Overhead airbag assembly with through-chamber

Abstract

A roof-mounted airbag assembly (100) includes an airbag cushion (110) configured to deploy from a vehicle roof structure and a head contact chamber (140) configured to engage a head of an occupant of the vehicle upon deployment. An opening (150) is formed within the airbag cushion (110) adjacent to the head contact chamber (140) and extends from a first surface of the airbag cushion (110) configured to engage the occupant to a second surface of the airbag cushion (110) opposite the first surface. The opening (150) is smaller than the head contact chamber (140) along at least one dimension upon deployment such that the head contact chamber (140) cannot enter the opening (150) without engaging one or more portions of the airbag cushion (110) that define the opening (150).

Description

Summary of the Invention

[0001] Airbag cushions (such as overhead curtain airbags) may provide insufficient or inadequate restraint, especially for the head area of ​​occupants in adjacent vehicles.

[0002] Therefore, the inventors have determined that it is desirable to provide devices, systems, and methods that overcome one or more of the aforementioned limitations and / or other restrictions of the prior art. In some embodiments, the inventive concepts disclosed herein may thus provide an airbag system such as a front airbag system including a head restraint chamber configured to frictionally engage adjacent openings formed in the body of the pad during deployment.

[0003] In a more specific example of a roof-mounted airbag assembly according to some embodiments, the assembly may include: an airbag cushion configured to deploy from a vehicle roof structure; and a head contact chamber configured to engage the head of a vehicle occupant upon deployment. The head contact chamber may be fluidly connected to the airbag cushion. An opening may be formed adjacent to the head contact chamber within the airbag cushion and may extend from a first surface of the airbag cushion configured to engage the occupant to a second surface of the airbag cushion opposite the first surface. Preferably, the opening is smaller than the head contact chamber along at least one dimension upon deployment, such that the head contact chamber cannot enter the opening without engaging one or more portions of the airbag cushion defining the opening.

[0004] In some embodiments, the opening may be defined by one or more slots extending through the airbag cushion. In some such embodiments, the opening may be defined by a first slot and a second slot, wherein the first slot is spaced apart from the second slot.

[0005] Some embodiments may further include an overlapping chamber configured to deploy distal to the head contact chamber relative to the occupant, wherein the first slot is at least substantially parallel to the second slot, and wherein the head contact chamber is configured to engage the overlapping chamber within an opening during deployment and to allow the overlapping chamber to articulate.

[0006] In some embodiments, one or more slots in the slot may define a fixed end of a head contact chamber from which the head contact chamber extends from the airbag cushion (such as from the main chamber of the airbag cushion).

[0007] Some embodiments may further include one or more restraint members, such as panels and / or tethering members. In some such embodiments, these restraint members may include external restraint members and may be coupled to a second surface of the airbag cushion. In some embodiments, the restraint members may be configured to engage the head contact chamber during deployment to limit the amount of head displacement of the occupant after contact with the head contact chamber. In some such embodiments, the restraint members may include one or more weakened portions, such as tear seams / stitches that may be configured to break during deployment.

[0008] In examples of airbag cushions according to some embodiments, the airbag cushion may include a main chamber comprising a slot extending from a first surface of the airbag cushion (the first surface being configured to engage a vehicle occupant) to a second surface of the airbag cushion opposite the first surface. The airbag cushion may further include an auxiliary chamber configured to deploy adjacent to the first surface between the vehicle occupant and the main chamber. The auxiliary chamber may be configured to frictionally engage at least a portion of the airbag cushion defining the slot during deployment.

[0009] In some implementations, the airbag cushion may include a roof-mounted airbag cushion, such as an airbag cushion configured to deploy from the vehicle's roof structure.

[0010] In some embodiments, the auxiliary chamber may include a head contact chamber configured to frictionally engage at least a portion of the airbag cushion after engaging the head of a vehicle occupant.

[0011] Some implementations may further include a pair of lateral protrusions configured to extend from opposite sides of the head contact chamber. Such lateral protrusions may be configured to engage opposite sides of the vehicle occupant's head to provide additional protection, particularly during oblique impact events.

[0012] Some embodiments may further include one or more external restraint members coupled to the second surface, which may be configured to limit head displacement of the vehicle occupant during deployment. The external restraint members may be configured to directly engage the head contact chamber during deployment, or may be configured to engage another feature of the pad, such as an auxiliary inflation chamber.

