Vehicle seat assembly with airbag cradle

Abstract

A method for operating an airbag cradle is provided herein. The method includes the steps of moving a cradle containing an airbag along a guide channel of a seat assembly from a stowed position to a use position, and deploying the airbag into an occupant space of the seat assembly.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates generally to vehicles, and more specifically to vehicle seat assemblies. Background Technology

[0002] Autonomous vehicles create new expectations for the freedom of movement of occupants within the vehicle. This may challenge conventional wisdom regarding the placement of fixed airbags and the use of traditional seat belts. Summary of the Invention

[0003] According to one aspect of this disclosure, a method of operating an airbag holder includes the steps of: moving a holder containing an airbag along a guide channel of a seat assembly from a stowed position to a used position; and deploying the airbag into the occupant space of the seat assembly.

[0004] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a method of operating an airbag bracket includes the steps of: moving a bracket containing an airbag, coupled to a seat assembly, from a stowed position to a used position; opening a release portion of the bracket to form a gap; allowing the airbag to deploy through the gap; and supporting the airbag using a reaction surface defined by the opened release portion.

[0005] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a method of operating an airbag bracket includes the steps of: receiving at least one of an occupant presence signal, a bracket position signal, and a threat prediction signal; and moving a bracket containing an airbag along a guide channel coupled to a seat assembly.

[0006] Upon studying the following specification, claims and drawings, those skilled in the art will understand and appreciate these and other aspects, objectives and features of this disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0007] In the attached diagram:

[0008] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the interior of a vehicle equipped with a seat assembly having an airbag bracket, according to one embodiment.

[0009] Figure 2A This is a side elevation view of a seat assembly according to one embodiment, showing the occupant space defined by the seat assembly;

[0010] Figure 2B This is a front elevation view of a seat assembly according to one embodiment, showing the occupant space defined by the seat assembly;

[0011] Figure 3This is a side perspective view of a seat assembly according to one embodiment, showing an airbag bracket operatively coupled to a guide channel coupled to the seat assembly;

[0012] Figure 4A This is a front elevation view of a seat assembly according to one embodiment, showing the bracket in the stowed position;

[0013] Figure 4B This is a front elevation view of a seat assembly according to one embodiment, showing the bracket in the use position;

[0014] Figure 5A This is a top view of a seat assembly, indicated by dashed lines, according to one embodiment, showing the bracket in the stowed position;

[0015] Figure 5B This is a top view of a seat assembly, indicated by dashed lines, according to one embodiment, showing the bracket located between the stowed position and the used position;

[0016] Figure 5C This is a top view of a seat assembly according to one embodiment, showing the bracket in the use position;

[0017] Figure 6 This is a top view of a seat assembly, indicated by dashed lines, according to one embodiment, showing the propulsion system, propulsion features, and the tail of a bracket located in the guide channel;

[0018] Figure 6A Is it through Figure 6 The sectional view taken by line VIA-VIA shows the guide channel, propulsion features, and propulsion system located below the handrail;

[0019] Figure 7A This is a side elevation view of a seat assembly according to one embodiment, showing the airbag extending from the bracket into the occupant space;

[0020] Figure 7B This is a front elevation view of a seat assembly according to one embodiment, showing the airbag extending from the bracket into the occupant space;

[0021] Figure 8 It is a block diagram illustrating how the controller interacts with the vehicle; and

[0022] Figure 9 This is a flowchart of a method for operating an airbag bracket according to one embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0023] Further features and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the following detailed description, and will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the description, or will be recognized by those skilled in the art by practicing the invention in accordance with the following description and the claims and drawings.

[0024] As used herein, the term "and / or," when used to list two or more items, means that any one of the listed items may be used alone, or any combination of two or more listed items may be used. For example, if a composition is described as containing components A, B, and / or C, then the composition may contain: A only; B only; C only; a combination of A and B; a combination of A and C; a combination of B and C; or a combination of A, B, and C.

[0025] In this document, relational terms such as first and second, top and bottom are used only to distinguish one entity or action from another entity or action, and do not necessarily require or imply any actual such relationship or order between these entities or actions.

