Vehicle side airbag

Abstract

An airbag for a vehicle, such as a side airbag (102), can be mounted to or near a seat assembly (106) on which a passenger (116) can be seated. The side airbag can include a chamber (110) and an inflator (112) configured to inflate the chamber toward the passenger to slow the passenger's acceleration upon a vehicle collision with another object or surface. Upon deployment of the chamber, the side airbag can cause a portion of the seat assembly (seat pan, seat pan and / or seat cushion connected thereto) to deform toward the passenger seated thereon while remaining shielded from the passenger by the assembly. In some examples, the chamber can be stored in an un-folded position to allow for more rapid deployment.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional of Chinese Patent Application No. CN201980062369.6 (International Application No. PCT / US2019 / 052518), filed September 23, 2019, entitled “VEHICLE SIDE AIRBAG.”

[0002] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0003] This PCT International Patent Application, which is a parent of the present application, claims priority to U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 16 / 140,259, filed September 24, 2018, entitled “VEHICLE SIDE AIRBAG,” the contents of which are incorporated by reference into this application. BACKGROUND

[0004] Vehicles can be equipped with side airbags to protect passengers seated therein from side impacts, such as from another vehicle. Upon deployment, conventional side airbags inflate into the passenger cabin, directly impacting the occupant upon impact. However, the tearing of the seat or trim upon deployment can increase the chances of injury to the passenger due to excess material (e.g., trim) being thrown into the passenger cabin. Additionally, the inflation of the airbag itself into the passenger cabin can injure the passenger. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0005] A detailed description should be taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which the same reference numbers in different drawings identify the same or similar elements. The drawings and description are intended to include all changes that come within the scope of the claims below.

[0006] Figure 1A and 1B is a top view of an exemplary side airbag installed in a seat tub of a vehicle. Figure 1A shows an exemplary side airbag in a stowed position. Figure 2A shows an exemplary side airbag in a deployed position.

[0007] Figure 2A 、 2B and 2C are perspective views of an exemplary side airbag installed in a seat tub of a vehicle in a stowed position. Figure 2A is an illustration of an exemplary side airbag relative to a passenger seated in a seat. Figure 2B is an illustration of an exemplary side airbag configured to deploy from a bottom end of the side airbag. Figure 2C is an illustration of an alternative exemplary side airbag configured to deploy from a rear end of the side airbag.

[0008] Figure 3 is a front side cross-sectional view of an exemplary airbag in an extended position.

[0009] Figure 4 is a front partial perspective view of an example airbag mounted to a seat pan of a seat assembly.

[0010] Figure 5 is a front perspective view of an example airbag coupled to an outer seat frame to which a seat assembly is coupled.

[0011] Figure 6 is a front cross-sectional view of an example airbag mounted in a storage container.

[0012] Figure 7 is a block diagram of an example system for implementing the techniques described herein.

[0013] Figure 8 is a flowchart of an example process for deploying a side airbag. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0014] The present disclosure relates to a side airbag configured to protect an occupant in a vehicle from a side impact with an object, such as another vehicle, a pole, a wall, etc. The vehicle can include an autonomous, semi-autonomous, or manually operated vehicle. The vehicle can include a main body having an occupant cabin with one or more seat assemblies to accommodate an occupant. The seat assembly can include a seat tub, a seat pan, and a seat cushion on which the occupant can sit. The seat tub can include a receiver for at least a portion of the seat cushion to couple the seat cushion to a frame of the vehicle. The side airbag can be configured to deploy from within the seat assembly, thereby inflating a material of the seat tub and / or the seat cushion. As a result, the side airbag can slow a lateral velocity of the occupant without directly contacting the occupant, thereby reducing injury, such as injury that can result from the occupant not being in the proper position (e.g., beyond a designed and / or ideal seating position). Moreover, by deforming the material of the seat tub and / or the seat cushion without tearing or destroying the material of the seat tub and / or the seat cushion, occupant injury from flying debris can be avoided.

[0015] In some examples, the airbag can be mounted on an inner surface of the seat tub or on the seat pan on a side of the seat pan proximate to a lateral side of the occupant cabin (e.g., between the occupant and the lateral side of the occupant cabin). In other examples, the airbag can be mounted to an outer surface of the seat tub or the seat pan. In other examples, the airbag can be mounted to a vehicle surface separate from the seat assembly, such as a seat frame to which the seat tub or the seat pan can be mounted.

[0016] In some examples, the airbag can be coupled to or adjacent to (e.g., on a seat frame to which a toilet bowl or seat is coupled, on a body of a vehicle, or on other structural components of a vehicle) the toilet bowl or seat. In some examples, the airbag can be stowed in an un-folded state. In such examples, because the airbag is un-folded, the airbag can be configured to rapidly deploy upon a crash, thereby reducing the likelihood of injury to a passenger associated with the passenger not being in position. In some examples, the airbag can be stowed in a folded state. The folded state can include a roll-fold, a tuck-fold, a z-fold, or other folding pattern. In some examples, the airbag can be packaged in a storage container inside or outside the bottom or sides of the toilet bowl. In such examples, the airbag can be configured to inflate outward from the storage container and toward the passenger.

[0017] In some examples, the airbag can include a chamber having a single compartment configured to hold a gas. In other examples, the chamber can include multiple compartments configured to hold a gas. In such examples, the multiple compartments can include different sizes, shapes, materials, gas pressures, etc. The airbag can also include an inflator configured to fill the chamber of the airbag with a gas upon and / or in anticipation of a collision with an external object (e.g., another vehicle, a pole, a wall, etc.). The inflator can include a cold-gas inflator, a pyrotechnic inflator, a hybrid inflator, or any other inflator configured to fill the chamber with a gas.

[0018] In various examples, the inflator can receive a signal from a crash sensor on the vehicle. The crash sensor can detect a crash and send an electrical signal to the inflator to deploy the airbag (e.g., fill the chamber with a gas). Additionally or alternatively, the vehicle can include a perception sensor configured to perceive objects in the environment of the vehicle and send sensor data to a vehicle computing device. The perception sensor can include, for example, an image capture device (RGB camera, intensity camera, infrared camera, stereo camera, depth camera, etc.), a light detection and ranging (LIDAR) sensor, and a radio detection and ranging (RADAR) sensor, etc. In some examples, the vehicle computing device can receive the sensor data from the perception sensor and can determine that a side collision is imminent. In some examples, a side collision can be determined to be imminent based on a time associated with the side collision being within a threshold time (e.g., 3 seconds, 5 seconds, etc.). The threshold time can be a predetermined amount of time and / or can be based on a speed of the vehicle and / or the object, an acceleration of the vehicle and / or the object, the weather, the density of traffic, and / or other considerations. Based on determining that a side collision is imminent, the vehicle computing device can send a signal to the inflator to cause the inflator to fill the chamber with a gas prior to or at the same time as the side collision.

[0019] Upon deployment, the airbag can expand as gas is filled in the chamber. In various examples, the airbag can be configured to deform the seat pan and the seat cushion during expansion. In such examples, the deployed airbag can push against a surface proximal to the passenger, thereby deforming the seat pan, the seat board, and / or the seat cushion toward the passenger. In some examples, the airbag can be configured to expand through an opening in the seat board. In such examples, the deployed airbag can push against the seat cushion toward the passenger.

[0020] In some examples, the airbag can be coupled to an inner surface of the seat pan or the seat board proximal to the passenger. In such examples, the airbag can extend from the inner surface of the seat pan or the seat board and substantially deform the seat cushion. In some examples, the airbag can be disposed between the inner surface of the seat pan or the seat board and a trim associated with the seat pan or the seat board. In such examples, the airbag can extend from the inner surface of the seat pan or the seat board and substantially deform the trim and the seat cushion.

[0021] The deformed seat pan, seat board, trim, and / or seat cushion of the seat assembly can prevent at least a portion of the passenger’s body (e.g., the hips, chest, etc.) from over-accelerating upon impact with an external object. The deformed seat pan, seat board, and / or seat cushion is improved over traditional airbags because the risk of injuring the passenger is reduced due to the airbag not entering the passenger cabin. Additionally, the deformation of the seat pan, seat board, and / or seat cushion prevents additional injury from objects (e.g., trims, metal pieces, etc.) being thrown into the passenger cabin due to the deployment of the airbag.

[0022] In various examples, some or all of the seat assemblies can be configured to be removed and / or replaced without interfering with the airbag. For example, the airbag can be mounted to an outer seat frame, and the entire seat assembly can be removed and / or replaced without interfering with the airbag. For another example, the airbag can be mounted to an inner surface of the seat pan, and the seat cushion can be removed and / or replaced without interfering with the airbag.

[0023] Figure 1A and Figure 1B is a top view 100 of an example side airbag 102 mounted in a seat pan 104 of a vehicle (not shown). The seat pan 104 can include a receiver for coupling to at least a portion of a seat cushion 108 and / or a seat board (not shown). Such a seat pan 104 can be used, for example, to couple the seat cushion 108 to a vehicle frame via the seat board. Figure 1A An example side airbag is shown in a stowed (e.g., uninflated) position. In various examples, a seat assembly 106 of a vehicle can include a seat pan 104 and a seat cushion 108. In some examples, a vehicle can include one or more seat assemblies 106. In some examples, a vehicle can include a pair of opposing seat assemblies 106 that face each other within a passenger cabin of the vehicle.

[0024] The seat pan and / or seat pan can include a plastic material (e.g., polypropylene, polyethylene, etc.), a metal material (e.g., aluminum, titanium, etc.), a composite material (e.g., carbon fiber, fiberglass, etc.), or a combination thereof. In at least one example, the seat pan 104 can include a polypropylene material. The seat cushion 108 can include a foam material (e.g., polystyrene, polyethylene, etc.), a polyurethane material, a rubber material (e.g., polyisoprene, EPDM ethylene propylene, neoprene, etc.), a fabric material (e.g., cotton, polypropylene, etc.), or a combination thereof. In at least one example, the seat cushion 108 can include a polyurethane material.