[0013] In another example of a roof-mounted airbag assembly according to some embodiments, the assembly may include an airbag cushion comprising a main chamber. The main chamber may include an opening extending therethrough. In some embodiments, the opening may be positioned at least substantially centrally between opposite sides of the main chamber upon deployment. The assembly may further include a head chamber configured to deploy proximal to the main chamber relative to a vehicle occupant adjacent to the opening, wherein the head chamber is configured to engage the head of the vehicle occupant during deployment. The head chamber may be configured to at least partially extend through the opening during deployment after contacting the head of the vehicle occupant. The head chamber may be further configured to frictionally engage at least a portion of the airbag cushion defining the opening while at least partially extending through the opening.

[0014] In some embodiments, the opening may include a shape that is the same as or at least substantially the same as the head chamber but smaller in profile than the head chamber to facilitate the aforementioned frictional engagement.

[0015] In some embodiments, the airbag cushion may further include an auxiliary head chamber that is positioned distal to the head chamber relative to the vehicle occupant during deployment. In some embodiments, the auxiliary head chamber may be configured to overlap and engage the head chamber during deployment.

[0016] In some embodiments, the head chamber may extend from the main chamber at a fixed end. In some such embodiments, the auxiliary head chamber may similarly extend from the main chamber at a fixed end. In some embodiments, the fixed end of the head chamber may be positioned opposite the fixed end of the auxiliary head chamber relative to the opening.

[0017] In some embodiments, the airbag cushion may further include a head chamber panel attached to the distal side of the airbag cushion. The head chamber panel may be configured to engage the head chamber during deployment to perform at least one of the following: (1) restricting the range of motion of the head chamber joints; and (2) absorbing energy from the head chamber.

[0018] The features, structures, steps, or characteristics disclosed in this document in connection with one implementation scheme may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more alternative implementation schemes. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Non-limiting and non-exhaustive embodiments of this disclosure are described, including various embodiments of this disclosure with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0020] Figure 1 This is a frontal view of an airbag cushion with a head chamber overlapping the through opening, according to some implementation schemes.

[0021] Figure 2 This is a side front view of a vehicle with an airbag system including a head chamber and overlapping through-holes, shown after deployment.

[0022] Figure 3 It is along Figure 2 A cross-sectional view taken from line 3-3 in the diagram;

[0023] Figure 4A This is a top-view of an airbag system with a head chamber overlapping the through-opening, according to other embodiments, shown during the initial deployment phase.

[0024] Figure 4B This is shown after the occupant's head has engaged with the system's head chamber. Figure 4A Top front view of the airbag system;

[0025] Figure 5A This is a side front view of a vehicle with an airbag system including a head chamber, overlapping through openings, and external restraint members, shown after deployment.

[0026] Figure 5B It is along Figure 5A A cross-sectional view taken from line 5B-5B in the diagram;

[0027] Figures 6A to 6C It is a cross-sectional view of an airbag cushion with optional external restraint components;

[0028] Figure 7A This is a top front view of another airbag system with a head chamber overlapping the through opening, according to yet another embodiment, shown during the initial deployment phase.

[0029] Figure 7B This is shown after the occupant's head has engaged with the system's head chamber. Figure 7A Top front view of the airbag system;

[0030] Figure 7C This occurs after the engagement between the head cavity and the external restraint components. Figure 7A and Figure 7B Top front view of the airbag system;

[0031] Figure 8A This is a side front view of a vehicle with an airbag system including two overlapping head chambers and an overlapping through-hole, shown after deployment.

[0032] Figure 8B It is along Figure 8A The cross-sectional view taken from line 8B-8B in the diagram; and

[0033] Figures 9A to 9CThese are cross-sectional views of three different examples of airbag cushions with overlapping head chambers and external restraint components. Detailed Implementation

[0034] The following provides a detailed description of apparatus, systems, and methods consistent with various embodiments of this disclosure. While several embodiments are described, it should be understood that this disclosure is not limited to any particular embodiment disclosed, but covers many alternatives, modifications, and equivalents. Furthermore, although numerous specific details are set forth in the following description to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments disclosed herein, some embodiments may be implemented without some or all of these details. In addition, for clarity, certain technical materials known in the relevant art have not been described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring this disclosure.

