Vehicle airbag system

Abstract

A seat includes a seat back having an outer panel. The seat includes first and second members each inflatable to an inflated position and defining an inflated chamber, the inflated chambers being spaced apart from one another. In the inflated position, the outer panel extends between and is secured to the first and second members outside of the inflated chambers.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of vehicle airbags, and more specifically to the field of vehicle airbag activation. Background Technology

[0002] A vehicle may include one or more airbags that deploy during a collision to absorb energy from the vehicle's occupants. An airbag may be a component of an airbag assembly, which includes a housing supporting the airbag and an inflator communicating with the airbag to inflate it from an uninflated position to an inflated position. The airbag assembly may be mounted on the vehicle's steering wheel, dashboard, etc. Summary of the Invention

[0003] A seat includes a seat back with an outer panel. The seat includes a first member and a second member, each of which is inflatable to an inflated position and defines an inflatable chamber spaced apart from each other. In the inflated position, the outer panel extends between and is secured to the first and second members, which are located outside the inflatable chambers.

[0004] The seat back may include a second outer panel, which is spaced apart from the outer panel when the first and second components are in the inflated position.

[0005] The first and second components are inflatable from the uninflated position to the inflated position, and when the first and second components are in the uninflated position, the outer panel is adjacent to the second outer panel.

[0006] When the first and second components are in the inflated position, the outer panel can be releasably secured to the second outer panel.

[0007] The first component in the inflated position may be parallel to the second component in the inflated position.

[0008] The seat may include a rope, which includes a first end fixed to an outer panel and a second end fixed to the seat back rather than the outer panel.

[0009] The first and second components, which are in the inflated position, may each have an arc shape, with a first end and a second end opposite to the first end, and the first and second ends are fixed to the seat back.

[0010] The arcuate shape of the first component may define a apex located at a certain distance from the seat back. The seat may include a rope having a first end fixed to an outer panel and a second end fixed to the seat back instead of the outer panel, and having a length less than the distance from the apex to the seat back.

[0011] The seat back can define an axis from top to bottom, and the first and second components in the inflated position can each extend along the axis from top to bottom.

[0012] The first component in the inflated position can be spaced apart from the second component in the inflated position by a threshold distance.

[0013] The threshold distance can be based on the shoulder width of a standard crash test dummy.

[0014] The seat may include a third component capable of being inflated to an inflated position, and in the inflated position, the third component extends between the first component and the second component.

[0015] The seat may include a fourth component capable of being inflated to an inflated position, wherein, in the inflated position, the fourth component extends between the first and second components and is spaced apart from the third component.

[0016] In the inflated position, the outer panel can be positioned between the third and fourth components.

[0017] An airbag assembly includes a housing. The airbag assembly includes a first component and a second component, the second component being spaced apart from the first component. Each of the first and second components is supported by the housing and is inflatable from an uninflated position to an inflated position. The airbag assembly includes an outer panel, which, when the first and second components are in the uninflated position, is fixed to the first and second components and disposed outside the housing, and has a Class A surface.

[0018] The outer panel can be made of fabric.

[0019] The exterior panels can be made of leather.

[0020] The outer panel may include an inner layer and an outer layer relative to the housing.

[0021] The inner layer can be foam.

[0022] The outer panel can be an upholstered surface. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Figure 1 It is a rear perspective view of a vehicle including an airbag system, with the components of the airbag system in the uninflated position.

[0024] Figure 2 It is a rear-view perspective view of the seat of a vehicle including an airbag system, with the component in the uninflated position.

[0025] Figure 3 It is a top cross-sectional view of the seat back of a seat including an airbag system, with the component in the uninflated position.

[0026] Figure 4 It is a rear-view perspective view of the seat of a vehicle including an airbag system, with the component in the inflated position.

[0027] Figure 5 It is a side view of the seat of a vehicle that includes an airbag system, with the component in the inflated position.

[0028] Figure 6 It is a side view of a seat in a vehicle that includes an airbag system, with the component in the inflated position and the vehicle occupant in contact with the external panel.

[0029] Figure 7 It is a top view of the seat including the airbag system, and a top cross-sectional view of the components in the inflated position.

