AIRBAG LUNG
A method of inflating an airbag includes expanding a collapsed or folded frame that supports and expands the airbag. The expansion of the airbag creates a lower pressure in the interior of the airbag as compared to the exterior, which allows air to be drawn into the airbag due to the lower pressure to fill the airbag. The frame can be made from inflatable ribs, or the frame can be made from interconnecting rigid members. The inflatable ribs can be inflated using a compressed gas canister, while the frame made from rigid members can be expanded using a spring. Filling a frame made from inflatable ribs, as opposed to the airbag itself allows for a smaller compressed gas canister.
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. U.S. 62/289,802, filed Feb. 1, 2016, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
BACKGROUNDAn avalanche airbag system is a self-protection product designed to reduce the chance for burial by the user if caught in an avalanche. These systems are carried by the user and have a deployable chamber that fills with gas to increase the user's buoyancy and overall volume to decrease the chances of burial. These systems try to balance weight and cost versus effectiveness. Generally, a larger, more voluminous airbag is favored. However, larger systems become burdensome to carry because of size and weight. Therefore, systems try to minimize the size and weight of the system without compromising the effectiveness. The airbag volume seems to be limited by the device that is tasked to fill the airbag. Some systems may use a closed system where a compressed gas canister contains all the air (or gas) needed to inflate the airbag. In other cases, the compressed gas may be routed through a Venturi valve before vented into the airbag. The Venturi valve creates a drop in pressure that then pulls in ambient air into the flow from the compressed gas, thus adding to the overall gas delivered into the airbag. By adding this type of valve, the gas canister can provide much more gas into the airbag than that provided by the gas canister alone. Other systems may omit compressed gas canisters because of their single use nature. Accordingly, some systems may use a mechanical air mover with rechargeable batteries.
SUMMARYAn airbag in accordance with one embodiment of the invention can require substantially less compressed gas to fill, thus minimizing the size of the gas canister or increasing the volume of the airbag that is substantially more than all the gas volume from the compressed gas canister. Instead of relying on pushing air into the airbag chamber to fill it, embodiments of the airbag in accordance with the invention expand the airbag outer surface and therefore create a lower pressure inside the airbag as compared to outside, which will naturally fill with ambient atmospheric air. The airbag outer surface may be expanded by different means. Some embodiments may use a rib structure inside (or outside) the airbag chamber. The rib structure can take the form of a frame made from rigid members that fold or collapse when not in use, and that can be sprung to expand the frame and cause inflation of the airbag. Another rib structure can be made from inflatable channels (ribs) that are inflated, instead of the airbag directly, with the compressed gas from the gas canister. The compressed gas canister, when deployed, will inflate the ribs which will expand the airbag chamber and create a vacuum on the inside of the airbag as the exterior airbag surface is increased by the tension as the ribs increase in pressure. The ribs surround and are connected to the airbag, so that as the ribs become rigid, the ribs support the airbag walls and force air into the airbag via the natural vacuum that is created. The airbag chamber can be connected to a one-way valve allowing ambient atmospheric air to enter the airbag but not allowed to leave the airbag. In some of the disclosed embodiments, the airbag does not require nearly the amount of compressed gas to fully inflate the airbag, because the compressed gas canister need only carry enough compressed gas to inflate the internal ribs. In some embodiments, a Venturi valve may be used with the compressed gas canister to increase the amount of air entering the rib structure.
Some embodiments relate to a method of inflating an airbag. The method includes inflating a collapsed inflatable frame that supports and expands walls of an airbag, creating a lower pressure in the interior of the airbag as compared to the exterior during expansion of the inflatable frame while allowing gas to be drawn into the airbag due to the lower pressure to fill the airbag.
In some embodiments, the airbag is fluidly connected to a forced air device, such as a battery operated fan.
In some embodiments, the frame comprises inflatable ribs placed along the airbag walls.
In some embodiments, the frame comprises inflatable ribs that are formed by welding an outer membrane with an inner membrane.
In some embodiments, the frame comprises an enclosed pocket surrounding a majority of the airbag wall surface.
Some embodiments further include inflating the inflatable frame to a pressure to make the frame rigid.
In some embodiments, the frame receives gas from a gas storage device, and the airbag receives gas from the atmosphere.
