SECURITY MODULE FOR A VEHICLE

Abstract

SAFETY MODULE FOR A VEHICLE The present invention describes a safety module (100) for a vehicle. The safety module (100) comprises a housing (102) having an opening (102-1), the housing (102) being adapted to contain an airbag (300) associated with the safety module (100) upon deployment of the airbag (300), and one or more covers (104) adapted to cover (104) the opening (102-1) of the housing (102). The cover (104) is connected to the housing (102) via one or more hinges (106), wherein the hinge (106) is formed by one or more curved portions (106-1) and one or more flat portions (106-2) arranged adjacent to each other along a hinge axis (A-A').The flat portions (106-2) include one or more ribs (108) projecting from an upper surface of the flat portions (106-2), adapted to be welded to an internal surface of a vehicle chassis to prevent uncontrolled separation and projection of the hood (104) upon deployment of the airbag. Figure for abstract: 1.

Description

Title of the invention: SECURITY MODULE FOR A VEHICLE Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of airbags and safety modules. More particularly, the present invention relates to an improved safety module for a vehicle, which allows the free deployment of airbags in the event of a collision while preventing the uncontrolled separation and projection of the covers associated with the safety module upon deployment of the airbag. CONTEXT

[0002] The description of the background contains information that may be useful for understanding the present invention. This in no way constitutes an admission that any of the information contained herein is prior art or relates to the present invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly mentioned is prior art.

[0003] Airbags are important safety components in modern vehicles, designed to inflate quickly and protect passengers in the event of a collision, to reduce the risk of injury. Conventional airbag deployment systems have a guide element that directs the path of the inflating airbag to optimally protect passengers.

[0004] In many existing safety systems, the guide element has an opening or passage through which the airbag deploys in the event of a collision. This passage is often covered by panels that are connected to the guide element by means of hinges. The panels are designed to open and allow the airbag to be projected outward upon deployment. However, a significant problem with these conventional systems is that the hinges that connect the panels to the guide element can be damaged during rapid and forced inflation of the airbag.

[0005] The intense pressure exerted by the inflating airbag may cause the hinges of the guide element to rupture, withdraw, or detach. In this case, the panels may separate completely from the guide element, and be thrown uncontrollably into the vehicle interior. This uncontrolled movement of the panels may pose a serious safety problem for the vehicle occupants, or even cause injuries or exacerbate the hazards associated with the collision.

[0006] There is therefore a need to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks and limitations associated with existing airbag systems or safety modules, by providing an improved solution that ensures the airbag deployment mechanism operates as intended, while also preventing uncontrolled separation and projection of the covers upon airbag deployment. OBJECTS OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

[0007] Some of the objects of the present invention, which at least one present embodiment satisfies, are listed below.

[0008] An object of the present invention is to provide an improved safety module for a vehicle that allows for the free deployment of airbags in a collision while preventing uncontrolled separation and projection of covers associated with the safety module upon airbag deployment. SUMMARY

[0009] The present invention relates to the field of airbags and safety modules. More particularly, the present invention relates to an improved safety module for a vehicle, which allows the free deployment of airbags in the event of a collision while preventing the uncontrolled separation and projection of the covers associated with the safety module upon deployment of the airbag.

[0010] One aspect of the present invention relates to a safety module for a vehicle. The safety module comprises a housing having an opening, the housing being adapted to contain an airbag associated with the safety module upon deployment of the airbag, and one or more covers adapted to cover the opening of the housing. The one or more covers are connected to the housing via one or more hinges, which are formed of one or more curved portions and one or more flat portions arranged adjacent to each other along a hinge axis. In addition, the one or more flat portions comprise one or more ribs projecting from an upper surface of the one or more flat portions which are adapted to be welded to an internal surface of a chassis of the vehicle.This arrangement of the rib(s) adapted to be welded to an internal surface of a chassis limits the separation of the cover from the housing during deployment of the airbag.

