Abstract: An impact sensing apparatus for a motor vehicle includes a control module having an accelerometer and a contact switch mounted in a bumper of the motor vehicle. The contact switch is in an open position and is in communication with the control module. The control module deploys an airbag when the accelerometer detects a change in velocity of the motor vehicle exceeding a threshold lowered when the contact switch is urged by the bumper to a closed position.

Abstract: A passenger airbag system is designed for an automotive vehicle with a passenger compartment, a windshield and an instrument panel disposed between the passenger compartment and the windshield. The instrument panel has a top portion adjacent the windshield and a mid-portion with a surface that extends away from the top portion. The system includes a top-mounted airbag having a housing disposed in the top portion of the instrument panel and a mid-mounted airbag having a housing disposed in the mid-portion of the instrument panel. Each airbag has a cushion deployable from the housing through the instrument panel along a predetermined path for direct contact with an occupant seated in the passenger compartment. The mid-mounted airbag is deployable for direct contact with the torso of an adult occupant.

Abstract: A low risk deployment passenger airbag system has two separate airbags, a top-mounted airbag and a mid-mounted airbag. The top-mounted airbag deploys into the adult occupant's head and upper torso areas without generating substantial downward deployment, while the mid-mounted airbag deploys into the adult occupant's lower torso area without generating substantial upward deployment. This mode of substantially horizontal deployments can provide an out-of-position child with a safe mode of airbag inflation, reducing the risk of neck injuries. An infant in a rear facing child seat receives distributed small forces from two airbags with a possible time delay in initial airbag contact rather than a concentrated large force from the conventional single passenger airbag. The total capacity of the two airbags is about the same as the conventional single passenger airbag and thus can provide as effective protection.

Abstract: A passenger airbag system is designed for an automotive vehicle with a passenger compartment, a windshield and an instrument panel disposed between the passenger compartment and the windshield. The instrument panel has a top portion with a surface which is more horizontal than vertical and generally directed toward the windshield and a mid-portion with a surface that is more vertical than horizontal and generally directed toward an occupant of the passenger compartment. The system includes a single airbag housing that is disposed in the instrument panel and extends from the top portion to the mid-portion. The airbag cushion is deployable from the housing through the instrument panel along a predetermined path for direct contact with an occupant seated in the passenger compartment. The predetermined path is generally radial with respect to the surface of the instrument panel.

Abstract: A low risk deployment passenger airbag system has two separate airbags, a top-mounted airbag and a mid-mounted airbag. The top-mounted airbag deploys into the adult occupant's head and upper torso areas without generating substantial downward deployment, while the mid-mounted airbag deploys into the adult occupant's lower torso area without generating substantial upward deployment. This mode of substantially horizontal deployments can provide an out-of-position child with a safe mode of airbag inflation, reducing the risk of neck injuries. An infant in a rear facing child seat receives distributed small forces from two airbags with a possible time delay in initial airbag contact rather than a concentrated large force from the conventional single passenger airbag. The total capacity of the two airbags is about the same as the conventional single passenger airbag and thus can provide as effective protection.

Abstract: An impact sensing apparatus for a motor vehicle includes a control module having an accelerometer and a contact switch mounted in a bumper of the motor vehicle. The contact switch is in an open position and is in communication with the control module. The control module deploys an airbag when the accelerometer detects a change in velocity of the motor vehicle exceeding a threshold lowered when the contact switch is urged by the bumper to a closed position.

Abstract: A tapered octagonal frame rail tip for use with automotive bumpers is configured to axially crush in a controlled manner in the event of a vehicle impact. The rail tip is tuned to carry a constant load while crushing to absorb a higher amount of energy than alternative crush modes. Body mounts for attaching front end sheet metal or other body components to the frame rail tip are configured to centrally align loading to avoid interference with the desired axial crush.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for impact testing of vehicle components at a sub-system level includes a mobile unit and a vehicle sub-system. In an exemplary application, the vehicle sub-system includes a steering column and steering shaft. The vehicle steering column is securely mounted to the mobile unit and a mass element is secured to the steering shaft. By advancing the mobile unit into a rigid barrier at a predetermined speed, full-scale column collapse and energy absorption tests can be accurately analyzed at a significantly reduced cost and time.

Abstract: An energy absorbing member for use in an automobile to absorb occupant impact forces. The energy absorbing member includes a hollow membrane defining a cushion with a plurality of chambers. The membrane includes walls defining the chambers and orifices hydraulically interconnecting the plurality of chambers to equalize fluid pressure within each of the chambers and dissipate impact forces acting on the membrane by conveying fluid between the plurality of chambers when the energy absorbing member is moved from an initial state to a collapsed state. The cushion contains a constant amount of fluid as the energy absorbing member is moved from the initial to collapsed states.

Abstract: A sled testing system comprising a first carriage and a second carriage, the first carriage and second carriage being movably mounted together, and an acceleration absorption assembly located relative to the first carriage and the second carriage such that when the second carriage is accelerated at a second carriage rate, the first carriage will be accelerated at a first carriage rate.