Abstract: An apparatus includes a lens assembly and a printed circuit board. The lens assembly may be configured to provide at least four orthogonal optical paths and a central atrium. The printed circuit board may be disposed below the lens assembly and generally comprises an antenna and ground plane on a front surface of the printed circuit board, and a first emitter, a second emitter, a first detector and a second detector mounted on the printed circuit board. The antenna is generally aligned with the central atrium. The first emitter is generally located between a first pair of the four orthogonal optical paths. The second emitter is generally located between a second pair of the four orthogonal optical paths. The first detector is generally located between a third pair of the four orthogonal optical paths. The second detector is generally located between a fourth pair of the four orthogonal optical paths.

Abstract: An inflatable airbag system can be configured to be mounted to a frontal region of a vehicle. The inflatable airbag system includes an airbag base cushion and one or more pluralities of cushion portions. In response to a collision event, the base cushion and pluralities of cushion portions may transition from a compact state to a deployed and expanded state. The airbag may receive the head of a vehicle occupant. One or more inner cushion portions may deflate as they receive the head of the vehicle occupant. An outer plurality of cushion portions may be configured to maintain a fully expanded state as they receive the head of the vehicle occupant.

Abstract: Methods and systems for cancelling continuous wave interference in radar systems include defining an integration time period, dividing the integration time period into sub-periods during which the radar sensor system transmits a radar signal integrating a detected signal during both sub-periods to generate sub-period integrated values, wherein integration in the sub-periods is triggered at points of symmetrical opposite polarities of a down converted interferer signal having a non-integer number of cycles in each sub-period, and adding tire respective sub-period integrated values to cancel interference residue of opposite polarity in the respective sub-periods.

Abstract: A LiDAR system and method includes a pulse modulation circuit and an amplitude modulation circuit for applying pulse modulation and amplitude modulation to a continuous signal to generate a plurality of amplitude-modulated pulses of the continuous signal. An optical modulation circuit applies the amplitude-modulated pulses of the continuous signal to an optical signal to generate a pulse amplitude-modulated (PAM) optical signal. Optical transmission elements transmit the PAM optical signal into a region, and optical receiving elements receive reflected optical signals from the region. Receive signal processing circuitry uses quadrature detection to process the reflected optical signals.

Abstract: A LiDAR system and method include a signal generator generating an output signal having a variable frequency. A modulation circuit receives the output signal from the signal generator and applies the output signal from the signal generator to an optical signal to generate an envelope-modulated optical signal having a frequency-modulated (FM) modulation envelope. Optical transmission elements transmit the envelope-modulated optical signal into a region. Optical receiving elements receive reflected optical signals from the region. Receive signal processing circuitry receives the reflected optical signals and uses quadrature detection to process the reflected optical signals.

Abstract: Side airbags to provide protection to vehicle occupants are provided. The side airbags include an outer skin forming an inflatable chamber having an upper thorax portion and a lower pelvic portion for contact with the thorax region and the pelvic region, respectively, of the associated vehicle occupant. The side airbag includes a loop diffuser for placement about an inflator disposed within the inflatable chamber. The loop diffuser has opposed first and second open ends to permit communication of inflation gas to the upper thorax portion and to the lower pelvic portion, respectively, of the inflatable chamber. The loop diffuser permits significantly greater flow of inflation gas to the lower pelvic portion as compare to flow of inflation gas to the upper thorax portion of the inflatable chamber. The first open end can be significantly smaller in cross section as compared to the second open end.

Abstract: Methods and systems for correcting leakage and/or distortion in radar systems include defining an integration time period, dividing the integration time period into a first sub-period and a second sub-period, at least partially transmitting a transmission radar signal during the first sub-period of the integration time period, not transmitting at all during the second sub-period of the integration time period, integrating the detected signal during both the first sub-period and the second sub-period, and subtracting a last sampled integrated value of the second sub-period from a last sampled integrated value of the first sub-period to generate a corrected integrated value for the integration time period.

Abstract: A knee airbag (KAB) can be constructed with an adaptive vent for reducing internal cushion pressure when the deployment path is obstructed. Obstruction may occur, for instance, by an out-of-position occupant, or when the occupant's legs are in close proximity to the deploying KAB. By reducing the cushion pressure through adaptive venting, a potential for injury due to the deploying KAB can be reduced. External straps can be used to close the vents when no obstruction is encountered. With an adaptive KAB vent design, a direct contact between the occupant and the KAB adaptive vent straps can determine an amount of venting. In addition, the straps may be designed so that they are adaptive (tapered, positioned on an angle, or using different spacing) to account for different occupant sizes/knee spacing/knee contact locations.

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.

Abstract: A high strength dual-swaged airbag inflator vessel comprising a high strength metal material, such as low carbon steel, has a swaged terminal end defining two distinct swaged portions. A reduction of diameter within one of the swaged portions is restricted to be less than or equal to about 30% and in certain variations, less than or equal to about 16% to minimize cold work strain hardening and to reduce loss of ductility. In certain aspects, a second swaged portion within the swaged terminal end has a length of less than or equal to about 10 mm. Methods for making such a dual-swaged airbag inflator vessel are likewise provided. Such dual swage designs have improved reliability and performance in high pressure inflator applications, as well as reduced manufacturing costs.

