction or spatial configuration
- B60R21/233—Inflatable members characterised by their shape, construction or spatial configuration comprising a plurality of individual compartments; comprising two or more bag-like members, one within the other
- B60R2021/23316—Inner seams, e.g. creating separate compartments or used as tethering means
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60R21/00—Arrangements or fittings on vehicles for protecting or preventing injuries to occupants or pedestrians in case of accidents or other traffic risks
- B60R21/02—Occupant safety arrangements or fittings, e.g. crash pads
- B60R21/16—Inflatable occupant restraints or confinements designed to inflate upon impact or impending impact, e.g. air bags
- B60R21/23—Inflatable members
- B60R21/231—Inflatable members characterised by their shape, construction or spatial configuration
- B60R21/2334—Expansion control features
- B60R21/2338—Tethers
- B60R2021/23382—Internal tether means
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a vehicle occupant protection apparatus.
- the present invention relates to an air bag that is inflatable to two different volumes and that has a vent for discharging inflation fluid.
- a known air bag inflates to a first volume and then, upon rupturing of a tear seam or a rupturable stitching section, inflates further to a larger volume. It is known to provide such an air bag with a vent for discharging inflation fluid when the device is inflated to the larger volume. The vent opens, or is uncovered, when the air bag inflates from the partially inflated condition to the fully inflated condition.
- vent is closed off by a stitching section that is unevenly stressed, then a portion only of the stitching section might open, without the remainder of the stitching section being opened.
- the vent opening might remain partially covered or closed, and the air bag might not vent inflation fluid in the desired manner.
- the present invention is an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device for helping to protect an occupant of a vehicle.
- the device is inflatable from a deflated condition through a partially inflated condition to a fully inflated condition by inflation fluid from an inflation fluid source.
- the device comprises flexible material defining an inflation fluid volume for receiving inflation fluid, including a first panel portion on which is located a set of first points and a second panel portion on which is located a set of second points.
- a rupturable stitching section holds the set of first points closely adjacent the set of second points when the device is in the deflated condition and when the device is in the partially inflated condition.
- the rupturable stitching section is rupturable in response to the application of a force greater than a predetermined force in response to inflation of the protection device. Rupturing of the stitching section enables movement of the first panel portion away from the second panel portion, thereby enabling movement of the device from the partially inflated condition to the fully inflated condition. All of the first points on the first panel portion move away from all of the second points on the second panel portion when the rupturable stitching section ruptures and the device moves from the partially inflated condition to the fully inflated condition.
- the device includes a vent in the material for discharging inflation fluid from the device.
- the vent is blocked from fluid flow through the vent when the rupturable stitching section is not ruptured and the device is in the partially inflated condition.
- the vent opens to an open condition to permit flow of pressurized fluid from the device through the vent in response to rupturing of the rupturable stitching section and movement of the device from the partially inflated condition to the fully inflated condition.
- FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a vehicle occupant protection system including an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device
- FIG. 2 is a pictorial view of an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device of the system of FIG. 1, shown in a partially inflated condition;
- FIG. 3 is a view similar to FIG. 2 showing the protection device of FIG. 2 in a fully inflated condition
- FIG. 4 is a pictorial view of a protection device in accordance with a second embodiment of the invention, shown in a partially inflated condition;
- FIG. 5 is a view similar to FIG. 4 showing the protection device of FIG. 4 in a fully inflated condition
- FIG. 7 is a view similar to FIG. 6 showing the protection device of FIG. 6 in a fully inflated condition
- FIG. 8 is a fragmentary sectional view of a tether that forms a part of the protection device of FIG. 6;
- FIG. 9 is a view similar to FIG. 8 showing an alternative construction of the tether
- FIG. 10 is a view similar to FIG. 8 showing a further alternative construction of the tether.
- FIG. 11 is a fragmentary elevational view of the tether of FIG. 10.
- the air bag 10 is preferably made from a flexible fabric material, such as woven nylon.
- the air bag 10 can alternatively be made from a non-woven material, such as plastic film.
- the air bag 10 forms part of a vehicle occupant protection system 12 .
- the system 12 includes an inflator 14 for inflating the air bag 10 and a crash sensor 16 for actuating the inflator.
- the inflator 14 preferably contains a stored quantity of pressurized inflation fluid and an ignitable material for heating the inflation fluid.
- the system 12 alternatively could include an inflator that uses the combustion of gas-generating material to generate inflation fluid in the form of gas to inflate the air bag 10 , or an inflator that contains only a stored quantity of pressurized inflation fluid for inflating the air bag.
- the air bag 10 has a generally cylindrical configuration when fully inflated (FIG. 3).
- the air bag 10 includes a rectangular center panel 20 and circular first and second side panels 30 and 40 .
- the center panel 20 has first and second opposite end portions sewn together at a seam 26 .
- the first and center panel 20 to form the cylindrical configuration of the air bag 10 .
- the air bag 10 as thus sewn defines an inflation fluid volume 42 for receiving inflation fluid from the inflator 14 .
- the center panel 20 has an inflation fluid opening shown schematically at 44 for receiving inflation fluid from the inflator 14 to inflate the air bag 10 .
- the first side panel 30 has a vent 46 for discharging inflation fluid from the air bag 10 .
- the vent 46 has a circular configuration centered in the first side panel 30 .
- a set of first points on the first side panel 30 including representative points identified by the reference letters A, B, C, and D in FIGS. 2 and 3, lie along and define a closed plane figure, in this case, a circle 32 .
