Lower thigh side impact airbag for vehicle

Abstract

An impact mitigation system for a motor vehicle includes an automobile seat having a seat cushion side cushion, a center console disposed proximate the side cushion, an airbag wrap disposed within the side cushion, and an airbag cushion operable between an undeployed condition within an airbag housing and a deployed condition extending from the airbag wrap. The airbag cushion includes an outboard bumper panel extending from a proximal end of the airbag cushion at the airbag wrap to a distal end of the airbag cushion disposed at an end of the airbag cushion opposite the proximal end. The airbag cushion also includes a plurality of inboard bumper panels extending between a proximal end and a distal end on an opposite side of the airbag cushion from the outboard bumper panels and defining a center console interface configured to mate with a center console.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates generally to side impact mitigation systems for vehicles and, more particularly, to lower thigh side impact air bags for vehicles. Background Art

[0002] The information provided in this section is for the purpose of generally presenting the background of the present disclosure. To the extent described in this section, the work of the presently named inventors, as well as aspects of the description that may not qualify as prior art at the time of filing, are neither explicitly nor implicitly admitted to be prior art with respect to the present disclosure.

[0003] Motor vehicles include a number of safety systems designed to protect the driver and / or passengers during an impact. Supplemental restraint systems (SRS) in the form of seatbelts and steering-wheel mounted inflatable airbags limit forward excursion. Side impact airbags (SIABs) may inflate to protect passengers from lateral forces. Side impact airbags are typically in the form of a curtain that extends from the A-pillar or B-pillar of a vehicle that is subject to a side impact.

[0004] Side impact air bags protect occupants from structural deflections entering the vehicle and contact with vehicle surfaces. However, when subjected to far-side impact forces, the occupant may still move out of the seat toward the center of the vehicle. Moving the seat out of the center of the vehicle may cause undesirable stress on the occupant. Summary of the invention

[0005] One aspect of the present disclosure provides an impact mitigation system for a motor vehicle seat. The impact mitigation system includes an airbag wrap. The impact mitigation system also includes an airbag cushion operable between an undeployed state within the airbag wrap and a deployed state extending from the airbag wrap, the airbag cushion including: (i) an outer cushion panel extending from a proximal end of the airbag cushion at the airbag wrap to a distal end of the airbag cushion, the distal end being disposed at an end of the airbag cushion opposite the proximal end, and (ii) a plurality of inner cushion panels extending between the proximal end and the distal end on a side of the airbag cushion opposite the outer cushion panels and defining a center console interface configured to mate with a center console of a motor vehicle.

[0006] This aspect of the disclosure may include one or more of the following optional features. In some examples, the plurality of inner bumpers include: (i) a lower inner bumper located at a proximal end of the airbag cushion, and (ii) an intermediate inner bumper disposed between the lower inner bumper and a distal end of the airbag cushion. In some aspects of the disclosure, the lower inner bumper and the intermediate inner bumper together define a center console interface of the airbag cushion. In some configurations, when the airbag cushion is in a deployed state, the lower inner bumper is configured to interface with a side wall of a center console of a motor vehicle. In some embodiments, when the airbag cushion is in a deployed state, the intermediate inner bumper is configured to interface with a top surface of a center console of a motor vehicle.

[0007] In some examples, the center console interface defines a recess formed on an underside of the airbag cushion.In some configurations, the impact mitigation system includes a guide channel attached to the airbag wrap and configured to guide the airbag cushion to a deployment area of ​​the seat.

[0008] Another aspect of the present disclosure provides an impact mitigation system for a motor vehicle. The impact mitigation system includes: a seat including a side bolster; a center console disposed proximate the side bolster; and an airbag wrap disposed within the side bolster. The impact mitigation system also includes an airbag cushion operable between an undeployed state within the airbag wrap and a deployed state extending from the airbag wrap, the airbag cushion including: (i) an outer bumper panel extending from a proximal end of the airbag cushion at the airbag wrap to a distal end of the airbag cushion, the distal end being disposed at an end of the airbag cushion opposite the proximal end, and (ii) a plurality of inner bumpers extending between the proximal end and the distal end on a side of the airbag cushion opposite the outer bumper panels and defining a center console interface configured to mate with the center console.