In some embodiments, the gas storage device further includes a Venturi valve to increase the amount of air that is pushed into the airbag.
In some embodiments, the inflatable frame has a capacity that is less than a capacity of the airbag.
In some embodiments, the inflatable frame receives gas from a source that is a different source than the gas used to inflate the airbag.
Some embodiments relate to a method of inflating an airbag. The method includes, with a device, expanding a collapsed or folded frame that supports and expands airbag walls, creating a lower pressure in the interior of the airbag as compared to the exterior, and allowing gas to be drawn into the airbag due to the lower pressure to fill the airbag, wherein the frame comprises rigid interconnecting members.
In some embodiments, the device is a torsion spring.
In some embodiments, the frame comprises a plurality of arc-shaped members, wherein each member comprises two sides, and the members are connected to each other about a pivoting point on the same corresponding side.
In some embodiments, the airbag comprises a first and second rigid plate on opposing sides, and a flexible membrane connects the first plate to the second plate to form the airbag.
Some embodiments are related to an airbag, which includes a thin membrane formed into a collapsed deflated bag with an inlet in communication to the atmosphere, a collapsed frame that is attached to walls of the bag, and a device connected to the frame, wherein the device is configured to expand the frame.
In some embodiments, the device includes a torsion spring connected to the frame.
In some embodiments, the collapsed frame comprises a plurality of arc-shaped members, wherein each member comprises two sides, and the members are connected to each other about a pivoting point on the same corresponding side.
In some embodiments, the airbag comprises a first and second rigid plate on opposing sides, and a flexible membrane connects the first plate to the second plate to form the airbag.
Some embodiments are related to an airbag, which includes a first thin interior membrane formed into a collapsed deflated bag with an inlet that allows air to enter from the atmosphere, a second thin exterior membrane juxtaposed on and surrounding the first thin membrane, wherein a first inflatable volume is created between the first and second membranes and a second inflatable volume is created in the interior of the first membrane, wherein the capacity of the first inflatable volume is less than the second inflatable volume.
In some embodiments, the first inflatable volume is connected to a compressed gas cylinder, and the second inflatable volume is connected to the ambient atmosphere.
In some embodiments, the first inflatable volume is connected to a forced air device.
In some embodiments, the first inflatable volume is connected to the second inflatable volume via a one-way valve.
The methods and airbags disclosed herein have use, for example, in avalanche protection devices.
The foregoing aspects and many of the attendant advantages of this invention will become more readily appreciated as the same become better understood by reference to the following detailed description, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:
Referring to
In the embodiment of
Activation and release of the compressed gas from the compressed gas cylinder 108 may be accomplished via several mechanisms. For example, the compressed gas cylinder may be activated by manual or automatic means. Manual means may include a ripcord-style mechanism. The compressed gas cylinder 108 may feed only the rib structure 104 to inflate and pressurize the rib structure 104 to a pressure that expands the rib structure outward as seen in
A one-way valve 112 that connects the ribs 104 to the airbag 102 may also be provided that allows pressurization of the airbag chamber 106 above atmospheric pressure. The rib structure 104 is attached to and supports the walls of the airbag 102 such that as the rib structure 104 becomes pressurized, the rib structure causes the airbag walls to expand outward. Once the chambers of the rib structure 104 have been pressurized, the one-way valve 112 may allow pressurized gas to enter into the airbag chamber 106 from the rib structure 104.
As seen in
Referring to
In the embodiment illustrated in
The frame 202 is made from individual arc-shaped members having two sides. All of the members are connected about a pivoting point on the same corresponding side. As can be appreciated, the members can swing about the pivot points thereby creating a larger volume from the initial folded mode. A torsion spring 204 may be connected coaxial with the pivot, wherein one end of the coil spring is attached to the first (or last) rigid arc-shaped member and the other end of the coil spring is attached to the last (or first) rigid arc-shaped member. A torsion spring is one that stores rotational energy, such as by coiling tighter. Energy is released when the coils unwind partly. In the case of the airbag 200, the torsion spring 204 stores energy and upon release, the spring 204 causes the last (or first) of the arc-shaped members to rotate away from the first (or last) arc-shaped member, thus expanding into a three-dimensional shape out of an essentially initial flat shape. The once flat assembly of rigid arc-shaped members are caused to revolve around the pivot point. The expanded shape may resemble part of a torus. However, the frame may take on other shapes as well. One or two springs 204 may be used, each on a separate end of the arc-shaped members, or a single spring that spans the width of the arc-shaped members. As shown in
The airbag 208 includes a one-way valve 210. The valve 210 allows air to enter the airbag 208 but prevents air from escaping from the airbag 208. The springs 204 are under torsional force and are prevented from releasing by a type of trigger mechanism. The trigger mechanism may be manually activated, such as via a ripcord, for example.