- a set of second points on the second side panel 40 including representative points identified by the reference numerals A′, B′, C′, and D′ in FIGS. 2 and 3, lie along and define a closed plane figure, in this case, a circle 34 .
- the circle 34 is the same diameter as the circle 32 .
- the first points A-D on the first side panel 30 correspond, as described below, with the second points A′-D′ on the second side panel 40 .
- the first points on the first side panel 30 including the points A, B, C, and D, are spaced apart from the second points on the second side panel 40 , including the points A′, B′, C′, and D′. That is, the distance between the points of each pair of corresponding first and second points A-A′, or B-B′, or C-C′, or D-D′, is greater than zero.
- the air bag 10 is sewn together in a manner such that the distance between the points of each pair of corresponding first and second points A-A′, or B-B′, or C-C′, or D-D′, is substantially the same as the distance between the points of each other pair of corresponding first and second points.
- the air bag includes a rupturable stitching section 50 .
- the rupturable stitching section 50 releasably joins the first side panel 30 of the air bag 10 with the second side panel 40 of the air bag when the air bag is uninflated and when it is partially inflated as in FIG. 2.
- the first side panel 30 and the second side panel 40 are pulled together in an overlying relationship in order to sew the rupturable stitching section 50 .
- the stitching section 50 extends through the first side panel 30 and through the second side panel 40 of the air bag.
- the stitching section 50 has a circular configuration.
- the stitching section 50 defines and encloses a circular central portion 52 of the first side panel 30 and a circular central portion 54 of the second side panel 40 .
- the central portion 52 of the first panel 30 includes the vent 46 .
- the rupturable stitching section 50 acts as a tether to keep the first side panel 30 of the air bag adjacent the second side panel 40 of the air bag.
- the rupturable stitching section 50 does not rupture, and the air bag 10 stays in the partially inflated condition, so long as the force applied to the rupturable stitching section is not greater than a predetermined force.
- the air bag 10 has a first volume-that is, the inflation fluid volume 42 inside the air bag has a first magnitude.
- the stitching section 50 holds each one of the first points A-D closely adjacent a corresponding one of the second points A′-D′.
- the first point A on the first side panel 30 overlies a corresponding second point A′ on the second side panel 40 .
- the stitching section 50 is unruptured, the distance between the first point A and the second point A′ is zero.
- the first point B on the first side panel 30 overlies a corresponding second point B′ on the second side panel 40 .
- the distance between the first point B and the second points B′ is zero.
- the first point C on the first side panel 30 overlies a corresponding second point C′ on the second side panel 40 .
- the distance between the first point C and the second point C′ is zero.
- the first point D on the first side panel 30 overlies a corresponding second point D′ on the second side panel 40 .
- the distance between the first point D and the second point D′ is zero.
- the central portion 52 of the first side panel 30 overlies the central portion 54 of the second side panel 40 .
- the rupturable stitching section 50 extends around and encloses the vent 46 .
- the vent 46 is blocked from fluid flow through the vent when the rupturable stitching section 50 is not ruptured and the air bag 10 has the first volume.
- the central portion 54 of the second side panel 40 blocks fluid flow through the vent 46 .
- the vent 46 is not exposed to pressurized fluid from the interior of the air bag 10 .
- the stress on the stitching section 50 which extends through and joins the points A-D and A′-D′ when the air bag 10 is in the partially inflated condition, is proportional to the distance that exists between the points A-D and A′-D′ when the air bag is fully inflated. Specifically, if the air bag 10 were designed so that the points A and A′ did not move away from each other at all when the air bag inflated fully, then the stress at the points A and A′ would be zero when the air bag was in the partially inflated condition.
- the joined points A-D and A′-D′ all move away from each other by at least some distance when the air bag is fully inflated.
- the points A and A′ move away from each other by substantially the same distance as the points B and B′ move away from each other and as the points C and C′ move away from each other and as the points D and D′ move away from each other. Consequently, when the air bag 10 is in the partially inflated condition and the points A-D are joined with the points A′-D′ by the rupturable stitching section 50 , the stress on the rupturable stitching section is substantially the same at each one of the joined points A-D and A′-D′ along the circles 32 and 34 .
- the stress on the stitching section 50 is substantially uniform along the entire length of the stitching section.
- FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate an air bag 10 a constructed in accordance with a second embodiment of the invention.
- the air bag 10 a is similar in construction to the air bag 10 (FIGS. 2 and 3), and parts that are the same or similar are given the same reference numerals with the suffix “a” added for clarity.
- the air bag 10 a includes a first rupturable stitching section 50 a, which releasably joins the first side panel 30 a of the air bag with the center panel 20 a of the air bag when the air bag is not fully inflated.
- the first side panel 30 a and the center panel 20 a are pulled together in an overlying relationship in order to sew the first rupturable stitching section 50 a.
- the first rupturable stitching section 50 a extends through the first side panel 30 a and through the center panel 20 a of the air bag.
- the first rupturable stitching section 50 a has a circular configuration and is located adjacent the seam between the first side panel 30 a and the center panel 20 a.
- the first rupturable stitching section 50 a defines and encloses a circular portion 52 a of the first side panel 30 a and a circular portion 53 of the center panel 20 a.
- the circular portion 52 a of the first side panel 30 a includes the vent 46 a.
- the circular portion 53 of the center panel 20 a overlies the circular portion 52 a of the first side panel 30 a.
