Passenger restraint system and deployment method thereof

Abstract

An occupant restraint system for a vehicle having an interior having a front end and a rear end spaced apart from the front end relative to a longitudinal axis, the occupant restraint system including: a first airbag having a first inlet, a first reaction surface toward the front end, and a support surface, the support surface faces the rear end and is spaced from the reaction surface; and a second airbag having a second inlet, a second reaction surface engaged with the support surface, and a passenger surface toward a rearward end.

Description

Background Technology

[0001] The information provided in this section is for the purpose of generally presenting the context of this disclosure. To the extent described in this section, the work of the currently attributed inventors and aspects of the description that may not constitute prior art at the time of filing are neither explicitly nor implicitly considered to be prior art of this disclosure.

[0002] This disclosure relates generally to vehicles, and more particularly to passenger restraint systems.

[0003] Vehicles are typically equipped with safety systems such as airbags. However, existing systems generally rely on portions of the vehicle's interior as reaction surfaces during airbag deployment. Some vehicle interior layouts do not provide reaction surfaces, or the reaction surfaces are located remotely from where one or more passengers are seated, thus potentially preventing conventional airbag systems from operating optimally. One or more drawbacks of existing systems will be addressed through one or more aspects of this disclosure. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In one configuration, a vehicle is provided, the vehicle including a vehicle body comprising an interior and an exterior opposite to the interior. The interior has a front end and a rear end spaced apart from the front end relative to a longitudinal axis, a first side and a second side spaced apart from the first side relative to a lateral axis, and at least one seat for a passenger disposed at the rear end of the interior. The vehicle further includes a passenger restraint system disposed within the interior. The passenger restraint system includes: a first airbag having a first inlet, a first reaction surface facing the front end, and a support surface facing the rear end and spaced apart from the reaction surface; and a second airbag having a second inlet, a second reaction surface engaging the support surface, and a passenger surface facing the rear end.

[0005] The vehicle may include one or more of the following optional aspects. For example, a first airbag may be positioned relative to a longitudinal axis between a frontal and a second airbag. The second airbag may be positioned relative to a longitudinal axis between the first airbag and a rear-end airbag. Both the first and second airbags may be positioned fore-and-aft relative to at least one seat.

[0006] According to at least one aspect, the vehicle body further includes: a roof beam extending between a front end and a rear end inside; a central spine extending between a front end and a rear end inside; and a roof connecting to the roof beam and the central spine. The vehicle body may further include: one or more doors, each of the one or more doors including a door panel; a front panel disposed at a front end inside and spaced apart from at least one seat relative to a longitudinal axis; and a console disposed inside and extending between a front end and a rear end relative to a longitudinal axis. A first airbag may be disposed and configured to deploy from one of the following: the front panel; the central spine; the roof beam; or a door panel. A second airbag may be disposed and configured to deploy from one of the following: the central spine; the roof beam; the central console; or a door panel.

[0007] According to another aspect, the passenger surface faces at least one seat. The second airbag may include a bottom surface that extends between the second reaction surface and the passenger surface.

[0008] In another configuration, a passenger restraint system is provided for a vehicle with an interior having a front end and a rear end spaced apart from the front end relative to a longitudinal axis. The passenger restraint system includes: a first airbag having a first inlet, a first reaction surface facing the front end, and a support surface facing the rear end and spaced apart from the reaction surface; and a second airbag having a second inlet, a second reaction surface engaging the support surface, and a passenger surface facing the rear end.

[0009] The vehicle may include one or more of the following optional aspects. For example, a first airbag may be positioned relative to the longitudinal axis between the front end and the second airbag. The second airbag may be positioned relative to the longitudinal axis between the first airbag and the rear end.

[0010] According to at least one aspect, the second airbag further includes a bottom surface that extends between the second reaction surface and the passenger surface.

[0011] According to another perspective, the first and second airbags extend beyond half the length between the front and rear ends of the interior.

[0012] According to at least one example, a first inlet is arranged relative to the longitudinal axis between a first reaction surface and a support surface. A second inlet may be arranged relative to the longitudinal axis between a second reaction surface and a passenger surface.

