Vehicle airbag system

Abstract

An airbag system includes a seat back having a first position and a second position spaced apart from the first position. The airbag system includes a housing pivotally supported by the seat back at the first position. The airbag system includes a linear actuator including a first end and a second end opposite the first end. The first end is fixed to the seat back at the second position. The second end is fixed to the housing.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of vehicles, and in particular to a vehicle safety airbag system. Background Art

[0002] A vehicle may include various airbags that may be deployed during a vehicle collision to absorb energy from a vehicle occupant during the collision. The airbag may be a component of an airbag assembly that includes a housing that supports the airbag, and an inflator in communication with the airbag for inflating the airbag from an uninflated position to an inflated position. The airbag assembly may be supported on a steering wheel of the vehicle, an instrument panel of the vehicle, etc. Summary of the invention

[0003] According to the present invention, there is provided an airbag system, comprising:

[0004] a seat back having a first position and a second position spaced from the first position;

[0005] a housing pivotally supported by the seat back in a first position; and

[0006] The linear actuator includes a first end and a second end opposite to the first end, the first end is fixed to the seat back at a second position, and the second end is fixed to the housing.

[0007] According to one embodiment of the invention, the housing comprises a flange, and the second end is fixed to the flange.

[0008] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the housing includes a body and a hinge connecting the flange to the body.

[0009] According to one embodiment of the invention, the housing includes a slot, and the linear actuator is slidably engaged with the slot.

[0010] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the airbag system further includes a cable connecting the second end of the linear actuator and the housing.

[0011] According to one embodiment of the invention, the housing defines an airbag deployment direction, and the linear actuator is operable to move the housing to change the airbag deployment direction.

[0012] According to one embodiment of the invention, the linear actuator includes a base that is non-movably secured to the seat back.

[0013] According to one embodiment of the invention, the linear actuator is self-locking.

[0014] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a linear actuator includes a base having a rotatable threaded shaft and an extension portion having a threaded hole engaged with the threaded shaft.

[0015] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the airbag system further comprises a computer programmed to detect the seat angle and to actuate the linear actuator according to the seat angle.

[0016] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the airbag system further comprises a seat bottom, wherein the seat bottom and the seat back define a seat angle.

[0017] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the seat back includes a frame pivotably supporting the housing, and the first end is fixed to the frame.

[0018] According to one embodiment of the invention, the housing has a first end and a second end opposite the first end, the first position is located at the first end of the housing, and the second end of the linear actuator is fixed to the second end of the housing.

[0019] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the airbag system further includes an airbag disposed in the housing and an inflator communicated with the airbag.

[0020] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the linear actuator is arranged below the housing.

[0021] According to the present invention, there is provided a vehicle, comprising:

[0022] a seat back having a first position and a second position spaced from the first position;

[0023] a housing pivotally supported by the seat back in a first position; and

[0024] The linear actuator includes a first end and a second end opposite to the first end, the first end is fixed to the seat back at a second position, and the second end is fixed to the housing.

[0025] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the vehicle further includes a second seat back spaced apart from the seat back, wherein the housing defines an airbag deployment direction toward the second seat back.

[0026] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the vehicle further includes a second seat back spaced apart from the seat back, wherein the linear actuator is operable to change the airbag deployment direction relative to the second seat back.

[0027] According to one embodiment of the invention, the housing is pivoted about an axis extending in the transverse direction of the vehicle.

[0028] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a linear actuator includes a base having a rotatable threaded shaft and an extension portion having a threaded hole engaged with the threaded shaft. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] Figure 1 is a side view of a vehicle including an airbag system, wherein an airbag of the airbag system is in an uninflated position;

[0030] Figure 2 is a top view of a vehicle including an airbag system, wherein an airbag of the airbag system is in an uninflated position;

[0031] Figure 3 is a side view of a vehicle including an airbag system, wherein an airbag of the airbag system is in an inflated position and in a first deployed orientation relative to a seat back;

[0032] Figure 4 is a side view of a vehicle including an airbag system, wherein an airbag of the airbag system is in an inflated position and in a second deployed orientation relative to a seat back;