[0011] According to one aspect, the airbag may be configured to inflate and be projected outside the housing through the opening upon deployment, while moving the cover(s) into an open position.

[0012] In one aspect, the cover(s) may comprise a pair of panels arranged on a common plane in their closed position. Each of the panels may be connected to the housing via respective hinges also adapted to pivot due to pressure exerted by the airbag upon deployment to allow the panels to be projected out of the opening while rotating about the hinge axis associated with the hinge(s). In another aspect, the cover(s) may include a single panel arranged on the same plane as that of the housing in its closed position.

[0013] In one aspect, the pair of panels may be connected by one or more frangible members in the closed portion. The one or more frangible members may be adapted to break due to pressure exerted by the airbag. The airbag, upon deployment, may allow the separated panels to pivot. The separated panels may pivot in a direction opposite to each other.

[0014] In one aspect, the one or more ribs may extend along at least a portion of a perimeter or edge of the one or more flat portions of the one or more hinges.

[0015] In one aspect, the one or more ribs may extend along at least a portion between a center and a perimeter or edge of the one or more flat portions of the one or more hinges. Along a length of the one or more flat portions, the one or more ribs fully overlap the one or more flat portions. Additionally, along a width of the one or more flat portions, the one or more ribs only overlap about one-third of the one or more flat portions.

[0016] According to one aspect, the one or more ribs may comprise a first welding rib that extends along a first end of the one or more flat portions, the first end of the corresponding flat portion being connected to the one or more covers. The one or more welding ribs may further comprise a second welding rib that extends along a second end, opposite the first end, of the one or more flat portions, the second end of the corresponding flat portion being connected to the housing.

[0017] According to one aspect, the rib(s) may be located and extend centrally along the flat portion(s) of the cover(s).

[0018] According to one aspect, the one or more covers may further be connected to the housing via one or more second frangible members which are adapted to break due to pressure exerted by the airbag upon deployment and thereby allow the panels to pivot to the open position of the cover.

[0019] According to one aspect, the housing may include a guide portion adapted to guide the deployment of the airbag.

[0020] In one aspect, the housing or security module may be configured to be installed at predefined locations on the chassis of the vehicle. In one aspect, the chassis may be a dashboard of the vehicle. In another aspect, the chassis may be associated with a group comprising a steering wheel, door panels, a rear face of seats, side faces of the seats, and roof panels of the vehicle. Brief description of the drawings

[0021] The accompanying drawings are included for the purpose of better understanding the present invention, and are incorporated into and made a part of this application. The drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present invention. The diagrams are purely illustrative and are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0022] In the figures, similar components and / or features may have the same reference number. Furthermore, different components of the same type may be distinguished by following the reference number with a second number that distinguishes the similar components. If only the first reference number is used in the application, the description is applicable to any of the similar components having the same first reference number, regardless of the second reference number.

[0023] [Fig. 1] illustrates an exemplary isometric view of a first embodiment of the security module, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] [Fig.2A] illustrates an exemplary side sectional view of the hinge area of ​​the security module having curved portions, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] [Fig.2B] illustrates an exemplary side sectional view of the hinge area of ​​the security module having flat portions, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Figures 2C-2G illustrate exemplary top views of the hinge area of ​​the security module having the ribs in different configurations, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] [Fig.3A] illustrates an exemplary side sectional view of the security module in a normal (undeployed) state in which the cover is in a closed state, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] [Fig.3B] illustrates an exemplary side sectional view of the security module in a deployed state in which the cover is in an open state, according to one embodiment of the present invention. Detailed description

[0029] The following is a detailed description of the embodiments of the invention illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The embodiments are detailed so as to clearly communicate the invention. However, the amount of detail provided is not intended to limit anticipated variations of the embodiments; rather, it is intended to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives that are within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0030] The present invention relates to the field of airbags and safety modules. More particularly, the present invention relates to an improved safety module for a vehicle, which allows the free deployment of airbags in the event of a collision while preventing the uncontrolled separation and projection of the covers associated with the safety module upon deployment of the airbag.