[0013] In another configuration, a method for deploying a passenger restraint system is provided, the method comprising: monitoring and controlling the system to detect a collision; determining whether an airbag needs to be deployed; determining whether a passenger is properly positioned in the seat; deploying a first airbag, the first airbag including a first reaction surface and a support surface spaced apart from the first reaction surface relative to a longitudinal axis; and deploying a second airbag after the first airbag, the second airbag including a second reaction surface contacting the support surface and a passenger surface spaced apart from the second reaction surface relative to a longitudinal axis.

[0014] The method may include one or more of the following optional aspects or steps. For example, deploying the second airbag occurs after the first airbag has been deployed.

[0015] According to one aspect, the method further includes: initiating a service request.

[0016] The present invention may also include the following solutions.

[0017] 1. A vehicle comprising:

[0018] A vehicle body, the vehicle body including an interior and an exterior opposite to the interior, the interior including a front end and a rear end spaced apart from the front end relative to a longitudinal axis, a first side and a second side spaced apart from the first side relative to a transverse axis, and at least one seat for a passenger disposed at the rear end of the interior; and

[0019] An internally located passenger restraint system, the passenger restraint system comprising:

[0020] A first airbag, the first airbag having a first inlet, a first reaction surface facing forward, and a support surface facing rearward and spaced apart from the first reaction surface; and

[0021] The second airbag has a second inlet, a second reaction surface that engages with a support surface, and a passenger surface facing the rear.

[0022] 2. The vehicle as described in Scheme 1, wherein the first airbag is positioned relative to the longitudinal axis between the front end and the second airbag.

[0023] 3. The vehicle as described in Scheme 2, wherein the second airbag is positioned between the first airbag and the rear end relative to the longitudinal axis.

[0024] 4. The vehicle as described in Scheme 3, wherein both the first airbag and the second airbag are arranged front-to-back relative to at least one seat.

[0025] 5. The vehicle as described in Scheme 1, wherein the vehicle body further comprises:

[0026] A roof beam that extends between the front and rear ends of the vehicle interior;

[0027] A central spine, extending internally between its anterior and posterior ends; and

[0028] The roof is connected to the roof beam and the central spine.

[0029] 6. The vehicle as described in Scheme 5, wherein the vehicle body further comprises:

[0030] One or more doors, each of the one or more doors including a door panel;

[0031] A front panel, the front panel being disposed at the interior front end and spaced apart from at least one seat relative to the longitudinal axis; and

[0032] A console, which is arranged inside and extends between the front and rear ends relative to a longitudinal axis.

[0033] 7. The vehicle of embodiment 6, wherein the first airbag is disposed in one of and configured to deploy from one of: the front panel; the central spine; the roof beam; or the door panel.

[0034] 8. The vehicle as described in claim 7, wherein the second airbag is disposed in one of and configured to deploy from one of: the central spine; one of the roof beams; the center console; or one of the door panels.

[0035] 9. The vehicle as described in Scheme 1, wherein the passenger surface faces at least one seat.

[0036] 10. The vehicle of embodiment 9, wherein the second airbag includes a bottom surface extending between the second reaction surface and the passenger surface.

[0037] 11. A passenger restraint system for a vehicle, the vehicle having an interior, the interior having a front end and a rear end spaced apart from the front end relative to a longitudinal axis, the passenger restraint system comprising:

[0038] A first airbag, the first airbag having a first inlet, a first reaction surface facing forward, and a support surface facing rearward and spaced apart from the first reaction surface; and

[0039] The second airbag has a second inlet, a second reaction surface that engages with a support surface, and a passenger surface facing the rear.

[0040] 12. The passenger restraint system as described in claim 11, wherein a first airbag is positioned relative to the longitudinal axis between the front end and the second airbag.

[0041] 13. The passenger restraint system as described in claim 12, wherein the second airbag is positioned between the first airbag and the rear end relative to the longitudinal axis.

[0042] 14. The passenger restraint system of claim 11, wherein the second airbag further includes a bottom surface that extends between the second reaction surface and the passenger surface.