[0035] As used herein, the term "substantially" refers to the complete or nearly complete extent or degree of an action, feature, property, state, structure, item, or result to achieve the indicated function. For example, a "substantially" cylindrical or "substantially" vertical object would mean that the object / feature is cylindrical / vertical or approximately cylindrical / vertical, thus producing the same or nearly the same function. The exact permissible degree of deviation provided by this term can depend on the specific context. When used in a negative sense, the use of "substantially" also applies to referring to the complete or nearly complete absence of an action, feature, property, state, structure, item, or result. For example, a structure "substantially without" a bottom either has no bottom at all or has almost no bottom at all, the latter having virtually the same effect as having no bottom at all.

[0036] Similarly, as used in this paper, the term “about” is used to provide flexibility for the endpoints of a numerical range by specifying that a given value can be “slightly above” or “slightly below” the endpoints while still achieving the functionality associated with that range.

[0037] The embodiments of this disclosure can be best understood by referring to the accompanying drawings, wherein like parts may be indicated by like reference numerals. It will be readily understood that the components of the disclosed embodiments, as generally described and shown in the accompanying drawings, can be arranged and designed in a wide variety of different configurations. Therefore, the detailed description of embodiments of the apparatus and methods of this disclosure below is not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure as claimed, but is merely representative of possible embodiments of this disclosure. Furthermore, unless otherwise stated, the steps of the method do not necessarily need to be performed in any particular order or even sequentially, nor do they need to be performed only once. Additional details regarding certain preferred embodiments and specific implementations will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0038] Figure 1An airbag assembly 100 according to some embodiments is depicted. In some preferred embodiments, the airbag assembly 100 may include a front curtain airbag pad or other front restraint airbag pads. However, it is contemplated that one or more of the principles, features and / or embodiments disclosed herein may be incorporated into other airbag pads and related systems / assemblies.

[0039] The airbag assembly 100 includes an inflation device 102 configured to inflate the airbag cushion 110. In some embodiments, the inflation device may be configured to deploy from a vehicle roof structure, such as a roof beam. The cushion 110 includes a pair of side protrusions or other supplementary protrusions 120 configured to deploy from opposite sides of the cushion 110. The side protrusions 120 may be configured to receive the head of a vehicle occupant during certain impact events, such as an oblique impact, to prevent or at least limit rotation and / or lateral displacement of the head during an oblique impact event, thereby preventing or at least reducing injury to the head and / or neck region of the vehicle occupant.

[0040] One or more interfaces, such as internal fasteners 115, may be provided between the proximal and distal surfaces of the pad 110. Such fasteners 115 or other suitable interface elements may be used to control desired inflation characteristics, such as limiting the expansion of one or more portions of the pad 110.

[0041] Supplemental chambers (such as inflatable head chamber 140) can be configured to be located on the occupant-facing side of assembly 100. Figure 1 The head chamber 140 is inflated on the visible side. The head chamber 140 is preferably fluidly connected to one or more (in some cases, all inflatable elements) of the assembly 100. In the depicted embodiment, the head chamber 140 includes a fixed end 142 and a free end 144. The fixed end 142 may be attached to the body of the pad 110 to allow the free end 144 to articulate (pivot and / or rotate) relative to an adjacent portion of the assembly 100.

[0042] An opening 150 is formed adjacent to the head contact chamber within the airbag cushion 110. Preferably, the opening 150 extends between opposite sides of the cushion 110. Thus, in the depicted embodiment, the opening 150 extends from a first or occupant impact surface of the airbag cushion 110 to a second surface of the airbag cushion 110 opposite to the first surface, which, in the case of a front curtain cushion, may be configured to face the vehicle's steering wheel and / or instrument panel.

[0043] In the depicted embodiment, opening 150 does not include a complete, continuous periphery. In other words, opening 150 is defined by a single slit or slot extending within an incomplete periphery. As those skilled in the art will appreciate, this may leave one or more material flaps, which can be removed if desired, to allow opening 150 to resemble the adjacent head chamber 140 in shape and / or size. As will be apparent in conjunction with the discussion of other embodiments below, one or more slits, slots, cuts, etc., may be formed to facilitate the formation of a suitable through opening or may form an opening independently. In the depicted embodiment, the slit / slot extends away from the opposite ends of the fixed side 142 to form the periphery of opening 150, but does not extend directly between these opposite ends. However, other examples of suitable openings are contemplated, such as two or more separate, discontinuous slits as discussed later in conjunction with other figures. It is also contemplated that other suitable openings may alternatively be defined by forming a complete hole or opening through the pad.

