Abstract: A protective device (10) for protecting an occupant (7) of a vehicle (1), said protective device comprising an airbag (11) and inflation means (12) for inflating said airbag (11), the inflation means (12) being connected to the airbag (11) via a feed pipe (13) for feeding inflation fluid for the purpose of inflating the airbag (11) under predetermined conditions. This protective device further comprises expulsion means (20) for expelling said fluid, which expulsion means cooperate with at least one water detection means (15) so as to act when water is detected to remove said fluid resulting from inflation of the airbag (11), said airbag (11) being provided with a peripheral elastic strap (50) for optimizing the deflation of said airbag (11) when said expulsion means (20) allow said fluid to be removed from the airbag (11).

Abstract: The invention relates to a gas generator (10) for use in a safety device for motor vehicles comprising a housing and a propellant (4) contained in a combustion chamber (25) of the housing for generating a pressurized gas, the housing comprising a first housing part (40) and a second housing part (30) at least partly surrounded by the first housing part (40) and at least one igniter (6) for igniting the propellant (4), and an annular filter (50) surrounding the combustion chamber (25) in which the propellant (4) is located. The filter (50) comprises a peripheral portion (52) and a radial portion (51), the radial portion (51) serving as filling body for the propellant (4) in the combustion chamber (25).

Abstract: The present invention provides a gas generator for a restraining device of a vehicle, including: a housing being made of a resin, forming an outer shell container, having a plurality of gas discharge ports, an ignition device disposed inside the housing, a gas generating agent that is ignited and burned by activation of the ignition device, each of the gas discharge ports being formed in combination with each of a plurality of through holes of an annular plate member that is embedded in a circumferential wall surface of the housing and formed of a material selected from the group consisting of metals, ceramics, and carbon fiber, and the annular plate member being formed of an annular base plate including the plurality of through holes formed therein.

Abstract: An inflator includes a plate-like retainer that is placed in a pressure container of the inflator for producing gas to be supplied to an airbag. At the center of the inflator is formed a fitting section fitted to a tube placed in the pressure container. The tube separates an ignition source and a gas generation agent. At least one pressure release hole is provided on the outer side of the outer periphery of the fitting section. The retainer has a step formed at a portion where the outer periphery of the retainer is in contact with the filter. The retainer and inflator may have simple structures not affecting productivity and reliably preventing gas leakage between the retainer and a filter.

Abstract: Disclosed is a vehicle including a seat on which a passenger may be seated; an airbag cushion that is expanded according to an inflow of a gas to protect the passenger seated on the seat; an inflator that introduces the gas into the airbag cushion; a first vent hole provided at the airbag cushion to exhaust therethrough the gas introduced from the inflator; a second vent hole provided at the airbag cushion to face the passenger to exhaust therethrough the gas introduced from the inflator; and a vent amount adjustment member connected to the second vent hole to adjust the amount of the gas exhausted through the second vent hole depending on whether an adult is seated on the seat or a child restraint system is installed on the seat.

Abstract: A primary gas flow aperture communicates between upstream and the downstream sides of a bulkhead securable across an inflator discharge passageway, accommodating some inflation gas flow through the passageway. A deformable flow control panel peripherally secured on the downstream side of the bulkhead has a closure portion obscuring some inflation gas flow past the bulkhead. Pressure of the inflation gas on the closure portion deforms the control panel away from the bulkhead. A primary gas flow window through the flow control panel overlies all or some of the primary gas flow aperture. When the primary gas flow window is larger than or equal to the primary gas flow aperture, supplemental gas flow apertures are formed through the bulkhead separated from the primary gas flow aperture. Otherwise, supplemental gas flow windows are formed through the flow control panel separated from the primary gas flow window.