[0031] According to one aspect, the present invention relates to a safety module for a vehicle. The safety module comprises a housing having an opening, the housing being adapted to contain an airbag associated with the safety module upon deployment of the airbag, and one or more covers adapted to cover the opening of the housing. The one or more covers are connected to the housing via one or more hinges, which are formed of one or more curved portions and one or more flat portions arranged adjacent to each other along a hinge axis. In addition, the one or more flat portions comprise one or more ribs projecting from an upper surface of the one or more flat portions which are adapted to be welded to an internal surface of a chassis of the vehicle.This arrangement of the rib(s) adapted to be welded to an internal surface of a chassis limits the separation of the cover from the housing during deployment of the airbag.

[0032] In one embodiment, the airbag may be configured to inflate and be propelled outside the housing through the opening upon deployment, while moving the cover(s) into an open position.

[0033] In one embodiment, the cover(s) may comprise a pair of panels disposed on a co-plane in their closed position. Each of the panels may be connected to the housing via respective hinges which may also be adapted to pivot due to pressure exerted by the airbag upon deployment to allow the panels to be projected out of the opening while rotating about the hinge axis associated with the hinge(s). In another aspect, the cover(s) may comprise a single panel disposed on a co-plane with that of the housing in its closed position.

[0034] In one embodiment, the pair of panels may be connected by one or more frangible members in the closed position. The one or more frangible members may be adapted to break due to pressure exerted by the airbag. The airbag, upon deployment, may allow the separated panels to pivot. The separated panels may pivot in a direction opposite to each other.

[0035] In one aspect, the one or more ribs may extend along at least a portion between a center and a perimeter or edge of the one or more flat portions of the one or more hinges. Along a length of the one or more flat portions, the one or more ribs fully overlap the one or more flat portions. Additionally, along a width of the one or more flat parts, the rib(s) only overlap about one-third of the flat part(s).

[0036] In one embodiment, the one or more ribs may extend along at least a portion of a perimeter or edge of the one or more flat portions of the one or more hinges.

[0037] In one embodiment, the rib(s) may include a first welding rib extending along a first end of the flat portion(s), the first end of the corresponding flat portion being connected to the cover(s). The welding rib(s) may further include a second welding rib extending along a second end, opposite the first end, of the flat portion(s), the second end of the corresponding flat portion being connected to the housing.

[0038] In one embodiment, the rib(s) may be located and extend centrally along the flat portion(s) of the cover(s).

[0039] In one embodiment, the one or more ribs may be configured on an upper surface of the one or more flat portions.

[0040] In one embodiment, the one or more covers may further be connected to the housing via one or more second frangible members which are adapted to break due to pressure exerted by the airbag upon deployment and thereby allow the panels to pivot into the open position of the cover.

[0041] In one embodiment, the housing may include a guide portion. The guide portion may be adapted to guide deployment of the airbag.

[0042] In one embodiment, the housing or security module may be configured to be installed at predefined locations on the chassis of the vehicle. In one aspect, the chassis may be a dashboard of the vehicle. In another aspect, the chassis may be associated with a group comprising a steering wheel, door panels, a rear face of seats, side faces of the seats, and roof panels of the vehicle.

[0043] With reference to Figures 1-3B, in one embodiment, the proposed safety module 100 is described. The safety module 100 may include a hollow housing 102 having an opening 102-1. The housing 102 may be adapted to hold an airbag 300 associated with an airbag system, outside the housing 102 via the opening 102-1, upon deployment of the airbag 300. The safety module 100 may further include one or more covers 104 (collectively referred to as a "cover" or "door" 104 herein) secured to the housing 102 to close the opening 102-1 and secure the airbag 300 in the housing 102 in an undeployed state, as illustrated in [Fig.3A].

