Airbag restraint device

Abstract

Airbag restraint device comprising a retaining ring and a mounting plate, wherein the retaining ring comprises: a mating surface; an inner surface defining a central passage through the retaining ring, the mating surface surrounding the passage; a plurality of projections extending from the mating surface, each projection having a conical end at a distal section thereof; wherein the mounting plate comprises: a mounting surface with a set of mandrel openings extending through it, wherein: when the retaining ring is aligned with the mounting plate, the mandrel openings of the set are each capable of receiving one of the projections of the retaining ring.

Description

GENERAL STATE OF THE ART

[0001] Airbag systems have become a ubiquitous safety feature in the automotive industry. They are now used in a wide variety of applications to reduce the maximum force acting on an object or person by prolonging a deceleration event.

[0002] An airbag system must rapidly inflate and deflate the airbag during a sudden deceleration (e.g., in a car accident). Inflation is typically achieved by expelling compressed gases or gases produced by a chemical reaction to fill the airbag. Deflation occurs immediately after inflation, allowing the airbag to compress slightly and reduce the severity of the deceleration for the occupant.

[0003] The filling and subsequent emptying event allows for a more gradual deceleration of an object (e.g., a car occupant) over a greater distance and a longer period of time, thereby reducing the peak force on the object.

[0004] It is known in the prior art that an airbag system consists of several main components. Firstly, the airbag itself is usually made of a synthetic polymer and is stored in a folded and / or rolled, deflated form.

[0005] Secondly, a sensor component is required to detect when the airbag needs to be deployed, as well as a mechanism to trigger the inflation. The system also requires a quantity of compressed gas or, alternatively, reactants that can combine to form a pressurized gas, and an external safety housing.

[0006] To attach the airbag to the housing in both deflated and inflated states, as well as under inflation loads, a specially designed holding structure is required.

[0007] The retaining structure must limit the escape of gas from and away from the airbag. The retaining structure must also provide a passage (often in the form of a large central opening) for gas to flow into the bag to facilitate rapid inflation. It is widely accepted in the industry that the retaining structure is connected to the edge of the airbag to allow for complete inflation into the desired shape.

[0008] The mounting structure and the airbag itself must be able to withstand the effects of the rapid gas release during inflation. Without careful design considerations, the airbag can be significantly damaged by the (often hot) gas flowing into it.

[0009] During inflation, the airbag and adjacent components can be subjected to their highest stresses, which can lead to structural failure of the airbag. This failure often occurs in the area of ​​the fasteners that connect the bag to the mounting structure or housing. Typical mounting structures and configurations perforate or clamp the edge of the airbag over a small portion of its surface, concentrating the load in a small area. This creates areas of significantly increased material stress. Without reinforcement, airbags are susceptible to structural failure in these high-stress areas.

[0010] Therefore, a retaining structure is needed that reduces the likelihood of damage to the airbag during use. A device is needed that provides a passage for gas to flow into the airbag and securely and gas-tightly attaches the airbag to a housing structure without creating areas of significantly increased stress.

[0011] US5518266A discloses a vehicle safety device comprising an airbag, a mounting plate for securing the airbag in the vehicle, and a retaining ring. The airbag is clamped between the retaining ring and the mounting plate. A recess is provided on a first of the retaining rings and the mounting plate. A projection on a second of the retaining rings and the mounting plate presses a section of the airbag into the recess to resist movement of the airbag relative to the retaining ring and the mounting plate.

[0012] US2005104336A1 discloses a gasbag module comprising a support member, a gasbag with an inflation opening surrounded by a rim, and a gasbag retaining element, wherein the rim of the inflation opening is located between the gasbag retaining element and the support member. At least one fastening element connected to the gasbag is located at the rim of the inflation opening. Viewed in a radial sectional view, the fastening element is at least partially wedge-shaped or trapezoidal and is oriented with respect to the gasbag retaining element and the support member such that, when the gasbag is loaded, the fastening element attempts to move the support member and the gasbag retaining element away from each other by a wedge effect.