Abstract: A power source for actuating a subsurface tool is described herein, the power source comprising thermite in a quantity sufficient to generate a thermite reaction, and a polymer disposed in association with the thermite. The polymer produces a gas when the thermite reaction occurs, the gas slowing the thermite reaction. The slowed thermite reaction enables a continuous pressure to be provided to the subsurface tool over a period of time, providing superior actuation over a conventional explosive power charge, through a non-explosive reaction.

Abstract: A pressure vessel for a gas generating system is provided. The vessel is formed from a material and has a first portion and a second portion. A property of the material along the first portion has a value within a first range, and the same property of the material along the second portion has a value within a second range different from the first range.

Abstract: An inflator including a housing with a first chamber that contains a quantity of gas generant. An initiator is operatively associated with the first chamber and in reaction initiating communication with at least a portion of the quantity of gas generant. The initiator, upon actuation, acts to ignite at least a portion of the quantity of gas generant to form gas. The housing further has a second chamber adjacently disposed to the first chamber. The second chamber contains a sealed storage reservoir and a piston assembly. The sealed storage reservoir includes a liner and a lid and contains a quantity of liquid. The piston assembly includes a piston. During deployment, the piston moves to unseal the storage reservoir to release at least a portion of the quantity of liquid such that the released liquid contacts and cools gas formed by the ignition of the gas generant. A discharge opening permits gas to exit the housing.

Abstract: The invention is related to capacitive detection systems and methods. In one embodiment, a capacitive detection system comprises a first transmitter electrode and a first receiver electrode disposed in a first seat and configured to form a first capacitor, and a second transmitter electrode disposed in a second seat and configured with the first receiver electrode to form a second capacitor.

Abstract: An initiator housing assembly includes a preformed initiator receiving portion defining a first cavity and a body portion affixed to the receiving portion and defining a second cavity. An opening leading into the first cavity is positioned within the second cavity. An initiator assembly, as gas generating system, and a vehicle occupant protection system incorporating the initiator housing assembly are also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a gas generator for an airbag module, comprising a housing, and a filter fastened in the housing for filtering a gas that can be generated with the gas generator. According to the invention, it is provided that a part of the gas generator is inserted into a recess of the filter for fastening the filter in the housing.

Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention, a filter is provided including a first layer of sheet material having a first base portion, and a plurality of first raised portions extending from the first base portion and defining a corresponding plurality of first openings through the first layer. A second layer of sheet material also has a second base portion and a plurality of second raised portions extending from the second base portion and defining a corresponding plurality of second openings through the sheet material. The second layer of sheet material is positioned adjacent the first layer of sheet material such that the first raised portions extend from the first base portion toward the second layer, and the second raised portions extend from the second base portion toward the first layer. A gas generating system and a vehicle occupant protection system utilizing the filter are also described.

Abstract: As ignition control patterns for a multi-stage inflator, a first control pattern for controlling a maximum internal pressure of an airbag in a deployed state to be a set pressure or higher and a second control pattern for controlling the maximum internal pressure of the airbag in a deployed state to the set pressure or lower are set to a control unit. A connecting band for partially limiting deployment of an airbag body in a side closer to an occupant protecting portion by connecting the side closer to a base and the side closer to the occupant protecting portion of the airbag body is provided to the airbag, and the strength of the connecting band is set such that the connecting band is to be torn when an internal pressure of the airbag in a deployed state reaches the set pressure or higher.

Abstract: A gas generating system includes a housing having a passage and a forcing member positioned in the passage. A flowable material is positioned in the passage to resist motion of the forcing member. The housing is configured to enable a flow of flowable material out of the housing responsive only to a motion of the forcing member.

Abstract: A communications network for a passenger protection system of a vehicle has an electronic control unit and a plurality of sensors, which is bus-connected to the electronic control unit. Each of the sensors includes a current detection circuit for detecting a current of the sensor, and a control circuit including a memory. The control circuit sets a specific address for the sensor in the memory when the detected current attains a predetermined relation to a predetermined threshold current. The control circuit transmits a notification of completion of setting the specific address to the electronic control unit, and controls a mode of the sensor to a specific mode, which consumes current less than the predetermined threshold current.