[0033] Figure 5 is a side view of a seat of the airbag system at a first seat angle;

[0034] Figure 6 is a side view of a seat with an airbag system at a second seat angle;

[0035] Figure 7 is a perspective view of the airbag system;

[0036] Figure 8 is a perspective view of another example embodiment of an airbag system;

[0037] Fig. 9 is a perspective view of another example embodiment of an airbag system;

[0038] Fig.10 is a side cross-sectional view of an exemplary linear actuator of an airbag system;

[0039] Fig.11 is a block diagram of the components of a vehicle. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0040] An airbag system includes a seat back having a first position and a second position spaced apart from the first position. The airbag system includes a housing pivotally supported by the seat back in the first position. The airbag system includes a linear actuator including a first end and a second end opposite the first end, the first end being fixed to the seat back at the second position and the second end being fixed to the housing.

[0041] The housing may include a flange, and the second end may be secured to the flange.

[0042] The housing may include a body and a hinge connecting the flange to the body.

[0043] The housing may include a slot, and the linear actuator may be slidably engaged with the slot.

[0044] The airbag system may include a cable connecting the second end of the linear actuator and the housing.

[0045] The housing may define an airbag deployment direction, and the linear actuator may be operable to move the housing to change the airbag deployment direction.

[0046] The linear actuator may include a base that is non-movably secured to the seat back.

[0047] The linear actuator may be self-locking.

[0048] The linear actuator may include a base and an extension portion, the base may have a rotatable threaded shaft, and the extension portion may have a threaded hole engaged with the threaded shaft.

[0049] The airbag system may include a computer programmed to detect the seat angle and actuate the linear actuator based on the seat angle.

[0050] The airbag system may include a seat bottom, and the seat bottom and seat back may define a seat angle.

[0051] The seat back may include a frame pivotably supporting the housing, and the first end may be secured to the frame.

[0052] The housing may have a first end and a second end opposite the first end, the first position may be located at the first end of the housing, and the second end of the linear actuator may be fixed to the second end of the housing.

[0053] The airbag system may include an airbag disposed within a housing and an inflator in communication with the airbag.

[0054] The linear actuator may be disposed beneath the housing.

[0055] A vehicle includes a seat back having a first position and a second position spaced apart from the first position. The vehicle includes a housing pivotally supported by the seat back at the first position. The vehicle includes a linear actuator including a first end and a second end opposite the first end, the first end being fixed to the seat back at the second position and the second end being fixed to the housing.

[0056] The vehicle may include a second seat back spaced apart from the seat back, and the housing may define an airbag deployment direction toward the second seat back.

[0057] The vehicle may include a second seat back spaced apart from the seat back, and the linear actuator may be operable to change the airbag deployment direction relative to the second seat back.

[0058] The housing is pivotable about an axis extending in the transverse direction of the vehicle.

[0059] The linear actuator may include a base and an extension portion, the base may have a rotatable threaded shaft, and the extension portion may have a threaded hole engaged with the threaded shaft.

[0060] Referring to the drawings, an airbag system 20 includes a seat back 22 having a first position 24 and a second position 26 spaced from the first position 24. The airbag system 20 includes a housing 28 pivotally supported by the seat back 22 at the first position 24. The airbag system 20 includes a linear actuator 30 including a first end 32 and a second end 34 opposite the first end 32. The first end 32 is secured to the seat back 22 at the second position 26. The second end 34 is secured to the housing 28. Components of the airbag system 20 may be included in a vehicle 36.

[0061] Figure 1-4 The vehicle 36 shown in the figure can be any passenger vehicle or commercial vehicle, such as a minivan, a truck, a sport utility vehicle, a crossover vehicle, a van, a minivan, a taxi, a bus, etc. The vehicle 36 may include a passenger compartment 38. The vehicle 36 may include a floor 40. The vehicle 36 may include a first seat 42 and a second seat 44. The first seat 42 and the second seat 44 may be located in the passenger compartment and supported by the floor 40. The vehicle 36 defines a vehicle cross direction CD.