- the first rupturable stitching section 50 a extends around and encloses the vent 46 a.
- the first rupturable stitching section 50 a acts as a tether to keep the first side panel 30 a of the air bag adjacent the center panel 20 a of the air bag.
- the rupturable stitching section 50 a does not rupture, and the air bag 10 a stays in the partially inflated condition, so long as the force applied to the rupturable stitching section is not greater than a predetermined force.
- the air bag 10 a When the air bag 10 a is in this partially inflated condition, the air bag has a first volume—that is, the inflation fluid volume inside the air bag has a first magnitude.
- the vent 46 a is blocked from fluid flow through the vent when the rupturable stitching section is not ruptured and the air bag 10 a has the first volume. In addition, the vent 46 a is not exposed to pressurized fluid from the interior of the air bag 10 a.
- the stitching section 50 a ruptures. This rupturing enables movement of the first side panel 30 a of the air bag 10 a away from the center panel 20 a.
- the vent 46 a in the first side panel 30 a is uncovered or opened.
- the vent 46 a opens to an open condition to permit flow of pressurized fluid from the air bag 10 a through the vent.
- All the first points E-H on the first side panel 30 a move away from all the second points E′-H′ on the center panel 20 a.
- the distance by which some of the points E-H on the first circle 60 in the air bag 10 a move away from their corresponding points E′-H′ on the second circle 62 is different from the distance by which others of the points E-H on the first circle 60 move away from their corresponding points E′-H′ on the second circle 62 .
- the entire stitching section 50 a is stressed when the air bag 10 a is partially inflated. Once one of the stitches in the stitching section ruptures, the stress on the remaining stitches increases, resulting in all the stitches rupturing.
- the first side panel 30 a moves quickly and completely away from the center panel 20 a, uncovering and opening the vent opening 40 a fully and quickly, as desired.
- the air bag 10 d includes a tether 90 .
- the tether 90 is a piece of fabric material having a first end portion 92 sewn to the first side panel 30 d with a rupturable stitching section 94 .
- a second end portion 96 of the tether 90 is sewn to the second side panel 40 d with a permanent (non-rupturable) stitching section 98 .
- a central portion 100 of the tether 90 extends between the first and second end portions 92 and 96 .
- the vent 46 d is covered by the first end portion 92 of the tether 90 when the tether is joined to the first side panel with the rupturable stitching section 94 .
- the first end portion 92 of the tether 90 blocks fluid flow through the vent 46 d.
- the vent 46 d is not exposed to pressurized fluid from the interior of the air bag 10 d.
- the rupturable stitching section 94 ruptures in response. Rupturing of the stitching section 94 enables movement of the tether 90 and the second side panel 40 d of the air bag 10 d away from the first side panel 30 d. When this movement occurs, the volume of the air bag 10 d increases from a first volume to a second volume, and the air bag assumes the fully inflated condition shown generally in FIG. 7.
- the vent 46 d in the first side panel 30 d is uncovered or opened as the tether 90 pulls away from the first side panel of the air bag. The vent 46 d opens to an open condition to permit flow of pressurized fluid from the air bag 10 d through the vent.
- the stitching section 94 joins a plurality of points on the tether 90 with a corresponding plurality of points on the first side panel 30 d.
- the stitching section 94 ruptures, the tether 90 moves completely out of contact with the first side panel 30 d. All the points on the tether 90 that were joined by the stitching section to the first side panel 30 d, move away from the corresponding points on the first side panel to which they were joined. As a result, the vent 46 d can open quickly and completely.
- the central portion 100 of the tether 90 is illustrated as being folded over and sewn to itself with a second rupturable stitching section 102 .
- the second rupturable stitching section 102 is rupturable upon the application of a second predetermined force.
- the second predetermined force is less than the predetermined force needed to rupture the rupturable stitching section 98 joining the tether 90 to the first side panel 30 d.
- the rupturable stitching section 102 in the central portion 100 of the tether 90 opens before the tether pulls away from the first side panel 30 d of the air bag 10 d.
- the air bag 10 d is illustrated in a first partially inflated condition in FIG. 9. Neither of the rupturable stitching sections 98 and 102 is ruptured. The air bag 10 d has a first volume.
- the rupturable stitching section 102 in the central portion 100 of the tether 90 is rupturable to enable lengthening of the tether.
- the inflated volume of the air bag 10 d increases from the first volume to an intermediate volume that is less than the air bag's fully inflated volume.
- the vent 46 d remains closed when the air bag 10 d has the intermediate volume (that is, when the rupturable stitching section 102 is ruptured and the rupturable stitching section 100 is not).
- the rupturable stitching section 98 holding the tether 90 to the first side panel 30 d ruptures.
- the tether 90 pulls completely away from the first side panel 30 d, as described above, and the inflated volume of the air bag 10 d increases from the intermediate volume to the fully inflated volume.
- the vent 46 d is uncovered and opens to an open condition to permit flow of pressurized fluid from the air bag 10 d through the vent.
- FIGS. 10 and 11 illustrate a portion of an air bag 10 e constructed in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
- the illustrated portion is a tether 110 and its connection between two side panels 30 e and 40 e of an air bag that is otherwise similar in construction to the air bag 10 d.
- the first side panel 30 e (FIG. 10) has a vent 112 .
- the vent 112 comprises a slit in the first side panel 30 e between two edge portions 114 and 116 of the side panel.
- the vent 112 is in a closed condition as shown in FIG. 10.