Abstract: The invention relates to an airbag module for a motor vehicle, comprising a gas sack, that can be inflated in order to protect a person by feeding gas into the gas sack, an openable reservoir for storing a coolant, wherein the reservoir comprises a first and a second portion, the second portion connected to the first portion, at least one outflow opening of the reservoir formed in the second portion, through which the coolant, for cooling the gas fed into the gas sack, can leave the reservoir, and a closure element for closing the outflow opening. According to the invention it is provided that the closure element divides the reservoir into the two portions, and that the coolant is arranged in the first portion, wherein the closure element seals the first portion of the reservoir with respect to the second portion of the reservoir. Further, the invention relates to a method for producing an airbag module.

Abstract: An arrangement in passenger vehicles, that diverts the impact energy in impacts away from the passengers to the remaining mass of the vehicle thereby protecting the passengers, and in the same arrangement provides utilitarian access to the vehicle, such utilitarian access making it possible to both install multi-element contoured surround seats for passengers and the driver, and also safety devices and arrangements for head-on collision protection that protect the passenger. An indo-skeletal structural arrangement proposed for the vehicle, provides further benefits by targeting the strength of the vehicle to protect passengers while minimizing other massive elements in the vehicle.

Abstract: A gas generator has an elongated outer housing, the wall of the outer housing surrounding at least one gas carrying inner chamber. An axially extending end section of the wall of the outer housing, which is separated from the inner chamber of the gas generator with regard to flow, is constructed as a fastening section and has at least one fastening structure for connecting the gas generator with a carrier part.

Abstract: The invention relates to an airbag module for a motor vehicle, comprising a gas sack package comprising a gas sack, an additional moveable element configured and provided to influence a state variable of the airbag, and a gas-tight protective covering that defines an inner space of the gas sack package, wherein the gas sack and the moveable element are arranged in said inner space, and a separate movement generating device configured and provided to move the moveable element. According to the invention, the movement generating device is arranged outside the inner space of the airbag package.

Abstract: An inflation portion of an airbag, which is inflated by inflation gas, is partitioned into an upstream inflation portion and a downstream inflation portion via a partition member. When being tensioned in a planar manner, the partition member has a length in a longitudinal direction that is longer than a length in a transverse direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. A pressure regulating valve that is closed at an early stage of a supply period of the inflation gas to the inflation portion and is opened from the middle of the supply period includes a slit-like inner opening that is provided on the partition member and extends in the transverse direction and a pair of valve body portions that are provided around the inner opening and are selectively positioned close to and separated from each other.

Abstract: A safety airbag arrangement for a vehicle comprises a main airbag having an inlet for connection with an inflator and a gas deflector bag secured within the main airbag, having an inlet in register with the inlet of the main airbag, for connection with the inflator, the gas deflector bag having ventilator holes and the arrangement being such that gas supplied to the airbag arrangement via the inlets by the inflator must first pass into the gas deflector bag, to pass subsequently from the gas deflector bag through the ventilation holes. The wall of the gas deflector bag is secured to the main wall of the main airbag by a plurality of arcuate seams spaced progressively from inlets, to maintain the gas deflector bag in a predetermined position relative to the main airbag when the airbag arrangement is activated.

Abstract: An airbag device may include a gas generator comprising: an initiator that is activated by an impact on a vehicle; an ignition agent that is ignited by the initiator; an ignition agent housing chamber that houses the ignition agent; a gas generating agent that is ignited and burned by the ignition agent; and a combustion chamber housing the gas generating agent. An airbag may be inflated by a gas generated by the combustion of the gas generating agent. Further, the ignition agent housing chamber is only partially filled with the ignition agent, thereby forming a space in the ignition agent housing chamber that is not filled with the ignition agent.