[0013] US5443284A discloses a clamping device for securing an automotive airbag to an automotive airbag gas generator. The clamping device comprises an annular retaining ring and a module housing. Axially descending elements in the form of tabs, pins, or circular posts are attached to the underside of the annular retainer and extend through holes in the airbag and the module housing 15. The axially descending elements provide additional locations where the shear stress of the airbag fabric can resist the forces acting on the airbag during deployment. Undersized mounting holes in the module housing, in conjunction with annular retaining tabs bent to engage the module housing, clamp the airbag without installation during assembly of the airbag module, thus securing the gas generator.

[0014] US5727810A discloses a one-piece airbag cushion holder with a circular ring and multiple integrated fasteners. The circular ring is made of reinforced plastic and has a bottom surface. The multiple fasteners each have heads that are molded or welded into the annular ring and pins that extend from the bottom surface of the annular ring to secure an airbag cushion to an airbag module assembly. SUMMARY

[0015] One aspect of the present invention provides an airbag restraint device according to claim 1.

[0016] Further features of the invention are specified in the dependent claims.

[0017] It is an object of the present invention to provide improved holding means for an airbag.

[0018] Accordingly, the present invention aims to provide a device to keep an airbag safe and gas-tight while simultaneously reducing localized areas of high stress. The invention also aims to provide a passage for gas flow into the airbag with structures that guide high-velocity hot gas flows away from the airbag walls.

[0019] For a better understanding of the present disclosure, its embodiments will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein: Fig. Figure 1 shows a retaining ring and fastening elements that represent the invention. Fig. Figure 2 shows a retaining ring and a mounting plate that represent the invention. Fig. Figure 3 shows a sectional view of the retaining ring attached to the mounting plate. Fig. Figure 4 shows a side profile of the retaining ring, with the airbag's path over one side of the retaining ring indicated by a curved line. Fig. Figure 5 shows the retaining ring and mounting plate together with the gas module. Fig. Figure 6 shows the gas flow during the activation of the gas module. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] With regard to the Fig. Figures 1 to 3 show a retaining ring 1 according to the present invention. The retaining ring 1 shown in the figures is generally ring-shaped with a central opening formed therein, which defines a central passage 28 through the retaining ring 1.

[0021] The retaining ring 1 has a mating surface 3, which is preferably generally flat. The mating surface 3 is preferably generally perpendicular to a central axis that passes through the central passage 28.

[0022] The retaining ring 1 further has an inner surface 4 that defines the central passage 28. The inner surface 4 preferably has a cylindrical shape in general.

[0023] In the example shown in the figures, the inner surface 4 meets the opposite surface 3 at an inner edge 23.

[0024] The retaining ring 1 has an outer surface 24, which in the example shown in the figures generally points away from the central axis. A rounded surface 25 is preferably located between the opposing surface 3 and the outer surface 24, forming a curved transition between these two surfaces 3 and 24.

[0025] The figures show a series of fastening openings 7 in the opposing surface 3. In the example shown, there are three fastening openings 7, although any other suitable number can also be used. Fig. Figure 1 shows some representative fasteners 6 extending through the mounting holes 7. The fasteners 6 can be screws, bolts, or any other suitable fastener 6. The mounting holes 7 are dimensioned accordingly. In the example shown, there are three mounting holes 7, although any other suitable number can be used. There can be two, three, four, five, six, or any number of mounting holes 7. The material of the retaining ring 1 can be thickened around the mounting holes 7 to provide reinforcement around them.

[0026] A plurality of projections 8 extend from the counter surface 3. In the illustrated embodiment, the projections 8 extend perpendicularly or substantially perpendicularly from the counter surface 3. Preferably, each projection 8 has a proximal section 26 and a distal section 27. In the example shown in the figures, each proximal section 26 is cylindrical or substantially cylindrical.