- the two edge portions 114 and 116 of the side panel 30 e are adjoining.
- a plurality of discrete eyelets or lacing openings 118 are formed in the edge portions 114 and 116 .
- the tether 110 has a first end portion 120 that extends through, or is laced through, the eyelets 118 in the edge portions 114 and 116 .
- the tether 110 secures together the edge portions 114 and 116 of the side panel 30 e.
- a second end portion 122 of the tether 110 is sewn to the second side panel 40 e with a permanent stitching section 124 .
- the air bag 10 e is illustrated in a first partially inflated condition in FIG. 11.
- the tether 110 extends through the eyelets 118 , securing together the edge portions 114 and 118 of the side panel.
- a plurality of points on the first end portion 120 of the tether 110 are in engagement with a plurality of points on the side panel 30 e.
- the vent 112 is closed, and the air bag 10 e has a first volume.
- a force exceeding a predetermined force is applied to the tether 110 .
- the first end portion 120 of the tether 110 is pulled through (out of) the eyelets 118 . All the points on the tether 110 move away from all the points on the first side panel 30 e.
- the tether 110 pulls completely away from the first side panel 30 e, as described above, and the inflated volume of the air bag 10 e increases.
- the vent 112 opens to an open condition to permit flow of pressurized fluid from the air bag 10 e through the vent.
Abstract
Description
- The present invention relates to a vehicle occupant protection apparatus. In particular, the present invention relates to an air bag that is inflatable to two different volumes and that has a vent for discharging inflation fluid.
- A known air bag inflates to a first volume and then, upon rupturing of a tear seam or a rupturable stitching section, inflates further to a larger volume. It is known to provide such an air bag with a vent for discharging inflation fluid when the device is inflated to the larger volume. The vent opens, or is uncovered, when the air bag inflates from the partially inflated condition to the fully inflated condition.
- If the vent is closed off by a stitching section that is unevenly stressed, then a portion only of the stitching section might open, without the remainder of the stitching section being opened. The vent opening might remain partially covered or closed, and the air bag might not vent inflation fluid in the desired manner.
- The present invention is an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device for helping to protect an occupant of a vehicle. The device is inflatable from a deflated condition through a partially inflated condition to a fully inflated condition by inflation fluid from an inflation fluid source. The device comprises flexible material defining an inflation fluid volume for receiving inflation fluid, including a first panel portion on which is located a set of first points and a second panel portion on which is located a set of second points.
- A rupturable stitching section holds the set of first points closely adjacent the set of second points when the device is in the deflated condition and when the device is in the partially inflated condition. The rupturable stitching section is rupturable in response to the application of a force greater than a predetermined force in response to inflation of the protection device. Rupturing of the stitching section enables movement of the first panel portion away from the second panel portion, thereby enabling movement of the device from the partially inflated condition to the fully inflated condition. All of the first points on the first panel portion move away from all of the second points on the second panel portion when the rupturable stitching section ruptures and the device moves from the partially inflated condition to the fully inflated condition.
- The device includes a vent in the material for discharging inflation fluid from the device. The vent is blocked from fluid flow through the vent when the rupturable stitching section is not ruptured and the device is in the partially inflated condition. The vent opens to an open condition to permit flow of pressurized fluid from the device through the vent in response to rupturing of the rupturable stitching section and movement of the device from the partially inflated condition to the fully inflated condition.
- The foregoing and other features of the present invention will become apparent to one skilled in the art to which the present invention relates upon consideration of the following description of the invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
- FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a vehicle occupant protection system including an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device;
- FIG. 2 is a pictorial view of an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device of the system of FIG. 1, shown in a partially inflated condition;
- FIG. 3 is a view similar to FIG. 2 showing the protection device of FIG. 2 in a fully inflated condition;
- FIG. 4 is a pictorial view of a protection device in accordance with a second embodiment of the invention, shown in a partially inflated condition;
- FIG. 5 is a view similar to FIG. 4 showing the protection device of FIG. 4 in a fully inflated condition;
- FIG. 6 is a pictorial view of a protection device in accordance with a third embodiment of the invention, shown in a partially inflated condition;
- FIG. 7 is a view similar to FIG. 6 showing the protection device of FIG. 6 in a fully inflated condition;
- FIG. 8 is a fragmentary sectional view of a tether that forms a part of the protection device of FIG. 6;
- FIG. 9 is a view similar to FIG. 8 showing an alternative construction of the tether;
- FIG. 10 is a view similar to FIG. 8 showing a further alternative construction of the tether; and
- FIG. 11 is a fragmentary elevational view of the tether of FIG. 10.