[0043] 15. The passenger restraint system of claim 11, wherein the first and second airbags extend beyond half the length between the front and rear ends of the interior.

[0044] 16. The passenger restraint system of claim 11, wherein a first inlet is arranged between a first reaction surface and a support surface relative to a longitudinal axis.

[0045] 17. The passenger restraint system as described in claim 16, wherein the second inlet is arranged between the second reaction surface and the passenger surface relative to the longitudinal axis.

[0046] 18. A method for deploying a passenger restraint system, comprising:

[0047] The monitoring and control system detects collisions;

[0048] Determine whether the airbags need to be deployed;

[0049] Determine if the passenger is correctly seated;

[0050] The first airbag deploys, the first airbag including a first reaction surface and a support surface spaced apart from the first reaction surface relative to a longitudinal axis; and

[0051] A second airbag deploys after the first airbag. The second airbag includes a second reaction surface that contacts a support surface and a passenger surface that is spaced apart from the second reaction surface relative to a longitudinal axis.

[0052] 19. The method of claim 18, the method further comprising: engaging a seatbelt tensioner coupled to a seatbelt configured to restrain a passenger.

[0053] 20. The method as described in Scheme 19, the method further comprising: initiating a service request. Attached Figure Description

[0054] The accompanying drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure.

[0055] Figure 1 It is a side view of a vehicle based on the principles of this disclosure;

[0056] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A partial side view of the vehicle, with the passenger door removed;

[0057] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A partial top-down perspective view of the vehicle, with the roof removed;

[0058] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 A partial top perspective view of a vehicle having a first configuration of a constraint system according to the principles of this disclosure;

[0059] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 A partial top perspective view of a vehicle having a second configuration of a constraint system according to the principles of this disclosure;

[0060] Figure 6 yes Figure 1 A partial top perspective view of a vehicle having a third configuration of a constraint system according to the principles of this disclosure;

[0061] Figure 7 yes Figure 1 A partial top perspective view of a vehicle having a fourth configuration of a constraint system according to the principles of this disclosure;

[0062] Figure 8 yes Figure 1 A partial side perspective view of the vehicle, wherein the passenger door is removed and the vehicle has a fifth configuration of a restraint system according to the principles of this disclosure;

[0063] Figure 9 yes Figure 1 A partial top perspective view of a vehicle having a sixth configuration of a constraint system according to the principles of this disclosure;

[0064] Figure 10 yes Figure 1 A partial side perspective view of the vehicle, wherein the passenger door is removed and the vehicle has a seventh configuration of a restraint system according to the principles of this disclosure; and

[0065] Figure 11 This is a flowchart of a method for deploying a passenger restraint system based on the principles of this disclosure.

[0066] In all the accompanying drawings, the corresponding reference numerals indicate the corresponding parts. Detailed Implementation

[0067] Example configurations will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. Example configurations are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and fully convey the scope of this disclosure to those skilled in the art. Specific details, such as examples of specific components, apparatus, and methods, are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the configurations of this disclosure. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that specific details are not required, example configurations may be implemented in many different forms, and specific details and example configurations should not be construed as limiting the scope of this disclosure.

[0068] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing a particular exemplary configuration only and is not intended to be restrictive. As used herein, the singular articles “a,” “an,” and “the” may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context explicitly indicates otherwise. The terms “comprising,” “including,” “having,” and “containing” are open-ended inclusions and therefore specify the presence of features, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. The method steps, processes, and operations described herein should not be construed as having to be performed in the specific order discussed or shown, unless specifically identified as such. Additional or alternative steps may be employed.

[0069] When an element or layer is referred to as “located on another element or layer,” “joined to,” “connected to,” “attached to,” or “coupled to” another element or layer, it may be directly located on, joined to, connected to, attached to, or coupled to that element or layer, or there may be intervening elements or layers. In contrast, when an element is referred to as “directly located on another element or layer,” “directly joined to,” “directly connected to,” “directly attached to,” or “directly coupled to” another element or layer, there may not be intervening elements or layers. Other terms used to describe relationships between elements should also be interpreted in a similar manner (e.g., “between” vs. “directly between,” “adjacent” vs. “directly adjacent,” etc.). As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the related listed items.