[0062] refer to Figure 1-6 , each of the seats 42, 44 includes a seat back 22. Each of the seats 42, 44 may include a seat bottom 46. Each of the seats 42, 44 may include a frame 48. The seat bottom 46 may be supported by the floor 40. The seat back 22 of the second seat 44 is spaced apart from the seat back 22 of the first seat 42. For example, the first seat 42 may be located within the passenger compartment 38 and in front of the second seat 44.

[0063] The seat back 22 may be supported by the seat bottom 46 and may be movable, i.e., adjustable, relative to the seat bottom 46. Specifically, the seat bottom 46 and the seat back 22 define a seat angle α, and the seat angle α is adjusted when the seat back 22 is adjusted relative to the seat bottom 46. The seat back 22 may be adjusted relative to the seat bottom 46 in any suitable manner, such as a motorized or non-motorized reclining mechanism (not shown). For example, the motorized reclining mechanism includes a motor that adjusts the seat angle α when a user provides input.

[0064] The seat bottom 46 and the seat back 22 may include a cover 50. The cover 50 may include a decorative surface and a pad. The decorative surface may be formed of cloth, leather, artificial leather, or any other suitable material. The pad may be sewn into a panel around the frame 48. The pad may be located between the cover 50 and the frame 48 and may be foam or any other suitable material. The cover 50 may separate, tear, etc., for example, when the air bag 52 is inflated.

[0065] The frame 48 may include a pair of side beams 54 spaced apart from each other. The frame 48 may include a crossbar 56 extending between the side beams 54. The crossbar 56 may define a first location 24 on the seat back 22. The frame 48 may include a crossbar 58 extending between the side beams 54. The crossbar 58 may define a second location 26 on the seat back 22. The second location 26 may be spaced apart from the first location 24, for example, the crossbar 56 may be spaced apart from the crossbar 58. The crossbar 56 may be disposed above the crossbar 58. The frame 48 may be formed of any suitable plastic material, such as carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP), glass fiber reinforced semi-finished thermoplastic composites (organic sheets), etc. The frame 48 may include other tubes, beams, etc.

[0066] refer to Figure 1-9 The housing 28 may be a component of an airbag module 60 . The airbag module 60 may include the housing 28 , the airbag 52 , and an inflator 62 .

[0067] The airbag 52 may be formed from a braided polymer or any other material. As an example, the airbag 52 may be formed from braided nylon yarn (e.g., nylon 6-6). Other examples include polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polyetherketoneketone (PEKK), polyester, etc. The braided polymer may include a coating, such as silicone, neoprene, polyurethane, etc. For example, the coating may be polyorgano siloxane.

[0068] The inflator 62 may be, for example, a pyrotechnic inflator that uses a chemical reaction to drive an inflation medium to the airbag 52. The inflator 62 may be of any suitable type, such as a cryogenic gas inflator.

[0069] The airbag 52 may be disposed within the housing 28 in an uninflated position. The inflator 62 is in communication with the airbag 52 to, for example, inflate the airbag 52 to an inflated position.

[0070] The housing 28 provides a reaction surface for the air bag 52 in the inflated position. The housing 28 is pivotally supported by the seat back 22 at the first position 24. The housing 28 may be formed of any material, such as a rigid polymer, metal, composite material, etc.

[0071] The housing 28 has a first end 64 and a second end 66 opposite the first end 64. The first end 64 of the housing 28 is spaced apart from the second end 66 of the housing 28. The first end 64 may be located above the second end 66.

[0072] The first end 64 of the housing 28 can be secured to the frame 48 at the first location 24. For example, the housing 28 can be pivotally connected to the frame 48 at the first end 64, i.e., in a manner that allows pivotal movement of the housing 28 relative to the frame 48. For example, one or more brackets 68 can pivotally secure the housing 28 to the crossbar 56. The brackets 68 can rotate about the crossbar 56. The brackets 68 can be secured to the housing 28 with fasteners, spot welds, etc. Other pivot connectors (e.g., hinges, etc.) can be used to secure the first end 64 of the housing 28 to the frame 48.

[0073] The housing 28 is pivotable about an axis A extending in the vehicle transverse direction CD. For example, the crossbar 56 may extend in the vehicle transverse direction CD.

