SIDE AIRBAG ENERGY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

Abstract

Vehicle backrest assembly, comprising: a passenger support (58); a suspension assembly (128) which couples the passenger support (58) to a support structure (78), wherein the support structure (78) comprises a first fairing part (50), a seat frame (132) and a back wall section (180); wherein the back wall section (180) comprises one or more upper reverse hooks (184), an energy transfer clamp (192), a lower 2-step fastening clip (188) or several lower 2-step fastening clips (188), an external wall detent (182) or several external wall detent assemblies (182) and a break element (186) or several break elements (186); a side airbag (42) which is coupled to the seat frame (132) in position; and an airbag deployment system (46) configured to deploy the side airbag (42), thereby generating deployment energy, the deployment energy being transferred at least partially to the one or more upper reverse hooks (184), the energy transfer clamp (192), the one lower 2-stage mounting clip (188) or several lower 2-stage mounting clips (188), the one or more outer wall detent (182) and the one or more break element (186).

Description

AREA OF INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates generally to a vehicle seat assembly and in particular to a fastening architecture and energy transfer structure for a side airbag deployment. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Vehicle seat assemblies are currently supplied with integrated safety features to protect the vehicle occupant. Vehicle seat assemblies must be designed such that the vehicle seat is structurally sound and provides the necessary support for a vehicle occupant. To enhance the safety features of a vehicle seat, an airbag deployment device can be incorporated into the vehicle seat structure. When an airbag deployment device is integrated into the vehicle seat structure, the vehicle seat assembly must allow for the proper deployment of the airbag deployment device. Thus, it is desirable to provide a seat assembly that can be efficiently fitted while also providing coupling features configured to allow for the proper deployment of an airbag deployment device.

[0003] The prior art patent US 2005 / 0248189A1 describes a vehicle backrest assembly and a vehicle seat assembly comprising a passenger support and a support structure including a seat frame and a backrest section, as well as one or more inverted hooks. US 5826938A describes a vehicle seat assembly and a vehicle backrest assembly comprising a passenger support, a support structure including a backrest section and a seat frame, and an airbag deployment system for deploying a side airbag. BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] According to one aspect of the present invention, a vehicle backrest assembly includes a passenger support. The vehicle backrest assembly includes a suspension assembly that couples the passenger support to a support structure. The support structure includes a first trim part, a seat frame, and a back wall section, wherein the back wall section comprises one or more upper reverse hooks, an energy transfer clamp, one or more lower two-stage fastening clips, one or more outer wall detents, and one or more break-away elements.A side airbag is coupled to the seat frame in position and an airbag deployment system is configured to deploy the side airbag, generating deployment energy, the deployment energy being transferred at least partially to the one or more upper reverse hooks, the energy transfer clamp, the one or more lower 2-stage mounting clips, the one or more outer wall detent clips and the one or more breakaway elements.

[0005] According to a further aspect of the present invention, a vehicle seat assembly includes a support structure, wherein the support structure includes a first trim part, a seat frame, and a back wall section. The vehicle seat assembly further includes an airbag deployment system configured to deploy a side airbag using a break element to initiate bending of an outer wall on the back wall section along one or more outer wall detents to facilitate dissipation of the deployment energy using one or more upper inverted hooks.

[0006] The vehicle seat assembly may additionally include an airbag deployment system configured to deploy a side airbag coupled to the seat frame using the back wall section, which has one or more upper reverse hooks, one or more outer wall detents, and one or more break elements to facilitate the dissipation of deployment energy.

