Abstract: A restraint system for a mobile platform is provided and may include a seatbelt, an anchor attached to the seatbelt and to the mobile platform, and an airbag attached to the mobile platform via the anchor. The airbag may be movable from a pre-deployed state to an inflated state.

Abstract: An inflatable airbag assembly can include an airbag cushion and a vent tube having an aperture. Portions of one or more straps can be attached to opposite sides of the vent tube, and a release mechanism can selectively retain the one or more straps. Upon deployment of the airbag cushion while the release mechanism retains the one or more straps, the one or more straps can urge the opposite sides of the vent tube toward each other to assist in closing the aperture of the vent tube.

Abstract: An initiator assembly can include an outer body can have a first end, a second end, and an internal passage between the first and second ends. An initiator canister can be joined to the outer body at the first end and can define a charge chamber that includes a pair of pins extending therefrom. An insulative material can be molded within the passage to form an insulative structural member that joins the canister and pins to the outer body and insulates the pins and a portion of the canister from electrical contact with the outer body. An electrostatic discharge dissipater can be formed from an electrically conductive material and can be molded to the outer body. The dissipater can provide a controlled dissipation path for electrostatic discharge energy carried by the initiator assembly.

Abstract: A seat belt retractor for providing extraction and retraction of seat belt webbing incorporating a belt tension sensing mechanism. The sensing mechanism includes a webbing guide which is moveable between positions and is biased toward a low tension position by a restoring spring force. The belt webbing is routed to deflected path through the web guide. Increasing tension on the webbing will cause the web guide to change its position as the webbing path straightens. The position of the web guide is detected through an electrical switch to provide a measure of webbing tension.

Abstract: An airbag assembly may include an inflatable curtain airbag with a stowed configuration and a deployed configuration. The inflatable curtain may have a first protection zone and a second protection zone that inflates forward of the first protection zone to provide enhanced protection. The second protection zone may be folded against the first protection zone so that, during deployment, the second protection zone pivots to unfold relative to the first protection zone. The airbag assembly may have a restraint member that limits the ability of the second protection zone to unfold to a configuration parallel to the first protection zone, thereby keeping the second protection zone at an optimal location to protect the vehicle occupant from rollover and/or small overlap or oblique collisions. The restraint member may be a tether with ends secured proximate the top of the second protection zone and the top of the first protection zone.

Abstract: A frontal airbag has a first section, a second section, and a third section, the second section being in fluid communication with both the first and the third section. The first, second and third sections form a triangular structure upon inflation of the airbag. A gas generator is attached to the first section and in fluid communication with the first section. An end portion on the third section remote from the second sections attached to the first section in an area between the gas generator and the second section. Two side tethers attached to the first section and to one of the second and third sections or near transitional bend between the second and third section provide resistance against flattening of the airbag after inflation. The first section and the third section are directly attached to each other by a seam, by an adhesive, or by lamination.

Abstract: A frontal airbag has a first section, a second section, and a third section, the second section being in fluid communication with both the first and the third section. The first, second and third sections form a triangular structure upon inflation of the airbag. A gas generator is attached to the first section and in fluid communication with the first section. An end portion on the third section remote from the second sections attached to the first section in an area between the gas generator and the second section. Two side tethers attached to the first section and to one of the second and third sections or near transitional bend between the second and third section provide resistance against flattening of the airbag after inflation. The first section and the third section are directly attached to each other by a seam, by an adhesive, or by lamination.

Abstract: A steering wheel unit includes a steering wheel body and an airbag module mounted thereto. The airbag module includes positioning means for maintaining the axial positioning of the airbag module relative to the steering wheel and positioning means for maintaining the radial positioning of the airbag module relative to the steering wheel. The steering wheel unit also includes damping elements that are disposed between the insertion elements and receiving elements of the radial positioning means. The radial positioning means can be in the form of a post within a cylindrical receptacle, where the damping element is therebetween. The radial positioning means can be in the form of a plate received within a u-shaped receiving element, where the damping element is within the u-shaped receiving element.

Abstract: An inflatable airbag assembly can include an airbag cushion and a vent tube having an aperture. Portions of one or more straps can be attached to opposite sides of the vent tube, and a release mechanism can selectively retain the one or more straps. Upon deployment of the airbag cushion while the release mechanism retains the one or more straps, the one or more straps can urge the opposite sides of the vent tube toward each other to assist in closing the aperture of the vent tube.

Abstract: A dual-mode retractor for an automotive seat belt webbing is configured to switch between a first mode and a second mode, the first mode being one of an ELR mode and an ALR mode, and the second mode being the other one of the ELR mode and the ALR mode. The retractor switches between the first mode and the second mode via a relative movement between a first part and a second part of the retractor. The magnetic field of a permanent magnet mounted on the first part is picked up by a Hall effect sensor. An interrupter plate is mounted on the second part in a position relative to the magnet, in which the interrupter plate, in which the interrupter plate exposes the HED to the original magnetic field in the first mode and to a modified magnetic field in the second mode.