[0070] The terms “first,” “second,” “third,” etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers, and / or portions. The elements, components, regions, layers, and / or portions should not be limited by these terms. These terms may only be used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, or portion from another. Unless explicitly indicated by the context, terms such as “first,” “second,” and other numerical terms do not imply order or sequence. Therefore, the first element, component, region, layer, or portion discussed below may be referred to as the second element, component, region, layer, or portion without departing from the teachings of the example configuration.

[0071] In this application, the term "module" is used in place of the term "circuit" as defined below. The term "module" may refer to, be part of, or include: application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs); digital, analog, or mixed-signal analog / digital discrete circuits; digital, analog, or mixed-signal analog / digital integrated circuits; combinational logic circuits; field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs); processors (shared, dedicated, or grouped) that execute code; memory (shared, dedicated, or grouped) that stores code executed by the processor; other suitable hardware components that provide the described functionality; or combinations of some or all of the foregoing, such as in a system-on-a-chip.

[0072] The term "code" as used above may include software, firmware, and / or microcode, and may refer to programs, routines, functions, classes, and / or objects. 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, in conjunction with additional processors, executes some or all of the code from one or more modules. 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, in conjunction with additional memory, stores some or all of the code from one or more modules. The term "memory" may be a subset of the term "computer-readable medium." The term "computer-readable medium" does not include transient electrical and electromagnetic signals propagating through a medium and may therefore be considered tangible and non-transient memory. Non-limiting examples of non-transient memory include tangible computer-readable media, including non-volatile memory, magnetic storage devices, and optical storage devices.

[0073] The apparatus and methods described in this application may be implemented, in whole or in part, 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-volatile tangible computer-readable medium. The computer program may also include and / or depend on stored data.

[0074] A software application (i.e., a software resource) can refer to computer software that enables a computing device to perform tasks. In some examples, a software application can be referred to as an "application," "app," or "program." Example applications include, but are not limited to: system diagnostic applications, system management applications, system maintenance applications, word processing applications, spreadsheet applications, messaging applications, streaming applications, social networking applications, and game applications.

[0075] Non-volatile memory can be a physical device for temporarily or permanently storing programs (e.g., instruction sequences) or data (e.g., program state information) for use by a computing device. Non-volatile 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), and electronically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM) (e.g., typically used in firmware, such as boot programs). 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 magnetic disks or magnetic tapes.

[0076] These computer programs (also referred to as programs, software, software applications, or code) include machine instructions for a programmable processor and can be implemented using 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, device, and / or apparatus (e.g., disk, optical disk, memory, programmable logic device (PLD)) for providing machine instructions and / or data to a programmable processor, including machine-readable media that receive machine instructions as machine-readable signals. The term “machine-readable signal” refers to any signal used to provide machine instructions and / or data to a programmable processor.

[0077] 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 implementation in one or more computer programs that can be executed and / or interpreted on a programmable system including at least one programmable processor, which may be dedicated or general-purpose, coupled to receive data and instructions from a storage system, at least one input device, and at least one output device, and to transfer data and instructions to the storage system, at least one input device, and at least one output device.

[0078] The process and logic flow described in this specification can be executed by one or more programmable processors, which also refer to data processing hardware, that execute one or more computer programs to perform functions by manipulating input data and generating output. The process and logic flow can also be executed by special-purpose logic circuits, such as FPGAs (Field-Programmable Gate Arrays) or ASICs (Application-Specific Integrated Circuits). For example, suitable processors for executing computer programs include both general-purpose and special-purpose microprocessors, and any one or more processors of any kind of digital computer. Generally, a processor receives instructions and data from read-only memory or random access memory, or both. The basic elements of a computer are a processor for executing instructions and one or more memory devices for storing instructions and data. Generally, a computer also includes, or is operatively coupled to, receiving data from or transferring data to one or more mass storage devices (e.g., magnetic disks, magneto-optical disks, or optical disks) for storing data, or receiving data from or transferring data to said mass storage device. However, a computer does not necessarily need to have such devices. Computer-readable media suitable for storing computer program instructions and data include: all forms of non-volatile memory, media, and memory 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 ROMs and DVD-ROMs. The processor and memory may be supplemented or incorporated into dedicated logic circuitry.