[0074] The housing 28 includes a body 70. The body 70 may have an extruded rectangular shape. The body 70 may surround the airbag 52 and the inflator 62. The body 70 may include a deployment surface 72. The deployment surface 72 is configured to rupture or otherwise separate upon inflation to allow the airbag 52 to deploy from the housing 28.

[0075] The housing 28 may include a flange 74. The flange 74 may extend from the body 70. The flange 74 may extend parallel to the development surface 72. The flange 74 and the body 70 may be integral, i.e., formed simultaneously as a one-piece structure. For example, the flange 74 and the body 70 may be formed as a single piece of sheet metal that is bent into shape, etc. As an alternative to being integrally formed, the flange 74 and the body 70 may be formed separately and subsequently connected. For example, the flange 74 and the body 70 may be formed separately and then connected by fusing, fastening, bonding, etc.

[0076] like Figure 8 As shown, the housing 28 may include a hinge 76. The hinge 76 may connect the flange 74 to the body 70. The hinge 76 allows the flange 74 to pivot relative to the body 70. For example, the hinge 76 may have a first hinge portion fixed relative to the body 70, a second hinge portion fixed relative to the flange 74, and a pin connecting the first hinge portion and the second hinge portion. The pin may allow the second hinge portion to pivot relative to the first hinge portion. The hinge 76 may be another design, such as a living hinge.

[0077] The housing 28 may include a slot 78. The slot 78 may be disposed in the flange 74. The slot 78 may extend away from the body 70.

[0078] The housing 28 defines a deployment direction DD for the airbag 52. The deployment direction DD may be perpendicular to the deployment surface 72. The deployment direction DD may be toward the seat back 22 of the second seat 44. For example, Figure 3 The housing 28 is shown in a first rotational position relative to the frame 48 and deployed in a deployment direction DD (eg, relative to the seat frame 48 ) and toward the seat back 22 of the second seat 44 . Figure 4 The housing 28 is shown in a second rotational position relative to the frame 48 and deployed in another deployment direction DD (eg, relative to the seat frame 48 ) and toward the seat back 22 of the second seat 44 .

[0079] The linear actuator 30 includes a first end 32 and a second end 34 opposite the first end 32. The first end 32 of the linear actuator 30 can be fixed to the seat back 22 at the second location 26. The second end 34 of the linear actuator 30 can be fixed to the housing 28. For example, the second end 34 of the linear actuator 30 can be fixed to the second end 66 of the housing 28. The second end 34 of the linear actuator 30 can be fixed to the flange 74. Fig. 9 As shown, a cable 80 may connect the second end 34 of the linear actuator 30 and the housing 28. The linear actuator 30 may be secured to the housing 28 and the seat back 22 (eg, the frame 48) using one or more fasteners, spot welds, brackets, and the like.

[0080] Actuation of the linear actuator 30 changes the distance between the first end 32 of the linear actuator 30 and the second end 34 of the linear actuator 30. For example, actuation of the linear actuator 30 may lengthen the linear actuator 30, thereby increasing the distance between the first end 32 of the linear actuator 30 and the second end 34 of the linear actuator 30. Actuation of the linear actuator 30 may shorten the linear actuator 30, thereby decreasing the distance between the first end 32 of the linear actuator 30 and the second end 34 of the linear actuator 30.

[0081] The linear actuator 30 can be self-locking, i.e., the linear actuator 30 can resist changes in length when not actuated. In other words, once the linear actuator 30 is actuated to a certain length, such as regardless of the forces applied to the linear actuator 30 (such as the forces generated during the deployment of the airbag 52), such length can be maintained before subsequent actuation of the linear actuator 30.

[0082] The linear actuator 30 may include a base 82. Fig.10 As shown, the base 82 may have a rotatable threaded shaft 84. The base 82 may include a motor 86. The base 82 may include a gear reduction unit 88. The gear reduction unit 88 may be configured to transfer the rotational motion of the motor 86 to the threaded shaft 84.