[0030] Figure 8 It is a block diagram of the vehicle's components. Detailed Implementation

[0031] Referring to the accompanying drawings, the seat 20 of vehicle 22 includes a seat back 24 having an outer panel 26. The seat 20 includes a first member 28 and a second member 30, each of which is inflatable to an inflated position and defines an inflatable chamber 32. The inflatable chambers 32 are spaced apart from each other. In the inflated position, the outer panel 26 extends between and is secured to the first member 28 and the second member 30, which are located outside the inflatable chambers 32.

[0032] The inflated external panel 26, the first component 28, and the second component 30 reduce the likelihood of injury to occupants of vehicle 22 seated behind seat back 24 during a collision. For example, the external panel 26 can accommodate and help stabilize the occupant's head, for example, to reduce potential head, brain, neck, and other injuries.

[0033] Figure 1 and Figure 8 The vehicle 22 shown can be any passenger or commercial vehicle, such as a sedan, truck, SUV, crossover, van, minivan, taxi, bus, etc.

[0034] Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figures 4 to 7 The seat 20 shown may include a seat back 24, a seat base 36, and / or a head restraint system 38. The head restraint system 38 may be supported by the seat back 24 and may be stationary or movable relative to the seat back 24. The seat back 24 may be supported by the seat base 36 and may be stationary or movable relative to the seat base 36. The seat back 24, seat base 36, and / or head restraint system 38 may be adjustable in multiple degrees of freedom. Specifically, the seat back 24, seat base 36, and / or head restraint system 38 may themselves be adjustable; in other words, adjustable components within the seat back 24, seat base 36, and / or head restraint system 38 may be adjustable, and / or they may be adjustable relative to each other.

[0035] Figures 1 to 7 The seat back 24 shown can define an axis A1 from top to bottom, as... Figure 4 As shown. A vertical axis A1 can extend along the seat back 24 between the seat bottom 36 and the head restraint system 38. The seat back 24 can define a vertical axis A2 from left to right, as shown. Figure 4 As shown. The left-to-right axis A2 is perpendicular to the top-to-bottom axis A1. The top-to-bottom axis A1 and the left-to-right axis A2 can be defined relative to the intended seating position of the occupant of seat 20.

[0036] The seat back 24 may include a frame 40, such as Figure 3 As shown. Frame 40 may include tubes, beams, etc. Frame 40 may be formed of any suitable plastic material (e.g., carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP), glass fiber reinforced semi-finished thermoplastic composite (organic sheet), etc.). As another example, some or all components of frame 40 may be formed of a suitable metal (e.g., steel, aluminum, etc.).

[0037] Seat 24 includes an airbag assembly 34. The airbag assembly 34 includes a first member 28 and a second member 30. The outer panel 26 may be a component of both the airbag assembly 34 and the seat back 24. For example, before the airbag assembly 34 is installed onto the seat back 24, the outer panel 26 may be attached to the first member 28 and the second member 30; when the airbag assembly 34 is assembled onto the seat back 24, the outer panel 26 may be attached to other components of the seat back 24, as described below.

[0038] The airbag assembly 34 includes an inflator 78, as described below. The airbag assembly 34 may include a housing 48 that supports the first member 28, the second member 30, and the inflator 78. Specifically, the housing 48 may support the first member 28 and the second member 30 in both the uninflated and inflated positions. The housing 48 may accommodate at least a portion of the first member 28, the second member 30, and / or the inflator 78. In an example where the airbag assembly 34 includes a housing 48, the housing 48 may be secured to a frame 40 of the seat back 24.

[0039] The outer panel 26 and one or more additional outer panels 42 cover the frame 40. The outer panels 26, 42 may have a Class A surface, i.e., specifically manufactured to have a flawless, high-quality, finished, and aesthetically pleasing appearance. For example, the outer panels 26, 42 may be padded surfaces that provide a soft, padded cover for the seat back 24. The outer panels 26, 42 may include an inner layer 44 and an outer layer 46 relative to the housing 48 and / or the seat back 24, such as... Figure 3 As shown. The outer panels 26, 42, such as the outer layer 46 of the outer panels 26, 42, can be made of fabric, leather, artificial leather, or any other suitable material. The inner foam 44 can be made of foam or any other suitable material. The inner layer 44 can have a certain thickness, for example, 1 mm to 5 mm. The inner layer 44 can be fixed to the outer layer 46, for example, by stitching, adhesive, lamination, etc.