[0007] These and other aspects, objects and features of the present invention can be understood and reproduced by the person skilled in the art after reading the following description, claims and accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] In the drawings: Fig. 1 is a perspective top view of an embodiment of the present disclosure, which is arranged on a seat assembly in a vehicle; Fig. Figure 2 is a perspective top view of the vehicle seat from Fig. 1; Fig. Figure 3 is a front elevation view of an embodiment of a seat assembly, showing an deployed airbag with dashed lines; Fig. Figure 4 is a side elevation view of an embodiment of a seat assembly, showing an deployed airbag with dashed lines; Fig. 5 is a perspective exploded view of an embodiment of a backrest; Fig. 6 is a perspective exploded view of an embodiment of a support structure for a backrest; Fig. 7 is a perspective front view of an embodiment of a back wall section; Fig. 8 is a perspective rear view of an embodiment of a back wall section; Fig. 9 is a perspective front view of an embodiment of a back wall section; Fig. 10 is an extended side view of an embodiment of an upper inverted hook; Fig. 11A is an extended view of an embodiment of an upper inverted hook attached to a seat frame; Fig. Figure 11B is an extended view of an embodiment of a 2-stage fastening clip attached to a seat frame; Fig. 12 is an extended side view of an embodiment of a pair of upper inverted hooks attached to the seat frame; Fig. Figure 13 is a perspective side view of an embodiment of an interior of a side wall on a rear wall section; Fig. Figure 14 is an extended cross-sectional view of an embodiment of an external wall locking device; and Fig. Figure 15 is an extended view of an embodiment of a fracture element. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EXECUTION FORMS

[0009] The present embodiments are now described in detail, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numerals are used in the drawings to refer to identical or similar parts.

[0010] For the purposes of the description in this document, the terms “above”, “below”, “right”, “left”, “back”, “front”, “vertical”, “horizontal” and derivative forms thereof refer to the revelation in its orientation in Fig. 1, unless otherwise stated. However, it is understood that the disclosure may assume various alternative orientations unless expressly stated otherwise. Furthermore, it is understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the accompanying drawings and described in the patent specification below are merely exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the accompanying claims. Thus, specific dimensions and other physical properties associated with embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered limiting unless the claims expressly provide otherwise. It is also possible that the embodiments shown in the figures are not to scale or contain features of more than one embodiment.

[0011] As used herein, the term "and / or," when used in a list of two or more elements, means that each of the enumerated elements can be used alone, or any combination of two or more of the enumerated elements can be used. For example, if a composition is described as containing components A, B, and / or C, the composition can contain: only A; only B; only C; A and B in combination; A and C in combination; B and C in combination; or A, B, and C in combination.

[0012] In relation to Fig. Reference numeral 10 generally denotes a vehicle seat assembly comprising a backrest 22 having a passenger support 58 attached to a trim support 104, with a suspension assembly 128 connected to a support structure 78. The support structure 78 includes a first trim panel 50, a seat frame 132, and a back wall section 180. The back wall section 180 includes one or more upper reverse hooks 184, an energy transfer clamp 192, one or more lower two-stage fastening clips 188, one or more outer wall detents 182, and one or more break elements 186. An airbag deployment system 46 is positioned near the first trim panel 50 and a second trim panel 54 and configured to deploy an airbag 42 between the first and second trim panels 50, 54.The unfolding energy is derived through the one or more upper reverse hooks 184 of the back wall section 180, the energy transfer clamp 192, the one or more lower 2-stage fastening clips 188, the one or more outer wall detents 182 and the one or more break elements 186.

[0013] Now with reference to Fig. In Figure 1, the vehicle seat assembly 10 is positioned at a location on the driver's side of a vehicle 18. The vehicle seat assembly 10 includes a seat base 30, which is pivotably coupled to the backrest 22 for adjusting the backrest 22 between an upright and a reclined position relative to the seat base 30. The seat base 30 is slidably coupled to a floor 34 of the vehicle 18 on a guide rail assembly 38. The guide rail 38 is configured to allow the vehicle seat assembly 10 to be adjusted in a forward and backward direction relative to the floor 34 of the vehicle 18. It is understood that, in addition to the location illustrated, the vehicle seat assembly 10 can be positioned in various other locations within the vehicle 18, such as on the passenger side, in the center aisle, and at the rear seat.It is also conceivable that the vehicle seat assembly 10 does not include a reclining function and does not include a guide 38, so that the vehicle seat assembly 10 can be fixed to the floor 34 of the vehicle 18 or optionally coupled.

