Automobile protection device tracking

Abstract

An automotive protection device may be configured to be mounted to a vehicle to provide protection to an occupant of the vehicle during a collision event. The automotive protection device may include a textile component formed of a textile (300) and including an RFID chip (320a, 320b), where the textile component is associated with an identifier of the RFID chip; and a non-textile component coupled to the textile component and associated with the identifier of the RFID chip, where the non-textile component is associated with the identifier of the RFID chip at an assembly time at which the non-textile component is coupled to the textile component.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to the field of automobile protection. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to automobile protection device tracking for quality control, safety control, manufacturing process data collection, and / or other tracking applications, including trackable automobile protection devices and systems and methods for manufacturing the same. Background Art

[0002] Inflatable airbags are an example of an automotive protective device that can be installed in a vehicle and deployed during a collision. The deployed airbag can cushion the occupants and prevent harmful impacts with other vehicle structures. Some airbags have one or more disadvantages or perform poorly in one or more aspects. Seatbelts are also an example of an automotive protective device that provides restraint for a vehicle occupant during a collision. Some seatbelts may have one or more disadvantages or perform poorly in one or more aspects. Certain embodiments disclosed herein may address one or more of these issues. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0003] The embodiments of the present invention will become more apparent from the following description and the appended claims in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the accompanying drawings depict only typical embodiments and are therefore not to be considered as limiting the scope of the present disclosure. The embodiments will be described and explained in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0004] Figure 1 is a partial cross-sectional view of a radio frequency identification (RFID) thread according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0005] Figure 2 is a front view of another RFID thread according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0006] Figure 3 is a front view of a textile including an RFID thread according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0007] Figure 4 is a perspective view of an RFID strip attached to a textile by staples, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0008] Figure 5 is a front view of an RFID strip attached to a textile by an adhesive according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0009] Figure 6 is a front view of an RFID strip sewn to a textile according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0010] Figure 7is a side view of a vehicle interior including an automobile protection device according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0011] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of an automobile protection device according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0012] Figure 9 is a front view of a vehicle seating position illustrating another automobile protection device according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0013] Figure 10A is a schematic diagram of a tracking system according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0014] Figure 10B is a schematic diagram of a tracking system in communication with a quality assurance system according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0015] Figure 11 is a flow chart illustrating the operation of a method for tracking automobile protection devices according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] It will be readily understood that the components of the embodiments, as generally described and illustrated in the drawings herein, may be arranged and designed in a variety of different configurations. Therefore, the following more detailed description of various embodiments, as illustrated in the drawings, is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure as claimed, but is merely representative of various embodiments. Although various aspects of the embodiments are presented in the drawings, the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale unless specifically indicated.

[0017] Automobile protective devices can be used to prevent or mitigate injuries to motor vehicle occupants in the event of a collision. Automobile protective devices may include seat belts, airbags, nets, cushions, and other devices. Automobile protective devices can mitigate injuries caused by the rapid deceleration of a vehicle occupant in the event of a collision. Automobile protective devices can prevent vehicle occupants from colliding with vehicle structures such as beams, the instrument panel, or other structures.

[0018] Inflatable airbag systems are widely used to reduce or minimize occupant injuries during a collision event. Airbag modules have been installed in various locations within a vehicle, including but not limited to in the steering wheel, in the instrument panel and / or dashboard, in the side doors or side seats, adjacent to the vehicle's roof rails, in an overhead position, or in the knee or leg positions.

[0019] During installation, the disclosed airbag is typically disposed within the housing in a packaged state (e.g., rolled, folded, and / or otherwise compressed) or compact configuration and can be retained in the packaged state behind a cover. During a collision event, an inflator is triggered, which rapidly inflates the airbag with inflation gas. The airbag can rapidly transition from the packaged state of the compact configuration to the inflated state of the deployed configuration. For example, the inflated airbag can open the airbag cover (e.g., by tearing a burst seam or opening a door-like structure) to exit the housing. The inflator can be triggered by any suitable device or system, and the triggering can be responsive to and / or influenced by one or more vehicle sensors.