Abstract: An apparatus provided with an igniter assembly includes, an igniter main body having an ignition portion, provided with an ignition agent, and an electoroconductive pin, a resin portion surrounding at least part of the igniter main body and a substantially cylindrical igniter collar fixed to an outer surface of the resin portion. The igniter assembly is disposed in an opening formed in a bottom portion of a housing, the igniter collar of the igniter assembly is fixed fixed to the housing, and the igniter collar is fixed to the resin portion by deforming the igniter collar so as to engage the igniter collar with a concave portion in the resin portion.

Abstract: A closure assembly for an inflator comprises a housing and an outlet plate disposed within the housing. The outlet plate has an outlet opening configured to receive a burst disk. The outlet plate is joined to the housing by a deformation resistance weld. The deformation resistance weld is formed by contacting the outlet plate with a first electrode, contacting an exterior portion of the housing with a second electrode, and applying a voltage through the first and second electrodes to adhere a portion of the housing to a portion of the outlet plate.

Abstract: A vehicle air bag system, which can facilitate confirmation of a state of an introduction part of an air bag housed in a cover, includes an air bag having an introduction part into which an inflator is inserted, and a general part that inflates and expands vertically downward in a vehicle interior. A cover houses the introduction part and the general part in parallel. An observation window is formed in the cover at a position corresponding to the introduction part.

Abstract: A gas generator assembly for a motor vehicle is provided. The gas generator assembly having a gas generator which is designed to provide gas to inflate in airbag after the gas generator is activated, a filter for filtering gases provided by the gas generator and a device which is designed to release a fluid so that said fluid comes into contact with the filter. The device is designed to release the fluid at a point in time which can be pre-defined and which is independent of the point in time of the activation of the gas generator.

Abstract: Closing movement of at least one of two or more air chambers is started at an early stage, and an inflated air chamber is tightly closed and maintained in an inflated state for a long time. Inside of an airbag is partitioned into air chambers, with a partitioning cloth, and a diffuser that stores a gas generator is disposed in the air chambers, through the partitioning cloth. Gas from a gas generator is rectified by the diffuser, and is supplied from outlet parts, into the air chambers, thereby inflating and deploying the air chambers. An occupant side base cloth, a semi-perimeter portion around the lower outlet part, is connected to a back-side base cloth of the airbag, and in accordance with an inflation of the lower air chamber, a tension is imposed on the occupant side base cloth from the back-side base cloth, thereby elongating the lower air chamber.

Abstract: Provided are a check valve for an airbag and an airbag device that can improve the reproducibility of the flow path blocking function while reducing the resistance upon inflation and deployment of the airbag and that can be applied to a place where a flow path is divided into a plurality of flow paths. A first embodiment of an airbag device according to the present invention has an airbag that is normally folded and that is inflated and deployed in an emergency, and an inflator that supplies gas to the airbag. The airbag has a plurality of inflation chambers, a duct portion disposed so as to connect the plurality of inflation chambers, and a check valve for an airbag having a tubular portion sewn to the duct portion, and tongue-shaped portions formed at the tip of the tubular portion.

Abstract: An airbag to be inflated by gas for a vehicle includes a base member for the airbag, an opening and closing vent provided in the base member, and a discharging gas control member for restraining gas from discharging from the opening and closing vent. The discharging gas control member closes or slightly opens the opening and closing vent when an occupant does not contact a front surface of the airbag facing the occupant when the airbag is inflated. The discharging gas control member opens or widely opens the opening and closing vent so as to allow the gas to be discharged from the opening and closing vent when the occupant contacts the front surface of the airbag, and the front surface is pushed in a direction opposite to the occupant.

Abstract: An airbag device is provided in which since part of a base fabric of the airbag (16) excluding an occupant restraining face (16d) is joined by stitchings (S1 to S3) having breaking strengths that increase in going from an already deployed portion toward a not yet deployed portion, during the process of deploying the airbag by gas generated by an inflator, the stitchings (S1 to S3) of the airbag (16) break from the already deployed portion toward the not yet deployed portion, and the airbag (16) is continuously inflated from the occupant restraining face (16d) side toward the inflator side. As a result, it is possible to stabilize the shape of the airbag (16) during the process of deployment and to inflate the occupant restraining face (16d) of the airbag (16) at an early stage, thus ensuring occupant restraining performance.

