Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080290644 | RE-SETTABLE VEHICLE SEAT BELT BUCKLE PRE-TENSIONER PRESENTER SYSTEM AND METHOD OF OPERATION - A re-settable vehicle seat belt buckle pre-tensioner presenter system and method for operating the same. | 11-27-2008 |
20090121533 | SEAT RESTRAINING DEVICE - The embodiments described herein provide a vehicle seat assembly that is coupled to a floor of a vehicle. The assembly comprises a seat back frame, a seat cushion frame, at least one leg and at least one blocking member. The seat cushion frame is pivotally coupled to the seat back frame. The leg is pivotally coupled to the seat cushion frame and pivotally coupled to the floor of the vehicle. The blocking member is coupled to the seat cushion frame and capable of moving into engagement with the leg as the assembly moves from the folded position to the upright seating position. The blocking member is adapted to block movement of the leg and to stabilize the seat assembly in the event of a vehicle collision. | 05-14-2009 |
20090134659 | COLLAPSIBLE DOOR PANEL SUPPORT STRUCTURES AND METHODS OF ASSEMBLY - A collapsible door support structure includes a pre-defined bend or local stiffening feature. The collapsible structure is either be incorporated into the door handle or is incorporated into a bracket that is either attached to the door handle or to the door pull cup. If in the form of a bracket, at least one end of the bracket is attached to the door inner sheet metal. The other end of the bracket may be attached to the door handle or to the door trim panel. If used as a door pull cup support bracket a portion of the bracket is fixed to the bracket. In the event of an impact upon the vehicle door, the door inner sheet metal panel is pushed horizontally in a direction that is vehicle inward. The collapsible feature of the structure formed between the door inner sheet metal and the door trim panel causes the horizontal movement to be translated into vertical or upward movement and transmitting the energy away from the vehicle occupant, thus avoiding the door trim panel from being pushed inward into the passenger area of the vehicle. | 05-28-2009 |
20090283994 | SERVICEABLE ASSEMBLY FOR SEATBELT INTEGRATED DEPLOYABLE CUSHION - A serviceable seatbelt integrated airbag assembly that is removably attached to a vehicle seat which includes an integrated deployable cushion, an inflation device, and a lap belt portion. A bracket may be provided that is removably attached to the seat. The lap belt portion is generally removably attached to the seat structure through connection with a bracket or structural member of the seat assembly and secured by a removable fastener. The airbag cushion is attached to, or contained within, a portion of the lap belt portion seatbelt webbing. An end of the lap belt portion fits through an interfacing joint element attached to one end of the primary seatbelt webbing. The airbag inflation device is connected to the electrical system of the vehicle. Removal of the serviceable seatbelt integrated airbag assembly is accomplished by disconnecting the electrical connector from the electrical system of the vehicle and seatbelt integrated airbag lap belt portion. The removable fastener is removed to disengage the lap belt portion from connection with the seat assembly and the lap belt portion is then released from connection with the primary seatbelt assembly by feeding an end of the lap belt portion through the interfacing joint element Attachment of the serviceable assembly is accomplished by reversing the described steps. Removal of the remaining portion of the seatbelt system, including the retractor and upper seatbelt guide may be achieved after decoupling the seatbelt integrated airbag lap belt portion from the seat structure and primary seatbelt system. | 11-19-2009 |
20100078921 | OCCUPANT PROTECTION SYSTEM - System and method for protecting an occupant in a vehicle seat, through the use of an occupant protection system is disclosed, wherein the vehicle seat includes a backrest section and a seat section. The occupant protection system includes a first airbag assembly having a first inflatable airbag, wherein the first airbag assembly is containable within an airbag recess located within a vehicle roof portion. A second airbag assembly is included having a second inflatable airbag and a deployment location. The second airbag assembly is mounted to a frame that is integrated with the seat while being external to a seat cushion. The first inflatable airbag is configured to extend downward from the roof portion to below a passenger shoulder-thorax protection region while in an inflated state. The second inflatable airbag is configured to extend upward from the deployment location through a passenger pelvic-thorax protection region while in an inflated state. | 04-01-2010 |
20100109215 | DYNAMIC DISPLACEMENT ENERGY MANAGEMENT DEVICE - A dynamic energy management restraint anchor device interfaces with a child seat in a vehicle, engaging common child seat attachment clip features. A device restraint anchor is operable to dynamically extract and permit distortion of load bearing deformable member(s) in order to manage the displacement of, and load transferred through, an anchor connected to a child seat. The device may be further operable to limit or prevent restraint anchor displacement and the distortion of said deformable member(s) under quasi-static load conditions in order to meet motor vehicle static load/displacement anchorage performance requirements applicable to certain anchors. Anchor retraction capability and various interlocking configurations for securing the position of an anchor, before or after having extracted, may be incorporated relative to the energy management device interfacing with both a vehicle and a child seat. An indicator may further be provided to identify the functional state of the restraint device. | 05-06-2010 |