[0026] For the purposes of this disclosure, the term "connection" (in all its forms, link, linked, connected, etc.) generally refers to the direct or indirect connection between two components (electrical or mechanical). Such a connection may be fixed in nature or movable in nature. This connection may be achieved by the two components (electrical or mechanical) and any additional intermediate members, which may form a single unit with or be integral with the two components. Unless otherwise stated, such a connection may be permanent in nature, or removable or detachable in nature.

[0027] As used herein, the term "about" indicates that quantities, dimensions, formulations, parameters, and other quantities and characteristics are not and need not be precise, but may be approximate and / or larger or smaller as required, reflecting tolerances, conversion factors, rounding, measurement errors, and other factors known to those skilled in the art. When the term "about" is used to describe a range of values ​​or endpoints, this disclosure should be understood to include the specific value or endpoint referred to. Regardless of whether the numerical values ​​or endpoints of a range in the specification refer to "about," the numerical values ​​or endpoints of a range are intended to include two embodiments: one modified by "about" and one not modified by "about." It will be further understood that each endpoint of a range is significant relative to and independent of the other endpoint.

[0028] As used herein, the terms “substantially,” “basically,” and variations thereof are intended to indicate that a described feature is equal to or approximately equal to a certain value or description. For example, a “substantially flat” surface is intended to mean a flat or approximately flat surface. Furthermore, “substantially” is intended to mean that two values ​​are equal or approximately equal. In some embodiments, “substantially” may mean values ​​within about 10% of each other, such as within about 5% of each other, or within about 2% of each other.

[0029] As used herein, the terms “the,” “a,” or “an” mean “at least one” and should not be limited to “only one” unless explicitly indicated otherwise. Thus, for example, a reference to “a component” includes embodiments having two or more such components, unless the context explicitly indicates otherwise.

[0030] refer to Figures 1 to 9 The vehicle 10 has a seat assembly 14. The seat assembly 14 includes a seat base 18 and a seat back 22 coupled to the seat base 18. An armrest 26 is coupled to the seat back 22 and / or the seat base 18. A guide channel 30 is coupled to at least one of the seat back 22 and the seat base 18. A bracket 34 including an airbag 38 is slidably coupled to the guide channel 30. The bracket 34 is operable between a stowed position and an active position, in which the bracket 34 is positioned below the armrest 26, and in which the airbag deployment side 42 of the bracket 34 is generally oriented toward the rear of the seat assembly.

[0031] Now for reference Figure 1 and Figure 2A The vehicle 10 includes a seat assembly 14. The seat assembly 14 may include a seat back 22 attached to a seat base 18. The seat base 18 may include an anti-submarine ramp 20 configured to prevent occupants from sliding under safety restraints (such as seat belts or airbags 38) in the event of a collision or sudden stop of the vehicle. An armrest 26 may be attached to the seat back 22 and / or the seat base 18.

[0032] The seat assembly 14 is movable within the vehicle 10. For example, the seat assembly 14 can move in the vehicle's fore-and-aft direction as a typical vehicle seat assembly. In some embodiments, the seat assembly 14 can move in various directions within the vehicle 10 and / or rotate or swivel relative to the vehicle 10, such that the seat assembly 14 can face various vehicle directions.

[0033] Now for reference Figure 2A and Figure 2B The seat base 18 and seat back 22 can generally define the occupant space 46. In embodiments of the seat assembly 14 that include armrests 26, the occupant space 46 is laterally defined by the inner side 28 of the armrests 26, such as... Figure 2BAs shown.

[0034] refer to Figure 3 The guide channel 30 can be coupled to the seat assembly 14. In various embodiments, the guide channel 30 can be coupled to the seat base 18, seat back 22, armrest 26, and / or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the guide channel 30 can be at least partially disposed within the seat back 22 and / or seat base 18. In some embodiments, the guide channel 30 can be disposed between the armrest 26 and the seat base 18. In some embodiments, the guide channel 30 can be disposed below the armrest 26. In other words, the guide channel 30 can be disposed below the armrest 26 and / or a portion of the armrest 26. The guide channel 30 is generally tubular in shape. In some embodiments, the guide channel 30 can have a curved, elongated portion. In some instances, the guide channel 30 can be partially disposed within the seat back 22 and extend therein by a certain lateral length, and partially disposed outside the seat back 22 and extend forward from the seat back 22 by a certain generally longitudinal length below the armrest 26.