[0014] As also in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, a control unit 26 on the vehicle 18 is electrically coupled to the airbag deployment system 46. The control unit 26 can be operated to activate the airbag 42 in the airbag deployment system 46, causing the airbag 42 to deploy into a position 86 ( Fig. 3) to inflate when the control unit 26 detects a collision event of the vehicle 18, as can generally be traced in the prior art. The airbag deployment system 46 is enclosed on the outside of the support structure 78 of the backrest 22 and is deployed from it. For the purposes of this disclosure, the term "outside" refers to a lateral side that is closest to a side door or a lateral interior area of ​​the vehicle 18. The term "inside" refers, for the purposes of this disclosure, to an area that is closest to a central interior area of ​​the vehicle 18 between the laterally opposite outer sides.

[0015] In relation to Fig. 2 includes the backrest 22, the support structure 78, which includes a first side element 70 and a second side element 74 ( Fig. 3) has, each pivotably coupled to a rear section of the seat base 30. A headrest 14 is coupled to and supported by an upper element 82 of the support structure 78 and is positioned centrally between the first and second side elements 70, 74. The passenger support 58 extends forward from the support structure 78 and includes an upper support component 62 and a lower support component 66 for supporting the upper and lower back of an occupant, respectively. The upper support component 62 is configured to pivot forward relative to the support structure 78, and the lower support component 66 is statically coupled to the support structure 78. However, it is conceivable that the upper support component 62 could also be statically coupled to the support structure 78.It is also considered that the upper and lower support components 62, 66 of the passenger support 58 could be a single, one-piece component extending forward from the support structure 78. Furthermore, it is conceivable that the headrest 14 could be integrated into the upper support component 62 or that the headrest 14 could otherwise not be enclosed within the vehicle seat assembly 10.

[0016] The passenger support 58 extends as in the embodiment shown in Fig. As illustrated in Figures 3-4, the outer peripheral gap 94 extends forward and is oriented away from the support structure 78 to define an outer peripheral gap 94 spanning the first and second side elements 70, 74 and the upper element 82. The outer peripheral gap 94 can expand when the upper support component 62 pivots forward and can be compressed near the application of a rearward force at the passenger support 58. However, the outer peripheral gap 94 is configured to remain large enough to allow the airbag 42 of the airbag deployment system 46 to inflate. Fig. 1) can unfold from the first side element 70 through the outer peripheral gap 94 forwards and position the airbag 42 in the deployed position 86, as shown by the dashed lines. The deployed position 86 of the airbag 42 in the illustrated embodiment directs the airbag 42 precisely between an occupant seated in the seat assembly 10 and an adjacent door of the vehicle 18 ( Fig. 1) as described in more detail below.

[0017] As in Fig. As illustrated in Figure 5, the upper and lower support components 62, 66 of the passenger support 58 are attached to the support structure 78 by a suspension assembly 128. In the illustrated embodiment, the suspension assembly 128 includes flexible elements 130 that extend forward and laterally outward from the backrest support structure 78 to be operatively connected to angled side cushions 108 of the passenger support 58. The angled side cushions 108 are located on the lateral sides of the upper and lower support components 62, 66 and are integrated into the shape of the upper and lower support components 62, 66 to prevent lateral movement of an occupant's back relative to the passenger support 58. An upper section 124 of the suspension assembly 128 has a central body 120 and two outwardly extending flexible elements 130 on opposite sides of the central body 120.The central body 120 of the upper section 124 is operatively connected to a pivot rod 112, which extends laterally between the opposing side sections of a lower section 116 of the suspension assembly 128. The opposing side sections of the lower section 116 also enclose outwardly extending flexible elements 130, which are coupled to the lower support component 66 of the passenger support 58. Accordingly, in the illustrated embodiment, the lower section 116 is static, and the upper section 124 is configured to pivot forward about the pivot rod 112 in order to pivot the upper support component 62 relative to the lower support component 66.It is considered that the pivot rod 112 can be functionally controlled by a motorized actuating assembly or a manually adjustable actuating mechanism, and it is also conceivable that the upper support component 62 is statically coupled to the support structure 78 of the backrest 22. It is also conceivable that more or less flexible elements 130 can be incorporated into the upper and / or lower section 124, 116, such as a single rib-shaped flexible element 130 on each side of the upper or lower section 124, 116.