[0020] Airbag assemblies or airbag systems may mitigate injuries to a vehicle occupant during a crash event by reducing the effects of the occupant's impact with structures within the vehicle, such as, for example, the instrument panel or door pillars (body structure impact).

[0021] Seat belts or restraints have been used to restrain occupants and mitigate injuries resulting from vehicle collisions. Seat belts may include a thigh belt and a shoulder belt. Seat belts may be buckled to secure a vehicle occupant in a seated position. Seat belts may be extended from a wrap-around configuration to extend over the occupant. Seat belts may include mechanisms to prevent them from extending during a collision. Some seat belts may include mechanisms to prevent the seat belt from extending at speeds exceeding a threshold.

[0022] To successfully protect vehicle occupants in a crash, automotive protective devices must be reliable. Some automotive protective devices may not function properly after use. For example, some airbags can only be deployed once. Therefore, quality control is a vital part of the manufacturing of automotive protective devices. Batch testing of automotive protective devices, along with other manufacturing controls, ensures their reliability. In some cases, recalls are necessary to ensure that automotive protective devices function properly. In the event of a recall, it is important to know which automotive protective devices are affected. Recalling too few devices may result in some unreliable devices remaining in vehicles, while recalling too many devices may result in waste.

[0023] Conventional systems for tracking automotive protective devices during manufacturing typically rely on scanning barcode labels attached to the protective device components. These systems require workers to locate and correctly scan the barcode labels on the protective device components, thus delaying the manufacturing process. Furthermore, some barcode labels cannot be scanned once the protective device is assembled. For example, the interior components of the protective device may have barcode labels that are not visible and cannot be scanned when the protective device is assembled.

[0024] Figure 1A radio frequency identification (RFID) thread 100 is shown according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. The RFID thread 100 may also be referred to as an RFID yarn 100. The RFID thread 100 may include a thread body 110, an RFID chip 120, and an antenna 130. The RFID chip 120 and the antenna 130 may be housed inside the thread body 110 (also referred to as the yarn body 110). The RFID chip 120 may be connected to the antenna 130. The antenna 130 may allow the RFID chip 120 to receive and / or transmit electromagnetic signals. The RFID chip 120 may transmit a signal or identifier when scanned. The size of the RFID chip 120 may be designed to fit within or be incorporated into the thread body 110. The RFID chip 120 may be integral with the thread body 110. The size of the thread body 110 may be similar to that of a thread or yarn. The thread body 110 may comprise a fiber material, rubber, plastic, or another material. The thread body 110 may be flexible. Antenna 130 may be flexible, allowing RFID chip 120 to transmit a signal or identifier when RFID wire 100 is bent, looped, or rolled.

[0025] Figure 2Another RFID thread 200 according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. RFID thread 200 may include a thread body 210, also referred to as a yarn body 210. Thread body 210 may have dimensions similar to those of a thread or yarn. Thread body 210 may include a fiber material, rubber, plastic, or another material. Thread body 210 may be flexible. RFID thread 200 may include multiple RFID chips 220. Multiple RFID chips 220 may be incorporated into thread body 210 or integral with the thread body. Multiple RFID chips 220 may emit a signal or identifier when scanned. In some embodiments, multiple RFID chips 220 may each emit the same signal or identifier. In other embodiments, multiple RFID chips 220 may each emit a different signal or identifier. In other embodiments, a first subset of multiple RFID chips 220 may emit a first signal or identifier, and a second subset of multiple RFID chips 220 may emit a second signal or identifier. RFID thread 200 may include an antenna 230. Antenna 230 may be connected to multiple RFID chips 220. In some embodiments, antenna 230 may be continuous. In other embodiments, antenna 230 can be interrupted so that a first portion of antenna 230 is connected to a first RFID chip in multiple RFID chips 220 and a second portion of antenna 230 is connected to a second RFID chip in multiple RFID chips 220. The antennas of multiple RFID chips 220 can be flexible, allowing multiple RFID chips 220 to transmit signals or identifiers when RFID wire 100 is bent, looped, rolled, etc. In some embodiments, multiple RFID chips 220 are evenly spaced. In other embodiments, multiple RFID chips 220 are unevenly spaced. The distance between subsequent RFID chips can range from 1 mm to 1 foot.