- The present invention relates to a vehicle occupant protection apparatus. In particular, the present invention relates to a protection device that is inflatable to two different volumes and that has a vent for discharging inflation fluid. As representative of the present invention, FIG. 1 illustrates an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device in the form of an
air bag 10. Other inflatable vehicle occupant protection devices that can be used in accordance with the invention include, for example, inflatable seat belts, inflatable knee bolsters, inflatable head liners, inflatable side curtains, and knee bolsters operated by inflatable air bags. - The
air bag 10 is preferably made from a flexible fabric material, such as woven nylon. Theair bag 10 can alternatively be made from a non-woven material, such as plastic film. - The
air bag 10 forms part of a vehicleoccupant protection system 12. Thesystem 12 includes an inflator 14 for inflating theair bag 10 and acrash sensor 16 for actuating the inflator. The inflator 14 preferably contains a stored quantity of pressurized inflation fluid and an ignitable material for heating the inflation fluid. Thesystem 12 alternatively could include an inflator that uses the combustion of gas-generating material to generate inflation fluid in the form of gas to inflate theair bag 10, or an inflator that contains only a stored quantity of pressurized inflation fluid for inflating the air bag. - The
air bag 10 has a generally cylindrical configuration when fully inflated (FIG. 3). Theair bag 10 includes arectangular center panel 20 and circular first andsecond side panels center panel 20 has first and second opposite end portions sewn together at aseam 26. The first andcenter panel 20 to form the cylindrical configuration of theair bag 10. - The
air bag 10 as thus sewn defines aninflation fluid volume 42 for receiving inflation fluid from the inflator 14. Thecenter panel 20 has an inflation fluid opening shown schematically at 44 for receiving inflation fluid from the inflator 14 to inflate theair bag 10. Thefirst side panel 30 has avent 46 for discharging inflation fluid from theair bag 10. Thevent 46 has a circular configuration centered in thefirst side panel 30. - A set of first points on the
first side panel 30, including representative points identified by the reference letters A, B, C, and D in FIGS. 2 and 3, lie along and define a closed plane figure, in this case, acircle 32. - A set of second points on the
second side panel 40, including representative points identified by the reference numerals A′, B′, C′, and D′ in FIGS. 2 and 3, lie along and define a closed plane figure, in this case, acircle 34. Thecircle 34 is the same diameter as thecircle 32. The first points A-D on thefirst side panel 30 correspond, as described below, with the second points A′-D′ on thesecond side panel 40. - When the air bag is in the fully inflated condition shown in FIG. 3, the first points on the
first side panel 30, including the points A, B, C, and D, are spaced apart from the second points on thesecond side panel 40, including the points A′, B′, C′, and D′. That is, the distance between the points of each pair of corresponding first and second points A-A′, or B-B′, or C-C′, or D-D′, is greater than zero. In addition, theair bag 10 is sewn together in a manner such that the distance between the points of each pair of corresponding first and second points A-A′, or B-B′, or C-C′, or D-D′, is substantially the same as the distance between the points of each other pair of corresponding first and second points. - The air bag includes a
rupturable stitching section 50. Therupturable stitching section 50 releasably joins thefirst side panel 30 of theair bag 10 with thesecond side panel 40 of the air bag when the air bag is uninflated and when it is partially inflated as in FIG. 2. Thefirst side panel 30 and thesecond side panel 40 are pulled together in an overlying relationship in order to sew therupturable stitching section 50. Thestitching section 50 extends through thefirst side panel 30 and through thesecond side panel 40 of the air bag. - The
stitching section 50 has a circular configuration. Thestitching section 50 defines and encloses a circularcentral portion 52 of thefirst side panel 30 and a circularcentral portion 54 of thesecond side panel 40. Thecentral portion 52 of thefirst panel 30 includes thevent 46. - The
stitching section 50 extends through the set of first points on thefirst side panel 30, including the first points A, B, C, and D. Thestitching section 50 also extends through the set of second points on thesecond side panel 40, including the second points A′, B′, C′ and D′. - When the
air bag 10 is in the partially inflated condition, therupturable stitching section 50 acts as a tether to keep thefirst side panel 30 of the air bag adjacent thesecond side panel 40 of the air bag. Therupturable stitching section 50 does not rupture, and theair bag 10 stays in the partially inflated condition, so long as the force applied to the rupturable stitching section is not greater than a predetermined force. Theair bag 10 has a first volume-that is, theinflation fluid volume 42 inside the air bag has a first magnitude. - When the
air bag 10 is in the partially inflated condition, thestitching section 50 holds each one of the first points A-D closely adjacent a corresponding one of the second points A′-D′. For example, the first point A on thefirst side panel 30 overlies a corresponding second point A′ on thesecond side panel 40. Because thestitching section 50 is unruptured, the distance between the first point A and the second point A′ is zero. The first point B on thefirst side panel 30 overlies a corresponding second point B′ on thesecond side panel 40. The distance between the first point B and the second points B′ is zero. - The first point C on the
first side panel 30 overlies a corresponding second point C′ on thesecond side panel 40. The distance between the first point C and the second point C′ is zero. The first point D on thefirst side panel 30 overlies a corresponding second point D′ on thesecond side panel 40. The distance between the first point D and the second point D′ is zero. - When the
air bag 10 is in the partially inflated condition, thecentral portion 52 of thefirst side panel 30 overlies thecentral portion 54 of thesecond side panel 40. Therupturable stitching section 50 extends around and encloses thevent 46. As a result, thevent 46 is blocked from fluid flow through the vent when therupturable stitching section 50 is not ruptured and theair bag 10 has the first volume. Specifically, thecentral portion 54 of thesecond side panel 40 blocks fluid flow through thevent 46. In addition, thevent 46 is not exposed to pressurized fluid from the interior of theair bag 10. - The stress on the
stitching section 50, which extends through and joins the points A-D and A′-D′ when theair bag 10 is in the partially inflated condition, is proportional to the distance that exists between the points A-D and A′-D′ when the air bag is fully inflated. Specifically, if theair bag 10 were designed so that the points A and A′ did not move away from each other at all when the air bag inflated fully, then the stress at the points A and A′ would be zero when the air bag was in the partially inflated condition. - If the