Abstract: A generator assembly for an airbag module of a motor vehicle is provided. The generator assembly comprising a gas generator for inflating an airbag of an airbag module with gas, wherein the gas generator defines with its generator housing a lateral surface that extends between a first and a second frontal cover surface of the gas generator, and means for electrically insulating the gas generator with respect to adjacent parts. For electrical insulation of the gas generator a flexible material layer is provided that completely covers the lateral surface of the gas generator. A systematic, defined grounding of the gas generator via a grounding conductor is carried out which is connected to an electrical connection of the gas generator that is integrated into a connector area of the gas generator.

Abstract: An airbag arrangement includes an airbag with at least one inflatable chamber and a first opening; and a cover that at least partially covers the first opening of the airbag and that comprises a second opening. The first and second openings are designed such that the chamber of the airbag is accessible through the first and second openings. The first opening is designed in a first layer of an airbag material and the second opening is designed in a second layer of an airbag material. At least one part projects into the airbag through the first and the second opening, whereby the first and the second layer are restrained by the part projecting into the airbag in the area of the openings such that a section of the rim of the first and a section of the rim of the second opening rest closely against the part.

Abstract: A gas generator, particularly for a vehicle occupant restraint system, has at least one igniter (12), a pyrotechnic solid propellant bed (22), a combustion chamber (20) containing the propellant bed (22) and at least one wall part (24), the wall part (24) being arranged in the combustion chamber (20), which is moved by a gas stream generated on activation of the gas generator into the region of the propellant bed (22) which is not yet ignited, and in its interior (25) defines a gas-directing channel reaching into the propellant bed (22).

Abstract: A multi-stage inflator including a housing at least in part defining first and second combustion chambers each containing a quantity of gas generant reactable to form respective product gases. The inflator includes first and second initiators each operatively associated with a respective one of the combustion chambers in reaction initiating communication with at least a portion of the quantity of the gas generant therein contained such that upon actuation the gas generant ignites to form product gas. The second combustion chamber has an exit opening to allow product gas to exit from the second combustion chamber and into the first combustion chamber. The housing includes at least one discharge opening to permit gas to exit the housing and an end wall and wherein both the first and the second initiators are connected.

Abstract: An airbag module for a motor vehicle includes a gas sack that can be inflated with gas to protect an occupant, a gas generator for generating the gas provided for inflating the gas sack, and an additional cooling device comprising an openable reservoir for storing a coolant. The reservoir is opened when the gas sack is inflated, so that the coolant for cooling the gas used to inflate the gas sack can come into contact with the gas. The cooling device comprises a movement generating device that opens the reservoir to release the coolant.

Abstract: The present invention provides a gas generator for a restraining apparatus of a vehicle, including a combustion chamber, a tabular cushion member being disposed on a bottom portion of the combustion chamber, the solid gas generating agent as a gas generating source, being charged in the combustion chamber inside the gas generator together with the cushion member, the combustion chamber being substantially in a cup shape in which an inner diameter (D1) of an opening is smaller than an inner diameter (D2) of the bottom portion, the cushion member including a circular portion serving as a base part and a plurality of protrusions protruding from a peripheral edge of the circular portion, an outer diameter (d1) of the circular portion and the inner diameter (D1) of the opening satisfying a relationship of d1<D1, and an outer diameter (d2) including the protrusions satisfying relationships of d2>D1 and d2?D2.

Abstract: An example airbag inflator manifold assembly includes a cap portion establishing a plurality of apertures that are operative to communicate flow from an inflator to an airbag interior. A baffle portion redirects at least some of the flow from the plurality of apertures. A mounting face extends radially from the cap portion and is securable to a flange extending radially from the inflator to hold the cap portion and the baffle portion relative to the inflator.