[0026] In some embodiments, the RFID thread 200 can be incorporated into the seam tape. In some embodiments, the RFID thread 200 can be incorporated into the seam tape during production. The RFID thread 200 can be integral with the seam tape. The seam tape can be used to join the seams of the airbag cushion during sewing of the airbag cushion. In some embodiments, the multiple RFID chips 220 can each transmit the same signal or identifier. During sewing of the airbag cushion, a subset of the multiple RFID chips 220 may be destroyed, and a second subset of the multiple RFID chips 220 may be preserved. During deployment of the airbag cushion, a third subset of the second subset of the multiple RFID chips 220 may be lost, and a fourth subset of the second subset of the multiple RFID chips 220 may remain on the airbag cushion, so that the signals or identifiers of the multiple RFID chips 220 can be used to identify the airbag cushion.

[0027] Figure 3 A textile 300 including a first RFID thread 310a and a second RFID thread 310b is shown according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the first RFID thread 310a and the second RFID thread 310b may be Figure 1 RFID line 100 or Figure 2 RFID thread 200. First RFID thread 310a may include a first RFID chip 320a. Second RFID thread 310b may include a second RFID chip 320b. First RFID chip 320a may transmit a first signal or identifier when scanned. Second RFID chip 320b may transmit a second signal or identifier when scanned. In some embodiments, the first signal or identifier may be the same as the second signal or identifier. Textile 300 may be associated with the first signal or identifier and the second signal or identifier. In other embodiments, the first signal or identifier may be different from the second signal or identifier. Textile 300 may be associated with the first signal or identifier, the second signal or identifier, and / or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, textile 300 may include multiple RFID threads. In some embodiments, each thread of textile 300 may be an RFID thread. Textile 300 may include a fiber thread, a rubber thread, a plastic thread, or another flexible material thread. First RFID thread 310a and second RFID thread 310b may each include an antenna for picking up and transmitting electromagnetic signals, such as the first signal or identifier and the second signal or identifier.

[0028] Figure 4 4 shows an RFID strip 410 attached to a textile 450 by a staple 440 according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. The RFID strip 400 may also be referred to as an RFID strip 410. In some embodiments, the RFID strip 410 may include an RFID chip inside the RFID strip 410 and an antenna attached to the RFID chip. The RFID chip and antenna may be similar to Figure 1 RFID chip 120 and antenna 130. In other embodiments, RFID strip 410 can include RFID thread incorporated into the fabric or stitching of RFID strip 410. RFID strip 410 can be attached to textile 450 via staples 440 (also known as fasteners). The staples 440 or fasteners can pierce through the RFID strip 410 and textile 450 to attach the RFID strip 410 to the textile 450. Although four staples 440 are depicted, any number of staples can be used to attach RFID strip 410 to textile 450. The staples 440 can be metal, plastic, polymer, or any other suitable material.

[0029] Figure 55. An RFID strip 510 is shown attached to a textile 550 by an adhesive 540 according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. The RFID strip 500 may also be referred to as an RFID strip 510. In some embodiments, the RFID strip 510 may include an RFID chip inside the RFID strip 510 and an antenna attached to the RFID chip. The RFID chip and antenna may be similar to Figure 1 RFID chip 120 and antenna 130 are provided. In other embodiments, RFID strip 510 can include RFID thread incorporated into the fabric or stitching of RFID strip 510. Adhesive 540 can be a heat-curing adhesive, a UV-curing adhesive, or another type of adhesive. In some embodiments, adhesive 540 can be located between RFID strip 510 and textile 550. In other embodiments, adhesive 540 can include a first adhesive located below RFID strip 510 on textile 550 and a second adhesive located above RFID strip 510.