air bag 10 were designed so that the points A and A′ moved away from each other by only a relatively small amount when the air bag inflated fully, then the stress at the points A and A′ would be relatively small when the air bag was in the partially inflated condition. Conversely, if theair bag 10 were designed so that the points A and A′ moved away from each other by a relatively large distance when the air bag inflated fully, then the stress at the points A and A′ would be relatively large when the air bag was in the partially inflated condition. - In the
air bag 10, the joined points A-D and A′-D′ all move away from each other by at least some distance when the air bag is fully inflated. In addition, the points A and A′ move away from each other by substantially the same distance as the points B and B′ move away from each other and as the points C and C′ move away from each other and as the points D and D′ move away from each other. Consequently, when theair bag 10 is in the partially inflated condition and the points A-D are joined with the points A′-D′ by therupturable stitching section 50, the stress on the rupturable stitching section is substantially the same at each one of the joined points A-D and A′-D′ along thecircles stitching section 50 is substantially uniform along the entire length of the stitching section. - A force greater than the predetermined force may be applied to the
rupturable stitching section 50 if the pressure in theair bag 10 increases sufficiently, for example, because of actuation of a second stage of the inflator 14. If this occurs, therupturable stitching 50 ruptures in response. Rupturing of thestitching section 50 enables movement of thefirst side panel 30 of theair bag 10 away from thesecond side panel 40. When this movement occurs, theair bag 10 assumes the fully inflated condition shown in FIG. 3. The volume of theair bag 10 increases from the first volume to a second volume, which is greater than the first volume. Thevent 46 in thefirst side panel 30 is uncovered or opened. Thevent 46 opens to an open condition to permit flow of pressurized fluid from theair bag 10 through thevent 46. - During the movement of the
air bag 10 from the partially inflated condition to the fully inflated condition, it is desirable that thestitching section 50 open quickly and completely once the predetermined force level is reached, uncovering the vent opening 46 fully and in a short period of time. In theair bag 10, the uniformity of the stress on thestitching section 50 means that an application of force that is sufficient to rupture one of the stitches in thestitching section 50 is sufficient to rupture all the stitches in the stitching section. In addition, once one of the stitches in thestitching section 50 ruptures, the stress on the remaining stitches increases, resulting in all the stitches rupturing. Thus, the first andsecond side panels rupturable stitching section 50 were not stressed at all, or if the stress were uneven. - FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate an
air bag 10 a constructed in accordance with a second embodiment of the invention. Theair bag 10 a is similar in construction to the air bag 10 (FIGS. 2 and 3), and parts that are the same or similar are given the same reference numerals with the suffix “a” added for clarity. - The
air bag 10 a has the same cylindrical configuration as theair bag 10, including a rectangularcentral panel 20 a sewn to circular first andsecond side panels first side panel 30 a has afirst vent 46 a for discharging inflation fluid from theair bag 10 a. Thefirst vent 46 a has a circular configuration and is located near the outer periphery of thefirst side panel 30 a. Thesecond side panel 40 a has asecond vent 47 for discharging inflation fluid from theair bag 10 a. Thesecond vent 47 has a circular configuration and is located near the outer periphery of thesecond side panel 40 a. The construction and operation of thesecond vent 47 are the same as the construction and operation of thefirst vent 46 a, and so are not described further herein. - The
air bag 10 a includes a firstrupturable stitching section 50 a, which releasably joins thefirst side panel 30 a of the air bag with thecenter panel 20 a of the air bag when the air bag is not fully inflated. Thefirst side panel 30 a and thecenter panel 20 a are pulled together in an overlying relationship in order to sew the firstrupturable stitching section 50 a. The firstrupturable stitching section 50 a extends through thefirst side panel 30 a and through thecenter panel 20 a of the air bag. - The first
rupturable stitching section 50 a has a circular configuration and is located adjacent the seam between thefirst side panel 30 a and thecenter panel 20 a. The firstrupturable stitching section 50 a defines and encloses acircular portion 52 a of thefirst side panel 30 a and acircular portion 53 of thecenter panel 20 a. Thecircular portion 52 a of thefirst side panel 30 a includes thevent 46 a. Thecircular portion 53 of thecenter panel 20 a overlies thecircular portion 52 a of thefirst side panel 30 a. Thus, the firstrupturable stitching section 50 a extends around and encloses thevent 46 a. - When the
air bag 10 a is in the partially inflated condition shown in FIG. 4, the firstrupturable stitching section 50 a acts as a tether to keep thefirst side panel 30 a of the air bag adjacent thecenter panel 20 a of the air bag. Therupturable stitching section 50 a does not rupture, and theair bag 10 a stays in the partially inflated condition, so long as the force applied to the rupturable stitching section is not greater than a predetermined force. When theair bag 10 a is in this partially inflated condition, the air bag has a first volume—that is, the inflation fluid volume inside the air bag has a first magnitude. - Because the
rupturable stitching section 50 a extends around and encloses thevent 46 a, the vent is blocked from fluid flow through the vent when the rupturable stitching section is not ruptured and theair bag 10 a has the first volume. In addition, thevent 46 a is not exposed to pressurized fluid from the interior of theair bag 10 a. - The
rupturable stitching section 50 a defines acircle 60 on thefirst side panel 30 a. A set of first points lie on thecircle 60, including selected ones designated E, F, G and H. Therupturable stitching section 50 a defines acircle 62 on thecenter panel 20 a. A set of second points lie on thecircle 62, including selected ones designated E′, F′, G′ and H′. When theair bag 10 a is in the partially inflated condition, the first points E-H overlie the second points E′-H′. - If a force greater than the predetermined force is applied to the
rupturable stitching section 50 a, the stitching section ruptures. This rupturing enables movement of thefirst side panel 30 a of theair bag 10 a away from thecenter panel 20 a. Thevent 46 a in thefirst side panel 30 a is uncovered or opened. Thevent 46 a opens to an open condition to permit flow of pressurized fluid from theair bag 10 a through the vent. - All the first points E-H on the