Abstract: An airbag module for a motor vehicle includes a gas sack that can be inflated with gas to protect an occupant, a gas generator for generating the gas provided for inflating the gas sack, and an additional cooling device comprising an openable reservoir for storing a coolant. The reservoir is opened when the gas sack is inflated, so that the coolant for cooling the gas used to inflate the gas sack can come into contact with the gas. The cooling device comprises a movement generating device that opens the reservoir to release the coolant.

Abstract: An airbag module for a motor vehicle includes a gas sack that can be inflated with gas to protect an occupant, a gas generator for generating the gas provided for inflating the gas sack, and an additional cooling device comprising an openable reservoir for storing a coolant. The reservoir is opened when the gas sack is inflated, so that the coolant for cooling the gas used to inflate the gas sack can come into contact with the gas. The cooling device comprises a movement generating device that opens the reservoir to release the coolant.

Abstract: A life-saving device has a garment and at least one airbag assembly. The at least one airbag assembly is mounted on the garment and each one of the at least one airbag assembly has a gas cylinder, a gas tube, multiple airbag layers and at least one connecting tube. The gas cylinder is attached to the garment. The gas tube is connected between the gas cylinder and the airbag layers. Each one of the at least one connecting tube is connected between two adjacent airbag layers. A user wearing the life-saving device can actuate the gas cylinder when falling from high altitudes to inflate the airbag layers via the gas tube and the at least one connecting tube. The inflated airbag layers will provide an air resistance to slow down the falling speed. Therefore, the user can safely descend to the ground.

Abstract: A multi-stage inflator including a housing at least in part defining first and second combustion chambers each containing a quantity of gas generant reactable to form respective product gases. The inflator includes first and second initiators each operatively associated with a respective one of the combustion chambers in reaction initiating communication with at least a portion of the quantity of the gas generant therein contained such that upon actuation the gas generant ignites to form product gas. The second combustion chamber has an exit opening to allow product gas to exit from the second combustion chamber and into the first combustion chamber. The housing includes at least one discharge opening to permit gas to exit the housing and an end wall and wherein both the first and the second initiators are connected.

Abstract: A gas generator includes, a housing defining a first combustion chamber and accommodating an enhancer chamber cup member, defining an enhancer chamber, and a combustion chamber cup member provided outside the enhancer chamber cup member and defining a second combustion chamber. The enhancer cup member accommodates a first gas generating agent ignited by a first ignition device, and has an enhancer hole for communicating the enhancer chamber with the first combustion chamber during activation. The combustion chamber cup member accommodates a second gas generating agent ignited by a second ignition device, and has a through-hole for communicating the second combustion chamber with the first combustion chamber during activation. A top plate of the enhancer chamber cup member is positioned higher than a top plate of the combustion chamber cup member, and the enhancer hole is positioned higher than the top plate of the combustion chamber cup member.

Abstract: The present invention related to a pyrotechnic gas generator intended for motor vehicle safety, comprising a sealed housing (1), which contains: —at least one combustion chamber (C) containing a pyrotechnic charge (3), the combustion of which is initiated by an initiator (2) associated with the chamber; —at least one plenum chamber (T) for receiving the gases generated by the combustion of the charge (3) for removing them to the exterior, via at least one discharge aperture (10) formed in said housing (1). It is characterized in that said housing (1) also contains means (R) for temporarily storing at least some of the combustion gases.