[0030] Figure 6 RFID strip 610 is shown sewn to textile 650 according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. RFID strip 600 may also be referred to as RFID strip 610. In some embodiments, RFID strip 610 may include an RFID chip inside RFID strip 610 and an antenna attached to the RFID chip. The RFID chip and antenna may be similar to Figure 1 RFID chip 120 and antenna 130 are provided. In other embodiments, RFID strip 610 may include RFID thread incorporated into the fabric or stitching of RFID strip 610. RFID strip 610 may be sewn to textile 650 via stitching 640. Stitching 640 may span RFID strip 610. In some embodiments, stitching 640 may pierce RFID strip 610. In some embodiments, stitching 640 may attach one end of RFID strip 610 to textile 650. In other embodiments, stitching 640 may attach both ends of RFID strip 610 to textile 650. RFID strip 610 may include RFID chip area 615. An RFID chip may be located in RFID chip area 615. Stitching 640 may not extend into RFID chip area 615. In some embodiments, an antenna may be located in RFID chip area 615. In other embodiments, the antenna may extend beyond RFID chip area 615. The antenna may be covered by stitching 640. Although RFID chip area 615 is shown as occupying a central portion of RFID strip 610 , RFID chip area 615 may be any portion of RFID strip 610 .

[0031] In some embodiments, stitching 640 may include a metal wire or a metal-coated wire and may cross over the antenna, thereby allowing stitching 640 to function as an additional antenna. In some embodiments, RFID strip 610 may not include an antenna, and stitching 640 may contact the leads of an RFID chip to function as an antenna. In some embodiments, stitching may cross over RFID chip area 615 to contact the antenna and / or the leads of the RFID chip.

[0032] Figure 7 A vehicle interior 700 including a vehicle protective device 750 according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. The vehicle interior 700 may include an occupant seating position 710 for accommodating a vehicle occupant. During a collision event, the vehicle occupant may move rapidly in direction A, potentially injuring themselves upon impact with the vehicle body 720. To protect the vehicle occupant, the vehicle protective device 750 may be configured to slow the vehicle occupant's movement in direction A. The vehicle protective device 750 may include a front panel 730 and side panels 740. The front panel 730 and side panels 740 may be textile components of the vehicle protective device 750. As discussed herein, the front panel 730, side panels 740, or any other textile components of the vehicle protective device 750 may include RFID thread or RFID strips. The front panel 730 and side panels 740 may be configured to rapidly inflate to provide cushioning for the vehicle occupant. The vehicle protective device 750 may include an inflator 770 configured to inflate the front panel 730 and side panels 740 of the vehicle protective device 750. The vehicle protection device 750 can be housed in the steering wheel 760. During a collision, the vehicle protection device 750 can deploy in response to one or more sensors, causing the inflator 770 to rapidly inflate the front panel 730 and the side panels 740 to slow the movement of the vehicle occupants in direction A. Although the vehicle protection device 750 is shown here as a front driver-side airbag assembly or airbag system, the vehicle protection device 750 can be various devices discussed herein, such as side airbags, knee airbags, curtain airbags, seat belts, nets, and other devices.

[0033] Figure 8 A cross-sectional view of a vehicle protection device 800 according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. The vehicle protection device 800 may be in a non-deployed state. Figure 7Vehicle protective device 750. Vehicle protective device 800 may include a shell 810. Shell 810 may cover vehicle protective device 800, allowing vehicle protective device 800 to rapidly deploy during a collision to protect vehicle occupants. Vehicle protective device 800 may include a textile component 812, such as an airbag cushion. In some embodiments, textile component 812 may include an RFID thread or RFID strip, as discussed herein. When in a non-deployed state, textile component 812 may be folded within shell 810. In some embodiments, textile component 812 may be configured to rapidly inflate during a collision to cushion a vehicle occupant. Vehicle protective device 800 may include a non-textile component 814, such as an inflator. Non-textile component 814 may be coupled or attached to textile component 812. In some embodiments, non-textile component 814 may be coupled or attached to textile component 812 during assembly or coupling. In some embodiments, non-textile component 814 may inflate textile component 812. Vehicle protective device 800 may include multiple textile and non-textile components. For example, the plurality of textile components may include a tether, an airbag cushion front panel, or an airbag cushion side panel, and the plurality of non-textile components may include an inflator, an actuator, or mounting hardware (eg, bolts, nuts, brackets).