[0027] Each distal section 27 is conical and preferably terminates in a sharp point at one distal end. Each distal section 27 may be conical or substantially conical.

[0028] In preferred embodiments, the projections 8 extend from locations on the counter surface 3 distributed around the circumference of the counter surface 3. For example, there may be one or more projections 8 in each quadrant of the circumference of the counter surface 3. Preferably, there may be one or more projections 8 in each tenth of the circumference of the counter surface 3.

[0029] In the example shown in the figures, there is a first set of projections 8 fixed at a first radial distance from the center of the retaining ring 1, and a second set of projections 8 fixed at a second, larger radial distance from the center of the retaining ring 1. The knowledgeable reader will understand that this helps to increase the distance between adjacent projections 8, which in turn helps to reduce the local forces on an airbag 22, as will be explained below.

[0030] In other examples, the projections can be located at three or more radial distances from the center of the retaining ring 1.

[0031] The width at the tip of the distal section 27 is preferably less than the interfiber spacing of an airbag fabric, so that the tip can be inserted between the fibers. Preferably, the tip has a width of less than 0.6 mm, but tip widths of up to 1 or 1.2 mm are also conceivable. It is envisaged that an airbag system assembly 13 can be provided, comprising an airbag and the retaining ring 1, wherein the projections 8 have a tip width small enough to be inserted between the openings of the airbag 22. Preferably, the tip width is no greater than the distance between adjacent fibers of the fabric forming the airbag in the area where it engages the projections 8.

[0032] Accordingly, the protrusions 8 can have any suitable shape to pass between the threads of the airbag fabric. For example, the protrusion 8 can have a square cross-section with a five-sided tip or a triangular cross-section with a four-sided tip.

[0033] The overall shape and size of the protrusions 8 allows them to pass between the threads of an airbag 22 in order to engage an edge of the airbag 22 without significantly damaging the fabric.

[0034] The maximum width of the projections 8 is smaller than their maximum diameter, so that the fibers of the airbag 22 do not break or stretch excessively when the projections 8 pass between them. Once assembled with the fabric, the projection 8 forms an opening through the fabric corresponding to the cross-sectional shape of the projection 8. The maximum diameter of the projections 8 is preferably less than 20 mm, or more preferably less than 15 mm, or even more preferably less than 10 mm. It is also conceivable that the diameter of the projections 8 is between 10 and 20 mm.

[0035] The minimum width of the protrusions 8 is dimensioned above a minimum diameter such that, when assembled with an airbag, the opening formed in the airbag engages substantially the entire circumference (or perimeter) of the protrusion 8. Conversely, a loose fit between the protrusion 8 and the surrounding fabric fibers could lead to an excessive concentration of force on a section of the fabric surrounding the protrusion 8.

[0036] The width of the proximal section 26 of the projection 8 can be substantially constant or vary along its length. The outer surface of the proximal section 26 can have a recessed annular section to axially retain the airbag fabric. In preferred embodiments, the recessed annular section can be located at or near the base of the proximal section 26, i.e., where the proximal section 26 meets the opposing surface 3.

[0037] The outer surface of the proximal section 26 may have one or more annular protrusions to hold the airbag fabric axially. The cross-section may also have a different width or decrease in area, so that the protrusion 8 narrows towards the distal section 27 or towards the opposing surface 3.

[0038] The degree to which the distal section 27 of the projections 8 tapers conically can be varied to optimize the fiber elongation rate when the distal section 27 passes through the airbag 22 during assembly. In a preferred embodiment, the cone angle with respect to the vertical height of the projection is between 10° and 45°, and more preferably between 15° and 35°, and still more preferably between 10° and 15°.

[0039] The large number of protrusions 8 allows the fabric tension to be distributed over the edge of the airbag 22, thereby reducing the peak stress and the resulting risk of rupture. There can be at least twelve, at least twenty, at least thirty, or any other suitable number of protrusions 8.

