Abstract: Various implementations include a light bar system for a steering wheel of a vehicle that includes a high intensity light source, a light diffusing layer, and an outer lens. For example, in certain implementations, the light diffusing layer is disposed between a plurality of high intensity light emitting diodes (LEDs) and an outer lens, and the light diffusing layer causes the light from the LEDs to appear as a continuous stream of light across a length of the lens and provides sufficiently bright lighting to warn or communicate with the driver in various ambient lighting conditions. In certain implementations, the outer lens is colored to blend in with the rest of the steering wheel when the LEDs are not activated.

Abstract: An airbag includes an outer shell defining an interior of the airbag, and a divider positioned in the interior so as to divide the interior into a first chamber and a second chamber. The divider includes a body portion and at least one flap attached to the body portion along an edge. The divider is attached to the outer shell so as to form a gas-tight seal between the outer shell and the body portion and so as to form a gas flow passage between the at least one flap and the outer shell.

Abstract: A method for determining parameters associated with a haptic feedback output comprises detecting a vibration of at least a portion of a human-machine interface and determining a magnitude associated with the detected vibration. A calibration offset is determined based, at least in part, on the determined magnitude associated with the detected vibration. The method further comprises establishing at least one parameter associated with a haptic actuator of the human-machine interface based on the estimated calibration offset, the at least one parameter at least partially defining a haptic response generated by the haptic actuator.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a steering apparatus for a vehicle having a including a light element providing indication and warning light signals to the user of the vehicle. The light element can be associated with a PCB mounted to the steering wheel grip for controlling the operation of the light element.

Abstract: An airbag module for protecting an occupant of a vehicle. The airbag includes first and second inflatable chambers. Each of the first and second inflatable chambers is formed by separate front and back panels. Each of the front panels is connected to one of the back panels along a peripheral seam. The airbag is assembled by overlaying the panels on top of each other creating a simple two-dimensional structure for assembly. An inflator is provided for supplying inflation gas to the first chamber of the airbag. The first and second inflatable chambers are connected by a gas flow passage so that gas for inflating the second chamber can flow from the first chamber through the gas flow passage into the second chamber.

Abstract: An airbag includes at least one panel defining an interior of the airbag, a divider positioned in the interior so as to divide the interior into an upper chamber and a lower chamber, and at least one tethering mechanism positioned within the lower chamber. The at least one tether mechanism is structured and attached to the at least one panel so as to restrict movement of a portion of the at least one panel during airbag inflation such that a first recess is formed along an exterior surface of the airbag when the airbag is inflated.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a steering apparatus for a vehicle having a including a light element providing indication and warning light signals to the user of the vehicle. The light element can be associated with a PCB mounted to the steering wheel grip for controlling the operation of the light element. The PCB may be thermally coupled to a heat exchange component such that heat from the light element is transferred from the PCB to the steering wheel grip.

Abstract: An airbag includes an inflation side and a vehicle occupant contact side opposite the inflation side, and a divider. The divider has a first portion attached to the inflation side and to the vehicle occupant contact side and a second portion attached to the inflation side and to the vehicle occupant contact side, such that the first and second portions tend to converge from the inflation side toward the occupant contact side.

Abstract: An airbag module for protecting an occupant of a vehicle seat in the event of a vehicle crash in an oblique direction. The module includes an inflatable cushion and an inflator for providing inflation gas for the cushion. The cushion is configured to inflate into a position inboard of the vehicle seat and includes a first inflatable chamber fluidly connected to a forward inflatable chamber. The cushion is configured to inflate into a position to absorb energy relating to movement of the occupant in an oblique direction. The first inflatable chamber is in a position to absorb energy resulting from relative movement of the occupant in a direction lateral to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle. The forward inflatable chamber is configured to inflate into a position to absorb energy resulting from relative movement of the occupant in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle.

Abstract: A novel actuator contains a housing having a first end, a second end, and an inner wall. A piston rod assembly is contained within the housing, wherein the assembly contains a piston rod, a first end cap fixed at one end of the piston rod, and a second end cap fixed at an opposing end of the piston rod. An energy management device is constrained about an outer diameter of the first end cap, wherein upon actuation of the actuator, the energy management device may under predetermined conditions be deformed upon movement of said piston rod.