[0034] Figure 9Another vehicle protection device 900 according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. Vehicle protection device 900 may be a seat belt system. Vehicle protection device 900 may include a seat belt 910. Seat belt 910 may be referred to as a seat restraint or restraint. In some embodiments, seat belt 910 may extend across the thighs and chest of a vehicle occupant. Seat belt 910 may be configured to stop the vehicle occupant's movement during a collision to prevent injury. Seat belt 910 may be attached to a winch assembly 930 and an anchor 950. Winch assembly 930 may be configured to receive seat belt 910 in a reeled arrangement. Winch assembly 930 may release seat belt 910 from the reeled arrangement, allowing seat belt 910 to extend across the chest and thighs of the vehicle occupant. Winch assembly 930 may be configured to stop seat belt 910 and prevent it from extending in response to a collision. In some embodiments, the winch assembly 930 can prevent the seat belt 910 from extending at speeds exceeding a threshold speed to restrain a vehicle occupant during a collision. The seat belt 910 can include a buckle 940. The buckle 940 can be removably attached to a buckle receiver 970. The buckle 940 can be attached to the buckle receiver 970 when the seat belt 910 is deployed across the chest and thighs of the vehicle occupant. The buckle 940 can be detached from the buckle receiver 970 when the seat belt 910 is not deployed. The seat belt 910 can be or include textile. The seat belt 910 can include stitching 920 and / or stitching 960. The textile and / or stitching 920 or stitching 960 of the seat belt 910 can include one or more RFID threads or strips, such as Figure 1 RFID line 100 or Figure 4 RFID strip 410. In some embodiments, the seat belt 910 may include one or more RFID lines, such as Figure 3 The winch assembly 930, buckle 940, anchor 950, and buckle receiver 970 may be non-textile components of the vehicle protection device 900. The winch assembly 930, buckle 940, anchor 950, and buckle receiver 970 may comprise metal, plastic, rubber, or other materials.

[0035] Figure 10A1 is a schematic diagram of a tracking system 1000 according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. Tracking system 1000 may include a vehicle protective device 1010, an assembly station 1020, and a database 1030. Vehicle protective device 1010 may include a textile component 1012 and a non-textile component 1014. Textile component 1012 may include an RFID chip 1013. Assembly station 1020 may include a scanner 1022. Vehicle protective device 1010 may be a vehicle protective device as discussed herein, such as vehicle protective device 750, vehicle protective device 800, or vehicle protective device 900. As discussed herein, RFID chip 1013 may be incorporated into an RFID yarn or RFID strip. As discussed herein, RFID chip 1013 may be incorporated into or attached to textile component 1012.

[0036] Assembly station 1020 may be a location for assembling vehicle protective device 1010. Textile component 1012 and / or non-textile component 1014 may be added to vehicle protective device 1010 at assembly station 1020 at an assembly time or a coupling time. The assembly time may be when textile component 1012 and / or non-textile component 1014 are added or coupled to vehicle protective device 1010. In an example, non-textile component 1014 is coupled to textile component 1012 at an assembly time. In some embodiments, vehicle protective device 1010 may be assembled using multiple assembly stations. Scanner 1022 may scan RFID chip 1013 and identify an identifier of RFID chip 1013. Scanning RFID chip 1013 may include emitting electromagnetic radiation that excites RFID chip 1013 to emit a signal including the identifier, and interpreting the signal emitted by RFID chip 1013 to identify the identifier. The assembly station may transmit the identifier to database 1030. The identifier may be associated with vehicle protective device 1010 in database 1030. In some embodiments, an identifier may be associated with vehicle protective device 1010 in database 1030 at assembly time. Textile component 1012 may be associated with an identifier in database 1030. Non-textile component 1014 may be associated with an identifier in database 1030. In some embodiments, non-textile component 1014 may be associated with an identifier in database 1030 at assembly time. In an example, when non-textile component 1014 is coupled to textile component 1012 at assembly time, non-textile component 1014 is identified and then associated with an identifier in database 1030. In some embodiments, assembly station 1020 may associate vehicle protective device 1010, textile component 1012, and / or non-textile component 1014 with an identifier in database 1030. In other embodiments, database 1030 may associate vehicle protective device 1010, textile component 1012, and / or non-textile component 1014 with an identifier based on the identity of assembly station 1020. Assembly station 1020 may receive information associated with non-textile component 1014 and transmit the information to database 1030 .