[0009] This aspect of the disclosure includes one or more of the following optional features. In some examples, the plurality of inner bumper panels include: (i) a lower inner bumper panel located at a proximal end of the airbag cushion, and (ii) an intermediate inner bumper panel disposed between the lower inner bumper panel and a distal end of the airbag cushion. In some embodiments, the lower inner bumper panel and the intermediate inner bumper panel together define a center console interface of the airbag cushion. In some configurations, the lower inner bumper panel is configured to interface with a side wall of a center console of a motor vehicle when the airbag cushion is in a deployed state.

[0010] In some examples, the middle inner impact panel is configured to interface with a top surface of a center console of the motor vehicle when the airbag cushion is in a deployed state. In some embodiments, the center console interface defines a recess formed on an underside of the airbag cushion. In some configurations, the side bolster includes a first seat cover and a second seat cover attached together at a seam. In some examples, the impact mitigation system further includes a guide slot extending between the airbag wrap and the seam and configured to guide the airbag cushion to a deployment area of ​​the seat.

[0011] Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a motor vehicle including an impact mitigation system. The impact mitigation system includes: a seat including seat side bolsters; a center console disposed proximate the side bolsters; and an airbag wrap disposed within the side bolsters. The impact mitigation system also includes an airbag cushion operable between an undeployed state within the airbag wrap and a deployed state extending from the airbag wrap, the airbag cushion including: (i) an outer bumper panel extending from a proximal end of the airbag cushion at the airbag wrap to a distal end of the airbag cushion, the distal end being disposed at an end of the airbag cushion opposite the proximal end, and (ii) a plurality of inner bumpers extending between the proximal end and the distal end on a side of the airbag cushion opposite the outer bumper panels and defining a center console interface configured to mate with the center console.

[0012] This aspect of the disclosure may include one or more of the following optional features. In some examples, the plurality of inner bumper panels include: (i) a lower inner bumper panel located at a proximal end of the airbag cushion, and (ii) an intermediate inner bumper panel disposed between the lower inner bumper panel and a distal end of the airbag cushion. In some embodiments, the lower inner bumper panel and the intermediate inner bumper panel together define a center console interface of the airbag cushion. In some configurations, when the airbag cushion is in a deployed state, the lower inner bumper panel is configured to interface with a side wall of a center console of a motor vehicle. In some examples, when the airbag cushion is in a deployed state, the intermediate inner bumper panel is configured to interface with a top surface of a center console of a motor vehicle. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only of selected configurations and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

[0014] Figure 1 is a plan view of a motor vehicle including an example of a side impact mitigation system in accordance with the principles of the present invention;

[0015] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 An enlarged partial plan view of a passenger compartment of a motor vehicle showing a driver side passenger side front seat including a side impact mitigation system;

[0016] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 a front view of a passenger compartment of the vehicle with the side impact mitigation system in an undeployed state;

[0017] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 A front view of a passenger compartment of the vehicle with the side impact mitigation system deployed;

[0018] Figure 5 yes Figure 2 a side view of a passenger compartment of the vehicle with the side impact mitigation system in an undeployed state;

[0019] Figure 6 yes Figure 2 A front view of a passenger compartment of the vehicle with the side impact mitigation system deployed;

[0020] Figure 7 yes Figure 1 An enlarged partial view of a side impact mitigation system of the embodiment of the present invention, wherein the side impact mitigation system is in an undeployed state;

[0021] Figure 8 yes Figure 1 An enlarged partial view of a side impact mitigation system of FIG. 1 , wherein the side impact mitigation system is in a deployed state; and

[0022] Fig. 9 yes Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the body controller and inflator of the side impact mitigation system.

[0023] Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] Example configurations will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. Example configurations are provided so that the present disclosure will be thorough and will fully convey the scope of the present disclosure to those of ordinary skill in the art. Specific details, such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods, are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the configurations of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that specific details need not be employed, that example configurations may be implemented in many different forms, and that the specific details and exemplary configurations should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present disclosure.

[0025] The terms used herein are only for describing specific exemplary configurations, not for limiting. As used herein, the singular articles "a", "an" and "the" may also be intended to include plural forms, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms "comprise", "include", "contain" and "have" are inclusive, thus specifying the presence of features, steps, operations, elements and / or parts, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, parts and / or groups thereof. The method steps, processes and operations described herein should not be interpreted as necessarily requiring them to be performed in the specific order discussed or shown, unless specifically identified as an execution order. Additional or alternative steps may be adopted.