[0040] When the first member 28 and the second member 30 are in the uninflated position, the outer panel 26 is adjacent to one or more of the additional outer panels 42. For example, the outer panel 26 and one or more of the additional outer panels 42 may provide a back surface 50 for the seat back 24 and be positioned adjacent to each other. The outer panel 26 may be releasably secured to one or more of the additional outer panels 42. For example, a stitch 52 may secure the outer panel 26 to one or more of the additional outer panels 42. The stitch 52 may be configured to tear when a threshold amount of force (such as the force applied during the inflation of the first member 28 and the second member 30) is applied to the outer panel 26; for example, the stitch 52 may have a certain tensile strength.

[0041] The first component 28 and the second component 30 are each capable of being inflated from an uninflated position to an inflated position. In both the uninflated and inflated positions, the outer panel 26 is secured to the first component 28 and the second component 30. For example, the first component 28 and the second component 30 can be secured to the outer panel 26 via stitching, adhesive, or the like. When the first component 28 and the second component 30 are in the uninflated position, the outer panel 26 is positioned outside the housing 48.

[0042] In the inflated position, the outer panel 26 extends between and is secured to the first member 28 and the second member 30, which are located outside the inflation chamber 32, for example, via sutures, adhesives, or the like. When the first member 28 and the second member 30 are in the inflated position, the outer panel 26 is spaced apart from one or more additional outer panels 42. For example, inflation of the first member 28 and the second member 30 causes the outer panel 26 to move without abutting against one or more additional outer panels 42 to space it apart.

[0043] The first component 28 and the second component 30 can be formed of a braided polymer or any other material. As an example, the first component 28 and the second component 30 can be formed of braided nylon yarn (e.g., nylon 6-6). Other examples include polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polyetherketoneketone (PEKK), polyester, etc. The braided polymer can include a coating such as a silicone, neoprene, polyurethane, etc. For example, the coating can be a polyorganosiloxane.

[0044] The first member 28 and the second member 30 each define one of the inflation chambers 32. For example, the first member 28 and the second member 30 in the inflated position may be tubular and surround their respective inflation chambers 32.

[0045] The first component 28 and the second component 30 may each be supported by the housing 48 and / or the seat back 24. For example, the first component 28 and the second component 30 may each include a first end 54 and a second end 56. The first end 54 may be spaced apart from the second end 56. The first end 54 and the second end 56 may be fixed to the seat back 24 and / or the housing 48. The ends 54, 56 of the first component 28 and the second component 30 may be directly fixed and / or fixed with ropes 58, for example, by connecting the first end 54 or the second end 56 to the seat back 24 and / or the housing 48.

[0046] The inflation chambers 32 are spaced apart from each other. For example, in the inflated position, the outer panel 26 may be disposed between the first member 28 and the second member 30 to space the inflation chambers 32 of the first member 28 from those of the second member 30. The inflation chambers 32 may be in fluid communication with each other, for example, via pipes, a third member 60, a fourth member 62, etc. The third member 60 and the fourth member 62 are described below.

[0047] The first component 28 and the second component 30, in the inflated position, each have an arcuate shape, with the first end 54 opposite the second end 56. For example, the first component 28 and the second component 30, in the inflated position, can be extended in a bent manner to form a C-shape, such as... Figure 5As shown. For example, the C-shaped shape of the first member 28 may begin from the position where the first end 54 is fixed to the housing 48 and / or the seat back 24, wherein the first member 28 extends away from the seat back 24 and / or the housing 48, then bends upward toward the head restraint system 38, and finally bends back toward the position where the second end 56 is fixed.

[0048] The arcuate shape of the first component 28 is defined by its vertex 64 located at a certain distance D1 from the seat back 24, such as Figure 5 As shown. Distance D1 can be defined in a direction perpendicular to the back surface 50 of the seat back 24 (e.g., perpendicular to the axis A1 from top to bottom and the axis A2 from left to right).

[0049] The first component 28 in the inflated position can be spaced apart from the second component 30 in the inflated position by a threshold distance D2, such as... Figure 7 As shown. The space from the first member 28 to the second member 30 can be defined along the left-to-right axis A2 of the seat back 24. The space from the first member 28 to the second member 30 can be defined at the vertex 64.