[0037] In some embodiments, the car protective device 1010 includes multiple RFID chips. In some embodiments, the car protective device 1010 includes multiple textile components (each textile component includes an RFID chip) and multiple non-textile components, as discussed herein. Each textile component in the multiple textile components can be associated with an identifier of the RFID chip in each textile component in the database 1030. When multiple textile components are added to the car protective device 1010, the car protective device 1010 can be associated with an identifier of each RFID chip in each textile component in the database 1030. In some embodiments, the multiple textile components include a first textile component of the car protective device and additional textile components. When additional textile components are added to the car protective device 1010, the additional textile components are associated with the identifier of the RFID chip of the first textile component. In some embodiments, multiple non-textile components are associated with different identifiers. For example, the inflator of the automobile protection device 1010 is associated with a first identifier of a first RFID chip incorporated into the airbag panel based on the inflator being installed behind the airbag panel, and the mounting hardware of the automobile protection device 1010 is associated with a second identifier of a second RFID chip incorporated into the tether based on the mounting hardware being installed behind the tether.

[0038] In some embodiments, scanner 1022 scans RFID chip 1013 before textile component 1012 is added to car protective device 1010. In other embodiments, scanner 1022 scans RFID chip 1013 after textile component 1012 is added to car protective device 1010.

[0039] Figure 10BFIG1 is a schematic diagram of a tracking system 1000a in communication with or including a quality assurance station 1040 (or quality assurance system) according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. The quality assurance station 1040 may include a scanner 1042. The quality assurance station 1040 may be a location for inspecting or verifying the quality and functionality of the vehicle restraint 1010. For example, the quality assurance station 1040 may test the inflation of an airbag to ensure that the airbag inflates as needed to prevent or mitigate injury to a vehicle occupant during a collision. The quality assurance station 1040 may be used to identify problems or potential problems with the vehicle restraint. For example, the quality assurance station 1040 may identify vehicle restraints that require a recall. The scanner 1042 may scan the RFID chip 1013 and identify the identifier of the RFID chip 1013. The quality assurance station 1040 may communicate with the database 1030 to determine the content associated with the identifier in the database. The quality assurance station 1040 may associate the problem or information point (e.g., tracking information; quality information) with the identifier in the database 1030. In some embodiments, the quality assurance station 1040 can identify components of the automotive protective device 1010 that are associated with the problem in the database 1030. In other embodiments, the quality assurance station 1040 can identify automotive protective devices that include components associated with the problem in the database 1030. For example, the quality assurance station 1040 can identify which automotive protective devices are included in the recall based on the automotive protective devices associated with the problem in the database 1030.

[0040] In some embodiments, the quality assurance station 1040 may organize automotive protective devices into batches. The quality assurance station 1040 may organize textile components of automotive protective devices into batches. The quality assurance station 1040 may organize non-textile components of automotive protective devices into batches. Based on a batch of automotive protective devices, textile components, or non-textile components with a problem, other devices or components in the batch may also be associated with the problem in the database. The quality assurance station 1040 may issue a recall alert for all devices and / or components associated with the problem.

[0041] Figure 11 is a flow chart 1100 illustrating the operation of a method for tracking a vehicle protection device. In some embodiments, the method may be performed by Figure 10A and Figure 10B The method may include additional, fewer, or different operations. The operations shown may be performed in the order shown, in a different order, or simultaneously.