[0025] In various examples, the side airbag 102 can include a chamber 110 and an inflator 112. In some examples, the chamber 110 can include two or more compartments configured to hold a gas. In such examples, the compartments can be the same or different size, shape, material, etc. In some examples, the compartments can be configured to hold the same or different gas pressure. In at least one example, the chamber 110 can include a single compartment configured to hold a gas. The chamber 110 can include a fabric material, such as nylon, cotton, silk, polyester, wool, etc. The inflator 112 can include a pyrotechnic inflator, a cold-gas inflator, a compressed-gas inflator, a hybrid inflator, etc. The inflator 112 can be configured to receive a signal indicative of a collision with and / or impending collision with an object, and based on the signal can fill the chamber 110 with a gas.

[0026] In the illustrated example, the side airbag 102 is coupled on an inner surface 114 of a side of the seat pan 104. The inner surface 114 of the seat pan 104 can include a surface proximal to the passenger 116 (e.g., the location furthest from the vehicle frame). In some examples, the side airbag 102 can be coupled to an outer surface 118 of the seat pan 104. As will be discussed in more detail below, the side airbag 102 can be coupled to a vehicle frame, such as an outer seat frame to which the seat assembly 106 can be coupled. In various examples, the seat pan 104 can include a portion of the outer seat frame. Figure 5 and Figure 6 As discussed in more detail below, the side airbag 102 can be coupled to a vehicle frame, such as an outer seat frame to which the seat assembly 106 can be coupled. In various examples, the seat pan 104 can include a portion of the outer seat frame.

[0027] In various examples, the side airbag 102 can be coupled to the seat pan 104 and / or the outer seat frame via one or more couplings 120. The couplings 120 can include a snap-fit coupling, a screw, a rivet, a spring-type coupling, or any other mechanical coupling configured to securely couple the side airbag 102 to a surface. In the illustrative example, the side airbag 102 is coupled to the seat pan 104 by three couplings 120(1), 120(2), and 120(3). In other examples, the side airbag 102 can be coupled to the seat pan 104 and / or the outer seat frame by a greater or lesser number of couplings 120.

[0028] In various examples, the side airbag 102 can be installed in a folded position (e.g., coupled to the seat pan 104 and / or the outer seat frame). In such examples, the side airbag 102 can be folded in a roll, a tuck, a z-fold, a origami-inspired fold, and / or any other style of folding the airbag. Further details regarding the folded position of the side airbag 102 will be discussed below with respect to Figure 6 As discussed in further detail, the side airbag 102 can be stored in a folded position and installed in a storage container. In such examples, the storage container can be coupled to the seat pan 104 and / or the vehicle frame. In at least one example, the side airbag 102 can be installed in an unfolded position. In such examples, the side airbag 102 can be configured to deploy at a faster rate than an airbag installed in a folded position.

[0029] The inflator 112 of the side airbag 102 can be configured to receive a signal indicating a collision and / or an impending collision with an object. In some examples, the inflator 112 can receive the signal from one or more collision sensors (not shown). The collision sensors can detect a collision and send an electrical signal to the inflator 112 to cause the inflator 112 to deploy the side airbag 102 (e.g., fill the chamber 110 with gas).

[0030] As will be discussed in further detail below with respect to Figure 7 As discussed in further detail, the vehicle can include a perception sensor configured to perceive the environment and send sensor data to the vehicle computing device. The perception sensor can include an image capture device, a LIDAR sensor, and a RADAR sensor, among others. In some examples, the vehicle computing device can receive the sensor data from the perception sensor and can determine that a side collision is imminent. Determining that a side collision is imminent can include detecting an object (e.g., another vehicle, a pole, a wall, etc.) in the environment and determining that the object has a high closing rate toward a side of the vehicle (e.g., the vehicle is sliding toward the object, the object trajectory is aligned with the side of the vehicle, etc.), and / or determining that a predicted trajectory of the object intersects with a trajectory or planned path of the vehicle. Based on the determination that a side collision is imminent, the vehicle computing device can send a signal to the inflator 112 to cause the inflator 112 to fill the chamber 110 with gas prior to or at the same time as the side collision.

[0031] In various examples, the vehicle computing device can be configured to determine a predicted time of collision. The predicted time of collision can be based on a speed of the vehicle, an acceleration of the vehicle, a speed of the object, an acceleration of the object, a closing rate of the object toward the vehicle, road conditions, weather conditions, and / or other factors that can affect the closing rate of the object toward the vehicle, or vice versa. In some examples, the vehicle computing device can send a signal to the inflator to deploy prior to the time of collision (e.g., 0.1 milliseconds, 0.2 milliseconds, 0.5 milliseconds, etc.), at the same time as the time of collision, or immediately after the time of collision.

[0032] In some examples, determining that a side impact collision is imminent can be based at least in part on a predicted time to collision. In some examples, the vehicle computing device can determine that a side impact collision is imminent based on the predicted time to collision being within a threshold period of time (e.g., 2 seconds, 4 seconds, 6 seconds, etc.). In various examples, the threshold period of time can be a predetermined period of time. In such examples, the threshold period of time can include a constant value. In some examples, the threshold period of time can be determined based on a speed of the vehicle and / or the object, an acceleration of the vehicle and / or the object, weather, traffic density, and / or other factors that affect closure rate and / or vehicle control.

[0033] In various examples, the seat assembly 106 can include a position sensor (not shown in FIG. 1) configured to determine whether a passenger is seated in the seat assembly 106. In some examples, the position sensor can include a weight switch configured to determine whether a weight is located within or on the seat assembly 106. The weight can include a minimum weight (e.g., 50 pounds, 25 kilograms, 100 pounds, etc.) associated with the passenger 116. In various examples, the position sensor can include an image capture device and / or other perception sensors disposed above the seat assembly 106 or elsewhere within the passenger cabin of the vehicle. In such examples, the image capture device and / or other perception sensors can transmit sensor data to the vehicle computing device to analyze and determine whether the object in the seat assembly is the passenger 116. In the case of a passenger, the perception sensors can further determine the size and / or shape of the passenger 116. Figure 1A

[0034] In various examples, the position sensor and / or the vehicle computing device can transmit an arming signal to the inflator 112 based on a determination that the seat assembly 106 is occupied by the passenger 116. In response to receiving the arming signal, the inflator 112 can arm (e.g., turn on, activate to be ready to deploy a signal, etc.). In some examples, the position sensor and / or the vehicle computing device can transmit a deployment instruction to the inflator 112. The deployment instruction can include instructions regarding how to deploy the side airbag 102 (e.g., inflation speed, pressure associated with inflation, etc.). For example, the position sensor and / or the vehicle computing device can determine that the passenger 116 is a child and can transmit a deployment instruction to the inflator to cause the inflator to reduce the pressure of the side airbag 102 when deployed to mitigate the impact on the child.

[0035] Figure 1B ​An example side airbag in an extended (e.g., deployed) position is shown. As described above, the inflator 112 can be configured to deploy (e.g., the inflator 112 fills the chamber 110 with gas) the side airbag 102 based on a signal from a sensor and / or a vehicle computing system. In response to receiving a deployment signal, and in some examples an arming signal and / or a deployment instruction, the inflator 112 can fill the chamber 110 with gas, causing the chamber 110 to expand toward the passenger 116. The inflator 112 can be configured to deploy the airbag horizontally toward the passenger 116 a width W. In at least one example, the width W can be 190 millimeters. In other examples, the width W can be another distance greater or less than 190 millimeters (e.g., 150 millimeters, 175 millimeters, 200 millimeters, 250 millimeters, etc.). Additionally, the inflator 112 can be configured to deploy the airbag parallel to the passenger 116 a depth D. In at least one example, the depth D can be 350 millimeters. In other examples, the depth D can be another distance greater or less than 350 millimeters (e.g., 300 millimeters, 325 millimeters, 375 millimeters, 400 millimeters, etc.).

[0036] In various examples, deployment of the side airbag 102 can cause one or more components of the seat assembly to extend from an uninflated position, for example Figure 1A is shown. In some examples, at least a portion of the side of the seat pan 104 (e.g., a portion proximate to the passenger’s side) can be configured to deform due to pressure exerted thereon by the deployed side airbag 102. In various examples, the portion of the seat pan 104 can include trim of the seat pan 104. In such examples, the side airbag 102 can be positioned between the trim and a surface of the seat pan 104. As will be discussed below with respect to Figure 5 the seat pan 104 can not deform or can undergo negligible deformation, e.g., slight deformation around an edge of the opening in the seat pan. In some examples, the side airbag 102 can be coupled to the inner surface 114 of the seat pan 104 proximate to the passenger. In such examples, the seat pan 104 can not deform or substantially deform upon deployment of the airbag 102.

[0037] Additionally, or alternatively, the seat cushion 108 of the seat assembly 106 can deform due to pressure exerted thereon by the deployed side airbag 102. As described above, in various examples, the seat cushion 108 can include a soft, pliable material configured to deform under pressure. In some examples, the deformed seat cushion 108 can be the surface that the passenger 116 contacts upon deployment of the side airbag 102. In such examples, the seat cushion 108 can prevent at least a portion of the passenger’s 116 body (e.g., hips, chest, etc.) from excessive acceleration due to a side impact with an object.

[0038] In various examples, some or all of the seat assemblies 106 can be configured to be removed and / or replaced without disturbing (e.g., decoupling, removing, disarming, etc.) the side airbag 102. In examples where the side airbag 102 is coupled to an interior surface or an exterior surface of the seat pan 104, the seat cushion 108 and / or the seat pan can be configured to be removed and / or replaced without disturbing the side airbag 102. In cases where the side airbag 102 is coupled to an exterior seat frame or other surface that is separate and distinct from the seat pan 104, the entire seat assembly 106, including at least the seat pan 104 and the seat cushion 108, can be configured to be removed and / or replaced without disturbing the side airbag 102. Removing at least a portion of the seat assembly 106 without disturbing the side airbag 102 can reduce the complexity and / or time associated with performing maintenance, cleaning, and / or disassembling vehicle parts.

[0039] Figure 2A 、 2B and 2C is a perspective view of an example environment 200 in which an example side airbag 202 (e.g., the side airbag 102) can be stowed in a seat pan 204 (e.g., the seat pan 104) of a vehicle. Figure 2A is an illustration of an example side airbag 102 relative to a passenger 208, such as the passenger 116, positioned on a seat cushion 210 of a seat assembly 212, such as the seat assembly 106. In the illustrative example, the airbag 202 is installed on a right side portion of the seat pan 204 (e.g., a right side of the passenger 208). In other examples, the airbag 202 can be installed on a left side portion of the seat pan 204 (e.g., a left side of the passenger 208).