[0026] When an element or layer is referred to as being "on another element or layer," "engaged to," "connected to," "attached to," or "coupled to" another element or layer, it may be directly on, engaged, connected, attached to, or coupled to another element or layer, or there may be intermediate elements or layers. Conversely, when an element is referred to as being "directly on another element or layer," "directly engaged to," "directly connected to," "directly attached to," or "directly coupled to" another element or layer, there may be no intermediate elements or layers. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a similar manner (e.g., "between" versus "directly between," "adjacent" versus "directly adjacent," etc.). As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0027] The terms first, second, third, etc. can be used here to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and / or parts. These elements, components, regions, layers and / or parts should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish each element, component, region, layer or part. Terms such as "first", "second" and other numerical terms do not imply order or sequence unless the context clearly indicates. Therefore, the first element, component, region, layer or part discussed below can be referred to as the second element, component, region, layer or part, without departing from the teaching of the example configuration.

[0028] In this application, including the definitions below, the term module may be replaced by the term circuit. The term "module" may refer to or be part of an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or include an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC); a digital, analog, or mixed analog / digital discrete circuit; a digital, analog, or mixed analog / digital integrated circuit; a combinational logic circuit; a field programmable gate array (FPGA); a processor (shared, dedicated, or group) that executes code; a memory (shared, dedicated, or group) that stores code executed by the processor; other suitable hardware components that provide the functionality; or a combination of some or all of the above, such as in a system on a chip.

[0029] The term code used above may include software, firmware and / or microcode, and may refer to a program, a routine, a function, a class and / or an object. The term shared processor includes a single processor that executes some or all of the code from multiple modules. The term group processor includes a processor that executes some or all of the code from one or more modules in combination with an additional processor. The term shared memory includes a single memory that stores some or all of the code from multiple modules. The term group memory includes a memory that stores some or all of the code from one or more modules in combination with an additional memory. The term memory may be a subset of the term computer-readable medium. The term computer-readable medium does not include transient electrical signals and electromagnetic signals propagated through the medium and can therefore be considered to be tangible non-transitory memory. Non-limiting examples of non-transitory memory include tangible computer-readable media, including non-volatile memory, magnetic memory, and optical memory.

[0030] The apparatus and methods described in this application may be implemented in part or in whole by one or more computer programs executed by one or more processors. The computer program includes processor executable instructions stored on at least one non-transitory tangible computer readable medium. The computer program may also include and / or rely on stored data.

[0031] Software applications (i.e., software resources) may refer to computer software that enables a computing device to perform tasks. In some examples, software applications may be referred to as "applications," "apps," or "programs." Example applications include, but are not limited to, system diagnostic applications, system management applications, system maintenance applications, word processing applications, spreadsheet applications, messaging applications, media streaming applications, social networking applications, and gaming applications.

[0032] Non-transitory memory can be a physical device used to temporarily or permanently store programs (e.g., instruction sequences) or data (e.g., program state information) for use by a computing device. Non-transitory memory can be volatile and / or non-volatile addressable semiconductor memory. Examples of non-volatile memory include, but are not limited to, flash memory and read-only memory (ROM) / programmable read-only memory (PROM) / erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM) / electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM) (e.g., commonly used for firmware, such as bootloaders). Examples of volatile memory include, but are not limited to, random access memory (RAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), static random access memory (SRAM), phase change memory (PCM), and disk or tape.

[0033] These computer programs (also referred to as programs, software, software applications, or code) include machine instructions for a programmable processor and may be implemented in high-level procedural and / or object-oriented programming languages ​​and / or assembly / machine languages. As used herein, the terms "machine-readable medium" and "computer-readable medium" refer to any computer program product, non-transitory computer-readable medium, apparatus, and / or device (e.g., disk, optical disk, memory, programmable logic device (PLD)) for providing machine instructions and / or data to a programmable processor, including a machine-readable medium that receives machine instructions as a machine-readable signal. The term "machine-readable signal" refers to any signal for providing machine instructions and / or data to a programmable processor.