[0018] As also in Fig. As shown in Figure 5, the passenger support 58 in the illustrated embodiment includes a fairing carrier 104 having an open matrix defining a pattern of elastic elements configured to support the weight of an occupant. The fairing carrier 104 has an upper plate and a lower plate that are detachably coupled to the corresponding upper section 124 and lower section 116 of the suspension assembly 128. The passenger support 58 also includes a cushion 102 positioned above a forward-facing surface of the fairing carrier 104. The cushion 102 comprises an elastic structure of woven fibers having open areas for ventilation; the cushion 102 may also include open-cell foam, closed-cell foam, or other conceivable flexible and breathable materials.Furthermore, the passenger support 58 includes a cover material 98 to define the back support surface of the passenger support 58 and to assist in retaining the cushion 102 on the trim support 104. The cover material 98 may possibly include a woven material, a leather material, a vinyl material, or other upholstery materials generally known in the prior art.

[0019] Now with reference to Fig. 6 The inner seat frame 132 or the seat frame 132 of the support structure 78 in the illustrated embodiment includes a first frame element 160 and a second frame element 164, which extend from the pivotable connection with the chair brackets attached to the seat base 30 ( Fig. 2) are attached, extend upwards. The first and second frame elements 160, 164 are essentially parallel to each other and curve upwards and backwards from the seat mounts to provide a curved shape substantially similar to the spine of an occupant. Furthermore, the first and second frame elements 160, 164 are more robust and taper near the seat mounts as they extend upwards to couple with an upper frame element 168, which extends orthogonally between the first and second frame elements 160, 164 to support the headrest 14. Accordingly, the first and second side elements 70, 74 of the overall support structure 78 each enclose the first and second frame elements 160, 164 and enclose the upper element 82 ( Fig. 2) the upper frame element 168. The first frame element 160 encloses an elongated cavity 152 on an outer surface of the first frame element 160, such that the first frame element 160 corresponds to the outer surface of the vehicle seat assembly 10 at the driver's side location of the illustrated embodiment. The elongated cavity 152 is shaped to accommodate a base section 194 of the airbag deployment system 46. A retaining opening 156 is formed in the elongated cavity 152 to receive a lateral protrusion 196 on the base section 194, which accommodates an electrical wire extending from the airbag deployment system 46 for electrical coupling with the vehicle control unit 26. In particular, an intermediate region of the longitudinal extension of the first frame element 160 encloses a section of the elongated cavity 152 shaped to retain the airbag 42 in a folded position.For the purposes of this disclosure, the airbag 42 is consistently shown to be arranged on the first frame element 160 of the seat frame 132. However, it is considered that the airbag deployment system 46 may be arranged on the second frame element 164 of the seat frame 132, so that the vehicle seat assembly 10 ( Fig. 1) can be configured for use as a driver-side or passenger-side assembly. The seat frame 132 is considered a reinforced metal seat frame to provide sufficient support for a vehicle occupant during use. The seat frame 132 further provides a structural support for attaching the support structure 78 and the passenger support 58 of the vehicle seat assembly 10.