[0040] In various examples, the seat pan 204 and the seat cushion 210 can have the same or substantially similar heights. In such examples, the airbag 202 can be configured to extend to at least a portion of the height of the seat pan 204 and / or the seat cushion 210. In some examples, the seat pan 204 can extend higher than the seat cushion 210. In the illustrative example, the airbag 202 can extend to the height of the seat pan 204 (e.g., to a height greater than the seat cushion). In some examples, the airbag 202 can extend to a height less than the height shown in Figure 2A (e.g., a height substantially equal to the height of the seat cushion 210, a height greater than the height of the seat cushion 210 but less than the height of the seat pan 204, a height configured to protect at least a portion of the passenger’s 208 chest, etc.).

[0041] In various examples, the airbag 202 can be coupled to a surface of the seat pan 204 (e.g., an interior surface of the seat pan 204, an exterior surface of the seat pan 204, etc.). In some examples, the airbag 202 can be coupled to a surface separate from the seat pan 204, such as, for example, an exterior seat frame (not shown), a frame of the vehicle, or other surface separate from the seat assembly 212.

[0042] In response to receiving the signal indicating a side impact with the object, the inflator of the airbag 202 can cause the chamber of the airbag 102 to fill with gas. The chamber of the airbag 202 can be configured to expand toward the passenger (e.g., toward the center of the seat assembly 212), deforming at least a portion of the seat pan 204 and / or the seat cushion 210. In various examples, the chamber can expand toward the passenger through an opening in the seat pan 104. In some examples, the chamber can expand and can force at least a portion of the seat pan 104 (e.g., a wall of the seat pan 104, trim associated with the seat pan 104, a deformed portion of the seat pan (e.g., a right or left portion), etc.) to deform toward the passenger. Additionally or alternatively, the chamber can expand and can force at least a portion of the seat cushion 210 to deform toward the passenger.

[0043] In various examples, the deformed portion of the seat pan 204 and / or the seat cushion 210 can expand toward the passenger, preventing at least a portion of the body of the passenger 208 (e.g., the hips, chest, etc.) from over-accelerating upon a side impact with the object. The deformed seat pan 204 and / or seat cushion 210 is an improvement over traditional airbags, as the risk of injuring the passenger is reduced due to the airbag not entering the passenger cabin. Additionally, the deformation of the seat pan 204 and / or seat cushion 210 prevents additional injury from projectiles (e.g., trim, metal pieces, etc.) being thrown into the passenger cabin as a result of the deployment of the airbag 202.

[0044] Figure 2B is an illustration of an example side airbag 202 configured to deploy from a bottom corner 216 of a seat assembly 212. As described above, the airbag 202 can include an inflator 214 configured to fill a chamber of the airbag 202 with gas. In the illustrative example, the inflator 214 can be mounted proximate to the bottom corner 216. The bottom corner can include a portion of the seat assembly 212 where a vertical portion and a horizontal portion of the seat meet. In such examples, the inflator 214 can fill the chamber with gas vertically upward from a bottom end of the chamber (e.g., the airbag 202) toward a top end of the chamber.

[0045] In various examples, the airbag 202 can be coupled to the seat pan 204, an outer seat frame (not shown), and / or other surfaces outside of the seat assembly 212 in a folded position. The folding can include a roll fold, a tuck fold, a z-fold, a paper-folding inspired fold, and / or any other style of folding of the airbag. In some examples, the inflator 214 can cause the airbag 202 to unfold as Figure 2BThe illustrated basic vertical deployment and inflation toward the passenger as described above, although any other deployment direction can be contemplated to achieve the desired deformation of the seating component. In various examples, the airbag 202 can be coupled to the seat pan 204, an outer seat frame (not shown), and / or other surfaces external to the seat assembly 212 in the uncollapsed position. In such examples, the inflator 214 can fill the chamber of the airbag 202 with gas and inflate the chamber substantially horizontally and toward the passenger as described above.

[0046] Figure 2C is an illustration of an example side airbag configured to deploy from a rear corner 218 of the seat assembly 212. In the illustrative example, the inflator 214 of the airbag can be mounted proximate to the rear corner 218 of the seat assembly 212. The rear corner can comprise a portion of the seat assembly 212 where a side vertical portion and a back vertical portion of the seat intersect. In such examples, the inflator 214 can fill the chamber with gas from a rear end of the chamber (e.g., airbag 202) horizontally forward toward a front end of the chamber.

[0047] In various examples, the airbag 202 can be coupled to the seat pan 204, an outer seat frame (not shown), and / or other surfaces external to the seat assembly 212 in the uncollapsed position. The collapsing can comprise a roll, a tuck, a z-fold, a paper-folding inspired fold, and / or any other style of folding of the airbag. In some examples, the inflator 214 can fill the chamber of the airbag 202 with gas and inflate the chamber substantially horizontally and toward the passenger as described above. Figure 2B The illustrated basic horizontal deployment and inflation toward the passenger as described above. In various examples, the airbag 202 can be coupled to the seat pan 204, an outer seat frame (not shown), and / or other surfaces external to the seat assembly 212 in the uncollapsed position. In such examples, the inflator 214 can fill the chamber of the airbag 202 with gas and inflate the chamber substantially horizontally and toward the passenger as described above.

[0048] Although the illustrated position is just above the centerline of the airbag 202, the inflator 214 can be coupled to the chamber of the airbag 202 proximate to a bottom corner or a top corner of the airbag 202 on the centerline, below the centerline, above the centerline, or at a greater or lesser distance than illustrated. For example, the inflator 214 can be coupled to the chamber of the airbag 202 at a bottom end of the chamber at a confluence of the bottom corner and the rear corner. In response to a signal to deploy, the inflator 214 can fill the chamber with gas to inflate the chamber substantially horizontally, substantially vertically, and toward the passenger.

[0049] In other examples, inflator 214 can be coupled to the front end 220 of airbag 202 at a location along the front end 220. In such examples, in response to a signal to deploy, inflator 214 can fill the chamber with gas substantially horizontally rearward toward the rear corner of seat assembly 212. In other examples, inflator 214 can be coupled to the top end 222 of airbag 202 at a location along the top end 222. In such examples, in response to a signal to deploy, inflator 214 can fill the chamber with gas substantially vertically downward.

[0050] Figure 3 is a front side cutaway view of an example airbag 300, such as airbag 102, in a deployed position. Airbag 300 can include a chamber 302 (e.g., chamber 110) and an inflator 304 (e.g., inflator 112). In the illustrative example, chamber 302 includes a single compartment. In other examples, chamber 302 can include two or more compartments. In such examples, the two or more compartments can include the same or different materials, gas pressures, shapes, sizes, etc. Inflator 304 can include a cold-gas inflator, a pyrotechnic inflator, a hybrid inflator, or any other inflator configured to fill chamber 302 with gas.

[0051] As described above, airbag 300 can be coupled to an outer surface of a seat pan 306, such as seat pan 104. In some examples, airbag 300 can be coupled to an inner surface 310 of an inner surface 114 of seat pan 306. In some examples, airbag 300 can be coupled to a surface separate from seat pan 306, such as, for example, an outer seat frame, a vehicle frame, or other component of a vehicle.

[0052] In various examples, airbag 300 can be coupled to seat pan 306 and / or a surface separate from seat pan 306 via one or more couplings 312, such as couplings 120. Couplings 312 can include snap-fit couplings, screws, rivets, spring-type couplings, or any other mechanical couplings configured to securely couple airbag 300 to a surface. In the illustrative example, airbag 300 is coupled to seat pan 306 by three couplings 312(1), 312(2), and 312(3). In other examples, airbag 300 can be coupled to seat pan 306 and / or a surface separate from seat pan 306 via a greater or fewer number of couplings 312.

[0053] In response to receiving a signal to deploy the airbag 300, for example, from a sensor and / or a vehicle computing device, the inflator can fill the chamber 302 with gas, thereby causing the chamber to expand vertically and horizontally toward a passenger 314, such as the passenger 116. As described above, the airbag 300 can expand horizontally toward the passenger 314 a width W. In at least one example, the width W can be 190 millimeters. In other examples, the width W can be another distance greater or less than 190 millimeters (e.g., 150 millimeters, 175 millimeters, 200 millimeters, 250 millimeters, etc.). Additionally, the inflator 112 can be configured to expand the airbag vertically relative to the passenger 314 a height H. In at least one example, the height H can be 450 millimeters. In other examples, the height H can be another distance greater or less than 450 millimeters (e.g., 400 millimeters, 425 millimeters, 475 millimeters, 500 millimeters, etc.).

[0054] In some examples, the trim of the seat pan 306 can be coupled to the trim surface 308. In such examples, the trim of the seat pan 306 can deform and expand toward the passenger 314. As Figure 3 Additionally shown, in response to deployment, the seat cushion 316 (e.g., the seat cushion 108) can deform and expand toward the passenger 314. In various examples, the seat cushion 316 can comprise a soft, pliable material. For example, the seat cushion can comprise a foam material (e.g., polystyrene, polyethylene, etc.), a polyurethane material, a rubber material (e.g., polyisoprene, EPDM ethylene propylene, neoprene, etc.), a fabric material (e.g., cotton, polypropylene), etc., or combinations thereof. In some examples, the seat cushion 316 can provide a relatively soft surface to slow the acceleration of the passenger 314 during a side impact with an object.

[0055] Figure 4 is a front perspective exploded view of an example seat assembly 400 (e.g., the seat assembly 106) including an example airbag 402 (e.g., the airbag 102). The seat assembly 400 can include a seat pan 404 and a seat cushion 406, such as the seat cushion 108. In various examples, the seat pan 404 can be configured to be coupled to a seat tub, such as the seat tub 104 and / or an external seat frame of a vehicle. Such a seat pan 404 can provide, for example, a hard surface through which the seat cushion 108 can be coupled to a vehicle frame.

