Abstract: A “universal” airbag system according to embodiments of the present disclosure provides for occupant protection in both conventional and unconventional seating orientations (rotated, reclined, and lying positions), when impacted in various directions. The universal airbag system features a seat mounted airbag which may be used with a seat-integrated seatbelt. The material may be selected, constructed, and attached such that it does not fail or tear under application-specific loading conditions, is strong enough to capture the occupant, has the elongation/expansion properties for a flexible yet stable shape with excursion limiting functionality, and is optionally inflatable.

Abstract: In a vehicle having a display mounted forward of a passenger seat on a dashboard and angled toward a driver seat adjacent the passenger seat, the display is moveable from the angled position to a position flush with the dashboard, and an airbag system is configured to deploy an airbag cushion that displaces the display from the angled position to the position flush with the dashboard to ensure that the airbag cushion has an adequate backup or support surface.

Abstract: A “universal” airbag system according to embodiments of the present disclosure provides for occupant protection in both conventional and unconventional seating orientations (rotated, reclined, and lying positions), when impacted in various directions. The universal airbag system features a seat mounted airbag which may be used with a seat-integrated seatbelt. The material may be selected, constructed, and attached such that it does not fail or tear under application-specific loading conditions, is strong enough to capture the occupant, has the elongation/expansion properties for a flexible yet stable shape with excursion limiting functionality, and is optionally inflatable.

Abstract: In a vehicle having a display mounted forward of a passenger seat on a dashboard and angled toward a driver seat adjacent the passenger seat, the display is moveable from the angled position to a position flush with the dashboard, and an airbag system is configured to deploy an airbag cushion that displaces the display from the angled position to the position flush with the dashboard to ensure that the airbag cushion has an adequate backup or support surface.

Abstract: In a vehicle having a display mounted forward of a passenger seat on a dashboard and angled toward a driver seat adjacent the passenger seat, the display is moveable from the angled position to a position flush with the dashboard, and an airbag system is configured to deploy an airbag cushion that displaces the display from the angled position to the position flush with the dashboard to ensure that the airbag cushion has an adequate backup or support surface.

Abstract: A system and method of inflating an airbag and trajectory control tube are disclosed. The system and method include detecting application of a force at at least one of a plurality of sensors, initiating an inflation system to cause inflation of the airbag and the trajectory control tube responsive to the detecting, inflating the trajectory control tube based on the initiating, inflating the airbag, and breaching the airbag and the trajectory control tube compartment. The system and method include guiding the airbag deployment trajectory via the trajectory control tube guides the airbag deployment trajectory. The system and method include the guiding occurs as the airbag begins to inflate, as the airbag inflates, after the airbag has inflated or before the airbag inflates.

Abstract: A large volume between a vehicle occupant and a vehicle structure positioned in front of the vehicle occupant can be filled by two airbags, the first arranged to deploy between the vehicle occupant and the vehicle structure and the second arranged to deploy between the first airbag and the vehicle structure. One or both of the airbags can be configured to deploy in a non-linear path that reduces the risk of injury to the vehicle occupant (particularly if the vehicle occupant is out of position) by the deployment itself.

Abstract: In a vehicle having a display mounted forward of a passenger seat on a dashboard and angled toward a driver seat adjacent the passenger seat, the display is moveable from the angled position to a position flush with the dashboard, and an airbag system is configured to deploy an airbag cushion that displaces the display from the angled position to the position flush with the dashboard to ensure that the airbag cushion has an adequate backup or support surface.

Abstract: A system and method of inflating an airbag are disclosed. The system and method include detecting application of a force at at least one of a plurality of sensors, initiating an inflation system to cause inflation of the airbag and an airbag positioner responsive to the detecting, inflating the airbag positioner based on the initiating, inflating the airbag, and breaching a compartment initially housing at least one of the airbag and the airbag positioner. The system and method include inflating the airbag positioner to reposition an out-of-position occupant reducing the constraints on the design of the airbag and improving protection for the in-position occupant.

Abstract: A system and method of inflating an airbag and trajectory control tube are disclosed. The system and method include detecting application of a force at at least one of a plurality of sensors, initiating an inflation system to cause inflation of the airbag and the trajectory control tube responsive to the detecting, inflating the trajectory control tube based on the initiating, inflating the airbag, and breaching the airbag and the trajectory control tube compartment. The system and method include guiding the airbag deployment trajectory via the trajectory control tube guides the airbag deployment trajectory. The system and method include the guiding occurs as the airbag begins to inflate, as the airbag inflates, after the airbag has inflated or before the airbag inflates.

Abstract: An airbag system is provided including an inflator mounted in a front compartment of a vehicle and a deployable or fixed chute that defines a passageway from the front compartment of the vehicle to a passenger compartment of the vehicle for an airbag cushion stored proximate the inflator to follow upon inflation of the airbag cushion.

Abstract: Various methods and systems are disclosed for implementing active safety countermeasures in vehicles when it is determined that the driver is impaired.

Abstract: A sensing system (10) for a vehicle (12) includes a single vision sensor (14) that has a position on the vehicle (12). The single vision sensor (14) detects an object (40) and generates an object detection signal. A controller (16) is coupled to the vision sensor (14) and generates a safety system signal in response to the position of the vision sensor (14) and the object detection signal.

Abstract: A releasable brake pedal system 10 for a vehicle includes a pedal assembly 12 operatively engageable by the driver of the vehicle and a hydraulic actuator assembly 20 for generating pressurized hydraulic fluid for actuating one or more brakes 44A-44D. The pedal system 10 further includes a pressure release valve 30 or 30´ coupled in fluid communication with the pressurized hydraulic fluid. The pressure release valve 30 or 30´ is operative to reduce the amount of pressure applied to the brakes 44A-44D during a detected vehicle deceleration indicative of a collision event. The pressure release valve 30 is responsive to a deceleration sensor 40 according to one embodiment, and valve 30´ employs a deceleration sensitive inertial mass 76 according to another embodiment. Accordingly, the pedal system 10 reduces forces that may otherwise be transferred to the pedal assembly 12 during a collision.