[0034] Various implementations of the systems and techniques described herein can be realized in digital electronic and / or optical circuits, integrated circuits, specially designed ASICs (application specific integrated circuits), computer hardware, firmware, software, and / or combinations thereof. These various implementations may include implementations in one or more computer programs executable and / or interpretable on a programmable system comprising at least one programmable processor, which may be special purpose or general purpose, coupled to receive data and instructions from a storage system, and to send data and instructions to the storage system.

[0035] The processes and logic flows described in this specification can be performed by one or more programmable processors, also known as data processing hardware, executing one or more computer programs to perform functions by operating on input data and generating outputs. These processes and logic flows can also be performed by dedicated logic circuits, such as FPGAs (field programmable gate arrays) or ASICs (application-specific integrated circuits). For example, processors suitable for executing computer programs include general-purpose and special-purpose microprocessors, and any one or more processors of any kind of digital computer. Typically, the processor will receive instructions and data from a read-only memory or a random access memory or both. The basic elements of a computer are a processor for executing instructions and one or more storage devices for storing instructions and data. Typically, a computer will also include or be operably connected to one or more large-capacity storage devices for storing data, such as magnetic disks, magneto-optical disks, or optical disks, to receive data from the large-capacity storage device or to transmit data to it, or both. However, a computer does not need to have such a device. Computer-readable media suitable for storing computer program instructions and data include all forms of non-volatile memory, media and storage devices, including, for example, semiconductor memory devices, such as EPROM, EEPROM and flash memory devices; magnetic disks, such as internal hard disks or removable disks; magneto-optical disks; and CD ROM and DVD-ROM disks. The processor and memory may be supplemented by or incorporated in special purpose logic circuitry.

[0036] To provide interaction with a user, one or more aspects of the present disclosure may be implemented on a computer having a display device for displaying information to the user, such as a CRT (cathode ray tube), LCD (liquid crystal display) monitor, or touch screen, and an optional keyboard and pointing device, such as a mouse or trackball, through which the user can provide input to the computer. Other types of devices may also be used to provide interaction with the user; for example, the feedback provided to the user may be any form of sensory feedback, such as visual feedback, auditory feedback, or tactile feedback; and input from the user may be received in any form, including sound, voice, or tactile input. In addition, the computer may interact with the user by sending documents to and receiving documents from a device used by the user; for example, by sending a web page to a web browser on a user's client device in response to a request received from the web browser.

[0037] refer to Figure 1 and 2, an example of a motor vehicle 10 including a side impact mitigation system 100 is provided. The motor vehicle 10 includes a vehicle body 12 defining a passenger compartment 14 configured to seat one or more vehicle occupants. The passenger compartment 14 includes a plurality of vehicle seats 16, 16a-16c, including a driver-side front seat 16a, a passenger-side front seat 16b, and one or more rear seats 16c.

[0038] The vehicle body controller 18 is attached to the vehicle 10 of the present disclosure. The vehicle body controller 18 includes memory hardware 20 and a central processing unit 22 ( Fig. 9 ), the central processing unit 22 includes a plurality of input / output ports for communicating with various peripheral devices. Figure 1 As shown, the vehicle body 12 may include a plurality of crash sensors 24 in communication with the vehicle body controller 18 for determining when a vehicle collision or impact occurs. The crash sensors 24 may include additional crash sensors 24 in other areas of the vehicle body 12 and may include different types of crash sensors, such as pressure sensors and accelerometers for measuring vehicle parameters associated with a crash event.

[0039] like Figure 1 As shown, the passenger compartment 14 includes a vehicle instrument panel 26 having a steering wheel 28 disposed forward of the driver's side front seat 16a. The steering wheel 28 may include an airbag (not shown) located in a substantially central portion of the steering wheel 28 that deploys to restrict forward movement of a passenger in the event of a collision.

[0040] The passenger compartment 14 also includes a center console 30 extending between the driver's side seat 16a and the passenger's side front seat 16b. Figure 1-4 As shown, the center console 30 has a height H extending upward from the floor 32 of the vehicle body 12 to the top surface 34 of the console. 30 In the illustrated example, the center console 30 is configured as a low profile center console 30, whereby the console top surface 34 of the center console 30 is located at a height H 30 At this height H 30 No armrest is provided between the driver's side front seat 16a and the passenger's side front seat 16b. 34 The height H of the adjacent portions of the driver-side front seat 16a and the passenger-side front seat 16b may be equal to or smaller than the height H 40 , as discussed in more detail below. The center console 30 also includes a driver's side wall 36 extending between the floor 32 and the console top surface 34 .