[0056] The seat pan 404 can include a plastic material (e.g., polypropylene, polyethylene, etc.), a metallic material (e.g., aluminum, titanium, etc.), a composite material (e.g., carbon fiber, fiberglass, etc.), or a combination thereof. In at least one example, the seat pan 404 can include a polypropylene material. The seat cushion 406 can include a foam material (e.g., polystyrene, polyethylene, etc.), a polyurethane material, a rubber material (e.g., polyisoprene, EPDM ethylene propylene, neoprene, etc.), a fabric material (e.g., cotton, polypropylene, etc.), or a combination thereof. In at least one example, the seat cushion 406 can include a polyurethane material. In such examples, the seat cushion 406 can provide a soft surface upon which a passenger, such as the passenger 116, can sit. The seat cushion 406 can be configured to be coupled to the seat pan 404 and to sit atop the seat pan 404. The seat cushion 406 can be coupled to the seat pan 404 via hook-and-loop connectors (e.g., Velcro®couplings), adhesives, snap-fit connectors, screw-type connectors, spring-type connectors, and / or any other connectors configured to couple like or different materials together.

[0057] In the illustrative example, the airbag 402 can be coupled to an interior surface of the seat pan 404. In such examples, the airbag 402 can be placed between the seat pan 404 and the seat cushion 406 after the seat assembly 400 is assembled. As shown in FIG. 4A, the airbag 402 can be coupled to the seat pan 404 via the five couplings 410 (e.g., couplings 410(1), 410(2), 410(3), 410(4), and 410(5)). In other examples, the airbag 402 can be coupled to the seat pan 404 via a greater or lesser number of couplings 410. As described above, the couplings 410 can include any type of mechanical coupling, such as a snap-fit coupling, a screw, a rivet, a spring-type coupling, etc. Figure 4

[0058] In the illustrative example, the airbag 402 can include a substantially L-shaped chamber 408. In other examples, the chamber 408 can include a substantially rectangular, oval, hexagonal, D-shaped, or any other shaped chamber 408, although any other shape can also be considered (e.g., a shape that substantially conforms to a shape of a corresponding seat, conforms to a shape of a passenger or cargo in its vicinity, etc.). In various examples, the chamber 408 of the airbag 402 can be configured to deploy upon activation of the inflator 412. In some examples, the inflator 412 can be armed based at least in part on a signal from a position sensor. The position sensor can include a weight sensor, a perception sensor (e.g., an image capture device, etc.), and / or any other type of sensor configured to determine that a passenger is present in the seat assembly 400. As shown in FIG. 4A, the seat assembly 400 can include a position sensor 414. In the illustrative example, the position sensor 414 can be coupled to the seat pan 404. In other examples, the position sensor 414 can be coupled to the seat cushion 406, the airbag 402, or any other component of the seat assembly 400. In some examples, the position sensor 414 can be coupled to the seat pan 404 via the couplings 410. In other examples, the position sensor 414 can be coupled to the seat pan 404 via any other type of coupling, such as a snap-fit coupling, an adhesive, a screw-type coupling, a spring-type coupling, etc. Figure 4 ​As shown, such an airbag 402 can be substantially un-folded. Storing the airbag 402 in such a configuration can require less space in the width direction, while achieving faster inflation times, lower pressurization requirements, etc.

[0059] In various examples, the inflator 412 can be configured to deploy based at least in part on a signal from one or more sensors of the vehicle. In some examples, the sensors can include one or more impact sensors. The impact sensors can detect an impact with an object (and / or surface) and send a signal indicative of the impact directly to the inflator 412 and / or to the vehicle computing device, and / or to the inflator 412 via the vehicle computing device. In some examples, the sensors can include one or more perception sensors. In such examples, the perception sensors can be configured to capture sensor data of objects in the environment and send the sensor data to the vehicle computing device for processing. The vehicle computing device can be configured to detect and identify objects and / or surfaces in the environment based on the sensor data. In some examples, the vehicle computing device can determine that a detected and / or identified object in the environment has a constant azimuth angle to the side of the vehicle and a decreasing range. In such examples, the vehicle computing device can determine that a side impact (e.g., a side collision) with the object is imminent based on a closure rate, a speed of the object and / or the vehicle, an acceleration of the object and / or the vehicle, weather, road conditions, or other factors affecting the ability of the vehicle and / or the object to slow down or stop in the environment. In various examples, the vehicle computing device can send a signal to the inflator 412 indicative of an imminent collision with the object and / or a collision with the object.

[0060] In response to receiving the signal from the sensors and / or the vehicle computing device, the inflator 412 can fill the chamber 408 with gas and inflate toward the passenger. In the illustrative example, the chamber 408 can inflate toward the passenger and deform the seat cushion 406. As described above, the seat cushion 406 can include a pliable material that is capable of deforming and / or inflating with the chamber 408 of the airbag 402. Thus, the seat cushion 406 can be the surface with which the passenger comes into contact during a side impact.

[0061] Figure 5is a front perspective view of an example airbag 502 (such as airbag 102) coupled to an outer seat frame 504 to which a seat pan 506 (such as seat pan 404) is additionally coupled. In some examples, the seat pan 506 can be additionally or alternatively coupled to a seat basket, such as seat basket 104. In the illustrative example, the airbag 502 is coupled to the outer seat frame 504 via one or more couplings 508. The couplings 508 can include snap-fit couplings, screws, rivets, spring-type couplings, or any other mechanical couplings configured to securely couple the side airbag 502 to the outer seat frame 504. Although five couplings 508 are shown, a greater or fewer number of couplings 508 can be used to couple the airbag 502 to the outer seat frame 504.

[0062] In some examples, the airbag 502 can be configured to deploy and extend (e.g., dimensionally expand due to the introduction of gas) toward a passenger seated in the seat pan 506. In some examples, the airbag 502 can deform at least a portion of the seat pan 506 and a seat cushion (not shown) coupled to the seat pan 506, such as seat cushion 108, upon deployment.

[0063] In the illustrative example, the airbag 502 can be configured to deploy through an opening 510 in the seat pan 506 and extend toward the passenger. In various examples, the airbag 502 can deform at least a portion of the opening 510 upon deployment. For example, an edge of the opening 510 can be deformed by the force exerted on the opening during deployment of the airbag 502. As described above, the airbag 502 can extend toward the passenger and deform a seat cushion coupled to the seat pan 506. The seat cushion can include a soft, pliable material and can be a surface that the passenger contacts during a side impact with an object. The airbag 502, as well as the seat cushion and / or the seat pan 506, can slow the acceleration of the passenger during a side impact and can reduce potential injury to the passenger associated with the side impact.

[0064] Figure 6is a front side cutaway view of an example airbag 602 (e.g., airbag 102) installed in a storage container 604. The storage container 604 can include a plastic material (e.g., polypropylene, polyethylene, etc.), a metal material (e.g., aluminum, titanium, etc.), a composite material (e.g., carbon fiber, fiberglass, etc.), a fabric material (e.g., cotton, polypropylene, etc.), a rubber material (e.g., polyisoprene, EPDM ethylene propylene, neoprene, etc.), a foam material (e.g., polystyrene, polyethylene, etc.), and / or any other material capable of containing the airbag 602. In some examples, the storage container 604 can be coupled to a seat pan 606 of a vehicle, such as the seat pan 404. In such examples, the storage container can be coupled to an interior surface (proximal to a seat cushion) or an exterior surface of the seat pan 404 (distal from a seat cushion). In various examples, the storage container 604 can be coupled to a seat tub of a vehicle, such as the seat tub 104. In such examples, the storage container 604 can be coupled to an interior surface of the seat tub, an exterior surface of the seat tub, or a surface separate from the seat tub.

[0065] In illustrative examples, the storage container 604 is coupled to a vehicle frame 608. In some examples, the vehicle frame 608 can include an exterior seat frame, such as the exterior seat frame 504, a vehicle frame, or other frame associated with a vehicle and / or components thereof. As described above, the storage container 604 can be coupled to the seat pan 606, the seat tub, and / or the vehicle frame 608 via one or more couplings. Additionally, in various examples, the airbag 602 can be coupled to the storage container 604 via one or more couplings. The airbag 602 can be contained in the storage container 604 in a folded or unfolded position.

[0066] In some examples, the airbag 602 can be configured to deploy and extend (e.g., expand in size due to the introduction of gas) toward an occupant seated in a seat assembly (e.g., including a seat tub, a seat pan, and / or a seat cushion). In some examples, the airbag 602, when deployed, can deform at least a portion of the seat pan 606, and a seat cushion (not shown), such as the seat cushion 108, is coupled to the seat pan 606. In various examples, the airbag 602, when deployed, can deform the storage container 604. In some examples, a surface of the storage container 604 proximal to the occupant can be configured to detach to allow the airbag to extend toward the occupant.

[0067] In the illustrative example, the airbag 602 can be configured to deploy and extend toward the passenger through an opening 610 (e.g., the opening 510) in the seat pan 606. In various examples, the airbag 602 can deform at least a portion of the opening 610 upon deployment. For example, during deployment of the airbag 602, edges of the opening 610 can be deformed by forces exerted thereon (e.g., from the airbag 602 and / or the storage container 604). As described above, the airbag 602 can extend toward the passenger and deform a seat cushion coupled to the seat pan 606. The seat cushion can include a soft, pliable material and can be a surface that the passenger contacts upon a side impact object. The airbag 602, as well as the seat cushion and / or the seat pan 606, can slow the acceleration of the passenger during a side impact and can reduce potential injuries to the passenger associated with a side impact.

[0068] Figure 7 is a block diagram of an example system 700 for implementing the techniques described herein. In at least one example, the system 700 can include a vehicle 702, such as a vehicle on which a seat pan can be installed as described above with respect to FIGS. 1-6.

[0069] The vehicle 702 can include a vehicle computing device 704, one or more sensor systems 706, one or more emitters 708, one or more communication connections 710, at least one direct connection 712, and one or more drive modules 714.

[0070] The vehicle computing device 704 can include one or more processors 716 and a memory 718 communicatively coupled with the one or more processors 716. The vehicle 702 can include any type of vehicle, such as an autonomous vehicle, a semi-autonomous vehicle, or any other system having at least an image capture device (e.g., a smartphone enabled with a camera). In the illustrated example, the memory 718 of the vehicle computing device 704 stores a localization component 720, a perception component 722, a planning component 724, one or more system controllers 726, and a side airbag component 728 including a collision component 730, and a signaling component 732. Although depicted as residing in the memory 718 in Figure 7 it is contemplated that the localization component 720, the perception component 722, the planning component 724, the system controllers 726, and the side airbag component 728 including the collision component 730, and the signaling component 732 can additionally or alternatively be accessible to the vehicle 702 (e.g., stored on a memory remote from the vehicle 702 or otherwise accessible on a memory remote from the vehicle 702, such as, for example, on a memory 734 of a remote computing device 736).

