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.

Abstract: A lighter, low-cost inflatable restraint module is disclosed. The inflatable restraint module may include an inflator positioned within a heat shield. The heat shield and inflator may be disposed within an inflatable cushion. A portion of the cushion containing the inflator and heat shield is situated within a chamber. The chamber may include an opening in the chamber and an extension that projects away from the opening. Attachment of a portion of the inflatable cushion to the extension keeps the portion of the cushion away from the opening of the chamber and, thus, away from potentially damaging heat generated by the inflator. Alternatively, the portion of the cushion may be kept away from the opening by attachment to a cover which is, in turn, attached to the extension. The inflator, heat shield, chamber, and cushion may be secured within an interior region of a canister.

Abstract: A lighter, low-cost inflatable restraint module is disclosed. The inflatable restraint module may include an inflator positioned within a heat shield. The heat shield and inflator may be disposed within an inflatable cushion. A portion of the cushion containing the inflator and heat shield is situated within a chamber. The chamber may include an opening in the chamber and an extension that projects away form the opening. Attachment of a portion of the inflatable cushion to the extension keeps the portion of the cushion away from the opening of the chamber and, thus, away from potentially damaging heat generated by the inflator. Alternatively, the portion of the cushion may be kept away from the opening by attachment to a cover which is, in turn, attached to the extension. The inflator, heat shield, chamber, and cushion may be secured within an interior region of a canister.