[0042] The method may include associating an identifier of an RFID chip of a textile component of a vehicle protective device with the textile component in a database (1110). As discussed herein, the RFID chip may be incorporated into an RFID chip or RFID strip that is incorporated into or attached to the textile component. The identifier of the RFID chip may be identified by scanning the RFID chip and capturing a signal including the identifier emitted by the RFID chip in response to the scan. The identifier of the RFID chip may be identified by an attached scanner, thereby allowing the identifier of the RFID chip to be identified and the textile component and / or the vehicle protective device to be identified using the database.

[0043] The method may include incorporating the non-textile component into the automotive protective device (1120). Incorporating the non-textile component into the automotive protective device (1120) may include assembling the automotive protective device including the non-textile component.

[0044] The method may include associating the non-textile component with the identifier of the RFID chip in a database (1130).The non-textile component may be identified using the identifier of the RFID chip such that scanning the RFID chip allows identification of the non-textile component.

[0045] For example, the textile component may be an airbag cushion of an airbag assembly, and the airbag cushion and / or the airbag assembly may be identified by scanning an RFID chip incorporated into an RFID thread in the airbag cushion. In this example, the non-textile component may be an inflator of the airbag assembly, and incorporating the inflator into the airbag assembly may include attaching the inflator to the airbag cushion of the airbag assembly. In this example, the inflator of the airbag assembly may be associated with an identifier of the RFID chip in a database, such that scanning the RFID chip in the textile component allows identification of the non-textile component.

[0046] Throughout this specification, the phrases "coupled to" and "in communication with..." refer to any form of interaction between two or more entities, including mechanical, electrical, magnetic, electromagnetic, fluidic, and thermal interactions. Two components can be coupled to each other even if they are not in direct contact with each other. The terms "adjacent" and "abutting" refer to items that are in direct physical contact with each other, but the items may not necessarily be attached together.

[0047] As used herein, "inboard" refers to a direction toward a centerline of the vehicle, while "outboard" refers to a direction away from the vehicle and away from the centerline of the vehicle.

[0048] The phrases "attached to" or "directly attached to" refer to an interaction between two or more entities that are in direct contact with each other and / or separated from each other only by any suitable kind of fastener (eg, mounting hardware or adhesive).

[0049] The phrase "fluid communication" is used in its ordinary sense and is broad enough to refer to an arrangement in which a fluid (eg, a gas or liquid) can flow from one element to another when the elements are in fluid communication with each other.

[0050] The terms "a" and "an" may describe one, but are not limited to one. For example, although this disclosure may list an airbag having a "chamber," this disclosure also contemplates an airbag having two or more chambers.

[0051] The terms "longitudinal" and "longitudinally" refer to a direction or orientation extending or spanning between a front of a vehicle and a rear of a vehicle.

[0052] As used herein, the terms "forward" and "rearward" are used with reference to the front and rear of the associated vehicle. For example, an airbag cushion that deploys in a rearward direction deploys toward the rear of the vehicle. Additionally, other reference terms, such as "horizontal," are used with respect to a vehicle in which an airbag assembly is installed, unless it is clear from the context that a different frame of reference is intended. Thus, a term such as "horizontal" is used with respect to a vehicle regardless of whether the vehicle itself is horizontally oriented (e.g., positioned upright on level ground) or angled relative to true horizontal (e.g., positioned on a hill).

[0053] Unless otherwise indicated, all ranges include the endpoints and all numbers between the endpoints.

[0054] The phrase "vehicle seating position" refers to the position an occupant typically occupies when seated in a seat of a vehicle. The term "occupant" refers to a person within a vehicle or a crash test manikin.

[0055] Reference throughout this specification to "an embodiment" or "the embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Therefore, reference phrases or variations thereof are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment as recited throughout this specification.

[0056] Similarly, it should be understood that in the above description of the embodiments, various features are sometimes grouped together in a single embodiment, figure, or description thereof in order to simplify the disclosure. However, this approach to the disclosure should not be interpreted as reflecting an intention that any claim requires more features than those expressly recited in the claim. On the contrary, as reflected in the appended claims, inventive aspects lie in the combination of less than all the features of any single aforementioned disclosed embodiment. Therefore, the claims appended to this detailed description are hereby expressly incorporated into this detailed description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment. This disclosure includes all permutations of independent claims and their dependent claims.