first side panel 30 a move away from all the second points E′-H′ on thecenter panel 20 a. In contrast to theair bag 10, the distance by which some of the points E-H on thefirst circle 60 in theair bag 10 a move away from their corresponding points E′-H′ on thesecond circle 62 is different from the distance by which others of the points E-H on thefirst circle 60 move away from their corresponding points E′-H′ on thesecond circle 62. Nevertheless, theentire stitching section 50 a is stressed when theair bag 10 a is partially inflated. Once one of the stitches in the stitching section ruptures, the stress on the remaining stitches increases, resulting in all the stitches rupturing. Thus, thefirst side panel 30 a moves quickly and completely away from thecenter panel 20 a, uncovering and opening the vent opening 40 a fully and quickly, as desired. - FIGS.6-9 illustrate an
air bag 10 d constructed in accordance with a third embodiment of the invention. Theair bag 10 d is similar in construction to the air bag 10 (FIGS. 2 and 3), and parts that are the same or similar are given the same reference numerals with the suffix “d” added for clarity. - The
air bag 10 d includes arectangular center panel 20 d and twocircular side panels first side panel 30 d includes avent 46 d. - The
air bag 10 d includes atether 90. As illustrated in FIG. 8, thetether 90 is a piece of fabric material having afirst end portion 92 sewn to thefirst side panel 30 d with arupturable stitching section 94. Asecond end portion 96 of thetether 90 is sewn to thesecond side panel 40 d with a permanent (non-rupturable)stitching section 98. Acentral portion 100 of thetether 90 extends between the first andsecond end portions - The
vent 46 d is covered by thefirst end portion 92 of thetether 90 when the tether is joined to the first side panel with therupturable stitching section 94. Thefirst end portion 92 of thetether 90 blocks fluid flow through thevent 46 d. In addition, thevent 46 d is not exposed to pressurized fluid from the interior of theair bag 10 d. - If a force greater than a predetermined force is applied to the
rupturable stitching section 94, for example, because of actuation of a second stage of an inflator, the rupturable stitching section ruptures in response. Rupturing of thestitching section 94 enables movement of thetether 90 and thesecond side panel 40 d of theair bag 10 d away from thefirst side panel 30 d. When this movement occurs, the volume of theair bag 10 d increases from a first volume to a second volume, and the air bag assumes the fully inflated condition shown generally in FIG. 7. In addition, thevent 46 d in thefirst side panel 30 d is uncovered or opened as thetether 90 pulls away from the first side panel of the air bag. Thevent 46 d opens to an open condition to permit flow of pressurized fluid from theair bag 10 d through the vent. - The
stitching section 94 joins a plurality of points on thetether 90 with a corresponding plurality of points on thefirst side panel 30 d. When thestitching section 94 ruptures, thetether 90 moves completely out of contact with thefirst side panel 30 d. All the points on thetether 90 that were joined by the stitching section to thefirst side panel 30 d, move away from the corresponding points on the first side panel to which they were joined. As a result, thevent 46 d can open quickly and completely. - In the alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 9, the
central portion 100 of thetether 90 is illustrated as being folded over and sewn to itself with a secondrupturable stitching section 102. The secondrupturable stitching section 102 is rupturable upon the application of a second predetermined force. The second predetermined force is less than the predetermined force needed to rupture therupturable stitching section 98 joining thetether 90 to thefirst side panel 30 d. As a result, therupturable stitching section 102 in thecentral portion 100 of thetether 90 opens before the tether pulls away from thefirst side panel 30 d of theair bag 10 d. - The
air bag 10 d is illustrated in a first partially inflated condition in FIG. 9. Neither of therupturable stitching sections air bag 10 d has a first volume. - In response to a further increase in fluid pressure inside the
air bag 10 d, therupturable stitching section 102 in thecentral portion 100 of thetether 90 is rupturable to enable lengthening of the tether. The inflated volume of theair bag 10 d increases from the first volume to an intermediate volume that is less than the air bag's fully inflated volume. Thevent 46 d remains closed when theair bag 10 d has the intermediate volume (that is, when therupturable stitching section 102 is ruptured and therupturable stitching section 100 is not). - In response to a still further increase in fluid pressure inside the
air bag 10 d, therupturable stitching section 98 holding thetether 90 to thefirst side panel 30 d ruptures. Thetether 90 pulls completely away from thefirst side panel 30 d, as described above, and the inflated volume of theair bag 10 d increases from the intermediate volume to the fully inflated volume. Thevent 46 d is uncovered and opens to an open condition to permit flow of pressurized fluid from theair bag 10 d through the vent. - FIGS. 10 and 11 illustrate a portion of an
air bag 10 e constructed in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the present invention. The illustrated portion is atether 110 and its connection between twoside panels air bag 10 d. - The
first side panel 30 e (FIG. 10) has avent 112. Thevent 112 comprises a slit in thefirst side panel 30 e between twoedge portions first end panel 30 e is unstressed, thevent 112 is in a closed condition as shown in FIG. 10. The twoedge portions side panel 30 e are adjoining. A plurality of discrete eyelets or lacingopenings 118 are formed in theedge portions - The
tether 110 has afirst end portion 120 that extends through, or is laced through, theeyelets 118 in theedge portions tether 110 secures together theedge portions side panel 30 e. Asecond end portion 122 of thetether 110 is sewn to thesecond side panel 40 e with apermanent stitching section 124. - The
air bag 10 e is illustrated in a first partially inflated condition in FIG. 11. Thetether 110 extends through theeyelets 118, securing together theedge portions first end portion 120 of thetether 110 are in engagement with a plurality of points on theside panel 30 e. Thevent 112 is closed, and theair bag 10 e has a first volume. - In response to an increase in fluid pressure inside the
air bag 10 e, a force exceeding a predetermined force is applied to thetether 110. Thefirst end portion 120 of thetether 110 is pulled through (out of) theeyelets 118. All the points on thetether 110 move away from all the points on thefirst side panel 30 e. Thetether 110 pulls completely away from thefirst side panel 30 e, as described above, and the inflated volume of theair bag 10 e increases. Thevent 112 opens to an open condition to permit flow of pressurized fluid from theair bag 10 e through the vent. - From the above description of the invention, those skilled in the art will perceive improvements, changes and modifications in the invention. Such improvements, changes and modifications within the skill of the art are intended to be covered by the appended claims.