[0079] To interact with a user, one or more aspects of this disclosure can be implemented on a computer having: a display device, such as a CRT (cathode ray tube), LCD (liquid crystal display) monitor, or touchscreen, for displaying information to the user; and optionally, a keyboard and pointing device, such as a mouse or trackball, through which the user provides input to the computer. Other types of devices can also be used to provide interaction with the user; for example, feedback provided to the user can be any form of sensory feedback, such as visual feedback, auditory feedback, or tactile feedback; and input from the user can be received in any form, including acoustic, speech, or tactile input. Furthermore, the computer can interact with the user by sending documents to and receiving documents from the device used by the user; for example, in response to a request received from a web browser, sending a webpage to a web browser on the user's client device.

[0080] Autonomous vehicles (i.e., partially or fully autonomous) can have passenger layouts uncommon in conventional vehicles. In some of these layouts, passengers are positioned at a greater distance from the dashboard (e.g., more than 1500 mm). Airbags typically rely on some structure of the vehicle so that the airbag and inflator can be stored, and so that when the airbag deploys, it has an interactive reaction surface. Therefore, existing systems will not be adequate when passengers are positioned away from the dashboard or another reaction surface.

[0081] refer to Figure 1 A vehicle 10 is provided, the vehicle including a vehicle body 12, the vehicle body extending along a first or longitudinal axis 14 in a longitudinal direction and along a second or transverse axis 16 in a transverse direction. Figure 3 The vehicle body 12 extends vertically along the third axis 18. It includes: a first end or front end 19a, a second end or rear end 19b spaced apart from the front end 19a relative to the longitudinal axis 14, and a first side or left side 19c. Figure 3 ), and a second side or right side 19d spaced apart from the left side 19c relative to the transverse axis 16.

[0082] The vehicle body 12 includes an interior 20 and an exterior 22 opposite to the interior 20. One or more closures or doors 23 may be coupled to the vehicle body 12 and further define aspects of the interior 20 and exterior 22. (Reference) Figure 2 The interior 20 includes a first end or front end 24 and a second end or rear end 26 spaced apart from the front end 24 relative to the longitudinal axis 14. For example... Figure 3 As shown, the interior 20 also includes a first side or left side 28 ( Figure 3And a second side or right side 30 spaced apart from the first side 28 relative to the transverse axis 16. For example, the left side 28 and the right side 30 may be at least partially defined by a door panel 31 connected to the door 23.

[0083] refer to Figure 3 The vehicle body 12 includes a roof support 32 ( Figure 2 One or more structural columns and beams. For example, the vehicle body 12 may include a first column or A-pillar 34a, 34b, which is spaced apart from the second column or C-pillar 36a, 36b relative to the longitudinal axis 14. A first roof beam or front roof beam 38 may be connected to the first columns 34a, 34b and may extend transversely across the vehicle between the first columns 34a, 34b relative to the transverse axis 16. Similarly, a second roof beam or rear roof beam 40 may be connected to the second columns 36a, 36b and may extend transversely across the vehicle between the second columns 36a, 36b relative to the transverse axis 16. A first roof beam or left roof beam (i.e., D-line) 42 may be connected to the first column 34a and the second column 36a on the left side 19c of the vehicle 10 and may extend front-to-back between the first column 34a and the second column 36a. The second roof beam or right roof beam (i.e., the D-line) 44 can be connected to the first pillar 34b and the second pillar 36b on the right side 19d of the vehicle 10, and can extend back and forth between the first pillar 34b and the second pillar 36b. In operation, the left roof beam 42 and / or the right roof beam 44 may include sealing components, hard trim components, and soft trim components, which further define the interior 20 and / or exterior 22 of the vehicle 10. Similarly, the front roof beam 38 and / or the rear roof beam 40 may include sealing components, hard trim components, and soft trim components, which further define the interior 20 and / or exterior 22 of the vehicle 10. In addition, the windshield 43 ( Figure 1 It can be connected to the first A pillars 34a and 34b and extend between the first A pillars 34a and 34b.