[0083] The base 82 can be fixedly secured to the seat back 22. For example, the base 82 can be fixedly secured to the cross beam 58 to prevent relative translation and rotation therebetween. The base 82 can be fixedly secured to the cross beam 58 by one or more fasteners, spot welds, etc. Alternatively, the base 82 can be fixedly secured to the seat back 22 to allow the linear actuator 30 to pivot relative to the seat back 22.

[0084] The linear actuator 30 may include an extension portion 90. The extension portion 90 may be slidably received by the base 82. Fig.10 As shown, the extension 90 may have a threaded hole 92. The threaded hole 92 may engage the threaded shaft 84 so that rotation of the threaded shaft 84 relative to the threaded hole 92 causes the extension 90 to slide relative to the base 82, ie, to extend or shorten the linear actuator 30.

[0085] The linear actuator 30 may be slidably engaged with the slot 78. For example, a bolt 94 may be disposed within the slot 78 and secured to the extension 90 at the second end 34 of the linear actuator 30.

[0086] As an example, the linear actuator 30 may be disposed below the housing 28. Alternatively, the linear actuator 30 may be disposed at any suitable position relative to the housing 28, such as behind the housing 28 (i.e., at a forward position relative to the housing 28), above the housing 28, etc.

[0087] The linear actuator 30 is operable to move the housing 28 to change the deployment direction DD of the air bag 52. For example, actuating the linear actuator 30 to change the distance between the first end 32 and the second end 34 of the linear actuator 30 moves the second end 66 of the housing 28 toward or away from the frame 48, thereby pivoting the housing 28 at the first end 64 of the housing 28 and changing the deployment direction DD.

[0088] The linear actuator 30 is operable to change the deployment direction DD relative to the seat back 22 of the second seat 44. For example, the housing 28 and the linear actuator 30 may be supported by the seat back 22 of the first seat 42. The seat back 22 of the second seat 44 may be located behind the seat back 22 of the first seat 42. The housing 28 may be positioned to deploy the air bag 52 rearward from the seat back 22 of the first seat 42, for example, toward the seat back 22 of the second seat 44. As described above, actuating the linear actuator 30 may move the second end 66 of the housing 28 toward or away from the frame 48 of the first seat 42 to pivot the housing 28. Pivoting the housing 28 may direct the deployment direction DD toward a higher or lower portion of the seat back 22 of the second seat 44.

[0089] refer to Fig.11, the vehicle 36 may include at least one collision sensor 96 , a position sensor 98 , and a computer 100 in communication with the collision sensor 96 , the position sensor 98 , and the inflator 62 .

[0090] The collision sensor 96 is configured to detect a collision with the vehicle 36. The collision sensor 96 can be of any suitable type, such as a post-contact sensor (e.g., an accelerometer, a pressure sensor, and a contact switch); and a pre-collision sensor (e.g., a radar, a LIDAR, and a vision sensing system, etc.). The vision system can include one or more cameras, CCD (charge-coupled device) image sensors, CMOS (complementary metal oxide semiconductor) image sensors, etc. The collision sensor 96 can be located at many points in or on the vehicle 36.

[0091] The position sensor 98 is configured to detect the seat angle α. The position sensor 98 may be of any suitable type, such as a proximity sensor, a rotary encoder, etc. The position sensor 98 may be supported by the frame 48. For example, the rotary encoder may detect an angular position of the seat back 42 relative to the seat bottom 46 at which the seat back 42 moves relative to the seat bottom 46. For example, a proximity sensor may be supported on the seat bottom 46 and detect the distance of the frame 48 from the seat back 42, wherein various distances may be associated with various seat angles α, such as in a lookup table stored in the computer 100.

[0092] The computer 100, the linear actuator 30, the inflator 62, the position sensor 98, and the crash sensor 96 may be connected to a communication network 102, such as a controller area network (CAN) bus, of the vehicle 36. The communication network 102 facilitates communication between components of the vehicle 36. The communication network 102 may facilitate wired or wireless communication between components of the vehicle 36 according to a variety of communication protocols, such as a controller area network (CAN), Ethernet, WiFi (wireless network), a local interconnect network (LIN), and / or other wired or wireless mechanisms.