[0020] As also in Fig. As illustrated in Figure 6, the first and second trim pieces 50, 54, which engage to substantially enclose the seat inner frame 132, are shown in an exploded view facing away from the seat inner frame 132. The first trim piece 50 is a front part or part at the front of the vehicle, and the second trim piece 54 is a rear trim piece. The first and second trim pieces 50, 54 engage detachably along a seam 90 ( Fig. 4) to cover the airbag 42 and to cover an outer surface of the support structure 78 ( Fig. 2) to define. The first fairing part 50 forms a U-shape and substantially encloses a front portion of the seat inner frame 132, and it is considered that the first fairing part 50 may extend laterally inward to couple with the suspension assembly 128. The second fairing part 54 encloses the outer surfaces of the first and second frame elements 160, 164 to partially conceal the elongated cavity 152 and includes the rear wall section 180 extending between the first and second frame elements 160, 164, and substantially encloses a rear portion of the seat frame 132. As also shown, an inner surface of the second fairing part 54 is coupled to a sleeve element 200 of the airbag deployment system 46, as described in more detail below.It is considered that the inner seat frame 132 is made of a metal material and that the first and second trim parts 50, 54 are formed from a polymer material. However, it is also conceivable that the frame 132 could be made of other, similar and essentially rigid materials and that the first and second trim parts 50, 54 could be made of other materials that are flexible with respect to the inner frame 132.

[0021] As in Fig. As further illustrated in Figure 6, the back wall section 180 includes one or more upper reverse hooks 184, the energy transfer clamp 192, one or more lower two-stage fastening clips 188, one or more outer wall detents 182, and one or more breakaway elements 186. The first cladding part 50 has an edge 140 that includes a flange 144, which has a body section 148 with recesses 136 that are fitted with a fastening element 220 ( Fig. 7) are connected, which is located in a cavity 176 of an outer wall 172 of the second cladding part 54. The back wall section 180 is formed from a rigid polymer material, but can also be formed from a flexible polymer, fabrics and other materials. Accordingly, the back wall section 180 can be hard, soft or flexible.

[0022] In some embodiments, the one or more upper inverted hooks are a pair of upper inverted hooks, and the one or more lower two-step fastening clips are a pair of lower two-step fastening clips. In other embodiments, the one or more upper inverted hooks can be 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or a greater number. In further embodiments, the one or more lower two-step fastening clips can be 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or a greater number. In still other embodiments, the number of upper inverted hooks can be the same as, or different from, the number of lower two-step fastening clips. For example, there can be 2 upper inverted hooks and 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or a greater number of lower two-step fastening clips.In some embodiments, the one or more outer wall locking devices can be 1, 2, or a greater number. In other embodiments, the one or more break elements correspond to the number of outer wall locking devices. In some embodiments, the break element is positioned at the end of the outer wall locking device located on an inner surface of the outer wall 172, and the rear wall section 180 has two outer walls 172, each comprising an outer wall locking device 182 on an inner surface of the outer wall 172.

[0023] As in Fig. As illustrated in Figure 7, the one or more upper inverted hooks 184, the energy transfer clamp 192, the one or more lower two-stage fastening clips 188, the one or more outer wall detents 182, and the one or more break elements 186 are all directly attached to or formed in the back wall section 180. The one or more upper inverted hooks 184 are directed upwards and have a serrated hook wall 204 that extends towards the seat frame 132 ( Fig. 6) or the frame element opening 166 ( Fig. 6) extends outwards. The one or more upper inverted hooks 184 are formed from a metal material or may be formed from the same or similar polymer material as that of the back wall section 180. A fracture line 190 is a thinly contoured line, generally in a 'W-shaped' configuration, defined by a recessed section in the back wall section. The fracture line 190 is configured to allow, in a collision, the buttocks and hips of an occupant to push this section of the vehicle seat assembly 10 backwards, or the knees of a rear-seat occupant to push this section of the vehicle seat assembly 10 forwards. A group of ribs 208 is located centrally between the one or more upper inverted hooks 184 to align and support the seat frame 132 while preventing lateral movement.A first mounting element 212 is coupled to the upper inner edge of the back wall section 180, and a second mounting element 216 is coupled to both sides of the back wall section 180 near the upper inner edge of the wall. Both the first mounting element 212 and the second mounting element 216 are configured to engage with the seat frame 132 and / or the first trim panel 50 ( . Fig. 2) to be attached. The fastening elements 220 on the inner edge of the outer wall 172 on the second cladding part 54 can be fitted with the recesses 136 ( Fig. 5) of the first cladding part 50 on the flange 144 ( Fig. 5) be attached to enclose the seat frame 132. The one or more lower two-step fastening clips 188 are connected near the lower inner edge of the back wall section 180 and may be spaced closer together than the one or more upper inverted hooks 184. The energy transfer clamp 192 is a reinforced area on the back wall section 180 in a "U-shape" that acts as a stiffener to add structural strength. In some embodiments, the energy transfer clamp 192 is made of the same material or thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO) as the back wall section 180 and is positioned over the one or more lower two-step fastening clips 188, with the U facing upward toward the top of the back wall section 180. The one or more lower 2-stage fastening clips 188 are positioned near the underside of the back wall section 180 and are inserted through a receiving slot 254 ( Fig. 11B) attached to the seat frame 132. In a first stage of attaching the 2-stage fastening clips, the 2-stage fastening clips are attached to a top 252 ( Fig. 11B) of the receiving slot 254. In a second stage of attaching the 2-stage fastening clips, the 2-stage fastening clips are attached to a bottom surface 256 ( Fig. 11B) of the receiving slot 254 is attached after the airbag has deployed, thereby pressing the two-stage fastening clips downwards into the underside 256 of the receiving slot 254. The one or more side wall detents 182 and the one or more breakaway elements 186 are located on and positioned on an inner surface 230 of the outer wall 172 of the rear wall section 180. A series of cylindrical projections 224 and a series of holes 228 are formed or attached to the rear wall section 180 as additional means of connecting it to the seat frame 132 and the first trim panel 50.