Abstract: A gas generator for a safety system includes an explosible charge formed at least by a primary pyrotechnic compound, in a first chamber initiated by at least one initiator provided with a reinforcing charge and a secondary compound, in a second chamber, the decomposition of which is entailed by products of combustion of the primary compound, an interaction of the products of combustion of the primary compound and those of the secondary compound through an oxidation-reduction reaction occurring in a slightly confined volume, the first chamber communicating with said second chamber through a central nozzle and said second chamber being provided, at a first zone close to said first chamber, with orifices that discharge the gases and contain, in a second zone, said secondary compound; and means forming an obstacle to the passage of the gases installed in said second chamber between said first and second zones, said obstacle-forming means allowing the gases to pass into a central part and forming an obstacle to th

Abstract: The present invention provides a gas generator, including: a tubular housing, an ignition device attached to one end of the tubular housing, a diffuser portion having a gas discharge port and being attached to the other end of the tubular housing, in the tubular housing, a first combustion chamber defined by a first perforated-plate member on one end side in the tubular housing and filled with a first gas generating agent, a tubular member disposed in the remaining inner space of the tubular housing and having a communication hole on a peripheral wall portion thereof, a second-perforated plate member disposed between the first perforated-plate member and the tubular member, a second combustion chamber defined by the tubular member and filled with a second gas generating agent, the tubular member being disposed so that a gap is formed between the peripheral wall portion of the tubular housing and the tubular member, the tubular member having a first opening end portion abutting against the inner peripheral sur

Abstract: An airbag module including an airbag, an airbag covering, that defines an interior space of the airbag, that can be filled with gas for inflating the airbag, a gas generator for providing the gas needed for inflating the airbag, an insertion opening of the airbag covering, wherein the gas generator is inserted through the insertion opening into the interior space of the airbag, so that gas provided by the gas generator enters the interior space of the airbag, a boundary region of the insertion opening delimiting the insertion opening, which boundary region annularly encompasses the gas generator, and a sealing means for sealing the insertion opening. The sealing means is arranged between the boundary region and the gas generator so that the sealing means is widened by the gas provided by the gas generator and pressed against the boundary region of the insertion opening for sealing the insertion opening.

Abstract: A side airbag (10) for a motor vehicle comprises an airbag shell that surrounds a gas compartment and has at least one opening. A hose (20) has an outlet opening (22) and is located on the outside of the airbag shell. When the hose is in a state in which it is not under pressure, the hose connects the opening (16) to the outlet opening (22), and thereby to the surrounding area. The hose (20) comprises a first section (20a), which is situated at the height of the opening (16), and a second section (20b), which connects the first section (20a) to the outlet opening (22). The ventilation arrangement composed of the opening (16) and the hose (20) is used to make the side airbag hard for a large occupant and soft for a small occupant. In order to improve the behavior of the side airbag for a small occupant, without impairing the behavior thereof for a large occupant, the maximum cross-section of the first section (20a) is larger than the minimum cross-section of the second section (20b).

Abstract: Method and system for controlling inflation of an airbag in a vehicle which protects an occupant from injury in a crash involving the vehicle includes sensing a crash involving the vehicle for which deployment of the airbag is desired, inflating the airbag to protect the occupant in the crash involving the vehicle upon sensing of the crash, incorporating an accelerometer in a seatbelt worn by the occupant, and adjusting the continued inflation of the airbag after contact of the airbag with the occupant based on the acceleration sensed by the accelerometer. The accelerometer may be arranged to determine movement or acceleration of the seatbelt which can be correlated to contact between the airbag and the seatbelt, i.e., based on changes in the measured acceleration of the seatbelt arising from contact of the airbag with the seatbelt.

Abstract: An airbag module for a vehicle includes a gas generator for generating a gas and a multi-chamber airbag operatively connected to the gas generator for receiving the gas. The airbag defines a first inflation chamber, at least one second inflation chamber, at least one third inflation chamber and a fourth inflation chamber. The airbag includes internal vents configured to allow selective communication between the first chamber and each of the at least one second chamber and the at least one third chamber and selective communication between the at least one second chamber and the fourth chamber. The internal vents are configured to maintain a higher pressure in selective chambers by restricting ability of the gas to escape the selective chamber. The order of internal venting between the respective inflation chambers controls the pressure and timing of inflation of the multi-chamber airbag.