[0035] Further reference Figure 3 The seat assembly 14 may include a bracket 34. The bracket 34 may be movably coupled to a guide channel 30. In some embodiments, the bracket 34 may be slidably coupled to the guide channel 30. The bracket 34 may include a tail portion 36 configured to slidably engage with the guide channel 30. In embodiments where the guide channel 30 is tubular, the tail portion 36 may engage with the guide channel 30 such that at least a portion of the tail portion 36 can be positioned within the tubular portion of the guide channel 30. The tail portion 36 may be curved. Figure 3 As shown, in some embodiments, the guide channel 30 may have a keyway corresponding to an attachment fin that connects the tail 36 to the bracket 34. In operation, the keyway receives the attachment fin to allow the tail 36 to slide into the guide channel 30 without the bracket 34 obstructing movement.

[0036] refer to Figures 4A to 5C The bracket 34 can operate between the folded position and the used position. For example... Figure 4A and Figure 5A As shown, in some embodiments, the bracket 34 may be positioned below the armrest 26 in the retracted position. In some embodiments, the bracket 34 may be positioned within the lateral boundary of the armrest 26 in the retracted position. In such instances, the bracket 34 may be largely invisible in the retracted position when viewed from a top perspective view.

[0037] like Figure 4B , Figure 5C and Figure 6As shown, in some embodiments, the bracket 34 may be located within the occupant space 46 when in the use position. In some embodiments, the bracket 34 may be rotated approximately ninety degrees (90°) from the stowed position to the use position. For example, the bracket 34 may be substantially parallel to the armrest 26 in the stowed position and substantially perpendicular to the armrest 26 in the use position.

[0038] In various embodiments, the bracket 34 can be moved between a stowed position and a used position by sliding along the guide channel 30. It is contemplated that in some embodiments, the bracket 34 can be moved between the stowed position and the used position by utilizing movements other than sliding, or by utilizing movements other than sliding. For example, the bracket 34 can be moved between the stowed position and the used position by pivoting, rotating, swiveling, extending, and / or performing combinations of these movements.

[0039] like Figure 5B As shown, in various embodiments, in addition to extending fully from the stowed position to the used position, the bracket 34 may also extend partially to a position between the stowed and used positions. In the partially extended position, the bracket 34 can be used as a surface for resting passenger belongings or to provide additional comfort for the seat occupant. In some embodiments, the partial extension of the bracket 34 may allow the occupant to utilize the power distribution point 50, which will be described in more detail below.

[0040] refer to Figure 6 and Figure 6A A propulsion feature 54 configured to move the bracket 34 between a stowed position and a used position may be coupled to the seat assembly 14, the guide channel 30, and / or the bracket 34. In some embodiments, the propulsion feature 54 may include an electric motor. In some embodiments, the propulsion feature 54 may include a pyrotechnic mechanism. It is contemplated that the propulsion feature 54 may be at least one of a variety of other devices configured to move the bracket 34 between a stowed position and a used position.

[0041] Further reference Figure 6 and Figure 6AA propulsion system 58 configured to engage with propulsion feature 54 can be coupled to bracket 34. Propulsion system 58 can be coupled to and / or engage with tail 36 of bracket 34. It is contemplated that in some embodiments, propulsion system 58 may include at least one of various means that engage with propulsion feature 54 (e.g., solenoid, piston assembly, etc.). In some embodiments, propulsion system 58 may include recirculating ball seat nut 60. Recirculating ball seat nut 60 can be coupled to seat assembly 14 and / or guide channel 30. Furthermore, recirculating ball seat nut 60 can be operatively coupled to propulsion feature 54. Recirculating ball seat nut 60 can engage with threaded drive screw 62. Threaded drive screw 62 may be bent. Threaded drive screw 62 may have mechanically reversible threads. Threaded drive screw 62 can be coupled to bracket 34. In some embodiments, threaded drive screw 62 can be coupled to tail 36 of bracket 34.