[0093] The computer 100 may be a microprocessor-based computer 100 implemented via circuits, chips or other electronic components. For example, the computer 100 may include a processor, a memory, etc. The memory of the computer 100 may include a memory for storing programming instructions executable by the processor and for electronically storing data and / or databases. Although for ease of description, Fig.11 One computer 100 is shown in the figure, but it should be understood that the computer 100 may include one or more computing devices, and the various operations described herein may be performed by one or more computing devices.

[0094] The computer 100 may use information from the communication network 102 (eg, based on information from the impact sensor 96 and the position sensor 98 ) to control activation of the inflator 62 and actuation of the linear actuator 30 .

[0095] The computer 100 can be programmed to detect the seat angle α. For example, the computer 100 can detect the seat angle α based on information from the position sensor 98. The computer 100 can detect the seat angle α based on information from a seat positioning system (not shown), which is an electromechanical system configured to move the first seat 42 (including the seat back 22 and the seat bottom 46). As another example, the computer 100 can detect the seat angle α based on a reclining mechanism (e.g., a motor of a motorized reclining mechanism). In other words, the computer 100 can be programmed to remember the position of the motor of the motorized reclining mechanism based on instructions provided to the motor from the computer 100 to adjust the seat angle α. As another example, the motor of the motorized reclining mechanism can provide data indicating the position of the motor to the computer 100, and the computer 100 determines the seat angle α based on the position.

[0096] The computer 100 may be programmed to actuate the linear actuator 30 according to the seat angle α. The computer 100 may be programmed to automatically actuate the linear actuator 30 simultaneously with or immediately after adjusting the seat angle α. For example, the computer 100 may store a lookup table or the like that associates various seat angles with the length of the linear actuator 30. The lookup table may be populated based on empirical testing (e.g., identifying the deployment direction DD of the airbag 52 that provides maximum protection for the occupant of the second seat 44 at each of the various seat angles a of the first seat 42). The linear actuator 30 may be actuated based on an algorithm (e.g., taking into account the distance between the first end 64 and the second end 66 of the housing 28, the distance between the first end 32 and the second end 34 of the linear actuator 30, the seat angle α, the distance between the first position 24 and the second position 26, etc.).

[0097] The computer 100 can be programmed to provide a pulse to the pyrotechnic charge of the inflator 62 to activate the inflator 62, for example, when the collision sensor 96 senses a collision of the vehicle 36. Alternatively or additionally to sensing a collision, the computer 100 can be programmed to sense a collision before the collision, i.e., pre-crash sensing. For example, in the event of a collision, the collision sensor 96 can detect the collision and send a signal to the computer 100 via a communication network. The computer 100 can send a signal to the inflator 62. The inflator 62 can exhaust and inflate the airbag 52 with an inflatable medium (e.g., gas).

[0098] The adjectives "first" and "second" are used herein as labels of convenience and are not meant to denote importance or order.

[0099] The phrase "based on" includes partial or full basis.

[0100] As used herein, a computing device (e.g., a computer) includes a processor and a memory. The processor is implemented by a circuit, a chip, or other electronic components, and may include one or more microcontrollers, one or more field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), one or more application specific circuits (ASICs), one or more digital signal processors (DSPs), one or more customer integrated circuits, etc. The processor may receive data and execute the processes described herein.

[0101] The memory (or data storage device) is implemented by circuits, chips or other electronic components, and may include one or more of read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), flash memory, electrically programmable memory (EPROM), electrically programmable and erasable memory (EEPROM), embedded multimedia memory card (eMMC), hard disk drive, or any volatile or non-volatile media, etc. The memory may store data collected from the sensor. The memory may store program instructions executable by the processor to perform the processes described herein.

[0102] Computing devices typically include computer-executable instructions, where the instructions can be executed by one or more computing devices such as those listed above. Computer-executable instructions can be compiled or interpreted from a computer program created using a variety of programming languages ​​and / or technologies, including but not limited to Java, alone or in combination. TM , C, C++, Visual Basic, Java Script, Perl, etc. Some of these applications can be compiled and executed on virtual machines such as Java virtual machines, Dalvik virtual machines, etc. Typically, a processor (such as a microprocessor) receives instructions from a memory, a computer-readable medium, etc. and executes these instructions, thereby performing one or more processes including one or more of the processes described herein. Various computer-readable media can be used to store and transmit such instructions and other data.