Air is allowed to enter the airbag 208 via the one-way valve 210. As can be appreciated, the airbag system 200 does not rely on any compressed gas to fill the airbag 208. The airbag 208 is filled by creating a lower pressure in the interior of the airbag by expanding a frame 202 that supports and is connected to the walls of the airbag chamber 200.
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As shown in
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As illustrated in
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Some embodiments relate to a method of inflating an airbag. The method includes inflating a collapsed inflatable frame that supports and expands walls of an airbag, creating a lower pressure in the interior of the airbag as compared to the exterior during expansion of the inflatable frame, while allowing gas to be drawn into the airbag due to the lower pressure to fill the airbag.
In some embodiments, the airbag is fluidly connected to a forced air device, such as a battery operated fan.
In some embodiments, the frame comprises inflatable ribs placed along the airbag walls.
In some embodiments, the frame comprises inflatable ribs that are formed by welding an outer membrane with an inner membrane.
In some embodiments, the frame comprises an enclosed pocket surrounding a majority of the airbag wall surface.
Some embodiments further include inflating the inflatable frame to a pressure to make the frame rigid.
In some embodiments, the frame receives gas from a gas storage device, and the airbag receives gas from the atmosphere.
In some embodiments, the gas storage device further includes a Venturi valve to increase the amount of air that is pushed into the airbag.
In some embodiments, the inflatable frame has a capacity that is less than a capacity of the airbag.
In some embodiments, the inflatable frame receives gas from a source that is a different source than the gas used to inflate the airbag.
Some embodiments relate to a method of inflating an airbag. The method includes, with a device, expanding a collapsed or folded frame that supports and expands airbag walls, creating a lower pressure in the interior of the airbag as compared to the exterior, and allowing gas to be drawn into the airbag due to the lower pressure to fill the airbag, wherein the frame comprises rigid interconnecting members.
In some embodiments, the device is a torsion spring.
In some embodiments, the frame comprises a plurality of arc-shaped members, wherein each member comprises two sides, and the members are connected to each other about a pivoting point on the same corresponding side.
In some embodiments, the airbag comprises a first and second rigid plate on opposing sides, and a flexible membrane connects the first plate to the second plate to form the airbag.
Some embodiments are related to an airbag, which includes a thin membrane formed into a collapsed deflated bag with an inlet in communication to the atmosphere, a collapsed frame that is attached to walls of the bag, and a device connected to the frame, wherein the device is configured to expand the frame.
In some embodiments, the device includes a torsion spring connected to the frame.
In some embodiments, the collapsed frame comprises a plurality of arc-shaped members, wherein each member comprises two sides, and the members are connected to each other about a pivoting point on the same corresponding side.
In some embodiments, the airbag comprises a first and second rigid plate on opposing sides, and a flexible membrane connects the first plate to the second plate to form the airbag.
Some embodiments are related to an airbag, which includes a first thin interior membrane formed into a collapsed deflated bag with an inlet that allows air to enter from the atmosphere, a second thin exterior membrane juxtaposed on and surrounding the first thin membrane, wherein a first inflatable volume is created between the first and second membranes, and a second inflatable volume is create in the interior of the first membrane, wherein the capacity of the first inflatable volume is less than the second inflatable volume.
In some embodiments, the first inflatable volume is connected to a compressed gas cylinder, and the second inflatable volume is connected to the ambient atmosphere.
In some embodiments, the first inflatable volume is connected to a forced air device.
In some embodiments, the first inflatable volume is connected to the second inflatable volume via a one-way valve.
The features of any one embodiment may be combined with any other embodiment, or certain features may be omitted from any one embodiment, as well.