[0071] In at least one example, the localization component 720 can include receiving data from the sensor system 706 to determine a location and / or orientation of the vehicle 702 (e.g., x, y, z position, roll, pitch, or yaw). For example, the localization component 720 can include and / or request / receive a map of the environment, and can continuously determine a location and / or orientation of the autonomous vehicle within the map. In some cases, the localization component 720 can utilize SLAM (simultaneous localization and mapping), CLAMS (calibration, localization, and mapping simultaneously), relative SLAM, bundle adjustment, non-linear least squares optimization, etc. to receive image data, LIDAR data, radar data, IMU data, GPS data, wheel encoder data, etc. to accurately determine a location of the autonomous vehicle. In some cases, the localization component 720 can provide data to various components of the vehicle 702 to determine an initial location of the vehicle, to determine whether a side impact with an object is likely to occur (e.g., an impending collision), as discussed herein.

[0072] In some examples, the perception component 722 can include functionality to perform object detection, segmentation, and / or classification. In some examples, the perception component 722 can provide processed sensor data indicating a presence of an object proximate to the vehicle 702 and / or a classification of the object as a type of object (e.g., car, pedestrian, cyclist, animal, building, tree, road surface, curb, sidewalk, unknown, etc.). In some examples, the perception component 722 can provide processed sensor data indicating a presence of a stationary object proximate to the vehicle 702 and / or a classification of the stationary object as a type of object (e.g., building, tree, road surface, pole, curb, sidewalk, unknown, etc.). In additional or alternative examples, the perception component 722 can provide processed sensor data indicating one or more features associated with a detected object (e.g., a tracked object) and / or an environment in which the object is located. In some examples, features associated with an object can include, but are not limited to, an x position (global and / or local position), a y position (global and / or local position), a z position (global and / or local position), an orientation (e.g., roll, pitch, yaw), an object type (e.g., classification), a velocity of the object, an acceleration of the object, a range (size) of the object, etc. Features related to an environment can include, but are not limited to, a presence of another object in the environment, a state of another object in the environment, a time of day, a day of the week, a season, a weather condition, an indication of darkness / brightness, etc.

[0073] Typically, the planning component 724 determines the path that vehicle 702 will follow through the environment. For example, the planning component 724 can determine various routes and trajectories, as well as various levels of detail. For example, the planning component 724 can determine a route from a first location (e.g., the current location) to a second location (e.g., the target location). For the purposes of this discussion, the route may include a series of landmarks traveling between the two locations. As a non-limiting example, landmarks include streets, intersections, Global Positioning System (GPS) coordinates, etc. Furthermore, the planning component 724 can generate instructions for guiding the autonomous vehicle along at least a portion of the route from the first location to the second location. In at least one example, the planning component 724 can determine how to guide vehicle 702 from a first landmark in a roadmark sequence to a second landmark in a roadmark sequence. In some examples, the instructions may be a trajectory or a portion of a trajectory. In some examples, multiple trajectories may be generated substantially simultaneously (e.g., within technical tolerances) according to a rolling time-domain technique, wherein one of the multiple trajectories is selected for vehicle 702 navigation.

[0074] In some examples, the planning component 724 may include a prediction component to generate predicted trajectories of objects in the environment. For example, the prediction component may generate one or more predicted trajectories for objects within a threshold distance of vehicle 702. In some examples, the prediction component may measure the traces of objects and generate the object's trajectory based on observed and predicted behavior.

[0075] In at least one example, the vehicle computing device 704 may include one or more system controllers 726, which may be configured to control the steering, propulsion, braking, safety, transmitter, communication, and other systems of the vehicle 702. The system controllers 726 may communicate with and / or control corresponding systems of the drive module 714 and / or other components of the vehicle 702.

[0076] like Figure 7 As shown, the vehicle computing device 704 may include a side airbag component 728. The side airbag component 728 may include a collision component 730 configured to determine an impending collision with an object (e.g., frontal collision, side collision, edge collision, etc.). In various examples, the side airbag component 728 may receive data from the sensing component 722 regarding one or more objects in the environment. The data may include the object's trajectory, the object's velocity (including closure speed, e.g., closure rate), the object's acceleration, its orientation from the vehicle 702 to the object, and / or any other data to help the collision component 730 determine the impending collision with the object.

[0077] In various examples, the collision component 730 can be configured to determine a time associated with the impending collision. The time can be a specific time, such as, for example, 120 milliseconds after 3:05 pm, or can be a time interval from the time the impending collision is determined. The time can be determined based on the closure rate of the object toward the vehicle 702, the speed of the vehicle 702, the acceleration of the vehicle 702, the speed of the object, the acceleration of the object, road conditions, weather conditions, and / or other factors that can affect the closure rate of the object toward the vehicle, or vice versa.

[0078] In some examples, the side airbag component 530 can include a signaling component 732. The signaling component 732 can be configured to receive an indication from the collision component 730 that an object is about to collide, for example, and send a signal to one or more airbags 740 (e.g., airbag 102). In various examples, upon receiving the signal, the signal can cause the inflator 738 to expel gas into the chamber 742 of the airbag 740. In some examples, the signal can include a timing component. In such examples, the signal can cause the inflator 738 to expel gas into the chamber 742 of the airbag 740 at a specific time and / or after an indicated time period (e.g., a delay time period). For example, the signaling component 732 can receive a time associated with the impending collision from the collision component 730. The signaling component 732 can include the time in the signal, causing the airbag 740 to deploy at the time of the collision. For another example, the signaling component 732 can include a delay time period, causing the airbag 740 to deploy after the delay time period. In response to receiving the signal, the inflator 738 can cause the chamber 742 to deploy toward a passenger seated in the passenger cabin of the vehicle 702.

[0079] It can be appreciated that the components discussed herein (e.g., the positioning component 720, the perception component 722, the planning component 724, the one or more system controllers 726, the side airbag component 728 including the collision component 730, and the signaling component 732) are separate for illustrative purposes. However, the operations performed by the various components can be combined or performed in any other component.

[0080] In certain instances, aspects of some or all of the components discussed herein can include any model, algorithm, and / or machine learning algorithm. For example, in certain instances, the components in the memory 718 (as well as the memory 734 discussed below) can be implemented as a neural network.

[0081] As described herein, an exemplary neural network is a biologically inspired algorithm that passes input data through a series of connected layers to produce an output. Each layer in a neural network can also contain another neural network, or can contain any number of layers (whether or not convolutional). As can be appreciated in the context of the present disclosure, a neural network can utilize machine learning, which can refer to a broad class of such algorithms in which an output is generated based on learned parameters.

[0082] Although discussed in the context of neural networks, any type of machine learning can be used in accordance with the present disclosure. For example, machine learning algorithms can include, but are not limited to, regression algorithms (e.g., ordinary least squares regression (OLSR), linear regression, logistic regression, stepwise regression, multivariate adaptive regression splines (MARS), locally estimated scatterplot smoothing (LOESS)), instance-based algorithms (e.g., ridge regression, least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO), elastic net, least angle regression (LARS)), decision tree algorithms (e.g., classification and regression tree (CART), iterative dichotomiser 3 (ID3), chi- squared automatic interaction detection (CHAID), decision stump, conditional decision tree), Bayesian algorithms (e.g., Naive Bayes, Gaussian Naive Bayes, Multinomial Naive Bayes, Average One-Dependence Estimators (AODE), Bayesian Belief Network (BNN), Bayesian Network), clustering algorithms (e.g., k-means, k-medians, expectation maximization (EM), hierarchical clustering), association rule learning algorithms (e.g., perceptron, back-propagation, Hopfield network, radial basis function network (RBFN)), deep learning algorithms (e.g., deep Boltzmann machine (DBM), deep belief network (DBN), convolutional neural network (CNN), stacked autoencoder), dimensionality reduction algorithms (e.g., principal component analysis (PCA), principal component regression (PCR), partial least squares regression (PLSR), Sammon mapping, multidimensional scaling (MDS), projection pursuit, linear discriminant analysis (LDA), mixture discriminant analysis (MDA), quadratic discriminant analysis (QDA), flexible discriminant analysis (FDA)), ensemble algorithms (e.g., Bagging, AdaBoost, blending, gradient boosting machines (GBM), gradient boosting regression trees (GBRT), random forest), SVM (support vector machine), supervised learning, unsupervised learning, semi-supervised learning, etc. Other examples of architectures include neural networks such as ResNet70, ResNet101, VGG, DenseNet, PointNet, etc.

[0083] In at least one example, the sensor system 706 can include LIDAR sensors, radar sensors, ultrasonic transducers, sonar sensors, position sensors (e.g., GPS, compass, etc.), inertial sensors (e.g., inertial measurement units (IMUs), accelerometers, magnetometers, gyroscopes, etc.), cameras (e.g., RGB, IR, intensity, depth, time-of-flight, etc.), microphones, wheel encoders, environmental sensors (e.g., temperature sensors, humidity sensors, light sensors, pressure sensors, etc.), etc. In various examples, the sensor system 706 can include a position sensor configured to determine whether a passenger is seated in the seat assembly. In some examples, the position sensor can include a weight switch configured to determine whether a weight is located on the seat assembly. The weight can include a minimum weight (e.g., 50 pounds, 25 kilograms, 100 pounds, etc.) associated with a passenger. In various examples, the position sensor can include an image capture device and / or other perception sensors. In such examples, the image capture device and / or other perception sensors can transmit sensor data to the vehicle computing device for analysis and determination of whether an object in the seat assembly is a passenger (e.g., whether it is a human or other living animal).

[0084] The sensor system 706 can include multiple instances of each of these or other types of sensors. For example, the LIDAR sensors can include separate LIDAR sensors located at the corners, front, back, sides, and / or top of the vehicle 702. As another example, the camera sensors can include multiple cameras disposed at various locations around the exterior and / or interior of the vehicle 702. The sensor system 706 can provide input to the vehicle computing device 704. Additionally or alternatively, the sensor system 706 can transmit sensor data to the one or more computing devices 736 via the one or more networks 744 at a particular frequency after a predetermined period of time elapses, in close to real-time, etc.