[0084] The roof 32 is spaced apart from the floor 45 of the interior 20 relative to the vertical axis 18, and may have an upper roof panel 46 or an outer roof panel 46 and a lower roof panel or an interior roof panel (e.g., a canopy) 48 spaced apart from the outer roof panel 46, such as... Figure 2As shown. A cavity (not shown) may be arranged between the upper roof panel 46 and the lower roof panel 48, and may define a passage for heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC) ductwork, wiring, lighting, etc. Furthermore, the roof 32 may include a central spine 50 extending between the front roof beam 38 and the second roof beam 40. A gap 52 or space 52 may be arranged between the inner roof panel 48 or the outer roof panel 46 for HVAC ductwork, wiring, lighting, etc.

[0085] The interior 20 may include a front panel or dashboard 54, which is positioned at the front end 24 and extends between the left side 28 and the right side 30. For example, the front panel 54 may be configured to house vehicle electronics, such as a vehicle management system and one or more controllers. The interior 20 may further include a console 56, which is coupled to the floor 45 and extends between the front end 24 and the rear end 26. The console 56 may be configured to provide storage space (such as cup holders, trays, etc.) for passengers, and to house electronics, etc.

[0086] One or more seats 58 may be arranged throughout the interior 20 and may be attached to the floor 45 or another part of the vehicle body 12. Each of the one or more seats 58 may be configured to support a passenger 60 and may include an upper portion 62 and a lower portion 64. The upper portion 62 may be configured to support the upper body (e.g., head, neck, torso, etc.) 66 of the passenger 60, and the lower portion 64 may be configured to support the lower body (e.g., thighs) 68 of the passenger 60. In other words, the passenger 60 may be positioned in the seat 58 such that a portion of the leg area 70 (i.e., the front side of the lower body 68) faces the interior roof panel 48. Each seat 58 may also include a seat belt 72 for securing the passenger 60 to the seat 58. The seat belt 72 may be attached to a seat belt tensioner (not shown) configured to apply tension to the seat belt 72 during driving and / or as a result of a collision with the vehicle 10.

[0087] refer to Figures 4 to 10The vehicle 10 includes a passenger restraint system 100 disposed within an interior 20. The passenger restraint system 100 can be configured to deploy one or more airbags in response to an impact. For example, the passenger restraint system 100 may include a first airbag or primary airbag 102 and a second airbag or secondary airbag 104. The first airbag 102 may be disposed within the interior 20 relative to a longitudinal axis 14 between a front panel 54 and a second airbag 104. The second airbag 104 may be disposed within the interior 20 relative to a longitudinal axis 14 between the first airbag 102 and one or more seats 58. In the example currently illustrated, the first airbag 102 and the second airbag 104 are disposed relative to a lateral axis 16 between the left side 28 of the interior 20 and a console 56. More specifically, the first airbag 102 and the second airbag 104 may be disposed relative to a lateral axis 16 between a door panel 31 and a console 56. Alternatively, the first airbag 102 and the second airbag 104 may be arranged relative to the lateral axis 16 between the left side 28 and the central spine 50 of the interior 20.