[0103] Computer readable media (also referred to as processor readable media) include any non-transitory (e.g., tangible) media that participate in providing data (e.g., instructions) that can be read by a computer (e.g., by a processor of a computer). Such media can take many forms including, but not limited to, non-volatile media and volatile media. Non-volatile media can include, for example, optical or magnetic disks and other stable memories. Volatile media can include, for example, dynamic random access memory (DRAM), which typically constitutes main memory. Such instructions can be transmitted by one or more transmission media, including coaxial cables, copper wire and optical fiber, wires comprising a system bus connected to a computer processor. Common forms of computer readable media include, for example, floppy disks, diskettes, hard disks, magnetic tapes, any other magnetic media, CD-ROMs (compact disc read-only memory), DVDs (digital video disks), any other optical media, punch cards, paper tapes, any other physical media with patterns of holes, RAM (Random Access Memory), PROMs, EPROMs (Programmable Read Only Memory), FLASH-EEPROMs, any other memory chips or memory cartridges, or any other media from which a computer can read.

[0104] In some examples, system elements may be implemented as computer-readable instructions (e.g., software) stored on one or more computing devices (e.g., servers, personal computers, etc.) on computer-readable media (e.g., disks, memories, etc.) associated therewith. A computer program product may include instructions stored on a computer-readable medium for performing the functions described herein.

[0105] The disclosure has been described in an illustrative manner, and it is to be understood that the terminology which has been used is intended to be in the nature of words of description rather than of limitation. Many modifications and variations of the disclosure are possible in light of the above teachings, and the disclosure may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described.

Claims

1. An airbag system, comprising: a seat back having a first position and a second position spaced from the first position; a housing pivotally supported by the seat back in the first position; and a linear actuator including a first end and a second end opposite the first end, the first end being fixed to the seat back at the second position, the second end being fixed to the housing; The linear actuator comprises a base and an extension portion, wherein the base has a rotatable threaded shaft, and the extension portion has a threaded hole engaged with the threaded shaft. 2 . The airbag system of claim 1 , wherein the housing includes a flange, and the second end is secured to the flange. 3 . The airbag system of claim 2 , wherein the housing includes a body and a hinge connecting the flange to the body. 4 . The airbag system of claim 1 , wherein the housing includes a slot and the linear actuator is slidably engaged with the slot. 5 . The airbag system of claim 1 , further comprising a cable connecting the second end of the linear actuator and the housing.

6. The airbag system of claim 1, wherein the housing defines an airbag deployment direction, and the linear actuator is operable to move the housing to change the airbag deployment direction.

7. The airbag system of claim 1 further comprising a computer programmed to detect a seat angle and to actuate the linear actuator based on the seat angle.

8. The airbag system of claim 1, wherein the housing has a first end and a second end opposite the first end, the first position is located at the first end of the housing, and the second end of the linear actuator is fixed to the second end of the housing.

9. The airbag system of claim 1, wherein the linear actuator is disposed below the housing.

10. The airbag system of any one of claims 1-9, wherein the linear actuator comprises a base that is non-movably fixed to the seat back.

11. A vehicle comprising: a seat back having a first position and a second position spaced from the first position; a housing pivotally supported by the seat back in the first position; and a linear actuator including a first end and a second end opposite the first end, the first end being fixed to the seat back at the second position, the second end being fixed to the housing; The linear actuator comprises a base and an extension portion, wherein the base has a rotatable threaded shaft, and the extension portion has a threaded hole engaged with the threaded shaft.

12. The vehicle of claim 11 further comprising a second seat back spaced apart from the seat back, wherein the linear actuator is operable to change an air bag deployment direction relative to the second seat back.

13. The vehicle of claim 11, wherein the housing pivots about an axis extending in a lateral direction of the vehicle.

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