[0057] The term "first" in reference to a feature or element in the claims does not necessarily imply the presence of second or additional such features or elements. Elements recited in a means-plus-function format are intended to be It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that modifications may be made to the details of the above embodiments without departing from the basic principles of the invention. The embodiments of the invention for which a proprietary attribute or privilege is claimed are defined as follows.

Claims

1. An automobile protection device configured to be mounted to a vehicle to provide protection to an occupant of the vehicle during a collision event, the automobile protection device comprising: a textile component formed of a textile and comprising an RFID chip, wherein the textile component is associated in a database with an identifier of the RFID chip; and A non-textile component is coupled to the textile component and is associated with the identifier of the RFID chip in the database, wherein the non-textile is associated with the identifier of the RFID chip at an assembly time when the non-textile component is coupled to the textile component. 2 . The automobile protection device according to claim 1 , wherein the automobile protection device is an airbag system, and the textile component is a panel of an inflatable airbag cushion of the airbag system. 3 . The automobile protection device according to claim 1 , wherein the automobile protection device is a seat belt, and wherein the textile component is a woven webbing of the seat belt.

4. The automotive protective device of claim 1, wherein the non-textile component is one of a housing, an inflator, and a mounting hardware component.

5. The automobile protection device of claim 1, wherein the RFID chip is incorporated into yarns of a material woven to form the textile.

6. The automotive protective device of claim 1, wherein the RFID chip is incorporated into a strap that is incorporated into the textile component. 7 . The automobile protection device of claim 1 , wherein the automobile protection device further comprises a second textile component, the second textile component being associated with the identifier of the RFID chip at an attachment time when the second textile component is attached to the textile component.

8. A system comprising: database; and An assembly station for assembling an automotive protective device configured to be mounted to a vehicle to provide protection to an occupant of the vehicle during a collision event, the assembly station including a scanner configured to: scanning an RFID chip of a textile component of the automobile protective device to determine an identifier of the RFID chip, wherein the textile component is associated with the identifier of the RFID chip in the database; receiving information associated with a non-textile component of the vehicle protective device; adding the non-textile component to the automobile protective device; and The non-textile component of the vehicle protective device is associated with the identifier of the RFID chip in the database.

9. The system of claim 8, wherein the automotive protective device is an airbag system and the textile component is a panel of an inflatable airbag cushion of the airbag system.

10. The system of claim 8, wherein the automotive protective device is a seat belt, wherein the textile component is a woven webbing of the seat belt.

11. The system of claim 8, wherein the non-textile component is one of a housing, an inflator, and a mounting hardware component.

12. The system of claim 8, wherein the RFID chip is incorporated into yarns of a material woven to form the textile.

13. The system of claim 8, wherein the RFID chip is incorporated into a strip that is incorporated into the textile component.

14. A method for manufacturing an automotive protective device configured to be mounted to a vehicle to provide protection to an occupant of the vehicle during a collision event, the method comprising: associating the identifier of the RFID chip of the textile component of the automobile protective device with the textile component in a database; Incorporating a non-textile component into the vehicle protective device; as well as The non-textile component is associated with the identifier of the RFID chip in the database.

15. The method according to claim 14, further comprising: identifying information points related to one or more of the textile component and the non-textile component; determining the RFID identifier based on an association between the information point and the RFID identifiers in the database; and One or more other parts associated with the defective part are identified based on the RFID identifier.

16. The method of claim 14, wherein the automotive protective device is an airbag system and the textile component is a panel of an inflatable airbag cushion of the airbag system.

17. The method of claim 14, wherein the automotive protective device is a seat belt, wherein the textile component is a woven webbing of the seat belt.

18. The method of claim 14, wherein the non-textile component is one of a housing, an inflator, and a mounting hardware component.

19. The method of claim 14, wherein the RFID chip is incorporated into yarns of a material woven to form a textile.

20. The method of claim 14, wherein the RFID chip is incorporated into a strip that is incorporated into the textile component.

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