Abstract: Apparatus, methods, and systems for repositioning a steering wheel and/or airbag cushion prior to and/or during deployment of the airbag cushion resulting from an impact event. Some embodiments may comprise a steering wheel configured to be positioned between a first, operational configuration and a second, deployed configuration at least in part by a translational movement of the steering wheel. An airbag cushion may be deployable from the steering wheel and may be configured to move from the first configuration to the second configuration before or during deployment of the airbag cushion.

Abstract: Apparatus, methods, and systems for repositioning a steering wheel and/or airbag cushion prior to and/or during deployment of the airbag cushion resulting from an impact event. Some embodiments may comprise a steering wheel configured to be positioned between a first, operational configuration and a second, deployed configuration at least in part by a translational movement of the steering wheel. An airbag cushion may be deployable from the steering wheel and may be configured to move from the first configuration to the second configuration before or during deployment of the airbag cushion.

Abstract: Apparatus, methods, and systems for repositioning a steering wheel and/or airbag cushion prior to and/or during deployment of the airbag cushion resulting from an impact event. Some embodiments may comprise a steering wheel configured to be positioned between a first, operational configuration and a second, deployed configuration, wherein in the second configuration the steering wheel is positioned laterally relative to the first configuration, and wherein the steering wheel is configured to be repositioned between the first configuration and the second configuration. A steering wheel actuator may be configured to move the steering wheel laterally from the first configuration to the second configuration.

Abstract: Apparatus, methods, and systems for repositioning a steering wheel and/or airbag cushion prior to and/or during deployment of the airbag cushion resulting from an impact event. Some embodiments may comprise a steering wheel configured to be positioned between a first, operational configuration and a second, deployed configuration, wherein in the second configuration the steering wheel is positioned laterally relative to the first configuration, and wherein the steering wheel is configured to be repositioned between the first configuration and the second configuration. A steering wheel actuator may be configured to move the steering wheel laterally from the first configuration to the second configuration.

Abstract: Methods of covering portions of an automobile interior with an engineered leather are provided. When a mold of the appropriate shape is provided, a cell paste can be placed therein and grown into a leather, which can be tanned and treated to produce a suitable covering for a portion of an automobile interior, such as a steering wheel, an airbag cover, or a seat belt assembly. A method of growing a seamless automobile component cover in situ is disclosed.

Abstract: Airbag systems comprising at least one energy-absorbing component configured to absorb energy generated during the deployment of an airbag cushion. In some embodiments, a system may include a steering wheel assembly and an airbag assembly. The airbag assembly may comprise a housing configured to couple to the steering wheel assembly, an inflator coupled to the housing, and an airbag cushion coupled with the inflator. A first gap may be disposed between the inflator and at least one energy-absorbing component. A force from a deployment of the airbag cushion may cause the first gap to close and may result in contact between the inflator and at least one energy-absorbing component. The contact between the inflator and one or more of the energy-absorbing components transfers energy from the deployment of the airbag to one or more of the energy-absorbing components.

Abstract: Airbag systems comprising at least one energy-absorbing component configured to absorb energy generated during the deployment of an airbag cushion. In some embodiments, a system may include a steering wheel assembly and an airbag assembly. The airbag assembly may comprise a housing configured to couple to the steering wheel assembly, an inflator coupled to the housing, and an airbag cushion coupled with the inflator. A first gap may be disposed between the inflator and at least one energy-absorbing component. A force from a deployment of the airbag cushion may cause the first gap to close and may result in contact between the inflator and at least one energy-absorbing component. The contact between the inflator and one or more of the energy-absorbing components transfers energy from the deployment of the airbag to one or more of the energy-absorbing components.