[0044] like Figure 1 As shown, preferably, the opening 150 is smaller than the head chamber 140 in at least one dimension when deployed. This feature distinguishes some embodiments described herein from the airbag assembly disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 10,266,145 entitled “FRONTAL AIRBAG ASSEMBLIES,” the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. This feature also provides several benefits, such as allowing for an increased area and / or depth of the head contact zone of the cushion. Additionally, by providing a head chamber 140 that is larger than the adjacent opening 150, an overlap is created, which provides friction and increased drag to further restrain the occupant's head and, consequently, absorb energy during impact.

[0045] Therefore, in including Figure 1 In certain preferred embodiments of the embodiments depicted, the head chamber 140 and the adjacent through opening 150 may be configured such that the head chamber 140 cannot enter and / or pass through the through opening 150 without engaging one or more portions of the airbag cushion defining the opening 150. This may also allow the head chamber 140 to initially inflate closer to the occupant, which may also benefit improved early head restraint. In some embodiments, the opening 150 may include a profile and / or shape that is at least substantially the same as, but smaller than, that corresponding profile and / or shape of the head chamber 140. Thus, the head chamber 140 is larger than the adjacent opening 150 along the entire periphery of the head chamber 140 and / or the opening 150. Figure 1 As shown, this can provide a more uniform distribution of increased friction and constraint provided by the overlapping state between the two elements of component 100.

[0046] Figure 2 An airbag assembly 200 in a vehicle during deployment is depicted. Similarly, the assembly / system 200 may include an inflator 202, a main body or primary chamber 210, and a head chamber 240, which is larger than the adjacent opening 250 to form an overlapping / frictional engagement state. As shown in the figures, the head chamber 240 initially protrudes toward the occupant 10 relative to the adjacent body of the cushion 210. Upon contact with the head of the occupant 10, the head chamber 240 can then articulate due to the engagement force and at least partially enter the opening 250. In some embodiments, the head chamber 240 may at least partially completely pass through the opening 250. Also, because the profile of the head chamber 240 is smaller than the profile of the opening 250, the portion of the assembly 200 defining the opening 250 frictionally engages the head chamber 240 and provides increased restraint and energy absorption.

[0047] Also Figure 2 As shown, in some embodiments, one or more portions of the opening 250 may be tapered, requiring increased resistance for initial entry and subsequent exit from the opening 250. These tapered regions 252 are shown located at opposite ends of the opening 250. However, as those skilled in the art will appreciate, in alternative embodiments, the tapered regions 252 may be formed only along one side / end of the opening 250, or not formed at all. Similarly, although the tapered regions 252 are located at... Figure 2 The cone is shown as gradually decreasing in opposite directions, but it is conceivable that in other embodiments, the cone could be formed all the way through the opening 250 in a single direction. For example, not as... Figure 2 The gradual decrease from narrow to wide and then back to narrow shown is not necessarily a good thing. Rather, it is conceivable that for some applications / implementations, it may be beneficial to decrease gradually from narrow to wide, or in a step-by-step manner, from the proximal side to the distal side of the opening 250.

[0048] Figure 3 The cross-sectional image shows that both the head chamber 240 and the adjacent opening 250 may include three parallel or at least substantially parallel sides. Preferably, each of these three sides of the head chamber 240 is larger than the adjacent side of the opening 250, as well as... Figure 3 As shown in the diagram. However, it is conceivable that, if necessary, the head chamber 240 may be larger than the opening 250 in only one location and / or one dimension.

[0049] Figure 4A and Figure 4B A top view depicting an alternative embodiment of the airbag assembly / system 400 is shown unfolded. Figure 4AAs can be seen in the figure, system 400 also includes a main chamber / body 410, which includes an opening 450 extending fully through it. A head chamber 440 is shown as inflating between the body 410 and the head of the occupant 10. It can also be seen in the figure that the head chamber 440 extends beyond the lateral boundary of the opening 450. Therefore, the head chamber 440 is larger than the adjacent opening 450 along this lateral dimension. Although not visible in the figure, it is conceivable that the head chamber 440 may also be, but not necessarily, larger in other dimensions. As previously mentioned, in some preferred embodiments, the head chamber 440 may have the same, substantially the same, or at least similar shape to the opening 450, but is larger along the entire periphery of the opening.