20100109216 | DYNAMIC DISPLACEMENT ENERGY MANAGEMENT DEVICE - A dynamic energy management restraint anchor device interfaces with a child seat in a vehicle, engaging common child seat attachment clip features. A device restraint anchor is operable to dynamically extract and permit distortion of load bearing deformable member(s) in order to manage the displacement of, and load transferred through, an anchor connected to a child seat. The device may be further operable to limit or prevent restraint anchor displacement and the distortion of said deformable member(s) under quasi-static load conditions in order to meet motor vehicle static load/displacement anchorage performance requirements applicable to certain anchors. Anchor retraction capability and various interlocking configurations for securing the position of an anchor, before or after having extracted, may be incorporated relative to the energy management device interfacing with both a vehicle and a child seat. An indicator may further be provided to identify the functional state of the restraint device. | 05-06-2010 |
20100109217 | DYNAMIC DISPLACEMENT ANCHORAGE ENERGY MANAGEMENT DEVICE - A dynamic energy management restraint anchor device interfaces with a child seat in a vehicle, engaging common child seat attachment clip features. A device restraint anchor is operable to dynamically extract and permit distortion of load bearing deformable member(s) in order to manage the displacement of, and load transferred through, an anchor connected to a child seat. The device may be further operable to limit or prevent restraint anchor displacement and the distortion of said deformable member(s) under quasi-static load conditions in order to meet motor vehicle static load/displacement anchorage performance requirements applicable to certain anchors. Anchor retraction capability and various interlocking configurations for securing the position of an anchor, before or after having extracted, may be incorporated relative to the energy management device interfacing with both a vehicle and a child seat. An indicator may further be provided to identify the functional state of the restraint device. | 05-06-2010 |
20100109394 | DYNAMIC DISPLACEMENT ENERGY MANAGEMENT DEVICE - A dynamic energy management restraint anchor device interfaces with a child seat in a vehicle, engaging common child seat attachment clip features. A device restraint anchor is operable to dynamically extract and permit distortion of load bearing deformable member(s) in order to manage the displacement of, and load transferred through, an anchor connected to a child seat. The device may be further operable to limit or prevent restraint anchor displacement and the distortion of said deformable member(s) under quasi-static load conditions in order to meet motor vehicle static load/displacement anchorage performance requirements applicable to certain anchors. Anchor retraction capability and various interlocking configurations for securing the position of an anchor, before or after having extracted, may be incorporated relative to the energy management device interfacing with both a vehicle and a child seat. An indicator may further be provided to identify the functional state of the restraint device. | 05-06-2010 |
20100109395 | DYNAMIC DISPLACEMENT ENERGY MANAGEMENT DEVICE - A dynamic energy management restraint anchor device interfaces with a child seat in a vehicle, engaging common child seat attachment clip features. A device restraint anchor is operable to dynamically extract and permit distortion of load bearing deformable member(s) in order to manage the displacement of, and load transferred through, an anchor connected to a child seat. The device may be further operable to limit or prevent restraint anchor displacement and the distortion of said deformable member(s) under quasi-static load conditions in order to meet motor vehicle static load/displacement anchorage performance requirements applicable to certain anchors. Anchor retraction capability and various interlocking configurations for securing the position of an anchor, before or after having extracted, may be incorporated relative to the energy management device interfacing with both a vehicle and a child seat. An indicator may further be provided to identify the functional state of the restraint device. | 05-06-2010 |
20100140990 | VEHICLE SEATING SYSTEM INCLUDING SEAT MOUNTED REVERSIBLE PELVIC BOOSTER - A vehicle system for aiding in the protection of a vehicle occupant is disclosed. The system includes a seat assembly having a seat base and a seat back and a pelvic bolster rotatably attached to the seat back of the seat assembly. The pelvic bolster is rotatably movable between a first stowed position and a second deployed position. A reversible motor drives the pelvic bolster between its stowed position and its deployed position. The system further includes a threat condition sensor operatively associated with the reversible motor. | 06-10-2010 |
20110012328 | SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAG WITH PRESSURE CONTROL DEVICE - An inflatable safety curtain for use in a vehicle interior is provided. A first inflatable portion may be mounted to the vehicle interior. A second inflatable portion may be mounted to the first portion. The first and second portions may be in fluid communication. A pressure control device is disposed between the first and second inflatable portions to selectively prevent fluid communication between the first and second portion. The pressure control device is a flexible valve from fabric or a memory shape material, a chamber valve having an enlarged opening, or a flapper valve. | 01-20-2011 |
20110193394 | Child Seat Tethering System - A system and method to tether a child seat to a vehicle seat is disclosed. The child seat has a latch strap engaging with a lower back of the child seat and a top tether strap coupled to a top of the child seat. An adapter plate is provided which has first, second, and third apertures with the first and second apertures receiving first and second connectors coupled to first and second ends of the latch strap and the third aperture receiving a third connector coupled to the top tether strap. The latch strap ends are threaded through the seat bight and coupled to first and second apertures of the adapter plate. The top tether strap connector is coupled to the third aperture. Each strap has a cinch, which is adjusted to tighten the straps. | 08-11-2011 |