[0042] In operation, the propulsion feature 54 can be configured to rotate the recirculating ball seat nut 60; the recirculating ball seat nut 60 then drives the threaded drive screw 62, which in turn moves the carrier 34. In an example where the threaded drive screw 62 has a mechanically reversible thread, the carrier 34 can move back and forth depending on the direction of rotation of the recirculating ball seat nut 60. In other words, the carrier 34 can move from a retracted position to a used position and from a used position to a retracted position.

[0043] In some embodiments, the propulsion feature 54 can be controlled by an occupant. For example, an occupant can operate a switch configured to control the propulsion feature 54. In such an instance, an occupant can engage the switch, which subsequently causes the propulsion feature 54 to power extend the bracket 34 and / or power retract the bracket 34. In some embodiments, the bracket 34 can be moved manually by an occupant. In this way, the bracket 34 can be moved by an occupant without engaging the propulsion feature 54.

[0044] Further reference Figures 6 to 6ALocking feature 68 may be coupled to bracket 34 and / or guide channel 30. Locking feature 68 may be configured to substantially prevent bracket 34 from moving along guide channel 30. Locking feature 68 may include at least one of a series of mechanisms (e.g., pins, stops, pawls, ratchet pawls, abutments, etc.) configured to prevent movement. In some embodiments, locking feature 68 may include propulsion feature 54 (e.g., electric motor). For example, an electric motor configured to move bracket 34 may also lock bracket 34 in place by continuous activation after bracket 34 has been fully extended to the use position. In some embodiments, locking feature 68 may be manually engaged and / or disengaged by an occupant. For example, locking feature 68 may be engaged and / or disengaged by the operation of a switch. In some embodiments, locking feature 68 is engaged by default, and bracket 34 can be moved once locking feature 68 is disengaged. In some embodiments, locking feature 68 may be engaged and / or disengaged by controller 70, which will be discussed in more detail below.

[0045] In some embodiments, the locking feature 68 may engage and / or disengage when the bracket 34 is in the retracted position and / or the use position. In some embodiments, the locking feature 68 may engage and / or disengage when the bracket 34 is between the retracted position and the use position. In some embodiments, the locking feature 68 may engage when the bracket 34 is in and / or between the retracted position and / or the use position.

[0046] Now for reference Figure 3 and Figures 7A to 7B The bracket 34 may include an airbag 38. The airbag 38 may be disposed within the bracket 34 and configured to deploy outwards from the bracket 34. In some embodiments, the airbag 38 may be configured to deploy into the occupant space 46 when the bracket 34 is in the use position. In some embodiments, the airbag 38 may be configured to deploy only when the bracket 34 is in the use position. The airbag 38 may be deployed by at least one of a series of mechanisms (e.g., pyrotechnic mechanisms) known to those skilled in the art for deploying airbags.

[0047] In various embodiments, the bracket 34 may include an airbag deployment side 42, and the airbag 38 may be configured to deploy outward from the airbag deployment side 42. The airbag deployment side 42 may be located on the inner side 34A of the bracket 34, such as... Figure 6 As shown. In some embodiments, when the bracket 34 is in the retracted position, the airbag deployment side 42 of the bracket 34 faces laterally inward relative to the seat assembly 14. In some embodiments, when the bracket 34 is in the use position, the airbag deployment side 42 of the bracket 34 may be oriented toward the rear of the seat assembly.