[0050] The threshold distance D2 can be based on the width between the shoulders 80 of a standard crash test dummy (e.g., a male dummy at the 50th percentile of Hybrid III). For example, the first member 28 in the inflated position can be spaced apart from the second member 30 in the inflated position, such that the first member 28 and the second member 30 are aligned with the shoulders 80 of the standard crash test dummy, as... Figure 7 As shown.

[0051] The first member 28 in the inflated position is parallel to the second member 30 in the inflated position. For example, the C-shape of the first member 28 may define a plane, and the C-shape of the second member 30 in the inflated position may define a plane parallel to the plane of the first member 28. As another example, the first member 28 and the second member 30 in the inflated position each extend along the top-to-bottom axis A1 of the seat back 24. For example, the first end 54 may be located directly above the second end 56 relative to the left-to-right axis A2 of the seat back 24, wherein the first member 28 and the second member 30 are spaced apart from each other by a threshold distance D2 along the entire extension of the first member 28 and the second member 30.

[0052] The airbag assembly 34 may include a third member 60. The third member 60 is inflatable to an inflated position, and in the inflated position, the third member 60 extends between the first member 28 and the second member 30. The third member 60 may be in fluid communication with the first member 28 and / or the second member 30. The third member 60 may be secured to the first member 28 and / or the second member 30, for example, via sutures, adhesives, etc. In the inflated position, the third member 60 may be located closer to a first end 54 of the first member 28 and the second member 30 than to a second end 56 of the first member 28 and the second member 30.

[0053] The airbag assembly 34 may include a fourth member 62. The fourth member 62 is inflatable to an inflated position and, in the inflated position, extends between the first member 28 and the second member 30. The fourth member 62 may be in fluid communication with the first member 28 and / or the second member 30. The fourth member 62 may be secured to the first member 28 and / or the second member 30, for example, via sutures, adhesives, etc. The fourth member 62 may be spaced apart from the third member 60. For example, the fourth member 62 in the inflated position may be located closer to the second end 56 of the first member 28 and the second member 30 than to the first end 54 of the first member 28 and the second member 30. In the inflated position, the outer panel 26 may be located between the third member 60 and the fourth member 62. In the inflated position, the outer panel 26 may be spaced apart from the third member 60 and the fourth member 62.

[0054] The airbag assembly 34 may include a cord 66. The cord 66 may include a first end 68 and a second end 70 spaced apart from the first end 68. The first end 68 may be secured to the outer panel 26, for example, by stitches, adhesives, etc. The second end 70 may be secured to the seat back 24 instead of the outer panel 26; for example, the second end 70 may be secured to the frame 40 of the seat back 24, for example, by fasteners, adhesives, etc. Alternatively or additionally, the second end 56 may be secured to the housing 48. The cord 66 may have a length L1 less than the distance D1 from the apex 64 to the seat back 24. The length L1 of the cord 66 may be defined between the location where the first end 54 is secured to the outer panel 26 and the location where the second end 56 is secured to the seat back 24 and / or the housing 48, such as... Figure 5 As shown.

[0055] When components 28, 30, 60, and 62 are in the inflated position, rope 66 provides a recessed shape for the outer panel 26. During a collision with vehicle 22, the head of an occupant seated behind seat back 24 is received in the recessed shape of the outer panel 26, thereby helping to stabilize the occupant's head and reduce the likelihood of injury.

[0056] The housing 48 can accommodate one or more of the components 28, 30, 60, and 62 in their uninflated position. The housing 48 provides a reaction surface for the components 28, 30, 60, and 62 in their inflated position. The housing 48 can be supported by the seat back 24. For example, the housing 48 can be secured to the frame 40 using fasteners. The housing 48 can be formed of any suitable material (e.g., rigid polymer, metal, composite material, etc.).

[0057] like Figure 8 As shown, the inflator 72 can be in fluid communication with components 28, 30, 60, 62 (e.g., directly, via various pipes, etc.). The inflator 72 can be, for example, a pyrotechnic inflator that uses a chemical reaction to drive the inflation medium to the components. The inflator 72 can be of any suitable type, such as a cold-air inflator. The inflator 72 can be supported by the housing 48, the seat back 24, or any other suitable location on the vehicle 22.

