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: Holding elements for attaching an element of an airbag assembly to a holding unit comprising such a holding element and an inflating element, along with related methods. In some embodiments, the holding element may be configured for attaching an element of an airbag assembly via at least one tear seam, and the holding element may comprise a first side wall made of a flexible material and a second side wall made of a flexible material. A peripheral connection may couple the first side wall and the second side wall and may extend from a first end to a second end such that the first side wall, the second side wall, and the peripheral connection define a space therebetween and an opening. The holding element may further comprise an inlay comprising a hole and having at least one layer being located between the first side wall and the second side wall.

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: Airbag cushion assemblies comprising airbag cushion flaps for safety. In some embodiments, the assembly may comprise an airbag housing and an airbag cushion positioned within the airbag housing. An airbag cushion flap may extend from the airbag cushion and may be configured to allow the airbag cushion to deploy from the airbag housing in at least two stages, wherein, in a first stage of the at least two stages, the airbag cushion flap is configured to expand to allow the airbag cushion to partially deploy and wherein, in a second stage of the at least two stages, the airbag cushion is configured to contact the airbag cushion flap and to reduce a punch-out force delivered by the airbag cushion during deployment by, for example, extending through the airbag cushion flap.

Abstract: Holding elements for attaching an element of an airbag assembly to a holding unit comprising such a holding element and an inflating element, along with related methods. In some embodiments, the holding element may be configured for attaching an element of an airbag assembly via at least one tear seam, and the holding element may comprise a first side wall made of a flexible material and a second side wall made of a flexible material. A peripheral connection may couple the first side wall and the second side wall and may extend from a first end to a second end such that the first side wall, the second side wall, and the peripheral connection define a space therebetween and an opening. The holding element may further comprise an inlay comprising a hole and having at least one layer being located between the first side wall and the second side wall.

Abstract: Airbag cushion assemblies for anchoring an airbag cushion in a desired position during deployment. Some embodiments may be configured for use in connection with eccentric steering wheels, such as steering wheels lacking an upper rim portion. Some embodiments may comprise an airbag housing coupled with the steering wheel, an airbag cushion positioned in the airbag housing, and means for anchoring a portion of the airbag cushion to assist in preventing the airbag cushion from being pushed in a direction opposite to the missing steering wheel structural element relative to the steering wheel 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 retaining an airbag cushion to an airbag housing. Some embodiments may comprise an airbag housing comprising an outer surface, an airbag coupling ring configured to fit over the outer surface of the airbag housing, and an airbag cushion positioned in between the airbag housing and the airbag coupling ring such that the airbag cushion is pinched between the airbag coupling ring and the outer surface of the airbag housing so as to retain the airbag cushion to the airbag housing during deployment of the airbag cushion.

Abstract: Apparatus, methods, and systems for retaining an airbag cushion to an airbag housing. Some embodiments may comprise an airbag housing comprising an outer surface, an airbag coupling ring configured to fit over the outer surface of the airbag housing, and an airbag cushion positioned in between the airbag housing and the airbag coupling ring such that the airbag cushion is pinched between the airbag coupling ring and the outer surface of the airbag housing so as to retain the airbag cushion to the airbag housing during deployment of the airbag cushion.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods, and systems relating to flat panel airbag cushions that may be particularly useful in connection with passenger-side airbag systems. Some embodiments may comprise a first panel and a second panel having a larger cross-sectional area than the first panel in an unfolded state. The second panel may comprise a first set of pleats and a second set of pleats configured such that, upon inflation of the airbag cushion, the first set of pleats and the second set of pleats unfold to define a three-dimensional airbag cushion. The second panel may be sewn or otherwise attached to the first panel about a periphery of the two panels.

Abstract: An airbag can include a first cushion portion that defines a first inflatable chamber and a second cushion portion that defines a second inflatable chamber. An inflator generates inflation gas to inflate the inflatable chambers. The first inflatable chamber is in fluid communication with the inflator to receive inflation gas to expand the first cushion portion. The second inflatable chamber is in fluid communication with a fill tube or other conduit, which is in fluid communication with the inflator to receive inflation gas to expand the second cushion portion. The fill tube is configured to be disposed between a portion of the first cushion portion and a portion of a vehicle, such that expansion of the first cushion portion as the first inflatable chamber inflates causes the fill tube to be closed. The fill tube is pinched closed against the vehicle portion by expansion of the first cushion portion.