[0040] The outer surface of the projections 8 can be finished to reduce friction with the fibers of an airbag 22. Surface treatment techniques such as polishing, anodizing, powder coating, and sandblasting are suitable, although other surface treatment methods are also conceivable. This reduces the likelihood of damage to the airbag fibers during assembly with an airbag 22. The outer surface of all or part of the projections 8 can have a surface roughness of less than 10 µm, or preferably less than 1 µm, or even more preferably less than 0.5 µm.

[0041] In preferred embodiments, the distal section 27 of each projection 8 and the outer part of each proximal section 26 (i.e., the part furthest from the counter surface 3) can be relatively smooth.

[0042] It is further preferred that the inner part of each projection (i.e., the part closest to the mating surface) has a higher surface roughness to engage with the airbag fibers in the fully installed position. In such embodiments, the surface roughness of the inner part of each projection may be higher than specified above and, for example, greater than 10 µm. These parts of the projection surface may have round rings, protrusions, barbs, or other textures.

[0043] It was stated above that the inner part of each projection 8 can have features, such as annular protrusions, to hold the airbag fibers in place. In preferred embodiments, the inner part of each projection can have features, such as one or more protrusions, or a higher surface roughness than other parts of the projection 8, or both.

[0044] The projections 8 can be formed integrally with the retaining ring 1 or be separate components attached to the retaining ring 1. They can be attached to the retaining ring 1 by direct thread engagement or by a threaded interface with a nut. Other fastening methods, such as riveting or welding, are also conceivable. This allows the projections 8 to be interchangeable with a standard retaining ring 1. The projections 8 can be tailored to a specific airbag type / fabric. The invention therefore comprises a retaining ring 1 with a number of connection points and one or more sets of projections 8 that can be attached to the connection points. The invention also comprises a set of two or more interchangeable retaining rings 1 having projections 8 with different dimensions.

[0045] Alternative embodiments may include projections 8 that extend from the mating surface 3 at an angle other than 90°. One or more sets of projections 8 may extend from the mating surface 3 such that the proximal section 26 forms an angle with the mating surface 3 that is not 90°. The angle may be 70°, 80°, 100°, 110°, or any other suitable angle.

[0046] In the illustrated embodiment, the rounded surface 25 extends between the mating surface 3 and the outer surface 24 to prevent the airbag 22 from being stretched over a sharp edge. A sharp edge or corner could lead to a significant increase in stress concentration if it contacts the airbag during inflation. Those skilled in the art will understand that alternative methods of corner and edge treatment can provide a similar effect. The sharp edge could therefore be chamfered, beveled at a series of angles, or rounded with a series of suitable radii. The chamfered edge can have an angle of 45° or another suitable angle.

[0047] The inner surface 4 preferably has a series of inwardly projecting ribs 12, which provide additional stability to the ring and help to guide the gas parallel to the axis of the central passage 28. The ribs 12 can each project inward at a single defined distance from the center of the ring, or they can project inward at one of two defined distances from the center of the ring. There can be two, three, four, or any number of ribs 12.

[0048] Fig. Figure 2 shows the retaining ring 1 together with a mounting plate 2 in an exploded view. The mounting plate 2 comprises another part of an airbag module that contains the retaining ring 1.

[0049] The mounting plate 2 has a central passage 11 which, in use, is aligned with the central passage 28 of the retaining ring 1. The mounting plate 2 also has a series of locking openings 9 which, in use, are aligned with or substantially aligned with the respective mounting openings 7 of the retaining ring 1. The mounting plate 2 also has a set of secondary openings 10 which, in use, are aligned with and can receive the respective projections 8 of the retaining ring 1.

[0050] It is preferred that at least the same number of securing openings 9 as fastening openings 7 are present.

[0051] It is preferred that at least the same number of secondary openings as projections (8) are present.