[0024] As in Fig. As illustrated in Figure 8, this perspective rear view of an embodiment of the back wall section 180 includes the one or more upper reverse hooks 184, the energy transfer clip 192, and the one or more lower two-stage fastening clips 188 attached to or formed in the back wall section 180. The energy transfer clip 192 forms an outer edge or trim of a map pocket 232. The outer wall 172 of the second trim part 54 forms the outer rear of the backrest 22 ( Fig. 1).

[0025] As in Fig. As illustrated in Figure 9, the one or more upper inverted hooks 184, the energy transfer clamp 192, and the one or more lower two-stage fastening clips 188 are positioned on the back wall section 180. A rectangle 236 has been overlaid on these features of the upper inverted hooks 184, the energy transfer clamp 192, and the lower two-stage fastening clips 188 to visualize a rectangular architecture on the back wall section 180. The rectangular architecture is defined on the short sides by the one or more upper inverted hooks 184 and the one or more lower two-stage fastening clips 188, and on the long sides by the sides of the energy transfer clamp 192.

[0026] As in Fig. As illustrated in Figure 10, the upper inverted hook 184 is attached to the seat frame 132 through a frame element opening 166. The frame element opening 166 of the seat frame 132 is fitted into the upper inverted frame 184, creating a space 248 below an upper edge 240 of the frame element opening 166 and the base of the upper inverted frame 184. The frame element opening 166 of the seat frame 132 also has a lower edge 244 of the frame element opening 166. The upper inverted hook 184 has a hook angle A to prevent the seat frame from moving when the airbag 42 is deployed ( Fig. 1) to be pushed back. The hook angle A of the upper reverse hook 184 can be between 40° and 50°. In other embodiments, the hook angle A can be between 44° and 48°, between 42° and 46°, approximately 43.8°, approximately 44.0°, approximately 44.2°, approximately 44.4°, or approximately 44.6°. Below the upper edge 240 of the frame element opening 166 and between a front face 260 and a rear face 264 of the upper reverse hook 184, there is a width or distance B of at least 5.4 mm. This distance is required for the tolerance techniques and deviations of the seat frame 132 that are produced during manufacturing. In some embodiments, the width or distance B below the upper edge 240 of the frame element opening 166 and between the front 260 and the rear 264 of the upper inverted hook 184 is at least 6 mm, at least 5 mm, or at least 4 mm. The grooved hook wall 204 ( Fig. 11A) of the upper inverted hook 184 has a thickness C of at least 10.4 mm. The serrated hook wall 204 must have a minimum thickness to provide sufficient strength to the upper inverted hook 184. In other embodiments, the thickness of the serrated hook wall 204 is at least 10 mm, at least 11 mm, or at least 12 mm.