[0050] Figure 4B The assembly 400 during the subsequent deployment phase is depicted. As shown in the figure, upon engagement with the head of the occupant 10, the head chamber 440 engages the wall / periphery of the opening 450, which generates resistance due to friction between the head chamber 440 and a portion of the pad 410 defining the opening 450. Additionally, in the depicted embodiment, the head chamber 440 partially encloses the head of the occupant 10. This provides additional benefits such as providing lateral head support, which eliminates the need for supplemental lateral protrusions, as shown and discussed in the assembly 100. Furthermore, this prevents or at least mitigates head injury caused by torsion of the head due to, for example, high rotational speeds and / or accelerations of the brain.

[0051] Figure 5A Another example is depicted as an airbag assembly 500 adjacent to a vehicle occupant 10 during deployment. Assembly 500 also includes an inflation device 502, a main body or main chamber 510, and a head chamber 540, which is larger than the adjacent opening 550 to form an overlapping / frictional engagement state. As shown in the figures, the head chamber 540 initially protrudes toward the occupant 10 relative to the adjacent body of the pad 510. Upon contact with the head of the occupant 10, the head chamber 540 can then articulate due to the engagement force and at least partially enter the opening 550. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the head chamber 540 may at least partially completely pass through the opening 550. Similarly, because the profile of the head chamber 540 is smaller than the profile of the opening 550, the portion of the pad 510 and / or assembly 500 defining the opening 550 frictionally engages the head chamber 540 and provides increased restraint and energy absorption.

[0052] As previously mentioned, if desired, one or more portions of opening 550 may be tapered, requiring increased resistance for initial entry and subsequent exit from opening 550. These tapered regions 552 are shown located at opposite ends of opening 550.

[0053] Additionally, component 500 further includes an external restraint member 560. The restraint member 560 may include, for example, a fabric panel that is attachable to a surface of the pad 510 opposite the side facing the occupant 10 and provides a reaction surface for the head chamber 540. The restraint member 560 can thus be configured to engage the head chamber 540 during deployment to limit the amount of displacement of the occupant 10's head after contact with the head chamber 540. While the restraint member 560 is shown in the depicted embodiment as being attached to the pad 510 along only one side of the opening 550, in other embodiments, multiple attachment points may be used, such as at least one attachment point on each of the two opposing sides of the opening 550.

[0054] Figure 5B The cross-sectional image shows that both the head chamber 540 and the adjacent opening 550 may include one or more (three in the depicted embodiment) parallel or at least substantially parallel sides. Preferably, each of the three sides of the head chamber 540 is larger than the adjacent side of the opening 550, as well as... Figure 5B As shown in the diagram. However, it is conceivable that, if desired, the head chamber 540 may be larger than the opening 550 only in one location and / or in one dimension. The panel / constraint member 560 may extend beyond the contours of the head chamber 540 and the opening 550 in one or more dimensions, as also shown. Figure 5B As shown in the image.

[0055] Figures 6A to 6C Various alternative configurations of the panel / constraint member are shown, wherein the constraint member includes one or more weakening portions, such as tear seams, perforated fabrics, etc., which are configured to break during deployment to absorb energy and / or provide additional head offset during deployment.

[0056] exist Figure 6A The image depicts component 600A, in which a panel 660A is provided, the panel including a single weakened portion 665A positioned centrally relative to adjacent head chamber 540 and opening 550. Figure 6B The image depicts component 600B, in which a panel 660B is provided, the panel including a single weakened portion 665B positioned adjacent to the lateral side of the adjacent head chamber 540 and opening 550. Finally, in Figure 6C The figure depicts component 600C, which includes a panel 660C comprising two opposing weakened portions 665C positioned along opposite sides of adjacent head chambers 540 and openings 550. It should be understood that although the restraint members depicted in these figures include panels, other types of restraint members, such as tethers or straps, may be used alternatively in alternative embodiments.