[0052] The mounting plate 2 has a substantially flat mounting surface 21. The mounting plate 2 may also have holes, spacers, tabs, rails or the like to facilitate its attachment to a vehicle or vehicle component.

[0053] The bases of the projections 8 may be rounded, and a suitable clearance is provided around the second openings so that the counter surface 3 and the mounting surface 21 can be fastened together in such a way that they are in planar contact (see Fig. 3) In a typical application, the fabric of an airbag would be clamped between the mating surface and the mounting surface 3, 21 and held in place by the fasteners 6. The tips of the fasteners 6 can also be profiled to fit between the fibers of an airbag without significantly damaging them.

[0054] The tips of the projections 8 can be deformed in a similar way to a rivet (widely known in engineering) so that they cannot be easily removed from the second openings in the mounting plate 2 after assembly.

[0055] The tips of the projections 8 can be deformed by mechanical pressure, heat, ultrasonic vibrations or a combination thereof.

[0056] Accordingly, the tips of the projections 8 can have a further, smaller surface projection which acts as an energy conductor when ultrasonic energy is applied and facilitates ultrasonic welding / deformation. The tips of the projections 8 themselves can also be designed to taper at a suitable angle to act as an energy conductor for ultrasound.

[0057] Alternative locking mechanisms for the projection 8 are conceivable, e.g., a threaded nut or a rivet cap that engages with the tip of the projection 8 after assembly. A threaded nut would extend over the tip of the projection 8 and rest against a rear surface of the mounting plate 2.

[0058] A component, such as a rivet cap, can be pressed, thermally deformed or ultrasonically welded to the tips of the projection 8 to secure the assembly on the mounting plate 2.

[0059] The second openings of the mounting plate 2 can be countersunk, chamfered or rounded on one of their edges to accommodate one of the locking mechanisms of the projections 8 described above.

[0060] With reference to Fig. Figure 3 shows a sectional view of the retaining ring 1 and the mounting plate 2 in an assembled configuration.

[0061] The fastening elements 6 pass through the securing openings 9 of the mounting plate 2 and extend past a rear surface with a length sufficient to engage with other components, such as a car steering wheel.

[0062] In the assembled configuration, the protrusions 8 extend through the inner surface 4 of the mounting plate 2 and optionally through the mounting plate 2 itself to extend beyond the rear surface. This ensures that the airbag material cannot be easily removed from the protrusions 8 through which it passes.

[0063] The mounting plate 2 can vary in thickness, with a first thickness and areas with a second (increased) thickness to enhance local strength. Optionally, there are areas with a third thickness (greater than the second thickness) and a fourth thickness (greater than the third thickness). The mounting plate 2 can have the first, second, third, or fourth thickness in the area immediately surrounding the locking openings 9.

[0064] The mounting plate 2 has a series of secondary openings 10. Optionally, the mounting plate 2 also has the first, second, third, or fourth thickness in the area surrounding the secondary openings 10. This gives the mounting plate 2 additional strength, which would otherwise be locally weakened by the openings.

[0065] With regard to the Fig. Figure 4 shows a side view of the retaining ring 1. Also shown is a line indicating the curve of an airbag 22 on one side of the retaining ring 1, and an arrow indicating the direction of gas flow through the central passage 28 during inflation.

[0066] The airbag 22 is designed with a main inlet opening into which the gas flows when the airbag 22 is inflated. The diameter of the main inlet opening is smaller than the distance between the prongs on opposite sides of the retaining ring 1. The main inlet opening is aligned with the central opening 28 of the retaining ring 1 and the central passage 11 of the mounting plate 2, and the prongs 8 are then pressed through the fabric of the airbag 22, around the main inlet opening, and through the second openings of the mounting plate 2, so that the airbag 22 is secured between the retaining ring 1 and the mounting plate 2.

[0067] The fastening elements 6 can be guided through openings in the airbag 22 or only through the fastening openings 7 and securing openings 9 to provide a clamping force between the retaining ring 1 and the mounting plate 2.