[0027] As in Fig. 11A and Fig. 11B illustrates, presents Fig. 11A shows an enlarged view of the upper inverted hook 184, which is attached to the seat frame 132 through the frame element opening 166, and represents Fig. 11B shows the 2-stage fastening clip 188 connected to the seat frame 132 in the lower first stage. When the airbag deployment system 46 ( Fig. 1) is triggered to deploy the airbag 42 ( Fig. 1) To deploy, deployment energy is generated and the airbag 42 first deploys outwards against a vehicle door or vehicle wall. During deployment and an initial impact on the vehicle door or vehicle wall, the deployment energy is transferred to the vehicle seat assembly 10 and is at least partially absorbed by the one or more upper inverted hooks 184, the energy transfer clamp 192 ( Fig. 9), the one or more lower 2-stage fastening clips 188, the one or more external wall detents 182 and the one or more break elements 186 of the back wall section 180 ( Fig. 10) absorbed to facilitate the dissipation of the deployment energy. To absorb and dissipate the deployment energy of the airbag 42, the backrest section 180 is pushed upwards and lifted out of the one or more upper inverted hooks 184 and the one or more lower two-stage fastening clips 188. The seat frame 132 remains connected but can be lifted by both the one or more upper inverted hooks 184 and the one or more lower two-stage fastening clips 188 to dissipate the deployment energy. In a first attachment, the lower two-stage fastening clip 188 is coupled to the seat frame 132 by a receiving slot 254. When the airbag 42 is deployed, the lower 2-stage fastening clip 188 slides upwards through the receiving slot 254 of the seat frame 132.The additional stiffness and structural stability provided by the energy transfer clamp 192 prevents the back wall section 180 from tearing or from separating from the seat frame 132 and the passenger support 58 (. Fig. 2) the vehicle seat assembly 10 is torn off. The one or more upper reverse hooks 184, the energy transfer clamp 192 and the one or more 2-stage fastening clips 188 of the back wall section 180 work together to completely dissipate the deployment energy generated by the airbag deployment system 46.

[0028] As in Fig. As illustrated in Figure 12, the seat frame 132 is coupled to the upper inverted hooks 184 of the back wall section 180. The seat frame 132 includes the first frame element 160 and the second frame element 164, which extend upwards to couple the upper frame element 168, which extends orthogonally between the first and second frame elements 160, 164. The ribs 208 are shown to be located centrally between the one or more upper inverted hooks 184 on the back wall section 180 to align, space, and / or support the seat frame 132. The upper inverted hooks 184 are connected through the frame element openings 166 ( Fig. 6) shown coupled to the seat frame 132. The first receiving elements 212 and the second receiving elements 216 can be formed or attached to the back wall section 180 near the upper inner edge and / or the inner side edge of the back wall section 180.

[0029] As in Fig. As illustrated in Figure 13, the one or more outer wall locking devices 182 are located on an inner surface of the outer wall 172 of the back wall section 180. In some embodiments, the back wall section 180 has two outer walls 172; the inner surface 230 of each outer wall 172 has at least one outer wall locking device 182 extending vertically or longitudinally downwards along the outer wall and forming a groove or notch that terminates at the underside of the outer wall 172 with the break element 186. The one or more break elements 186 of the back wall section 180 initiate the bending along the one or more inner outer wall locking devices 182. The seat frame 132 remains connected to the back wall section 180. However, the seat frame 132 can be lifted by the one or more upper inverted hooks 184 and / or the one or more lower 2-stage fastening clips 188 to simplify the dissipation of the unfolding energy.