The principle used in the disclosed embodiments for inflating the airbag is to expand a frame that supports and is connected to an airbag, thereby expanding the walls of the airbag. Upon expansion of airbag walls using a type of expanding frame, the airbag chamber experiences a lower pressure on the inside of the chamber as compared to the ambient exterior atmosphere, thereby causing air to rush into the airbag chamber.
Embodiments of the airbag disclosed herein may be deployed in various ways. For example, the user may use a ripcord to activate the gas canister or release a pin that unlocks a spring device. Alternatively, the gas canister or spring may be triggered automatically, for example, via a pressure switch, an accelerometer, a push button, and the like. Embodiments of the airbags disclosed herein may be used in burial prevention safety devices to avoid burial in avalanches.
While illustrative embodiments have been illustrated and described, it will be appreciated that various changes can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
Claims
1. A method of inflating an airbag, comprising: inflating a collapsed inflatable frame that supports and expands walls of an airbag and creating a lower pressure in the interior of the airbag as compared to the exterior during expansion of the inflatable frame, while allowing gas to be drawn into the airbag due to the lower pressure to fill the airbag.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the airbag is fluidly connected to a forced air device.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein the frame comprises inflatable ribs placed along the airbag walls.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein the frame comprises inflatable ribs that are formed by welding an outer membrane with an inner membrane.
5. The method of claim 1, wherein the frame comprises an enclosed pocket surrounding a majority of the air bag wall surface.
6. The method of claim 1, further comprising inflating the inflatable frame to a pressure to make the frame rigid.
7. The method of claim 1, wherein the frame receives gas from a gas storage device, and the airbag receives gas from the atmosphere.
8. The method of claim 1, wherein the gas storage device further includes a Venturi valve.
9. The method of claim 1, wherein the inflatable frame has a capacity that is less than a capacity of the airbag.
10. The method of claim 1, wherein the inflatable frame receives gas from a source that is a different source than the gas used to inflate the airbag.
11. A method of inflating an airbag, comprising: with a device, expanding a collapsed or folded frame that supports and expands airbag walls, creating a lower pressure in the interior of the airbag as compared to the exterior, and allowing gas to be drawn into the airbag due to the lower pressure to fill the airbag, wherein the frame comprises rigid interconnecting members.
12. The method of claim 11, wherein the device is a torsion spring.
13. The method of claim 11, wherein the frame comprises a plurality of arc-shaped members, wherein each member comprises two sides, and the members are connected to each other about a pivoting point on the same corresponding side.
14. The method of claim 11, wherein the airbag comprises a first and second rigid plate on opposing sides, and a flexible membrane connects the first plate to the second plate to form the airbag.
15. An airbag, comprising: a thin membrane formed into a collapsed deflated bag with an inlet in communication to the atmosphere, a collapsed frame that is attached to walls of the bag, and a device connected to the frame, wherein the device is configured to expand the frame.
16. The airbag of claim 15, wherein the device includes a torsion spring connected to the frame.
17. The airbag of claim 15, wherein the collapsed frame comprises a plurality of arc-shaped members, wherein each member comprises two sides, and the members are connected to each other about a pivoting point on the same corresponding side.
18. The airbag of claim 15, wherein the airbag comprises a first and second rigid plate on opposing sides, and a flexible membrane connects the first plate to the second plate to form the airbag.
19. An airbag, comprising: a first thin interior membrane formed into a collapsed deflated bag with an inlet that allows air to enter from the atmosphere, a second thin exterior membrane juxtaposed on and surrounding the first thin membrane, wherein a first inflatable volume is created between the first and second membranes, and a second inflatable volume is create in the interior of the first membrane, wherein the capacity of the first inflatable volume is less than the second inflatable volume.
20. The airbag of claim 19, wherein the first inflatable volume is connected to a compressed gas cylinder, and the second inflatable volume is connected to the ambient atmosphere.
21. The airbag of claim 19, wherein the first inflatable volume is connected to a forced air device.
22. The airbag of claim 19, wherein the first inflatable volume is connected to the second inflatable volume via a one-way valve.
Type: Application
Filed: Jan 31, 2017
Publication Date: Aug 3, 2017
Inventors: Jason Neubauer (Sammamish, WA), Bruce Jahnke (Seattle, WA), Curtiss Clark (Edmonds, WA)
Application Number: 15/421,361