[0041] Each front seat 16a, 16b includes a seat body 40 having a seat base 42 supporting the lower body (e.g., legs, buttocks) of the passenger O, a seat back 44 supporting the torso of the passenger O, and a headrest 46 attached to the top of the seat back 44 at a position corresponding to the head of the passenger O. Each front seat 16a, 16b is provided with a three-point safety belt 48. Two anchor points 50 serving as fixing points of the seat belt 48 are respectively provided on the outer upper end of the seat back 44 or the frame and the outer part of the seat base 42 or the frame. A buckle 52 serving as a fixing point of the seat belt 48 is provided on the inner part of the seat base 42. Therefore, the two anchor points 50 and the buckle 52 are connected to the seat body 40 or the vehicle body 12 so that the seat belt 48 restrains the passenger to the seat body 40.

[0042] like Figure 3 As shown, the seat base 42 includes an inner seat frame 54 that provides a support structure for the seat base 42. The seat base 42 also includes a pair of left and right seat rails 56 attached to the seat frame 54 and extending in the fore-aft direction. Generally, the seat rails 56 can provide a sliding attachment interface with the seat frame 54 to facilitate fore-aft adjustment of the front seats 16a, 16b. In the example shown, the seat frame 54 includes respective left and right side frame members 58 and a seat pan 60 extending between the side frame members 58.

[0043] Continue to refer Figure 3 , the seat body 40 includes a seat trim assembly 62 that includes various pads and covers attached to the seat body 40 to provide comfort and support characteristics of the seat body 40. For example, each of the seat base 42, the seat back 44, and the headrest 46 can include one or more pads attached to the seat body 40. The pads are then enclosed within the seat cover. Figure 3 , the seat base 42 includes a seat base cushion 64 that defines the contour of the seating surface of the seat base 42. The seat base cushion 64 is enclosed within a seat base cover 66 that includes an upper seat base cover 68 and a perimeter seat base cover 70. The upper seat base cover 68 may be attached to the perimeter seat base cover 70 along a perimeter seam 72. In the example shown, the perimeter seam 72 includes a stitched or sewn seam between the upper seat base cover 68 and the perimeter seat base cover 70 that extends along the inside, front, and outside of the seat base 42.

[0044] Still refer to Figure 3, the seat base 42 generally defines a central seat panel 74 and a pair of side bolsters 76, 78, which are defined by the seat base cushion 64 and the upper seat base cover 68. Generally, the central seat panel 74 provides an area of ​​the seat base 42 for supporting vertical forces associated with the passenger O during steady-state operation (i.e., no acceleration) of the vehicle 10, while the side bolsters 76, 78 are configured to resist lateral forces applied by the passenger's lower body during vehicle maneuvers (e.g., cornering, side impacts). Thus, the side bolsters 76, 78 define a portion of the upper seating surface of the seat base 42 that extends at an oblique angle relative to the central seat panel 74. For purposes of illustration, the central seat panel 74 and the side bolsters 76 are shown as being defined by a single seat base cushion 64 and a single upper seat base cover 68. However, the seat base cushion 64 and the upper seat base cover 68 may include a plurality of pad elements or panel elements that are attached or arranged to provide the central seat panel 74 and the side bolsters 76.

[0045] refer to Figure 1-6 , each front seat 16a, 16b may include a side impact mitigation system 100 configured to absorb lateral forces associated with the lower body of the occupant O in a side impact event. In particular, the side impact mitigation system 100 is configured to absorb and support the lower body of the occupant O against the center console 30 of the vehicle 10 during a far-side impact event (i.e., an impact from the corresponding front seat 16a, 16b to the opposite side of the vehicle body). The side impact mitigation system 100 includes an airbag module 102 disposed in an inboard one of the side bolsters 78 and an inflator 104 operable to actuate the airbag module 102 in the event of a side impact. Here, the term "inboard" refers to the side facing the central longitudinal axis A of the vehicle body 12. 12 In particular, the inner side pad 78 is a side pad 78 adjacent to and facing the center console 30.