[0085] As described above, the vehicle 702 can also include one or more emitters 708 for emitting light and / or sound. In this example, the emitters 708 include interior audio and visual emitters to communicate with passengers of the vehicle 702. By way of example and not limitation, the interior emitters can include speakers, lights, signs, display screens, touch screens, haptic emitters (e.g., vibration and / or force feedback), mechanical actuators (e.g., seatbelt tensioners, seat positioners, headrest positioners, etc.), and the like. In this example, the emitters 708 also include exterior emitters. By way of example and not limitation, the exterior emitters in this example include signal lights (e.g., indicator lights, signs, arrays of lights, etc.) to emit directional signals or other indications of vehicle actions, as well as one or more audio emitters (e.g., speakers, arrays of speakers, horns, etc.) to audibly communicate with pedestrians or other nearby vehicles, one or more of which contain beam-steering technology.

[0086] The vehicle 702 can also include one or more communication connections 710 that enable communication between the vehicle 702 and one or more other local or remote computing devices. For example, the communication connections 710 can facilitate communication with other local computing devices on the vehicle 702 and / or the drive module 714. Also, the communication connections 710 can enable the vehicle to communicate with other nearby computing devices (e.g., the computing device 736, other nearby vehicles, etc.) and / or one or more remote sensor systems 746 to receive sensor data.

[0087] The communication connections 710 can include physical and / or logical interfaces for connecting the vehicle computing device 704 to another computing device or a network, such as the network 744. For example, the communication connections 710 can enable Wi-Fi based communication, such as via frequencies defined by the IEEE 802.11 standard, short-range wireless frequencies such as Bluetooth, cellular communication (e.g., 2G, 3G, 4G, 4G LTE, 5G, etc.), or any suitable wired or wireless communication protocol that enables the respective computing devices to interface with other computing devices.

[0088] In at least one example, the vehicle 702 can include one or more drive modules 714. In some examples, the vehicle 702 can have a single drive module 714. In at least one example, if the vehicle 702 has multiple drive modules 714, the individual drive modules 714 can be positioned on opposite ends (e.g., front and rear, etc.) of the vehicle 702. In at least one example, the drive modules 714 can include one or more sensor systems to detect conditions of the drive module 714 and / or the surrounding environment of the vehicle 702. By way of example and not limitation, the sensor systems can include one or more wheel encoders (e.g., rotary encoders) to sense rotation of the drive module’s wheels, inertial sensors (e.g., inertial measurement units, accelerometers, gyroscopes, magnetometers, etc.) to measure the drive module’s orientation and acceleration, cameras or other image sensors, ultrasonic sensors to acoustically detect objects around the drive module, LIDAR sensors, radar sensors, etc. Some sensors, such as wheel encoders, can be unique to the drive module 714. In some cases, the sensor systems on the drive module 714 can overlap or supplement corresponding systems of the vehicle 702 (e.g., the sensor systems 706).

[0089] The drive modules 714 can include a number of vehicle systems, including a high-voltage battery, an electric motor to propel the vehicle, an inverter to convert direct current from the battery to alternating current for use by other vehicle systems, a steering system including a steering motor and a steering rack (which can be electrically powered), a braking system including hydraulic or electric actuators, a suspension system including hydraulic and / or pneumatic components, a stability control system to distribute braking force to mitigate loss of traction and maintain control, an HVAC system, lighting (e.g., lighting to illuminate the vehicle’s external environment, such as head / tail lamps), and one or more other systems (e.g., a cooling system, a safety system, an onboard charging system, other electrical components, such as a DC / DC converter, a high-voltage junction, a high-voltage cable, a charging system, a charging port, etc.). Additionally, the drive modules 714 can include a drive module controller that can receive and pre-process data from the sensor systems and control operation of the various vehicle systems. In some examples, the drive module controller can include one or more processors and a memory communicatively coupled with the one or more processors. The memory can store one or more modules to perform various functions of the drive module 714. Further, the drive module 714 can also include one or more communication connections that enable the respective drive module to communicate with one or more other local or remote computing devices.

[0090] In at least one example, the direct connection 712 can provide a physical interface to couple the one or more drive modules 714 with the body of the vehicle 702. For example, the direct connection 712 can allow for the transfer of energy, fluids, air, data, etc. between the drive module 714 and the vehicle. In some cases, the direct connection 712 can further releasably secure the drive module 714 to the body of the vehicle 702.

[0091] In at least one example, the positioning component 720, the perception component 722, the planning component 724, the one or more system controllers 726, and the side airbag component 728 and its various components can process sensor data as described above and can send their respective outputs to the computing device 736 over the one or more networks 744. In at least one example, the positioning component 720, the perception component 722, the planning component 724, the one or more system controllers 726, and the side airbag component 728 can send their respective outputs to the computing device 736 at a particular frequency after a predetermined period of time, in near real-time, etc.

[0092] In some examples, the vehicle 702 can send sensor data to the computing device 736 via the network 744. In some examples, the vehicle 702 can receive sensor data from the computing device 736 and / or from the remote sensor system 746 via the network 744. The sensor data can include raw sensor data and / or processed sensor data and / or a representation of the sensor data. In some examples, the sensor data (raw or processed) can be sent and / or received as one or more log files.

[0093] The computing device 736 can include a processor 748 and a memory 734 configured to store data. The processor 716 of the vehicle 702 and the processor 748 of the computing device 736 can be any suitable processor capable of executing instructions to process data and perform the operations described herein. By way of example and not limitation, the processors 716 and 748 can include one or more central processing units (CPUs), graphics processing units (GPUs), or any other device or portion of a device that processes electronic data to transform that electronic data into other electronic data that can be stored in registers and / or memory. In some examples, integrated circuits (e.g., ASICs, etc.), gate arrays (e.g., FPGAs, etc.), and other hardware devices can also be considered processors so long as they are configured to implement encoded instructions.

[0094] The memory 718 and 734 are examples of non-transitory computer- readable media. The memory 718 and 734 can store operating systems and one or more software applications, instructions, programs, and / or data to implement the methods described herein and the functionality attributed to the various systems. In various implementations, the memory can be implemented using any suitable storage technology, such as static random access memory (SRAM), synchronous dynamic RAM (SDRAM), nonvolatile / Flash-type memory, or any other type of storage that is capable of storing information. The architectures, systems, and various elements described herein can include many other logical, programmatic, and physical components, of which those shown in the accompanying figures are merely examples that are related to the discussion herein.

[0095] In some cases, the memory 718 and 734 can include at least working memory and storage memory. For example, the working memory can be a limited-capacity, high-speed memory (e.g., cache memory) that is used to store data to be operated on by the processor 716 and 748. In some cases, the memory 718 and 734 can include storage memory, which can be a relatively larger-capacity, low-speed memory that is used for long-term storage of data. In some cases, as discussed herein, the processor 716 and 748 cannot directly operate on data stored in the storage memory and can need to load the data into the working memory to perform operations based on the data.

[0096] It should be noted that although Figure 7 While shown as a distributed system, in alternative examples, the components of the vehicle 702 can be associated with the computing device 736 and / or components of the computing device 736 can be associated with the vehicle 702. That is, the vehicle 702 can perform one or more functions related to the computing device 736 and vice versa.

[0097] Figure 8 An example process in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure is shown. The process is illustrated as a logical flow graph, each operation of which represents a sequence of operations that can be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination thereof. In the context of software, the operations represent computer-executable instructions stored on one or more computer-readable storage media that, when executed by one or more processors, perform the recited operations. Generally, computer-executable instructions include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, and the like that perform particular functions or implement particular abstract data types. The order in which the operations are described is not intended to be construed as a limitation, and any number of the described operations can be combined in any order and / or in parallel to implement the processes described above.

[0098] Figure 8An example process 800 for deploying a side airbag of a vehicle is depicted. For example, some or all of the process 800 can be performed by one or more components of the vehicle computing device 704, as described herein. For example, some or all of the process 800 can be performed by the vehicle computing device 704. Figure 7

[0099] At operation 802, the process can include receiving sensor data from a sensor. In some examples, the vehicle computing device can receive sensor data from a sensor. In various examples, the sensor can include a perception sensor, as described above. In such examples, the sensor data can include an indication of an object (e.g., a vehicle, a cyclist, a pole, a wall, etc.) having a constant bearing toward a side of the vehicle and a decreasing range. For a stationary, remote object, the indication can signal to the vehicle computing device that the vehicle is sliding or otherwise moving laterally toward the stationary, remote object.

[0100] In some examples, the sensor can include a crash sensor, and the sensor data can include an electrical signal indicating a crash. In such examples, the crash sensor can send the electrical signal to an inflator.

[0101] At operation 804, the process can include determining whether a side collision with the object has occurred and / or is imminent. In some examples, the process can include determining that a side collision will occur within a threshold period of time. In various examples, the vehicle computing device can determine that a side collision has occurred or is imminent based on the received sensor data. In some examples, the vehicle computing device can determine an imminent collision based on a high closure rate of an object that cannot or can not stop in a distance between the vehicle and the object. For example, the vehicle computing device can determine that another vehicle has a constant bearing toward a side of the vehicle and a range that is rapidly decreasing at a rate indicative of an imminent collision. The vehicle computing device can thus determine that a side collision with the other vehicle is imminent.

[0102] In some examples, the inflator can receive the electrical signal indicating a crash from the crash sensor. In such examples, the inflator can determine that a side collision with the object has occurred.

[0103] If the vehicle computing device determines that a side collision with the object will not occur and / or is not imminent (e.g., “NO” in operation 804), the process continues to operation 806. At operation 806, the process can include determining that no action needs to be taken. Based on the determination to take no action with respect to airbag deployment, the process can return to operation 802.

[0104] ​If the time reaches or exceeds the threshold period of time (e.g., “yes” in operation 804), the process continues to operation 808. In operation 808, the process can include causing an inflator of the side airbag to deploy the side airbag and causing at least a portion of the seat assembly to deform.