[0048] Now for reference Figures 7A to 7B The bracket 34 may include a release portion 56, which may yield and / or deploy when the airbag 38 deploys. In some embodiments, the release portion 56 may yield and / or deploy before and / or during the deployment of the airbag 38. In some embodiments, the force of the airbag 38 deployment may cause the release portion 56 to yield and / or deploy. Figures 7A to 7B As shown, in some embodiments, the release portion 56 may be a plate 48 pivotally coupled to the bracket 34. The plate 48 may yield and / or open by pivoting about a pivot 48A before the airbag 38 deploys or by the deployment force of the airbag 38. In some instances, when the bracket 34 is in the retracted position, the pivot 48A of the plate 48 may point generally in the same direction as the length direction of the armrest 26. In some instances, when the bracket 34 is in the use position, the pivot 48A of the plate 48 may point generally in a direction perpendicular to the length direction of the armrest 26. In some embodiments, the release portion 56 may be a seam in the bracket 34 that is perforated and / or made of a relatively thin material, which yields and / or opens when the airbag 38 deploys. It is contemplated that in some embodiments, the release portion 56 may include at least one of a variety of mechanisms suitable for releasing the airbag 38. The opening and / or yielding of the release portion 56 may provide a gap 64 in the bracket 34. The airbag 38 can deploy outside the bracket 34 through the gap 64.

[0049] In various embodiments, the bracket 34 may include a reaction surface 40 configured to provide directional support to the airbag 38 when it deploys. In some embodiments, the reaction surface 40 may be the bracket 34. Figure 7A and Figure 7B As shown, in some embodiments, the reaction surface 40 may be defined by an open release portion 56. In some instances, the reaction surface 40 may be a plate 48. The plate 48 may provide directional support for the airbag 38 by pivoting open before or due to the deployment of the airbag 38, thereby limiting the forward movement of the airbag 38. In some embodiments, the plate 48 may pivot open in the forward direction of the seat assembly. It is contemplated that in some embodiments, the plate 48 may pivot open in various seat assembly directions.

[0050] like Figure 3As depicted and as described above, the bracket 34 may include a power distribution point 50. The power distribution point 50 may be configured to charge a remote electronic device, such as a cellular phone. In some embodiments, the power distribution point 50 may be configured to allow data transmission to and from the remote electronic device. The power distribution point 50 may be a standard automotive socket port, a USB port, a wireless charging surface, and / or any suitable mechanism known to those skilled in the art for transmitting power and / or data to and from a remote electronic device.

[0051] Now for reference Figure 8 As described above, the seat assembly 14 is further shown as having a controller 70 that receives various inputs 78 and controls various outputs. According to various embodiments, the controller 70 may include a microprocessor 72 and a memory 74 as shown. It should be understood that the controller 70 may include control circuitry, such as analog and / or digital control circuitry. Logic 76 is stored in the memory 74 and executed by the microprocessor 72 for processing the various inputs 78 and controlling the various outputs described herein. Inputs 78 to the controller 70 may include an occupant presence signal 80, which may be obtained from one or more occupant sensors or another controller and may indicate the presence or absence of an occupant in the seat assembly 14. The presence or absence of an occupant in the seat assembly 14 may be determined by various methods and / or by various features (e.g., weight sensors, proximity sensors, etc.). Additionally, the controller 70 may receive a bracket position signal 82 as input 78. The bracket position signal 82 may be obtained from another controller and may indicate the position of the bracket 34. For example, the bracket position signal 82 may indicate that the bracket 34 is in a stowed position, an active position, or a position between a stowed and active position. In addition, the controller 70 can receive a threat prediction signal 84 as input 78.

[0052] The threat prediction signal 84 can indicate various situations. In some embodiments, the threat prediction signal 84 indicates the likelihood of a collision. In other words, the threat prediction signal 84 can indicate the likelihood of vehicle 10 colliding with an object outside vehicle 10. The likelihood of a collision can be determined by considering at least one of a series of factors, which may include, but are not limited to, the speed of vehicle 10, the proximity of vehicle 10 to the object, the size and / or shape of the object, the direction of movement of vehicle 10 relative to the object, the direction of movement of the object relative to vehicle 10, and / or the speed of movement of the object. Collision likelihood factors can be determined by various devices, which may include, but are not limited to, cameras, proximity sensors, and / or radar sensors. Various other features are envisioned as factors that can be used to determine the likelihood of a collision.