[0046] refer to Figure 3 , 4 7, the airbag module 102 includes an airbag cushion 112 and an inflator module 114. In the illustrated example, the airbag cushion 112 is packaged in an airbag wrap 110 in a folded state. The inflator module 114 is configured to receive an inflation trigger signal 115 ( Fig. 9 ), and exhaust the gas inside the airbag cushion 112 to inflate (expand) the airbag cushion 112 (see Figure 3-6 ).

[0047] refer to Figure 7 and 8 , provides an example of an airbag module 102 according to the present disclosure. Figure 7As shown, the airbag module 102 may include a wrap 110 that encapsulates an airbag cushion 112 and an inflator module 114. In some examples, the airbag cushion 112 may be packaged within the airbag wrap 110. In particular, the airbag wrap 110 holds the airbag cushion 112 in a properly folded configuration when the airbag cushion 112 is in an undeployed or uninflated state within the wrap 110. Thus, the airbag wrap 110 facilitates a desired deployment mode of the airbag cushion 112.

[0048] The airbag module 102 may also include an airbag deployment guide channel 118 that guides the airbag cushion 112 out of the seat 16a when the airbag cushion 112 is deployed. For example, the airbag deployment guide channel 118 may include a first end 120 attached to the wrap 110 and a second end 122 attached to the seat base cover 66 at a predetermined deployment area of ​​the seat base cover 66. In the example shown, the second end 122 of the airbag deployment guide channel 118 is attached at a peripheral seam 72 formed between the upper seat base cover 68 and the peripheral seat base cover 70. For example, the airbag deployment guide channel 118 may include a first fabric panel 124 attached to the upper seat base cover 68 at the peripheral seam 72 and a second fabric panel 126 attached to the peripheral seat base cover 70 at the peripheral seam 72. Thus, the fabric panels 124, 126 of the airbag deployment guide 118 are attached to the respective seat bottom covers 68, 70 on opposite sides of the perimeter seam 72 to provide a conduit or passage 128 from the wrap 110 to the perimeter seam 72. In use, the airbag deployment guide 118 guides the airbag cushion 112 through the perimeter seam 72 ( Figure 4 ). In other words, the peripheral seam 72 defines the deployment area of ​​the seat 16a.

[0049] refer to Figure 8 , the airbag cushion 112 can be described as including a proximal end 130 adjacent to the airbag inflator module 114 and a distal end 132 formed at an end of the airbag cushion 112 opposite the airbag inflator module 114. The inner side of the airbag cushion 112 (i.e., configured to face the center console 30) is preformed with a center console interface 134 between the proximal end 130 and the distal end 132. The center console interface 134 is configured to dock or mate with the center console 30 to provide a distal impact event during an inboard acceleration A with the passenger O. O The associated lateral force F O The lower support airbag cushion 112 abuts the center console 30. Generally, the center console interface 134 can be described as defining a recess or receptacle along the bottom side of the airbag cushion 112 that mates with the center console top surface 34 and a respective one of the side walls 36,38.

[0050] like Figure 8 As shown, the airbag cushion 112 includes an outer impact panel 136 that is configured to face the passenger O when the airbag cushion 112 is deployed. The outer impact panel 136 may extend continuously from the proximal end 130 at the seat base 42 to the distal end 132 of the airbag cushion 112, and may include one or more pre-formed contours corresponding to the body contours of the passenger O. The airbag cushion 112 also includes a plurality of inner impact panels 138, 140, 142 formed on a side of the airbag cushion 112 opposite to the outer impact panel 136. The inner impact panels 138, 140, 142 are arranged in series from the proximal end 130 to the distal end 132, and together define a center console interface 134 of the airbag cushion 112.

[0051] Still refer to Figure 8 , the inner cushion panels 138, 140, 142 include a lower inner cushion panel 138, one or more intermediate inner cushion panels 140, and an upper inner cushion panel 142. In this example, when the airbag cushion 112 is deployed, the lower inner cushion panel 138 is configured to interface with one of the side walls 36, 38 of the center console 30. For example, in the case where the airbag cushion 112 is associated with the driver's side front seat 16a, the lower inner cushion panel 138 is formed to abut the driver's side wall 36 of the center console 30. The upper inner cushion panel 142 extends between the one or more intermediate inner cushion panels 140 and the distal end 132, and cooperates with the upper portion of the outer cushion panel 136 to define an upper cushion body 144, which generally absorbs the inner force F associated with the body of the passenger O during a distal impact event. O .