[0057] Figures 7A to 7CAnother example of an airbag assembly 700 according to a different embodiment is depicted. Assembly 700 also includes a main chamber / body 710, which includes an opening 750 extending fully through it. A head chamber 740 is shown as inflating between the body 710 and the head of the occupant 10. It can also be seen in the figure that the head chamber 740 extends beyond the lateral boundary of the opening 750, and therefore the head chamber 740 is larger than the adjacent opening 750 along this lateral dimension. Additionally, assembly 700 includes a tether restraint member 760 coupled to the distal side of the airbag 710 and along the contour of the adjacent opening 750.

[0058] Figure 7B The assembly 700 during the subsequent deployment phase is depicted. As shown in the figure, upon engagement with the head of the occupant 10, the head chamber 740 engages the wall / periphery of the opening 750, which generates resistance due to friction between the head chamber 740 and a portion of the pad 710 defining the opening 750. Additionally, in the depicted embodiment, the head chamber 740 partially encloses the head of the occupant 10.

[0059] Figure 7C Another subsequent deployment phase is depicted. In this phase, the head of occupant 10 has entered opening 750 and head chamber 740 has partially and completely passed through opening 750 and engaged fastener 760. This provides further restraint and / or limits the intended amount of displacement of the head of occupant 10. Although not shown, tear seams or other weakened portions may be formed in fastener 760 if desired.

[0060] Figure 8A and Figure 8B Another embodiment of component 800 is depicted, wherein the head chamber 840A is deployed adjacent to the supplementary and / or overlapping chamber 840B. Additionally, component 800 may be similar to those previously described and may therefore include an inflation device 802, a body or main chamber 810, and a head chamber 840A that is larger than the adjacent opening 850 to create an overlapping / frictional engagement state. Figure 8A As shown, the head chamber 840A initially protrudes toward the occupant 10 relative to the adjacent body of the pad 810. Upon contact with the head of the occupant 10, the head chamber 840A can then articulate due to the engagement force and at least partially enter the opening 850.

[0061] However, unlike the previous embodiment, the opening 850 is at least partially defined by two opposing parallel slots 850A / 850B, as in Figure 8BThe slots 850A / 850B are best seen in the cross-sectional view. These slots 850A / 850B define the opposite ends, respectively, of the head chamber 840A and the adjacent supplementary / overlapping chamber 840B. These fixed ends extend perpendicularly (or substantially perpendicularly in other embodiments) between the opposite ends of the respective slots from slots 850A and 850B. In other words, the fixed end of the head chamber 840A extends between the left sides of slots 850A and 850B, and the fixed end of the supplementary / overlapping chamber 840B extends between the right sides of slots 850A and 850B. The opposite ends of the two chambers 840A / 840B are free ends configured to allow joint movement, similar to the head chambers previously discussed.

[0062] As shown in this configuration, the through opening can be configured in a variety of different ways, including a single slot, multiple slots, or in other envisioned embodiments, including a completely continuous hole or other suitable opening. Additionally, as... Figure 8B As indicated by the arrows, earlier head restraint from these overlapping chambers can be provided by providing a gas inlet path in a direction opposite to the sides of the respective jointed chambers 840A / 840B (instead of at the bottom as in the previously discussed embodiments).

[0063] The overlapping supplementary chamber 840B is configured to deploy adjacent to the head chamber 840A. In the depicted embodiment, chamber 840B is configured to deploy relative to the occupant distal to the head chamber 840A and on the opposite side of the opening defined by slots 850A and 850B of assembly 800. The head chamber 840A is also configured to engage the overlapping chamber 840B within the opening during deployment and to allow articulation of the overlapping chamber.

[0064] Some implementations may further include external constraint components. Therefore, Figures 9A to 9C Various alternative embodiments are depicted, in which the restraint member 960 is coupled to the surface of the pad 810 opposite the side facing the occupant 10 to provide a reaction surface for the head chamber 840A. Figure 9A In the figure, component 900A is depicted, wherein panel 960A is configured to engage overlapping / supplementary chamber 840B. Figure 9B Another component 900B, including panel 960B, is depicted, which includes a single weakened portion 965B positioned centrally relative to adjacent overlapping / supplementary chambers 840B and opening 850. Finally, Figure 9CAnother component 900C is depicted, in which a panel 960C is provided, the panel comprising two opposing weakened portions 965C positioned along the opposite sides of adjacent overlapping / supplementary chambers 840B and openings 850. It should be understood that while the restraining elements depicted in these figures include panels, as previously mentioned, other types of restraining elements, such as tethers or straps, may be used alternatively in alternative embodiments.