[0105] In various examples, the vehicle computing device can cause the inflator to deploy based on a determination that a side impact with an object is imminent. In such examples, the vehicle computing device can send a signal to the inflator, causing the inflator to ignite and fill one or more chambers of the side airbag with gas. In some examples, the inflator can receive an electrical signal directly from the impact sensor. In such examples, the inflator can automatically deploy one or more chambers of the airbag based on receiving the electrical signal.

[0106] In response to the inflator filling the chamber of the side airbag with gas, the chamber can expand toward the passenger cabin. The expansion of the chamber can apply a force on a portion of a seat pan of the seat assembly and / or a portion of a seat cushion of the seat assembly, causing the portion of the seat pan and / or the portion of the seat cushion to deform into the passenger cabin.

[0107] Example Clauses

[0108] A: A vehicle comprising: a body having a passenger cabin; a seat assembly disposed in the passenger cabin; a side airbag system at least partially obscured from the passenger cabin by a component of the seat assembly, the side airbag system comprising: a sensor configured to detect one or more of a collision with an object or an imminent collision with an object; a chamber; and an inflator coupled to the chamber and in communication with the collision sensor; one or more processors; and one or more memories storing computer-executable instructions that, when executed, cause the one or more processors to perform acts comprising: receiving a signal from the sensor indicative of a side impact; and causing the chamber to expand based at least in part on the signal, wherein, when fully expanded, the chamber of the side airbag system is fully obscured from the passenger cabin by the seat assembly.

[0109] B: The vehicle of paragraph A, wherein the chamber of the side airbag system is coupled to a surface of the seat assembly in an uncollapsed state.

[0110] C: The vehicle of paragraph A or B, wherein the chamber is coupled to at least one of a receiver configured to be coupled to at least a portion of a seat cushion or an outer seat frame.

[0111] D: The vehicle of any of paragraphs A-C, wherein the seat assembly comprises: a seat pan; a seat cushion; and a receiver configured to be coupled to at least one of the seat pan or the seat cushion; wherein, in response to the chamber being filled with gas, the chamber deforms at least one of the seat pan, the seat cushion, or the receiver.

[0112] E: The vehicle of any of paragraphs A-D, wherein the sensor is a perception sensor, the one or more memories further store computer-executable instructions that, when executed, cause the one or more processors to perform acts comprising: receiving sensor data from the perception sensor; determining, based at least in part on the sensor data, that a side impact with the object is within a threshold period of time; and sending a deployment signal to the inflator that causes the inflator to deploy the chamber.

[0113] F: The vehicle of any of paragraphs A-E, wherein the side airbag system further comprises a position sensor communicatively coupled to the inflator, an output of the position sensor indicating whether a passenger is seated in the seat assembly, wherein the inflator is configured to receive position sensor data from the position sensor and determine whether to fill the chamber with gas.

[0114] G: A side airbag comprising: a chamber configured to be coupled to a side of a seat assembly of a vehicle; and an inflator coupled to the chamber, wherein the inflator is configured to receive a signal indicating a side impact and, based at least in part on the signal, cause the chamber to inflate toward a centerline of the seat assembly and deform at least a portion of the seat assembly toward the centerline of the seat assembly, wherein, when fully inflated, the at least a portion of the seat assembly shields the chamber from a passenger compartment of the vehicle.

[0115] H: The side airbag of paragraph G, wherein the chamber is coupled to the side of the seat assembly in an un-folded state.

[0116] I: The side airbag of paragraph G or H, wherein the seat assembly comprises: a seat pan; a seat cushion; and a receiver configured to be coupled to at least one of the seat pan or the seat cushion; wherein, in response to inflation of the chamber, the chamber deforms at least one of the seat pan, the seat cushion, or the receiver.

[0117] J: The side airbag of any of paragraphs G-I, wherein the inflator is configured to receive an arming signal from a weight sensor based on the weight sensor determining that an item in the seat assembly proximate to the side airbag has a weight greater than a threshold weight, and wherein the arming signal causes the inflator to arm for deployment.

[0118] K: The side airbag of any of paragraphs G-I, wherein the inflator is configured to receive an arming signal from an image sensor configured to capture an image of the seat assembly and determine whether a passenger is positioned in the seat assembly proximate to the side airbag, and wherein the arming signal causes the inflator to arm for deployment.

[0119] L: The side airbag of any of paragraphs G-K, wherein the signal indicative of a side impact includes an indication of an impending impact with an object, and wherein the indication of an impending impact is determined by a computing device communicatively coupled to the inflator based at least in part on data received by the computing device from a perception sensor.

[0120] M: The side airbag of any of paragraphs G-K, wherein the signal indicative of a side impact includes an electrical signal from an impact sensor communicatively coupled to the inflator, the impact sensor configured to detect an impact with an object.

[0121] N: A side airbag comprising: a chamber coupled to a portion of a seat frame of a vehicle, a seat assembly coupled to the portion, and the chamber configured to inflate toward a passenger compartment of the vehicle, wherein the chamber is coupled to the portion of the seat frame at an un-folded position; and an inflator coupled to the chamber, wherein the inflator is configured to receive a signal indicative of a side impact with an object and, based at least in part on the signal, cause the chamber to inflate toward the passenger compartment and at least a portion of the seat assembly to deform toward a centerline of the seat assembly.

[0122] O: The side airbag of paragraph N, wherein the chamber is further configured to inflate through an opening in a seat pan.

[0123] P: The side airbag of paragraph N or O, wherein the seat assembly at least partially shields the chamber from the passenger compartment.

[0124] Q: The side airbag of any of paragraphs N-P, wherein the seat assembly comprises: a seat pan; a seat cushion; a receiver configured to be coupled to at least one of the seat pan or the seat cushion, wherein, in response to the chamber inflating toward the passenger compartment, the chamber deforms at least one of the seat pan, the seat cushion, or the receiver.

[0125] R: The side airbag of any of paragraphs N-Q, wherein the chamber comprises at least one of: a single compartment configured to hold a gas; and two or more compartments configured to hold a gas.

[0126] S: The side airbag of any of paragraphs N-R, wherein the signal indicative of a side impact includes an indication of an impending impact with an object, and wherein the indication of an impending impact is determined by a computing device communicatively coupled to the inflator based at least in part on sensor data received by a perception sensor.

[0127] T: The side airbag of any of paragraphs N-R, wherein the signal indicative of a side impact includes an electrical signal from an impact sensor communicatively coupled to the inflator, the impact sensor configured to detect an impact with an object.

[0128] U: A method comprising: receiving sensor data from a sensor; determining a side impact with an object; and causing an inflator of a side airbag to deploy the side airbag and deform at least a portion of a seat assembly, wherein the side airbag at least partially obscures the passenger cabin after deployment of the side airbag.

[0129] V: The method of paragraph U, wherein the sensor comprises a perception sensor and the sensor data comprises an indication of an impending impact with the object, wherein determining the side impact is based at least in part on the indication of the impending impact.

[0130] W: The method of paragraph U, wherein the sensor comprises a crash sensor and the sensor data comprises an electrical signal from the crash sensor indicative of the side impact with the object.

[0131] X: The method of any of paragraphs U-W, wherein the seat assembly comprises: a seat pan; a seat cushion; and a receiver configured to couple to at least one of the seat pan or the seat cushion, wherein the deployment of the side airbag deforms at least one of the seat pan, the seat cushion, or the receiver.

[0132] Y: The method of any of paragraphs U-X, wherein, upon deployment, the side airbag is configured to inflate through an opening in the seat pan.

[0133] Z: The method of any of paragraphs U-Y, wherein the side airbag is coupled to a surface of the vehicle in an un-folded position.

[0134] AA: The method of any of paragraphs U-Z, wherein the side airbag comprises at least one of: a single compartment configured to hold a gas; and two or more compartments configured to hold a gas.

[0135] AB: A system or apparatus comprising: a processor; and a computer readable medium coupled to the processor, the computer readable medium comprising instructions for configuring the processor to perform the method of any of paragraphs U-AA.

[0136] AC: A system or apparatus comprising: means for processing; and means for storing coupled to the means for processing, the means for storing comprising instructions that configure one or more devices to perform the method of any of paragraphs U-AA.

[0137] AD: A computer readable medium having thereon computer-executable instructions that, in response to being executed, configure a computer to perform the method of any of paragraphs U-AA.

[0138] While the above exemplary clauses are described with respect to one particular implementation, it should be appreciated that the content of the exemplary clauses can also be implemented via a method, device, system, computer-readable medium, and / or another implementation in the context of this document.

[0139] Additional Exemplary Clauses

[0140] 1. A vehicle comprising: a body having a passenger cabin; a seat assembly disposed in the passenger cabin; and a side airbag comprising: a chamber configured to couple to a side of the seat assembly of the vehicle; and an inflator coupled to the chamber, wherein the inflator is configured to receive a signal indicative of a side impact and, based at least in part on the signal, cause the chamber to inflate toward a centerline of the seat assembly and deform at least a portion of the seat assembly toward the centerline of the seat assembly, wherein, when fully inflated, the chamber is obscured from the passenger cabin of the vehicle by the at least a portion of the seat assembly.

[0141] 2. The vehicle of clause 1, wherein the chamber is coupled to the side of the seat assembly in an uncollapsed state, and wherein the side airbag system is at least partially obscured from the passenger cabin by a component of the seat assembly.

[0142] 3. The vehicle of any one of clauses 1 or 2, wherein the seat assembly comprises: a seat pan; a seat cushion; and a receiver configured to couple to at least one of the seat pan or the seat cushion; wherein, in response to inflation of the chamber, the chamber deforms at least one of the seat pan, the seat cushion, or the receiver.

[0143] 4. The vehicle of any one of clauses 1-3, wherein the inflator is configured to receive an arming signal from a weight sensor based on a determination by the weight sensor that a weight of an item in the seat assembly proximate to the side airbag exceeds a threshold weight, and wherein the arming signal causes the inflator to arm for deployment.

[0144] 5. The vehicle of any one of clauses 1-4, wherein the inflator is configured to receive an arming signal from one or more of: a position sensor communicatively coupled to the inflator, an output of the position sensor indicative of whether a passenger is seated in the seat assembly, or an image sensor configured to capture an image of the seat assembly and determine whether a passenger is positioned in the seat assembly proximate to the side airbag, and wherein the arming signal causes the inflator to arm for deployment.