[0088] Continue to refer to Figures 4 to 10 The first airbag 102 includes a first reaction surface 106, which faces the front end 24 of the interior 20 and is configured to engage with the front end. More specifically, the first reaction surface 106 may be configured to present the front panel 54 and / or the windshield 43. Figure 1The shape of the internal portion of the first airbag 102. According to one aspect, when the first airbag 102 deploys, more than half of the first reaction surface 106 is available to contact the front panel 54 and / or the windshield 43. Increasing the amount of contact between the first reaction surface 106 and the front panel 54 and / or the windshield 43 may be desirable to enhance protection for one or more occupants 60. The first airbag 102 includes a support surface 108 facing the rear end 26 of the interior 20 and spaced apart from the first reaction surface 106 relative to the longitudinal axis 14. The support surface 108 is configured to engage with and / or receive a portion of the second airbag 104. According to one aspect, the first airbag 102, and more particularly the support surface 108, may have a recessed portion, a grooved portion, or a concave portion (not shown) configured to receive one or more portions of the second airbag 104. The first airbag 102 may further include a first inlet 110 disposed rearwardly between the first reaction surface 106 and the support surface 108. Alternatively, the first inlet 110 may be coupled to and extend from a portion of the first reaction surface 106 or the support surface 108. The passenger restraint system 100 may include a first inflator (not shown) communicatively coupled to the first inlet 110 and configured to inflate the first airbag 102, for example, in response to an impact. The first airbag 102 may be disposed in and deployed from several different locations within the interior 20 of the vehicle 10. For example, the first airbag 102 may be disposed in the front panel 54 ( Figures 4 to 7 ), Central spine 50 ( Figure 8 ), left roof beam 42 ( Figure 9 ), or door panel 31 ( Figure 10 It can be unfolded from the front panel 54, the central spine 50, the left roof beam 42, or the door panel 31.

[0089] Refer again Figures 4 to 10The second airbag 104 includes a second reaction surface 112 facing and configured to engage with a support surface 108. More specifically, the second reaction surface 112 may be configured to take on the shape of a portion of the first airbag 102. Increasing the amount of contact between the second reaction surface 112 and the support surface 108 of the first airbag 102 may be desirable to maintain the position of the second airbag 104 relative to one or more seats 58 and / or one or more passengers 60. According to one aspect, the reaction surface 112 may include an extension or protrusion (not shown) that may, for example, be received in a recess (not shown) in the support surface 108. This arrangement may be desirable for further securing the position of the second airbag 104 relative to the first airbag 102. The second airbag 104 includes a passenger surface 114 facing the rear end 26 of the interior 20 and spaced apart from the second reaction surface 112 relative to the longitudinal axis 14. The passenger surface 114 is configured to engage with and / or restrain the portion of the passenger 60 to prevent it from moving back and forth within the interior 20 and / or moving across the vehicle. For example, the passenger surface 114 may support and / or receive the upper body 66 of the passenger 60 during an impact. The second airbag 104 may also include a bottom surface 116 coupled to and extending between the second reaction surface 112 and the passenger surface 114. In at least one configuration, the bottom surface 116 faces the lower portion 64 of the seat 58. For example, the bottom surface 116 may engage with and rely on the lower body 68 of the passenger 60 as a reaction surface. The second airbag 104 includes a second inlet 118 disposed back and forth between the second reaction surface 112 and the passenger surface 114. Alternatively, the second inlet 118 may be coupled to and extend from a portion of the second reaction surface 112, the passenger surface 114, or the bottom surface 116. The passenger restraint system 100 may include a second inflator (not shown) communicatively connected to a second inlet 118 and configured to inflate a second airbag 104, for example, in response to an impact. The second airbag 104 may be positioned at several different locations within the interior 20 of the vehicle 10 and may deploy from said locations. For example, the second airbag 104 may be positioned at the central spine 50 (…). Figure 5 ), left roof beam 42 ( Figure 6 and Figure 8 ), Central Control Console 56 ( Figure 7 ), or door panel 31 ( Figure 9 and Figure 10 It can be unfolded from the central spine 50, the left roof beam 42, the central console 56, or the door panel 31.

[0090] refer to Figure 2 The control system 120 may be disposed in the vehicle 10 and may be communicatively coupled to the passenger restraint system 100. More specifically, the control system 120 may be communicatively coupled to one or more sensors 122 and first and second inflators (not shown) such that, for example, upon detection of an impact, the first airbag 102 and / or the second airbag 104 may be inflated. According to one aspect, the one or more sensors 122 may include: accelerometers, gyroscopes, and / or impact sensors configured to continuously estimate yaw rate, roll angle, impact, etc. The sensors 122 may also include one or more seat sensors (e.g., weight sensors) configured to provide data that can be used to determine whether the passenger 60 is properly positioned in the seat 58. According to another aspect, the controller 120 may be configured to cause the first airbag 102 to begin inflating before the second airbag 104. This may be ideal, such that, for example, the second airbag 104 can rely on the support surface 108 to restrain the passenger 60.