[0053] Further reference Figure 8The controller 70 can classify the threat prediction signal 84 into at least one of a plurality of threat levels 88. In some embodiments, the threat prediction signal 84 can be classified as at least one of a first threat level 90, a second threat level 92, and a third threat level 94. In an instance where the threat prediction signal 84 indicates a collision probability, the first threat level 90 can indicate a lower collision probability than the second threat level 92 and the third threat level 94. The second threat level 92 can indicate a higher collision probability than the first threat level 90 and a lower collision probability than the third threat level 94. The third threat level 94 can indicate a higher collision probability than the first threat level 90 and the second threat level 92.

[0054] In some embodiments, the input 78 to the controller 70 may include various other signals, such as signals from other controllers within the vehicle 10 and / or signals sent to the controller 70 via an occupant activation switch.

[0055] The controller 70 can also connect, interact with, and / or control various other components of the vehicle 10 (e.g., seat assembly 14, propulsion feature 54, airbag 38, locking feature 68, etc.) directly and / or through communication with another controller, these components and their functions (e.g., movement, movement speed, activation, engagement, deployment, etc.). For example, the controller 70 can assist the bracket 34 in moving from a retracted position to a usable position and the airbag 38 in deploying from the bracket 34. In some instances, the controller 70 can assist such actions by receiving input 78 (e.g., threat prediction signal 84) and using a microprocessor 72 to execute logic 76 stored in memory 74.

[0056] refer to Figure 9 A method for operating an airbag bracket 110 is disclosed. The method may include step 112 of receiving at least one input 78. As described above, a controller 70 may receive the input 78 from various sources. In various embodiments, the input 78 may include an occupant presence signal 80, a bracket position signal 82, a threat prediction signal 84, and / or various other signals. In some embodiments, upon receiving a threat prediction signal 84, the controller 70 may classify the threat prediction signal 84 into at least one of a plurality of threat levels 88 (e.g., a first threat level 90, a second threat level 92, a third threat level 94). The controller 70 may determine changes in the threat level 88. In some embodiments, the controller 70 may determine changes in the threat level 88 by utilizing memory 74 and / or logic 76 within a microprocessor 72.

[0057] Next, the method of operating the airbag bracket 110 may include step 114 of moving the bracket 34. As described above, the bracket 34 can move between a stowed position and a used position. In various embodiments, the bracket 34 can move along a guide channel 30. In some embodiments, the bracket 34 moves along the guide channel 30 by sliding.

[0058] The carriage 34 can be moved by propulsion feature 54 and / or by propulsion feature 54 in conjunction with propulsion system 58. As previously described, propulsion feature 54 may include various means for moving carriage 34, such as an electric motor according to one embodiment, or a pyrotechnic mechanism according to another embodiment.

[0059] In various embodiments, the tray 34 may be moved in response to the controller 70 receiving at least one input 78. In some embodiments, the tray 34 may move from a stowed position to a position between a stowed position and an active position in response to an occupant presence signal 80. In some embodiments, the tray 34 may be moved from a stowed position to an active position in response to a threat prediction signal 84, classifying the threat prediction signal 84 into one of threat levels 88, and / or determining a change in threat level 88. For example, the tray 34 may move from a stowed position to an active position in response to the controller 70 determining that the threat prediction signal 84 has been reclassified from a first threat level 90 to a second threat level 92. In some instances, the tray 34 may move toward a stowed position in response to a change in threat level 88.

[0060] In some embodiments, the speed at which the tray 34 moves between the stowed position and the used position may depend on the input 78 received by the controller 70. For example, in some embodiments, the speed at which the tray 34 moves in response to a threat prediction signal 84, a threat level 88, and / or a change in the threat level 88 may be greater than the speed at which the tray 34 moves in response to an occupant presence signal 80.

[0061] In some embodiments, moving the bracket 34 from a retracted position to a usable position exposes the power distribution point 50 disposed on the bracket 34. In other words, when the bracket 34 is in the retracted position, the power distribution point 50 may be invisible to the seat occupant, inconveniently located, not easily accessible, and / or inaccessible. Therefore, when the bracket 34 is in the usable position, the power distribution point 50 can be exposed, located in a more convenient position for use, becoming more accessible and / or generally easier for the occupant to use.