Abstract: A rear vehicle seat airbag module configured to be mounted to a portion of a seat back of a front vehicle seat comprising an inflator and an inflatable cushion comprising a lower portion, an upper portion and an external tether connecting the lower portion and the upper portion. The inflator provides inflation gas to the inflatable cushion and the inflatable cushion is configured to deploy forward of an occupant seated in a rear seat of a vehicle by curving away from the occupant. The external tether is configured to control a trajectory of the deployment of the inflatable cushion by pulling the upper portion toward the lower portion to curve the inflatable cushion such that the upper portion is located above the lower portion.

Abstract: An airbag module for protecting an occupant of a vehicle. The airbag includes first and second inflatable chambers. Each of the first and second inflatable chambers is formed by separate front and back panels. Each of the front panels is connected to one of the back panels along a peripheral seam. The airbag is assembled by overlaying the panels on top of each other creating a simple two-dimensional structure for assembly. An inflator is provided for supplying inflation gas to the first chamber of the airbag. The first and second inflatable chambers are connected by a gas flow passage so that gas for inflating the second chamber can flow from the first chamber through the gas flow passage into the second chamber.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a steering apparatus for a vehicle having a including a light element providing indication and warning light signals to the user of the vehicle. The light element can be associated with a PCB mounted to the steering wheel grip for controlling the operation of the light element.

Abstract: An airbag module for protecting an occupant of a vehicle. The module includes an airbag formed by connected first and second panels, wherein the airbag includes first and second inflatable chambers. The module also includes an inflator for providing inflation gas for the airbag. The first and second inflatable chambers are fluidly connected by a gas flow passage. The first and second panels are connected together along a volume controlling seam located in the second chamber. The seam is configured to give way during inflation of the airbag to thereby allow the second chamber to completely inflate.

Abstract: An airbag module for protecting an occupant of a vehicle. The module includes an airbag and an inflator for providing inflation gas for the airbag. A diffuser is positioned in the airbag and configured to direct the flow of inflation gas into the airbag. The diffuser includes a main panel and a deflector panel connected together. The diffuser is configured to provide for first and second flow paths for inflation gas to exit diffuser and flow into the cushion. The main panel is folded along a fold line to create two folded portions and the deflector panel is located within the connected folded portions. The deflector panel is located in the first flow path and extends beyond the folded portions of the main panel. The extending portion of the deflector panel forces the inflation gas to change direction.

Abstract: A combined heating system and occupant sensing system for a vehicle seat includes first and second electrodes connected in series and a controller configured to direct a heating current to the first and second electrodes. The controller is configured to isolate the first and second electrodes from the heating current and, at the same time, provide a sensing current to only one of the first and second electrodes.

Abstract: A system for classifying an occupant located on a seating surface of a vehicle seat. The system includes a movable element and an electrode located in the vehicle seat. A sensing circuit is provided to supply a signal to the conductor. The sensing circuit also includes measurement electronics configured to measure the signal to the conductor and the vibration of the moveable element. A controller is configured to discriminate between different types of objects located on the seating surface based on changes in the signal being supplied to the conductor and the vibration of the moveable element.

Abstract: A force-based haptic switch panel, comprising a touch plate having first and second surfaces, the first surface comprising a touch surface and the second surface opposing the first surface. The haptic switch panel may also comprise a circuit board having a plurality of force sensors electrically coupled thereto. The force sensors are disposed between the circuit board and the second surface of the touch plate, wherein each force sensor is configured to measure a respective portion of a force applied to the touch surface of the touch plate. The haptic switch panel may also comprise an acoustic actuator disposed proximate a second surface of the touch plate and configured to generate a haptic output and an audible output responsive to the force applied to the touch surface.

Abstract: A pressurized gas mechanism contains a sealed gas container containing a sealed first end, and, a burst cup sealing the first end and containing a rupturable portion. A housing encases the burst cup and is juxtaposed to at least a portion of the sealed gas container, the housing containing a surface juxtaposed to the rupturable portion. Upon actuation of the mechanism, the rupturable portion is adapted to rupture as the rupturable portion is leveraged against the surface, thereby releasing gas from the sealed gas container.