[0068] The curve of the airbag 22 begins at the inner edge 23 of the main inlet opening, adjacent to and parallel with the counter surface 3, where it engages with the projections 8. The airbag extends around the outer surface 24 in a direction that is generally perpendicular to and away from (behind) the counter surface 3. The airbag 22 forms a substantially closed region where the material converges behind the counter surface 3.

[0069] The airbag 22 comes into contact with the rounded surface 25 between the mating surface 3 and the outer surface 24 of the retaining ring 1, thus distributing the contact forces during the deployment of the airbag 22 over a larger area than if the edge were sharp / unmachined. The arrow indicating the gas direction during inflation illustrates the approximate direction of the forces acting on the airbag 22 during inflation, thereby highlighting the necessity of a rounded surface 25 between the mating surface 3 and the outer surface 24.

[0070] It is shown that all projections 8 in the illustrated embodiment have the same overall length, although the projections 8 can also have a number of different lengths. In the illustrated embodiment, the projections 8 have identical or substantially identical lengths of the proximal section 26 and the distal section 27.

[0071] Each projection 8 can have a different length of proximal section 26 or distal section 27. This allows for gradual loading during assembly. If all projections 8 stretch the tissue simultaneously, the strain rate increases, and with it the risk of potential fiber damage.

[0072] Fig. Figure 5 shows the assembly consisting of retaining ring 1 and mounting plate 2, as well as a housing 15 positioned in the central opening 11 and the central passage 28 of the mounting plate 2 and retaining ring 1, respectively. This forms an airbag system assembly 13. The housing 15 is suitable for receiving a gas generator 30, which comprises compressed gas, combinations of chemicals, or other gas-generating agents.

[0073] The central passage 28 and the central opening 11 of the retaining ring 1 and the mounting plate 2 are aligned coaxially with each other. The mating surface 3 and the mounting surfaces 21 are assembled adjacent to each other with a slight offset to accommodate an airbag 22 (not shown) in the space between them.

[0074] The securing openings and secondary openings 9 and 10 are aligned with the mounting openings 7 and the projections 8, respectively. This allows the fastening elements 6 to be inserted into one of the mounting openings 7 and the projections 8 into one of the securing openings 9.

[0075] The housing 15 is mounted coaxially with the central passage 28 and the central opening 11. Preferably, a section of the housing 15 extends beyond the rear of the mounting plate 2. More preferably, a section of the housing 15 extends in a direction away from the mating surface 3 and beyond the retaining ring 1.

[0076] The housing 15 includes at least one vent opening 17 extending through the housing 15. This allows the gas to escape from the housing 15 to the outside, away from the axes of the central opening 11 and the central passage 28, when it is installed in the airbag system.

[0077] The vent opening 17 can have a circular or rectangular cross-section, or any other suitable shape. The central axis of the opening 17 can be perpendicular to the outer surface 16 of the housing 15. The central axis of the opening 17 can be at an angle to the outer surface 16 of the housing 15.

[0078] The housing 15 further comprises a flange 18 extending outwards from at least a substantial portion of its circumference. The flange 18 extends approximately perpendicular to the axes of the central opening 11 and the passage when installed in the airbag system assembly 13. The flange 18 provides a fixing means along the axis of the central passage 28 of the retaining ring 1.

[0079] On one side, the flange 18 rests against the opposite surface 3 to axially fix its position in a first direction. On a cut side, the flange 18 rests against the ribs 12 of the retaining ring 1 to axially fix its position in a second direction.

[0080] When the flange 18 is attached to the retaining ring 1, it extends outwards and rests against the inner surface 4 of the retaining ring 1. This defines a gas deflection area 19, which is essentially enclosed by the inner surface 4 of the retaining ring 1, the flange 18 and the outer surface 16 of the housing 15, and in which the gas exiting from the vent opening 17 is initially received.