[0145] 6. The vehicle of any one of clauses 1-5, wherein the signal indicative of a side impact comprises an indication of an impending impact with an object, and wherein the indication of the impending impact is determined by a computing device communicatively coupled to the inflator based at least in part on data received by the computing device from a perception sensor indicative of an impact with the object within a threshold period of time.

[0146] 7. The vehicle of any one of clauses 1-5, wherein the signal indicative of a side impact includes an electrical signal from a crash sensor communicatively coupled to the inflator, the crash sensor configured to detect an impact with an object.

[0147] 8. A side airbag comprising: a chamber coupled to a portion of a seat frame of a vehicle, a seat assembly coupled to the portion, and the chamber configured to inflate toward a passenger compartment of the vehicle, wherein the chamber is coupled to the portion of the seat frame in an un-folded position; and an inflator coupled with the chamber, wherein the inflator is configured to receive a signal indicative of a side impact with an object and, based at least in part on the signal, cause the chamber to inflate toward the passenger compartment and at least a portion of the seat assembly to deform toward a centerline of the seat assembly.

[0148] 9. The side airbag of clause 8, wherein the chamber is further configured to inflate through an opening in a seat pan.

[0149] 10. The side airbag of clause 8 or 9, wherein the seat assembly at least partially shields the chamber from the passenger compartment.

[0150] 11. The side airbag of any one of clauses 8-10, wherein the seat assembly comprises: a seat pan; a seat cushion; and a receiver configured to at least one of the seat pan or the seat cushion, wherein, in response to the chamber inflating toward the passenger compartment, the chamber deforms at least one of the seat pan, the seat cushion, or the receiver.

[0151] 12. The side airbag of any one of clauses 8-11, wherein the chamber comprises at least one of: a single compartment configured to hold a gas; or two or more compartments configured to hold a gas.

[0152] 13. The side airbag of any one of clauses 8-12, wherein the signal indicative of a side impact includes an indication of an impending impact with an object, and wherein the indication of the impending impact is determined by a computing device communicatively coupled to the inflator based at least in part on sensor data received by a perception sensor.

[0153] 14. The side airbag of any one of clauses 8-12, wherein the signal indicative of a side impact includes an electrical signal from a crash sensor communicatively coupled to the inflator, the crash sensor configured to detect an impact with an object.

[0154] 15. A method comprising: receiving sensor data from a sensor; determining a side impact with an object; and deploying a side airbag according to any one of the preceding clauses 8-14 to deform at least a portion of a seat assembly, wherein the side airbag is at least partially shielded from a passenger compartment when the side airbag is deployed.

[0155] Conclusions

[0156] While one or more examples of the technology described herein have been described, various alterations, permutations and equivalents thereof will be apparent to others skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the technology described herein.

[0157] In the description of the examples, reference has been made to apparatus formed from a plurality of separate components, it will be appreciated that in other examples, apparatus can be provided that are formed from a single component, or from two or more components engaged or joined together. In the description of the examples, reference has been made to the use of a computer program to implement the examples. It will be appreciated that in other examples, apparatus can be provided that are formed from a single component, or from two or more components engaged or joined together. In the description of the examples, reference has been made to the use of a computer program to implement the examples. It will be appreciated that in other examples, apparatus can be provided that are formed from a single component, or from two or more components engaged or joined together. In the description of the examples, reference has been made to the use of a computer program to implement the examples. It will be appreciated that in other examples, apparatus can be provided that are formed from a single component, or from two or more components engaged or joined together. In the description of the examples, reference has been made to the use of a computer program to implement the examples. It will be appreciated that in other examples, apparatus can be provided that are formed from a single component, or from two or more components engaged or joined together. In the description of the examples, reference has been made to the use of a computer program to implement the examples. It will be appreciated that in other examples, apparatus can be provided that are formed from a single component, or from two or more components engaged or joined together. In the description of the examples, reference has been made to the use of a computer program to implement the examples. It will be appreciated that in other examples, apparatus can be provided that are formed from a single component, or from two or more components engaged or joined together. In the description of the examples, reference has been made to the use of a computer program to implement the examples. It will be appreciated that in other examples, apparatus can be provided that are formed from a single component, or from two or more components engaged or joined together. In the description of the examples, reference has been made to the use of a computer program to implement the examples.

Claims

1. A vehicle comprising: The main body has a passenger cabin; A seat assembly disposed in the passenger compartment and connected to an external seat frame; A side airbag system, the side airbag system being at least partially shielded from the passenger compartment by components of the seat assembly, the side airbag system comprising: A sensor configured to detect an impending collision with an object; A chamber, the chamber being connected to the external seat frame via one or more couplings; and An inflator connected to the chamber and communicating with the sensor, wherein the chamber and the inflation mechanism cause the seat assembly to be removed from the external seat frame without decoupling the side airbag system; One or more processors; and One or more memories storing computer-executable instructions, which, when executed, cause the one or more processors to perform the following actions: Receive a signal indicating the impending collision from the sensor; and The expansion of the chamber is caused at least in part by the signal. When fully inflated, the chambers of the side airbag system are completely shielded from the passenger compartment by the seat assembly.

2. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the seat assembly further comprises: Bucket seat and seat plate; The chamber is connected to the seat bucket; and The chamber and the inflation mechanism enable the seat plate of the seat assembly to be removed from the seat bucket without disconnecting the side airbag system from the seat bucket.

3. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the chamber of the side airbag system is configured to be connected to at least a portion of the seat cushion of the seat assembly or to an external seat frame.

4. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the seat assembly comprises: Seat plate; as well as Seat cushion, In response to the chamber being filled with gas, the chamber causes at least one of the seat plate or the seat cushion to deform.

5. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the sensor is a sensing sensor, and wherein the action further includes: Receive sensor data from the sensing sensor; Based at least in part on the sensor data, it is determined that the side collision with the object occurred within a threshold time period; as well as A deployment signal is sent to the inflator, causing the inflator to deploy the chamber.

6. The vehicle of claim 5, wherein the threshold time period is based at least in part on at least one of the following: The speed of one or more vehicles of the vehicle; The velocity of one or more objects of the object; Weather conditions; or Traffic density.

7. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the action further includes determining the time associated with the collision with the object, and The chamber expands before or at the time associated with the collision with the object.

8. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the side airbag system further comprises a position sensor communicatively coupled to the inflator, the position sensor output indicating whether a passenger is seated in the seat assembly, wherein the inflator causes to receive position sensor data from the position sensor and determine whether to fill the chamber with gas.

9. A side airbag system, at least partially shielded from the passenger compartment of a vehicle by components of a seat assembly, wherein the seat assembly includes a seat bucket and a seat sill, the side airbag system comprising: A sensor configured to detect an impending collision with an object; A chamber, the chamber being connected to the seat bucket via one or more couplings; An inflator connected to the chamber and communicating with the sensor, wherein the chamber and the inflation mechanism cause the seat plate of the seat assembly to be removed from the seat bucket without disconnecting the side airbag system from the seat bucket; One or more processors; as well as One or more memories storing computer-executable instructions, which, when executed, cause the one or more processors to perform the following actions: Receive a signal from the sensor indicating an impending collision with an object; and The expansion of the chamber is caused at least in part by the signal. When fully inflated, the chambers of the side airbag system are completely shielded from the passenger compartment by the seat assembly.

10. The side airbag system according to claim 9, wherein: The chambers of the seat assembly and the side airbag system are connected to the external seat frame; and The chamber and the inflation mechanism enable the seat assembly to be removed from the external seat frame without disengaging the side airbag system.

11. The side airbag system of claim 9, wherein the seat assembly comprises: Seat plate; as well as Seat cushion, In response to the chamber being filled with gas, the chamber causes at least one of the seat plate or the seat cushion to deform.

12. The side airbag system of claim 9, wherein the sensor is a sensing sensor, and wherein the action further includes: Receive sensor data from the sensing sensor; Based at least in part on the sensor data, it is determined that the side collision with the object occurred within a threshold time period; as well as A deployment signal is sent to the inflator, causing the inflator to deploy the chamber.

13. The side airbag system of claim 12, wherein the threshold time period is based at least in part on at least one of the following: The speed of one or more vehicles of the vehicle; The velocity of one or more objects of the object; Weather conditions; or Traffic density.

14. The side airbag system of claim 9, wherein the action further includes determining the time associated with the collision with the same object, and The chamber expands before or at the time associated with the collision with the object.

15. The side airbag system of claim 9, further comprising a position sensor communicatively coupled to the inflator, the position sensor output indicating whether a passenger is seated in the seat assembly, wherein the inflator causes to receive position sensor data from the position sensor and determine whether to fill the chamber with gas.

16. A side airbag comprising: A chamber, connected to a portion of a vehicle’s seat frame via one or more couplings, a seat assembly connected to that portion of the seat frame, and the chamber configured to expand toward the passenger compartment of the vehicle, wherein the chamber is connected to that portion of the seat frame in an undisturbed position and allows at least a portion of the seat assembly to be removed without interfering with the side airbags; as well as An inflator connected to the chamber, wherein the inflation mechanism causes the receiving of a signal indicating an impending collision with an object, and, at least in part based on the signal, causes the chamber to expand toward the passenger compartment and deform at least a portion of the seat assembly toward the centerline of the seat assembly.

17. The side airbag according to claim 16, wherein: An impending collision with an object includes a side collision with the object within a threshold time period, and The inflator causes the chamber to expand before or simultaneously with the side of the object.

18. The side airbag according to claim 16, wherein: The seat assembly also includes a seat bucket and a seat plate; The chamber is connected to the seat bucket; and The chamber and the inflation mechanism enable the seat plate of the seat assembly to be removed from the seat bucket without interfering with the side airbags.

19. The side airbag of claim 16, wherein the seat assembly comprises: Seat plate; as well as Seat cushion, In response to the chamber being filled with gas, the chamber causes at least one of the seat plate or the seat cushion to deform.

20. The side airbag of claim 16, further comprising a position sensor communicatively coupled to the inflator, the position sensor output indicating whether a passenger is seated in the seat assembly, wherein the inflation mechanism causes to receive position sensor data from the position sensor and determine whether to fill the chamber with gas.

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