[0030] As in Fig. Figure 14 illustrates a cross-section of the outer wall locking device 182 in the back wall section 180. The back wall section 180 has a back wall section wall 276 with a thickness D. The back wall section wall 276 has a thickness D, which can be a uniform thickness or a thickness D that can vary within the wall section. The outer wall locking device 182 has a locking thickness E. In some embodiments, the back wall section wall 276 has a thickness D of between 0.5 mm and 30 mm, and the outer wall locking device 182 has a locking thickness E of between 1 mm and 2 mm. In other embodiments, the back wall section wall 276 has a thickness D of between 2 mm and 5 mm, and the outer wall locking device 182 has a locking thickness E of between 1 mm and 2 mm.In other embodiments, the back wall section wall 276 has a thickness D of 2 mm, 3 mm, 4 mm, 5 mm and the outer wall locking mechanism 182 has a locking thickness E of 1.0 mm, 1.2 mm, 1.4 mm, 1.6 mm, 1.8 mm, 2.0 mm, 2.2 mm, 2.4 mm, 2.6 mm, 2.8 mm and 3.0 mm.

[0031] As in Fig.As illustrated in Figure 15, the break element 186 is coupled to an end 272 of the outer wall retainer 182 on the inner surface of the outer wall 172 of the back wall section 180. In the back wall section wall 276, which has a thickness D, the break element 186 has both a depth F and a break element wall thickness G. The depth F of the break element 186 assists in breaking to ensure folding and / or bending along the outer wall retainer 182. In some embodiments, the break element 186 is a V-notch retainer 268 that initiates breaking. In other embodiments, the break element 186 can have any non-restrictive shape that is cut to form the break element 186. In some embodiments, the depth F of the fracture element 186 is at least 0.1 mm, at least 1 mm, at least 2 mm, at least 3 mm, at least 4 mm, at least 5 mm or at least 6 mm.In some embodiments, the fracture element wall thickness G is between 0.1 mm and 5 mm, between 0.1 mm and 2 mm, between 0.1 mm and 1 mm or between 0.1 mm and 0.5 mm.

[0032] The person skilled in the art understands that the construction of the disclosure described herein and of other components is not limited to any one specific material. Other exemplary embodiments of the disclosure disclosed herein can be formed from a wide variety of materials, unless otherwise described herein.

[0033] For the purposes of this disclosure, the term “coupled” (in all its forms, couple, coupling, coupled, etc.) generally means that two (electrical or mechanical) components are connected to one another, directly or indirectly. Such a connection may be essentially immovable or essentially movable. Such a connection may be achieved by forming the two (electrical or mechanical) components and any additional intervening elements in one piece with each other or with the two components as a single, unified body. Such a connection may be essentially permanent or may be essentially removable or detachable, unless otherwise specified.

[0034] It is equally important to note that the design and arrangement of the elements of the disclosure, as shown in the exemplary embodiments, are for illustrative purposes only. Although only some embodiments of the present innovations have been described in detail in this disclosure, the person skilled in the art, considering this disclosure, will readily recognize that several modifications are possible (e.g., variations in the sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values ​​of parameters, fastening arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without substantially departing from the new teachings and advantages of the said subject matter.For example, elements shown as being constructed in one piece may be made from multiple sections, or elements shown as being in multiple sections may be made in one piece; the operation of the interfaces may be reversed or otherwise modified; the length or width of the structures and / or elements or connecting links or other elements of the system may be varied; and the type or number of adjustment positions provided between the elements may be changed. It should be noted that the elements and / or arrangements of the system may be constructed from a variety of different materials that provide sufficient strength or durability, in a variety of different colors, textures, and combinations. Accordingly, it is intended that all such modifications are included within the scope of the present innovations.Other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangement of the desired and in other embodiments without departing from the spirit of the present innovations.

[0035] It is understood that all described processes or steps within the described processes can be combined with other disclosed processes or steps to form structures within the scope of this disclosure. The exemplary structures and processes disclosed herein serve only for illustrative purposes and are not to be interpreted as limiting.

[0036] It is also understood that variations and modifications to the above-mentioned structures and processes may be made without deviating from the concepts of the present disclosure, and it is further understood that such concepts are to be covered by the following claims, unless these claims expressly provide otherwise by their wording.

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