[0062] Further reference Figure 9The method of operating the airbag bracket 110 may include step 116 of locking the bracket 34 via locking feature 68. The bracket 34 can be locked in place between a stowed position and an active position, and in various positions including the stowed position and the active position. As described above, the bracket 34 can be locked in place via locking feature 68, which in some embodiments may include a propulsion feature 54 (e.g., an electric motor).

[0063] In some embodiments, in response to the controller 70 receiving at least one input 78, the bracket 34 can be locked in place via locking feature 68. In some embodiments, the bracket 34 can become locked in place by locking feature 68 in response to a bracket position signal 82. For example, the bracket 34 can become locked in place in response to the bracket position signal 82 indicating that the bracket 34 is in a used position and / or the bracket position signal 82 indicating that the bracket 34 is in a retracted position. In some embodiments, the bracket 34 can become locked in place by locking feature 68 in response to at least one of a threat prediction signal 84, a threat prediction signal 84 being classified as a threat level 88, and / or a change in threat level 88 being determined. For example, in response to the controller 70 determining that the threat prediction signal 84 has been reclassified from a first threat level 90 to a second threat level 92, the bracket 34 can be locked in place relative to the guide channel 30 via locking feature 68. In some embodiments, in response to the controller 70 receiving at least one input 78, the bracket 34 can be de-locked in place by locking feature 68.

[0064] Next, the method of operating the airbag bracket 110 may include step 118 of opening the release portion 56 of the bracket 34. As described above, the release portion 56 can be opened by yielding. For example, the release portion 56 can yield to the force generated by the deployment of the airbag 38 and thus open. In various embodiments, the release portion 56 can be opened to provide a gap 64 through which the airbag 38 can deploy. As described above, in some embodiments, the release portion 56 may be a plate 48 pivotally coupled to the bracket 34. The plate 48 can be opened by pivoting about a pivot 48A.

[0065] Next, the method of operating the airbag bracket 110 may include step 120 of deploying the airbag 38. In various embodiments, the airbag 38 may deploy through the gap 64. As described above, in various embodiments, the airbag 38 may be configured to deploy into the occupant space 46 when the bracket 34 is in the use position. In some embodiments, the airbag 38 may be configured to deploy toward the rear of the seat assembly when the bracket 34 is in the use position. In some embodiments, the airbag 38 may be configured to deploy only when the bracket 34 is in the use position.

[0066] In various embodiments, the airbag 38 may be configured to deploy in response to the controller 70 receiving at least one input 78. In some embodiments, the airbag 38 may be configured to deploy in response to a threat prediction signal 84, classifying the threat prediction signal 84 into at least one of threat levels 88, and / or determining a change in threat level 88. For example, the airbag 38 may deploy in response to the controller 70 determining that the threat prediction signal 84 has been reclassified from a second threat level 94 to a third threat level 94.

[0067] Next, the method of operating the airbag bracket 110 may include step 122 of supporting the airbag 38 with the reaction surface 40. In some embodiments, the reaction surface 40 may be defined by an open release portion 56. In some instances, the reaction surface 40 may be a plate 48. The plate 48 may support the airbag 38 when and / or after the airbag 38 deploys, by pivoting open before or due to the deployment of the airbag 38. The plate 48 may then restrict the movement of the airbag 38 toward the front of the seat assembly. In other words, the release portion 56 may provide directional support for the airbag 38. By allowing the airbag 38 to press against the reaction surface 40 to effectively provide a relatively stable cushion for the occupant, thereby supporting the airbag 38 with the reaction surface 40, the occupant can benefit in the event of a collision.

[0068] It should be understood that, unless otherwise specifically stated in the claims, the steps of the method of operating the airbag bracket 110 do not need to be performed in the order listed above.