Claims (12)
Priority Applications (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US09/756,406 US6428042B1 (en) | 2001-01-08 | 2001-01-08 | Dual volume air bag with vent |
DE10161956.1A DE10161956B4 (en) | 2001-01-08 | 2001-12-17 | Vehicle occupant protection device and vehicle occupant protection system |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US09/756,406 US6428042B1 (en) | 2001-01-08 | 2001-01-08 | Dual volume air bag with vent |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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US20020089158A1 true US20020089158A1 (en) | 2002-07-11 |
US6428042B1 US6428042B1 (en) | 2002-08-06 |
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Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US09/756,406 Expired - Lifetime US6428042B1 (en) | 2001-01-08 | 2001-01-08 | Dual volume air bag with vent |
Country Status (2)
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US (1) | US6428042B1 (en) |
DE (1) | DE10161956B4 (en) |
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US20050029779A1 (en) * | 2003-07-14 | 2005-02-10 | Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd. | Air bag apparatus |
US7052042B2 (en) * | 2000-12-01 | 2006-05-30 | Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha | Air bag system |
US20060131843A1 (en) * | 2004-12-22 | 2006-06-22 | Ford Global Technologies, Llc | Air bag module |
US20100045008A1 (en) * | 2006-11-22 | 2010-02-25 | Takata-Petri Ag | Airbag for a motor vehicle |
US20110248487A1 (en) * | 2008-11-14 | 2011-10-13 | Daimler Ag | Air Cushion With A Channel-Shaped Closure Element |
US8876156B2 (en) * | 2011-01-31 | 2014-11-04 | TRW Vehical Safety Systems Inc. | Reduced volume air bag |
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US6688642B2 (en) * | 2001-08-15 | 2004-02-10 | Milliken & Company | Concentrically disposed airbag system for seatbelts |
US6832778B2 (en) * | 2002-07-19 | 2004-12-21 | Delphi Technologies, Inc. | Air bag restraint including selectively operable venting elements |
DE112004002242T5 (en) * | 2003-11-18 | 2006-10-05 | TK Holdings, Inc., Auburn Hills | air bag |
DE102004014681B3 (en) * | 2004-03-25 | 2005-07-14 | Trw Automotive Gmbh | Gasbag for vehicle occupant restraint system has trap band loaded as gasbag expands, lifting valve element from jacket |
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US20110260436A1 (en) * | 2010-04-27 | 2011-10-27 | Park Hae Kwon | Passenger airbag apparatus |
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US7052042B2 (en) * | 2000-12-01 | 2006-05-30 | Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha | Air bag system |
US20050029779A1 (en) * | 2003-07-14 | 2005-02-10 | Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd. | Air bag apparatus |
US7404575B2 (en) * | 2003-07-14 | 2008-07-29 | Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd. | Air bag apparatus |
US20060131843A1 (en) * | 2004-12-22 | 2006-06-22 | Ford Global Technologies, Llc | Air bag module |
US20100045008A1 (en) * | 2006-11-22 | 2010-02-25 | Takata-Petri Ag | Airbag for a motor vehicle |
US8087692B2 (en) | 2006-11-22 | 2012-01-03 | Takata-Petri Ag | Airbag for a motor vehicle |
US8267426B2 (en) | 2006-11-22 | 2012-09-18 | Takata AG | Airbag for a motor vehicle |
US20110248487A1 (en) * | 2008-11-14 | 2011-10-13 | Daimler Ag | Air Cushion With A Channel-Shaped Closure Element |
US8979117B2 (en) * | 2008-11-14 | 2015-03-17 | Daimler Ag | Air cushion with a channel-shaped closure element |
US8876156B2 (en) * | 2011-01-31 | 2014-11-04 | TRW Vehical Safety Systems Inc. | Reduced volume air bag |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
DE10161956B4 (en) | 2015-12-31 |
US6428042B1 (en) | 2002-08-06 |
DE10161956A1 (en) | 2002-08-08 |
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