[0058] Vehicle 22 may include at least one collision sensor 74 for sensing collisions to vehicle 22, and a computer 76 communicating with the collision sensor 74 and the inflator 72, such as Figure 8 As shown. The computer 76 can activate the inflator 72, for example, by providing pulses to the pyrotechnic charge of the inflator 72 when the collision sensor 74 senses a collision with the vehicle 22. As an alternative to or supplement to sensing the collision, the collision sensor 74 can be configured to sense the collision before it occurs, i.e., pre-collision sensing.

[0059] The collision sensor 74 can communicate with the computer 76. The collision sensor 74 is configured to detect collisions with the vehicle 22. The collision sensor 74 can be of any suitable type, such as post-collision sensors like accelerometers, pressure sensors, and contact switches; and pre-collision sensors like radar, lidar, and vision sensing systems. The vision system may include one or more cameras, CCD image sensors, CMOS image sensors, etc. The collision sensor 74 can be located at multiple points within or on the vehicle 22.

[0060] Computer 76 and collision sensor 74 can be connected to the communication bus 78 of vehicle 22, such as a Controller Area Network (CAN) bus. Computer 76 can use information from the communication bus 78 to control the activation of inflator 72. Inflator 72 can be directly connected to computer 76, such as... Figure 8 As shown, the inflator 72 can be connected via the communication bus 78.

[0061] Computer 76 may be a microprocessor-based computer implemented via circuits, chips, or other electronic components. For example, computer 76 may include a processor, memory, etc. The memory of computer 76 may include memory for storing programming instructions executable by the processor and memory for electronically storing data and / or databases.

[0062] During operation, components 28, 30, 60, and 62 are in the uninflated position under normal operating conditions of vehicle 22. In the event of a collision (e.g., a frontal collision), collision sensor 74 can detect the collision and transmit a signal to computer 76 via communication bus 78. Computer 76 can then transmit the signal to inflator 72 via communication bus 78. Upon receiving the signal, inflator 72 can release components 28, 30, 60, and 62 and inflate them with an inflation medium from their uninflated positions to their inflated positions.

[0063] During a collision, the momentum of an occupant seated behind seat 20 may cause the occupant to move forward toward seat 20. The occupant's head is received by external panel 26, and the occupant's shoulders are adjacent to the first member 28 and the second member 30, thereby helping to reduce movement and absorb energy from the occupant's momentum. The third member 60 and the fourth member 62 help stabilize the first member 28 and the second member 30 to improve the efficiency of the first member 28 and the second member 30.

[0064] The adjectives “first,” “second,” “third,” and “fourth” are used as identifiers in this document rather than intended to indicate importance or order.

[0065] This disclosure has been described in an illustrative manner, and it will be understood that the terminology used is intended to be descriptive rather than restrictive. In light of the foregoing teachings, many modifications and variations of this disclosure are possible, and this disclosure may be practiced in ways other than those specifically described.

[0066] According to the present invention, a seat is provided, the seat having: a seat back having an outer panel; a first member and a second member, the first member and the second member being each inflatable to an inflated position and defining an inflatable chamber, the inflatable chambers being spaced apart from each other; and in the inflated position, the outer panel extending between the first member and the second member outside the inflatable chamber and being fixed to the first member and the second member.

[0067] According to an embodiment, the seat back includes a second outer panel, which is spaced apart from the first member and the second member when they are in the inflated position.

[0068] According to an embodiment, the first component and the second component are capable of being inflated from an uninflated position to an inflated position, and when the first component and the second component are in the uninflated position, the outer panel is adjacent to the second outer panel.

[0069] According to an embodiment, when the first component and the second component are in the uninflated position, the outer panel is releasably fixed to the second outer panel.

[0070] According to an embodiment, the first component in the inflated position is parallel to the second component in the inflated position.

[0071] According to an embodiment, the invention is further characterized by a rope comprising a first end fixed to the outer panel and a second end fixed to the seat back instead of the outer panel.

[0072] According to an embodiment, the first component and the second component, in the inflated position, each have an arc shape, the arc shape having a first end and a second end opposite to the first end, the first end and the second end being fixed to the seat back.

[0073] According to an embodiment, the arcuate shape of the first member is defined at a apex located at a certain distance from the seat back, and also includes a rope having a first end fixed to the outer panel and a second end fixed to the seat back instead of the outer panel, and having a length less than the distance from the apex to the seat back.