[0069] Using this disclosure provides various advantages. First, the airbag 38 within the bracket 34 can deploy to protect the occupant in the event of a collision. Second, the bracket 34 is coupled to the seat assembly 14 and has an airbag 38 that can deploy into the occupant space 46, providing an airbag system that deploys uniformly into the occupant space 46 regardless of the position of the seat assembly 14 within the vehicle 10. Third, the bracket 34 can provide a place to rest an arm or other items (e.g., books, telephones, etc.) when in the use position or between the use and retracted positions.

[0070] It will be understood that changes and modifications can be made to the foregoing structure without departing from the concept of the invention, and it should also be understood that such concept is intended to be covered by the appended claims unless those claims expressly state otherwise in language.

[0071] According to the present invention, a method of operating an airbag bracket includes the following steps: moving a bracket containing an airbag from a stowed position to a used position along a guide channel of a seat assembly; and deploying the airbag into the occupant space of the seat assembly.

[0072] According to one embodiment, the invention is further characterized by the step of locking the bracket in the use position via a locking feature connected to at least one of the bracket and the guide channel.

[0073] According to one embodiment, the locking feature includes an electric motor.

[0074] According to one embodiment, the invention is further characterized by the following step: exposing the power distribution point disposed on the bracket.

[0075] According to one embodiment, the step of moving the bracket containing the airbag further includes the step of moving the bracket using a propulsion feature.

[0076] According to one embodiment, the propulsion feature includes an electric motor.

[0077] According to one embodiment, the propulsion feature includes a pyrotechnic mechanism.

[0078] According to the present invention, a method of operating an airbag bracket includes the following steps: moving a bracket containing an airbag and connected to a seat assembly from a stowed position to a used position; opening a release portion of the bracket to form a gap; deploying the airbag through the gap; and supporting the airbag using a reaction surface defined by the opened release portion.

[0079] According to one embodiment, the release portion includes a plate pivotally coupled to the bracket.

[0080] According to one embodiment, the invention is further characterized by the following step: pivoting the plate to the open position.

[0081] According to one embodiment, the step of moving the bracket containing the airbag further includes the step of moving the bracket along a guide channel coupled to the seat assembly.

[0082] According to the present invention, a method for operating a seat assembly airbag bracket includes the following steps: receiving at least one of an occupant presence signal, a bracket position signal, and a threat prediction signal; and moving a bracket containing an airbag along a guide channel coupled to the seat assembly.

[0083] According to one embodiment, the bracket can be operated along the guide channel from a stowed position to a used position.

[0084] According to one embodiment, the invention is further characterized by the following step: classifying the threat prediction signal into at least one of a plurality of threat levels.

[0085] According to one embodiment, the invention is further characterized by the following steps: determining a change in threat level; and moving the bracket to the usage position.

[0086] According to one embodiment, the invention is further characterized by the following step: locking the bracket in the use position.

[0087] According to one embodiment, the invention is further characterized by the following step: deploying the airbag from the bracket.

[0088] According to one embodiment, the invention is further characterized by the following steps: determining a change in threat level; and moving the bracket to a position between the stowed position and the used position.

[0089] According to one embodiment, the invention is further characterized by the following steps: receiving an occupant presence signal; and moving the bracket to a position between the stowed position and the used position.

[0090] According to one embodiment, the step of moving the bracket containing the airbag further includes the following steps: moving the bracket along the guide channel using at least one of a pyrotechnic mechanism and an electric motor.

Claims

1. A method for operating an airbag bracket, comprising the following steps: Move the bracket containing the airbag from the stowed position to the used position along the guide channel of the seat assembly; as well as In the retracted position, the bracket is located below the armrest or within the lateral boundary; The bracket moves from the retracted position to the used position, deploying the airbag toward the rear of the seat assembly into the occupant space of the seat assembly.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising the following step: The bracket is locked in the use position via a locking feature connected to at least one of the bracket and the guide channel.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein the locking feature comprises an electric motor.

4. The method of claim 1, further comprising the following step: The power distribution point is exposed on the bracket.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of moving the bracket housing the airbag further comprises the following step: The bracket is moved using a propulsion feature.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein the propulsion feature comprises an electric motor.

7. The method of claim 5, wherein the propulsion feature includes a pyrotechnic mechanism.

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