Abstract: An energy absorber includes opposing aligned crush lobes expandable in opposite directions, and when expanded, potentially collapse with different energy-absorbing rates and stroke distances. The energy absorber forms a subassembly design that is adaptable and easily modified for predetermined energy absorption crush curves and specific energy-absorbing circumstances, such that it can be used inside a vehicle passenger compartment or outside a vehicle in different locations, such as for a knee bolster on the instrument panel, or on a door inner panel, or on an under-knee seat component, or on a headliner or A-pillar cover, or hood-lifter for pedestrian safety. One version of the energy absorber includes formed sheets bonded along a perimeter to define two cavities and an inflator-holding pocket connected to the cavities by integrally-formed tunnels.

Abstract: An inflatable side airbag has an inflatable duct for the delivery of inflation gas. The inflatable duct of the inflatable side airbag provides for rapid deployment of a multi-chamber air bag while controlling the rate of inflation and the relative pressure of the chambers. The inflatable duct allows a single inflator to inflate a high pressure pelvis chamber and a lower pressure thorax chamber while preventing fluid communication between the two chambers upon completion of inflation.

Abstract: Some airbag assemblies can include a housing, an airbag, and a cover. The cover can include a tear seam that is configured to break to permit the airbag to exit the housing. The tear seam can include discrete break columns at which the tear seam ruptures.

Abstract: A linear pretensioner device for motor vehicle belt restraint systems of the type mountable to a motor vehicle structure and coupled with a belt restraint system component. In one form, the linear pretensioner includes a stroking housing forming a bore and a cable coupled with the stroking housing and to the belt restraint component. A main housing adapted to be fixed to the motor vehicle structure is positioned within the bore of the stroking housing, with the stroking housing telescopically overfitting the main housing. The main housing and the stroking housing form an expanding chamber that enlarges when pressurized by a gas generator. Upon activation, the gas generator drives the stroking housing along the main housing to exert tension on the cable. In another form, the pretensioner has an inner housing positioned within a bore of an outer housing, and the cable is coupled with the inner housing.

Abstract: A restraint system for a seat is provided and may include a belt portion having an inflatable portion movable from a pre-deployed state to an inflated state. The inflatable portion may include a first surface opposing an occupant when in the inflated state and a second surface facing away from the occupant when in the inflated state. The first surface and the second surface may be formed at an angle relative to one another.

Abstract: A restraint system for a mobile platform is provided and may include a first belt portion and a second belt portion each having a first end secured to the mobile platform and a second end movable relative to the mobile platform. A latch plate may be fixed to the second end of one of the first belt portion and the second belt portion and a buckle may be secured to the second end of the other of the first belt portion and the second belt portion. The buckle may be selectively connected to the latch plate in a latched state and may include a housing having an opening receiving the latch plate in the latched state and at least one aperture disposed adjacent to the opening and formed through a surface of the housing opposing a user when in the latched state.

Abstract: Low-profile igniter assemblies adapted for use with low-profile inflators as well as conventionally sized inflators are disclosed. Such igniter assemblies can comprise an adaptor, an ignition portion and a plurality of conductors coupled to the ignition portion and extending in a first direction from the ignition portion to an opening of the adapter. A connector is adapted to be slid into the opening in a second direction which is transverse to the first direction associated with the extension of the conductors from the ignition portion to the opening of the adapter. Igniter assemblies can be coupled with a body of an inflatable airbag system inflator, which inflator body may enclose a quantity of gas generant. Methods of making inflators adapted for use with inflatable airbag cushion systems are also included.

Abstract: A restraint system for a mobile platform is provided and may include a seatbelt, an anchor attached to the seatbelt and to the mobile platform, and an airbag attached to the mobile platform via the anchor. The airbag may be movable from a pre-deployed state to an inflated state.

Abstract: A steering wheel is provided that may include a central member, a rim, a structural member, a switch-frame and a switch assembly. The rim may be spaced apart from the central member. The structural member may extend between the central member and the rim. The switch-frame may be secured relative to the structural member and may include first, second, and third members cooperating to define an opening. The first member may be disposed between the central member and the rim and may extend laterally across the structural member. The second and third members may be spaced apart from each other and may extend from the first member toward the rim. The switch assembly may be mounted to the switch-frame and may at least partially extend through the opening.

Abstract: A restraint system for a seat is provided and may include a first portion formed from a first material and having a first end fixed for movement with the seat and a second end movable relative to the seat. A second portion may be integral with or attached to the first portion, may be formed from the first material, and may be operable between a pre-deployed state and an inflated state.