[0065] The foregoing description has been described with reference to various embodiments and specific implementations. However, those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope of this disclosure. For example, various operational steps and components performing operational steps can be implemented in various ways, depending on a particular application or considering any number of cost functions associated with the operation of the system. Therefore, any one or more steps can be deleted, modified, or combined with other steps. Furthermore, this disclosure should be considered illustrative rather than restrictive, and all such modifications are intended to be included within its scope. Similarly, benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have been described above with reference to various embodiments. However, benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any elements that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more significant should not be construed as critical, necessary, or essential features or elements.

[0066] Those skilled in the art will understand that many changes can be made to the details of the above embodiments without departing from the basic principles of the invention. Therefore, the scope of the invention should be defined only by the following claims.

Claims

1. A roof-mounted airbag assembly [100], the roof-mounted airbag assembly comprising: Airbag cushion [110], the airbag cushion being configured to deploy from the vehicle roof structure; A head contact chamber [140], the head contact chamber being configured to engage the head of the occupant of the vehicle when deployed; and An opening [150] is formed adjacent to the head contact chamber [140] within the airbag cushion [110] and extends from a first surface of the airbag cushion [110] configured to engage the occupant to a second surface of the airbag cushion [110] opposite the first surface, wherein the opening [150] is smaller than the head contact chamber [140] along at least one dimension when deployed, such that the head contact chamber [140] cannot enter the opening [150] without engaging one or more portions of the airbag cushion [110] defining the opening [150], wherein the head contact chamber [140] is configured to at least partially deploy toward the occupant outside the opening [150] and is forced into the opening [150] and frictionally engage one or more portions of the airbag cushion [110] defining the opening [150] during deployment.

2. The overhead airbag assembly [100] of claim 1, wherein the opening [150] is defined by at least one slot extending through the airbag pad.

3. The overhead airbag assembly [100] according to claim 2, wherein the opening [850] is defined by a first slot [850A] and a second slot [850B], wherein the first slot [850A] and the second slot [850B] are spaced apart.

4. The overhead airbag assembly [100] of claim 3, further comprising an overlapping chamber [840B] configured to deploy relative to the occupant distal to a head contact chamber [840A], wherein the first slot [850A] is at least substantially parallel to the second slot [850B], and wherein the head contact chamber [840A] is configured to engage the overlapping chamber [840B] within the opening [850] during deployment and to allow the overlapping chamber to articulate.

5. The overhead airbag assembly [100] according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the at least one slot defines a fixed end of the head contact chamber [840A], from which the head contact chamber [840A] extends from the main chamber of the airbag cushion [810].

6. The overhead airbag assembly [100] according to any one of claims 1 to 5, the overhead airbag assembly further comprising a restraint member [560] coupled to a second surface of the airbag cushion [510], wherein the restraint member [560] is configured to engage a head contact chamber [540] during deployment to limit the amount of displacement of the occupant’s head after contact with the head contact chamber [540].

7. The overhead airbag assembly [100] of claim 6, wherein the restraint member [560] comprises at least one of a tether and a panel.

8. The overhead airbag assembly [100] according to any one of claims 6 or 7, wherein the restraint member [660A] includes at least one weakened portion [665A] configured to break during deployment.

9. The overhead airbag assembly [100] according to any one of claims 1 to 8, the overhead airbag assembly further comprising a pair of side protrusions [120] configured to deploy from opposite sides of the head contact chamber [140].

10. The overhead airbag assembly [100] according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the opening [150] comprises a shape that is at least substantially the same as, but smaller than, the head contact chamber [140].

11. The overhead airbag assembly [100] according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the airbag cushion [510] further comprises a head chamber panel [560] coupled to the distal side of the airbag cushion [510], wherein the head chamber panel [560] is configured to engage the head chamber [540] during deployment to perform at least one of the following: (1) Limiting the range of joint movement of the head chamber [540]; and (2) Absorbing energy from the head chamber [540].

Images