[0052] One or more intermediate inner bumper panels 140 extend between the lower inner bumper panel 138 and the upper inner bumper panel 142 and are configured to interface with the console top surface 34 to support the airbag cushion 112 in a deployed state. Thus, while the illustrated example shows the console top surface 34 as a substantially planar feature, whereby the intermediate inner bumper panel 140 has a corresponding substantially planar contour, the intermediate inner bumper panel 140 may be preformed to have other contours to conform to the console top surface 34. For example, where the console top surface 34 includes a unique geometry associated with a feature of the center console 30 (e.g., a shifter, a storage box, a cup holder), the intermediate inner bumper panel 140 may be preformed (or include a plurality of intermediate inner bumper panels 140) to include a corresponding contour configured to match the geometry of the console top surface 34.

[0053] The one or more middle inner impact panels 140 and the lower inner impact panel 138 together define the center console interface 134 of the airbag cushion 112. When the airbag cushion 112 is inflated, the center console interface 134 is configured to deploy adjacent to the console top surface 34 and the driver's side wall 36 to prevent the airbag cushion 112 from inflating. O ) is applied to the airbag cushion 112 to minimize the gap or space between the inner side of the airbag cushion 112 and the center console 30. Thus, the center console 30 provides a support structure for the airbag cushion 112 and minimizes deflection (i.e., unsupported movement) of the airbag cushion 112 during a far-side impact event. By providing the airbag cushion 112 with the center console interface 134, the side impact force F associated with the body of the occupant O during a side impact event is reduced compared to a conventional airbag (i.e., without a preformed center console interface) that must deflect or conform to the console during a far-side impact event. O Better supported and absorbed by the airbag cushion 112 .

[0054] refer to Figure 8 and 9 , each passenger-side front seat 16a, 16b may optionally include an associated inflator 104 including storage hardware 106 and a central processing unit 108 in communication with an inflator module 114, the body controller 18, and / or one or more collision sensors 24. The inflator 104 may receive or generate a trigger signal 115 indicative of actuation of the inflator module 114 to deploy the airbag cushion 112. In particular, when the body controller 18 determines that the force measured by the collision sensor exceeds a collision force threshold corresponding to a side collision event, the body controller 18 sends a trigger signal 115 to the inflator 104 instructing the inflator module 114 to deploy.

[0055] Figure 3-6 The vehicle 10 is shown in a state where the body of the passenger O is accelerated inwardly relative to the vehicle body 12 by A. O The side impact airbag cushion 112 is deployed in a far-side impact event. For example, the side impact force F on the passenger side of the vehicle body 12 SI This generally results in the vehicle body 12 accelerating toward the driver's side of the vehicle 10 by A. SI As the vehicle body 12 accelerates toward the driver's side of the vehicle body 12, the lateral force F associated with the side impact SI The acceleration A of the vehicle body 12 and the seat body 40 is indirectly transmitted to the body of the passenger O. SI The acceleration may not be fully transmitted to the passenger O, so the torso of the passenger O lags behind the acceleration of the vehicle body 12 and is at the same speed as the side impact acceleration A. SIThus, the body of the passenger O may be accelerated by A relative to the vehicle body 12 in a direction toward the centerline of the vehicle body 12 and toward the center console 30. O .like Figure 4 As shown, the composite side impact force F SI is directed outward relative to the vehicle body 12 , and therefore, the passenger O may be accelerated inward in the opposite direction, thereby causing a collision between the passenger O and the center console 30 .

[0056] When a distal impact event occurs and the side impact force F SI When the side impact threshold is exceeded, the body controller 18 and / or the inflator 104 generates a trigger signal 115 and instructs the inflator module 114 to deploy the airbag cushion 112 to cover the driver's side wall 36 of the center console 30. When the airbag cushion 112 is deployed, the inner force F associated with the body of the passenger O O is absorbed by the airbag cushion 112. Therefore, the lateral acceleration A of the body of the passenger O O at least partially constrained by the airbag cushion 112, and in particular, by the airbag cushion body 144. As previously described, providing the airbag cushion 112 with a preformed center console interface 134 allows the airbag cushion 112 to engage or mate with the center console 30 to minimize relative movement between the deployed airbag cushion 112 and the center console 30, thereby providing increased lateral support relative to an airbag cushion without a center console interface.