[0091] refer to Figure 11 It provides a method 300 for deploying a passenger restraint system.

[0092] At 310, the control system 120 can monitor and / or evaluate data received from one or more sensors 122 to determine whether a collision with the vehicle 10 has occurred.

[0093] At 320, the control system 120 can be configured to receive data from one or more sensors and determine whether it is necessary to deploy the first airbag 102 and / or the second airbag 104. In other words, minor collisions may not require the deployment of the first airbag 102 and / or the second airbag 104.

[0094] At 330, the control system 120 can be configured to receive data from one or more sensors 122 and determine, for example, whether passenger 60 is correctly positioned in seat 58. If passenger 60 is not correctly positioned in seat 58, then the first airbag 102 and / or the second airbag 104 may not deploy. This may be ideal to enhance protection for passenger 60 during or shortly after a collision.

[0095] At 340, assuming that the deployment of the airbag is necessary and the passenger 60 is correctly positioned in seat 58, the first airbag 102 is deployed.

[0096] Subsequently or simultaneously, at 350, the second airbag 104 is deployed and contacts the first airbag 102.

[0097] The method 300 may also include the step of initiating a service request to emergency services as a result of a collision requiring the deployment of the first airbag 102 and / or the second airbag 104.

[0098] Various embodiments have been described. However, it should be understood that various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure. Therefore, other embodiments fall within the scope of the following claims.

[0099] The foregoing description is provided for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or limiting of this disclosure. Individual elements or features of a particular configuration are generally not limited to that particular configuration, but where applicable, such individual elements or features are interchangeable and can be used in selected configurations, even if not specifically shown or described. The individual elements or features can also be varied in many ways. Such variations are not considered a departure from this disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A vehicle comprising: a vehicle body including an interior and an exterior opposite the interior, the interior including a front end and a rear end spaced from the front end with respect to a longitudinal axis, a first side and a second side spaced from the first side with respect to a transverse axis, and at least one seat for a passenger disposed at the rear end of the interior; and a passenger restraint system disposed in the interior, the passenger restraint system including: a first airbag having a first inlet, a first reaction surface facing the front end, and a support surface facing the rear end and spaced from the first reaction surface; and a second airbag having a second inlet, a second reaction surface engaging the support surface, and a passenger surface facing the rear end.

2. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the first airbag is disposed between the front end and the second airbag with respect to the longitudinal axis.

3. The vehicle of claim 2, wherein the second airbag is disposed between the first airbag and the rear end with respect to the longitudinal axis.

4. The vehicle of claim 3, wherein both the first airbag and the second airbag are disposed fore and aft with respect to the at least one seat.

5. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the vehicle body further includes: a roof rail extending between the front end and the rear end of the interior; a center spine extending between the front end and the rear end of the interior; and a roof coupled to the roof rail and the center spine.

6. The vehicle of claim 5, wherein the vehicle body further includes: one or more doors, each of the one or more doors including a door panel; a front panel disposed at the front end of the interior and spaced from the at least one seat with respect to the longitudinal axis; and a console disposed in the interior and extending between the front end and the rear end with respect to the longitudinal axis.

7. The vehicle of claim 6, wherein the first airbag is disposed in one of and configured to deploy from one of: the front panel; the center spine; one of the roof rail; or one of the door panels.

8. The vehicle of claim 7, wherein the second airbag is disposed in one of and configured to deploy from one of: the center spine; one of the roof rail; the center console; or one of the door panels.

9. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the passenger surface faces the at least one seat.

10. The vehicle of claim 9, wherein the second airbag includes a bottom surface extending between the second reaction surface and the passenger surface. ​ ​

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