20120001460 | DYNAMIC DISPLACEMENT ENERGY MANAGEMENT DEVICE - A dynamic energy management restraint anchor device interfaces with a child seat in a vehicle, engaging common child seat attachment clip features. A device restraint anchor is operable to dynamically extract and permit distortion of load bearing deformable member(s) in order to manage the displacement of, and load transferred through, an anchor connected to a child seat. The device may be further operable to limit or prevent restraint anchor displacement and the distortion of said deformable member(s) under quasi-static load conditions in order to meet motor vehicle static load/displacement anchorage performance requirements applicable to certain anchors. Anchor retraction capability and various interlocking configurations for securing the position of an anchor, before or after having extracted, may be incorporated relative to the energy management device interfacing with both a vehicle and a child seat. An indicator may further be provided to identify the functional state of the restraint device. | 01-05-2012 |
20130020788 | Knee Airbag with Passive Venting for Out of Position Occupant Protection - A knee airbag installed in a lower portion of an instrument panel has a deployed condition wherein it extends rearward and upward. The airbag has a left lobe, a right lobe, and a central portion between and joined to the left and right lobes. A vent is formed in the reaction surface of each of the lobes to allow inflation gasses to escape from the airbag when, during a crash event, an occupant force applied forwardly against the lobes is below a threshold level. When the occupant force reaches or exceeds the threshold level, the vents are urged against the instrument panel to substantially block the escape of inflation gasses. The threshold level is selected such that a child-sized occupant standing forward of a desired passenger seating position exerts less than the threshold level. | 01-24-2013 |
20130119722 | Energy Absorbing Anchor for Child Safety Seat - A bracket for securing a child seat in a vehicle includes a base, a tether connection portion receiving a tether extending from the child seat, and a hinge portion connecting the base portion and the connection portion. The hinge portion deforms when a designed yield load is applied to the tether connection portion by the tether. A deflection stop adjacent the hinge portion contacts the tether connection portion to limit rotation of the tether connection portion. A rotation limiter secured to the vehicle contacts the bracket to limit its rotated about an axis generally perpendicular to a mounting surface. The base portion includes a first plate and a second plate joined by a load tuning bend permitting adjustment of a mounting angle between the first and second plate. to further tune the deflection loading of the bracket for a particular installation. | 05-16-2013 |
20130158809 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR ESTIMATING REAL-TIME VEHICLE CRASH PARAMETERS - The disclosure relates to vehicle safety systems, more particularly relates to method to determined real-time crash parameters of the vehicle. A method of estimating real-time vehicle crash parameters, the method determining internal vehicle crash parameters, including determining vehicle-related inputs related to crash parameters; calculating real-time vehicle-related crash parameters by comparing the vehicle-related inputs to predetermined crash parameters; and determining occupant-related crash parameters; determining external crash parameters, including obtaining information related to nearby vehicles; obtaining information related to nearby infrastructure; and calculating likelihood of collision with the nearby vehicles or the infrastructure; and identifying appropriate measures for mitigating occupant injury and vehicle damage, based on feasibility of crash countermeasures application. | 06-20-2013 |
20130226413 | Vehicle Safety System Optimization Using RFID Occupant Identification - A non-contact RFID reader reads a code contained on an RFID tag carried by a driver of a vehicle. The code is assigned to a specific individual expected to operate the vehicle. An electronic module in the vehicle contains a data file uniquely associated with the code, and the data file contains physical characteristics of the driver that may be pertinent to proper functioning of safety systems of the vehicle, such as weight, height, age, and sex. Performance parameters of restraints and/or other safety systems, such as an airbag associated with the driver's seating position are adapted in accordance with the physical characteristics in the data file. The RFID reader may read multiple tags on board the vehicle, so that restraints for multiple seating positions in addition to the driver's seat may be adapted to the individual occupying those positions. | 08-29-2013 |
20140375109 | SEAT-BELT LOAD LIMITER - A device that limits a load of a seat belt includes various elements. For example, the device includes a seat-belt webbing and a shoulder anchor to which a portion of the webbing is secured. A button is attached to the webbing at a position that is a distance away from the portion secured to the shoulder anchor. The button able to engage a lever, when the webbing is pulled out, to control energy absorption of the seat belt. | 12-25-2014 |
20150076879 | SELF-ADJUSTING SEAT STIFFNESS SYSTEM - A self-adjusting seat stiffness system that uses a tension member and tensioning device to maintain or increase tension in a seat component during a perceived vehicle dynamic event. The system may use an inertial latching spool for the tensioning device as an example of a way to maintain tension at a target acceleration of the spool by locking up the tension member, or may have a controller to control the tensioning member to provide variable tensions depending on varying perceived vehicle parameters. The tensioning of the tension member helps to avoid submarining of an occupant under a seatbelt due to unacceptable seat compression during a vehicle dynamic event. | 03-19-2015 |