Abstract: Airbag cushion assemblies comprising tether release functionality. Some embodiments may comprise an airbag housing comprising an airbag housing opening configured to receive a squib. An airbag cushion may be coupled with the airbag housing and a tether comprising a tether opening may be coupled with at least a portion of the airbag cushion. A squib may be positioned to extend through the tether opening and positioned within the airbag housing opening. The squib may be configured to, upon actuation, separate to release the tether.

Abstract: An inflatable airbag system can be configured to be mounted to a frontal region of a vehicle. The inflatable airbag system includes an airbag and a positioning member, and is configured to deploy in various configurations in response to frontal and oblique collision events and based on an impact angle and a rotational angle of the steering wheel.

Abstract: Airbag cushion assemblies comprising an airbag inflation tunnel positioned within an airbag cushion. Some embodiments may comprise an airbag cushion comprising an inflator opening and an airbag inflation tunnel coupled to the airbag cushion. The inflation tunnel may be configured to direct inflation gas from an inflator positioned within the inflator opening down the airbag inflation tunnel upon deployment of the inflator. A plurality of directional vent openings may be positioned within the airbag inflation tunnel that may be configured to direct the inflation gas laterally relative to the inflator. The inflation tunnel may further be configured such that the inflation gas contacts a terminal end of the inflation tunnel prior to exiting the plurality of directional vent openings.

Abstract: A housing for a radar sensor module has a back surface and a plurality of side surfaces connected to the back surface. A vent structure is connected to the back surface and at least one of the side surfaces. The vent structure includes an enclosure enclosing a chamber. A first opening in the vent structure penetrates the at least one of the side surfaces of the housing, such that the chamber is exposed to an exterior of the housing. A second opening in the vent structure penetrates the enclosure such that the chamber is exposed to an interior of the housing.

Abstract: Apparatus, methods, and systems for supplementing a primary airbag cushion, particularly during oblique angle vehicle impacts. Some embodiments may comprise an airbag module comprising an airbag cushion and a supplemental airbag support system configured to provide support to at least one of the airbag cushion and a vehicle occupant during oblique angle impact events. The supplemental airbag support system may comprise a deployable support structure configured to deploy adjacent to the airbag cushion during a vehicle impact event. The deployable support structure may be configured to supplement impact support provided by the airbag cushion during oblique angle vehicle impact events.

Abstract: An inflatable airbag system provides cushioning restraint of a vehicle occupant during an impact event of a vehicle. The airbag system can be configured to be mounted to a frontal region of a vehicle. The airbag system includes an inflatable airbag and a selectively actuatable vent that can be actuated in response to detection of an oblique impact event and/or a small overlap collision event. The selectively actuatable vent is actuated to open to provide additional venting and thus a lower pressure within the inflatable airbag. A lower pressure can reduce force and momentum on the vehicle occupant's head at an offset angled contact with the airbag. A lower pressure may also prevent the occupant from deflecting or rolling off of an airbag and colliding with other surfaces within the vehicle.

Abstract: Methods for making an airbag mounting bracket for use with an attachment component of an associated airbag cushion are provided. An opening in a mounting bracket precursor formed of a bracket precursor material is extruded. A rounded surface of the bracket precursor material adjacent the extruded opening is formed. The mounting bracket precursor with the rounded surface is subsequently finalized to form the airbag cushion mounting bracket, wherein the extruded opening provides an airbag attachment engagement opening for passage of the attachment component and the rounded surface provides a load bearing surface of increased area for the attachment component. Also provided are corresponding or associated airbag mounting brackets.

Abstract: A seatbelt pretensioning retractor assembly for use in a passenger vehicle is provided. The pretensioning assembly includes a tube in fluid communication with a gas generator and a driving element disposed therein that travels in a first direction in response to actuation of the gas generator. The driving element includes a plastically deformable polymer rod with a recessed portion. A stopper is coupled to an end portion of the plastically deformable polymer rod. A seal member is disposed between the gas generator and the stopper. The tube includes a projection extending within the tube adjacent to the exit to define a constriction portion. The constriction portion is sized to permit the recessed portion of the plastically deformable polymer rod to pass therethrough while preventing the stopper from passing therethrough.

Abstract: A device for preventing protrusion of a seatbelt anchorage cable into a seat belt system buckle during operation of a pretensioner coupled with the cable and a buckle assembly, the cable of a type affixed at a first end to the pretensioner, and at a second end to the buckle assembly. The cable further having an end wrap forming a loop around a rivet affixed to a frame of the buckle assembly with the cable loop wrapping around the rivet. The device having a feature positioned adjacent to the cable loop and blocking movement of the loop into the buckle. Embodiments include; providing features of a buckle housing in the form of a tab which blocks motion of the cable loop, retainer ring element attached to the buckle frame having features which embrace the cable loop, and clips which can be attached to the buckle assembly, embracing the cable attachment.

Abstract: A radar signal transmitter transmits first and second radar signals at different first and second frequencies. A radar receiver receives reflected radar signals and generates receive signals indicative of the reflected radar signals. A first receive signal is indicative of a first reflected radar signal generated by reflection of the first transmitted radar signal, and a second receive signal is indicative of a second reflected radar signal generated by reflection of the second transmitted radar signal. A processor receives the first and second receive signals and computes a difference between the first and second receive signals to generate a difference signal. The processor processes the difference signal to provide radar information for the region, the processor adjusting at least one of amplitude and phase of at least one of the first and second receive signals such that the difference is optimized at a preselected range from the receiver.