[0081] The flange 18 can be essentially flat or have variations in thickness and curvature to ensure rigidity. The flange 18 must also have sufficient load-bearing capacity to partially restrain high-temperature, high-pressure gas flows from the vent opening 17.

[0082] The outer surface 16 of the housing 15 is offset from the inner surface 4 of the retaining ring 1 by a distance approximately equal to the outward extension of the ring 18 from the outer surface 16. In the illustrated embodiment, the diameter of the housing 15 is smaller than that of the inner surface 4 of the retaining ring 1 to create this offset. This offset between the outer surface 16 of the housing 15 and the inner surface 4 of the retaining ring 1 forms a free passage 20 that communicates with the gas deflection area 19. Through the passage 20, gas entering the deflection area from the vent openings 17 can escape in a direction substantially parallel to the axis of the central passage 28 and into the airbag 22.

[0083] The housing 15 can have a conical, angular, or otherwise shaped outer surface 16 to deflect the gas flowing through the passage 20. Alternatively, the inner surface 4 of the retaining ring 1 can be conical, crimped, or otherwise shaped to deflect the gas flowing through the passage 20.

[0084] Fig. Figure 6 contains arrows representing the gas flow from the vent opening 17, which is enclosed by the inner surface 4 of the retaining ring 1, the flange 18 and the outer surface 16 of the housing 15 and can escape through the passage 20.

[0085] This deflection of the gas escaping through the vent openings 17 protects the airbag 22 from being directly exposed to the high-pressure jet of (often) hot gas exiting the vent openings 17. This reduces the likelihood of damage to the airbag 22 during inflation. As described above, the precise direction of the gas flowing through the passage 20 can be altered by changing the geometry of the inner surface 4 of the retaining ring 1 and / or the outer surface 16 of the housing 15.

[0086] By briefly retaining the gas escaping from the vent openings 17 in the vent chamber 29, heat is dissipated to the surrounding structures near the chamber. This provides further protection for the fabric of the airbag 22.

[0087] In the illustrated embodiment, the central passage 28 of the retaining ring 1 narrows towards the axis of the central passage 28 to define the width of the passage 20. Depending on the width of the housing 15 and the desired width of the passage opening, the extent to which the central passage 28 narrows can be varied.

[0088] The expert reader will understand that the design of the retaining ring 1 and, in particular, the presence of the projections 8, enables a simple and reliable assembly of an airbag module and also helps to maintain the integrity of the airbag fabric during inflation.

[0089] This training also makes it possible to optimize the through-hole so that it can accommodate a range of housing configurations and is compatible with different gas supply methods.

[0090] The expert reader will understand that embodiments of the invention provide a system for collecting and analyzing a liquid sample that can be easily used by a person who is not a specialist and has not received extensive training in the use of the system, and in particular by a user who may have limited dexterity and / or eyesight. This is especially important for the use of the invention for monitoring the health of individuals in their own homes, where the individuals may be elderly and / or suffer from one or more illnesses or conditions.

[0091] When used in this description and the claims, the terms "includes" and "comprehensive" and variations thereof mean that the specified features, steps, or integers are included. These terms are not to be interpreted as excluding the presence of other features, steps, or components.

[0092] The invention can largely consist of the parts, elements, steps, examples, and / or features that are individually or collectively mentioned or specified in the description in any combination of two or more of these parts, elements, steps, examples, and / or features. In particular, one or more features from one of the embodiments described herein can be combined with one or more features from one or more other embodiments described herein.

[0093] Protection may be requested for all features disclosed in one or more published documents referenced herein in combination with the present disclosure.

[0094] Although certain embodiments of the invention have been described, the scope of protection of the attached claims is not to be limited solely to these embodiments. The claims are to be interpreted literally, purposefully, and / or comprehensively as equivalents. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] US 5518266A

[0011] US 2005104336A1

[0012] US 5443284A

[0013] US 5727810A

[0014]

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