[0057] Many embodiments have been described. However, it should be understood that various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, other embodiments are also within the scope of the following claims.

[0058] The foregoing description has been provided for the purpose of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present disclosure. Individual elements or features of a particular configuration are generally not limited to that particular configuration, but where applicable, they are interchangeable and can be used in a selected configuration even if not specifically shown or described. This can also be varied in a variety of ways. Such variations should not be considered a departure from the present disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. An impact mitigation system for a motor vehicle seat, the impact mitigation system comprising: Airbag wrapping; as well as An airbag cushion operable between an undeployed state within an airbag wrapper and a deployed state extending from the airbag wrapper, the airbag cushion comprising: (i) an outer cushion panel extending from a proximal end of the airbag cushion at the airbag wrapper to a distal end of the airbag cushion, the distal end being disposed at an end of the airbag cushion opposite the proximal end, and (ii) a plurality of inner cushion panels extending between the proximal end and the distal end on a side of the airbag cushion opposite the outer cushion panels and defining a center console interface configured to mate with a center console of a motor vehicle.

2. The impact mitigation system of claim 1, wherein: The plurality of inner cushion panels include: (i) a lower inner cushion panel located at a proximal end of the airbag cushion, and (ii) an intermediate inner cushion panel disposed between the lower inner cushion panel and a distal end of the airbag cushion.

3. The impact mitigation system of claim 2, wherein: The lower inner bolster and the middle inner bolster together define a center console interface for the airbag cushion.

4. The impact mitigation system of claim 3, wherein: The lower inner impact panel is configured to interface with a side wall of a center console of a motor vehicle when the airbag cushion is in a deployed state.

5. The impact mitigation system of claim 4, wherein: The middle inner impact panel is configured to interface with a top surface of a center console of a motor vehicle when the airbag cushion is in a deployed state.

6. The impact mitigation system of claim 1, wherein: The center console interface defines a recess formed on a bottom side of the airbag cushion. 7 . The impact mitigation system of claim 1 , further comprising a guide channel attached to the airbag wrap and configured to guide the airbag cushion to a deployment area of ​​the seat.

8. An impact mitigation system for a motor vehicle, the impact mitigation system comprising: seats including side bolsters; a center console set close to the side bolsters; Air bag wrapping disposed in the side bolster; as well as An airbag cushion operable between an undeployed state within an airbag wrap and a deployed state extending from the airbag wrap, the airbag cushion comprising: (i) an outer cushion panel extending from a proximal end of the airbag cushion at the airbag wrap to a distal end of the airbag cushion, the distal end being disposed at an end of the airbag cushion opposite the proximal end, and (ii) a plurality of inner cushion panels extending between the proximal end and the distal end on a side of the airbag cushion opposite the outer cushion panels and defining a center console interface configured to mate with a center console.

9. The impact mitigation system of claim 8, wherein: The plurality of inner cushion panels include: (i) a lower inner cushion panel located at a proximal end of the airbag cushion, and (ii) an intermediate inner cushion panel disposed between the lower inner cushion panel and a distal end of the airbag cushion, The lower inner bumper and the middle inner bumper together define the center console interface for the airbag cushion. The lower inner impact panel is configured to engage a side wall of a center console of the motor vehicle when the airbag cushion is in a deployed state, and The middle inner impact panel is configured to interface with a top surface of a center console of the motor vehicle when the airbag cushion is in a deployed state.

10. A motor vehicle comprising an impact mitigation system, the impact mitigation system comprising: seats including seat side bolsters; a center console set close to the side bolsters; Air bag wrapping disposed in the side bolster; as well as An airbag cushion operable between an undeployed state within an airbag wrap and a deployed state extending from the airbag wrap, the airbag cushion comprising: (i) an outer cushion panel extending from a proximal end of the airbag cushion at the airbag wrap to a distal end of the airbag cushion, the distal end being disposed at an end of the airbag cushion opposite the proximal end, and (ii) a plurality of inner cushion panels extending between the proximal end and the distal end on a side of the airbag cushion opposite the outer cushion panels and defining a center console interface configured to mate with a center console.

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