[0074] According to an embodiment, the seat back defines a top-to-bottom axis, and the first and second components in the inflated position each extend along the top-to-bottom axis.

[0075] According to an embodiment, the first component in the inflated position and the second component in the inflated position are spaced apart by a threshold distance.

[0076] According to an embodiment, the threshold distance is based on the shoulder width of a standard crash test dummy.

[0077] According to an embodiment, the invention is further characterized by a third component that is inflatable to an inflated position, and in the inflated position, the third component extends between the first component and the second component.

[0078] According to an embodiment, the invention is further characterized by a fourth component, which is inflatable to an inflated position, and in the inflated position, the fourth component extends between the first component and the second component and is spaced apart from the third component.

[0079] According to an embodiment, in the inflated position, the outer panel is located between the third member and the fourth member.

[0080] According to the present invention, an airbag assembly is provided, the airbag assembly having: a housing; a first member and a second member, the second member being spaced apart from the first member, the first member and the second member being supported by the housing and capable of being inflated from an uninflated position to an inflated position; and an outer panel, which, when the first member and the second member are in the uninflated position, is fixed to the first member and the second member and disposed outside the housing and has a Class A surface.

[0081] According to an embodiment, the outer panel is made of fabric.

[0082] According to one embodiment, the outer panel is made of leather.

[0083] According to an embodiment, the outer panel includes an inner layer and an outer layer relative to the housing.

[0084] According to an embodiment, the inner layer is foam.

[0085] According to an embodiment, the outer panel is a cushioned surface.

Claims

1. A seat, the seat comprising: A seat back, the seat back having an external panel; A first component and a second component, each of which is capable of being inflated to an inflated position and defining an inflation chamber, the inflation chambers being spaced apart from each other; In the inflated position, the outer panel extends outside the inflation chamber between the first member and the second member and is secured to the first member and the second member; and A rope comprising a first end fixed to the outer panel and a second end fixed to the seat back instead of the outer panel; the length of the rope is less than the distance from the farthest end of the first or second member away from the seat back to the seat back, thereby providing a recessed shape for the outer panel.

2. The seat of claim 1, wherein the seat back includes a second outer panel, the second outer panel being spaced apart from the outer panel when the first member and the second member are in the inflated position.

3. The seat of claim 2, wherein the first member and the second member are inflatable from an uninflated position to an inflated position, and the outer panel is adjacent to the second outer panel when the first member and the second member are in the uninflated position.

4. The seat of claim 3, wherein when the first member and the second member are in the inflated position, the outer panel is releasably secured to the second outer panel.

5. The seat of claim 1, wherein the seat back defines a top-to-bottom axis, and the first and second members in the inflated position each extend along the top-to-bottom axis.

6. The seat of claim 1, wherein the first member in the inflated position is spaced apart from the second member in the inflated position by a threshold distance, the threshold distance being based on the shoulder width of a standard crash test dummy.

7. The seat as claimed in any one of claims 1-6, the seat further comprising a third member, the third member being inflatable to an inflated position, and in the inflated position, the third member extending between the first member and the second member.

8. The seat of claim 7, further comprising a fourth member, the fourth member being inflatable to an inflated position, wherein in the inflated position the fourth member extends between the first member and the second member and is spaced apart from the third member.

9. The seat of claim 8, wherein in the inflated position, the outer panel is located between the third member and the fourth member.

10. An airbag assembly, the airbag assembly comprising: A housing, which is fixed to the seat back; A first component and a second component, the second component being spaced apart from the first component, the first component and the second component being each supported by the housing and capable of being inflated from an uninflated position to an inflated position; as well as An external panel, when the first component and the second component are in the uninflated position, is fixed to the first component and the second component and disposed outside the housing, and has a Class A surface; A rope comprising a first end fixed to the outer panel and a second end fixed to the seat back instead of the outer panel; the length of the rope is less than the distance from the farthest end of the first or second member away from the seat back to the seat back, thereby providing a recessed shape for the outer panel.

11. The airbag assembly of claim 10, wherein the outer panel is made of fabric.

12. The airbag assembly of claim 10, wherein the outer panel is a padded surface.

13. The airbag assembly of any one of claims 10-12, wherein the outer panel comprises an inner layer and an outer layer relative to the housing.

14. The airbag assembly of claim 13, wherein the inner layer is foam.

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