[0044] In one embodiment, the cover 104 may be connected to the housing 102 (at the edge R of the opening 102-1, as illustrated in FIGS. 3A and 3B) at using one or more hinges 106-A to 106-N (collectively referred to as "hinge 106" herein). In addition, the one or more hinges 106 may include one or more curved portions 106-1 and flat portions 106-2 (collectively referred to as "flat portions 106-2" herein) disposed adjacent to each other along a hinge axis (as illustrated in [Fig.l]). As illustrated in FIGS. 2C to 2F, a first end of the curved portion 106-1 and the flat portions 106-2 may be connected to the cover 104 and a second end of the curved portion 106-1 and the flat portions 106-2 may be connected to the housing 102.

[0045] The flat portions may further include one or more ribs 108 (collectively referred to as "rib" or "rib 108" herein) configured on an upper surface of the flat portions 106-2 of the hinge 106. The one or more ribs 108 are adapted to be welded to an internal portion of a chassis of the vehicle that may limit projection or separation of the hood 104 from the housing 102 upon opening of the hood 104 when the airbag 300 is deployed. Therefore, when the airbag 300 is inflated in the event of a vehicle collision, the inflating airbag 300 exits the housing 102 through the opening 102-1, and can be guided by a guide portion (not shown), while pivoting the cover 104 (panels 110-A, 110-B) outwardly, into an open position, as illustrated in [Fig.3A].However, the rib 108 provides additional strength to the hinge 106 so that it can limit projection or separation of the corresponding hood 104 (panels 110-A, 110-B) from the housing 102 upon movement of the hood 104 into the open position, without preventing deployment of the airbag 300, as illustrated in [Fig.3B].

[0046] In one embodiment, the cover 104 may include a pair of panels 110-A, 110-B that may be connected to each other by one or more first frangible members 112. In addition, the cover 104 or the panels 110-A, 110-B of the cover 104 may also be connected to the housing 102 by way of one or more second frangible members 114 such that the panels 110-A, 110-B remain connected to the housing 102 by way of the hinges 106 and the second frangible member 114, while the panels 110-A, 110-B remain connected by the first frangible members 112.

[0047] The first frangible members 112 and the second frangible member 114 may be composed of a fracturable material that can keep the panels connected to each other and to the housing 102 to maintain the opening closed in a normal state while breaking due to pressure exerted by the airbag 300 upon deployment, to separate the panels 110-A, 110-B and thereby allow the separated panels 110-A, 110-B to exit the opening while pivoting about a hinge axis A-A' associated with the hinge 106. In an exemplary embodiment, the first frangible members 112 and the second frangible member 114 may be composed of thin-walled aluminum or plastic, and / or perforated metal, alloys, or plastic, without limitation, which may break due to pressure exerted on the panels 110-A, 110-B, or the cover 104.

[0048] In one embodiment, as illustrated in [Fig.2C], the rib 108 may extend along the perimeter or edges of the corresponding hinge 106 or the flat portion 106-2. Further, in another embodiment, as illustrated in [Fig.2D], the rib 108 may extend along a length of the flat portion 106-2 or the hinge 106, such that the rib 108 remains between and parallel to the opposite ends (first end and second end) of the corresponding flat portions 106-2. Additionally, in another embodiment, as illustrated in [Fig.2E], a first welding rib 108-A may extend along the first end of the flat portions 106-2, and a second welding rib 108-B may extend along a second end, opposite the first end, of the flat portions 106-2.

[0049] Additionally, in a preferred embodiment, as illustrated in [Fig. 2F], the one or more ribs 108 may extend along at least a portion between a center and a perimeter or edge of the one or more flat portions 106-2 of the one or more hinges 106. More particularly, along a length of the one or more flat portions 106-2, the one or more ribs 108 may entirely overlap the one or more flat portions 106-2, and, along a width of the one or more flat portions (106-2), the one or more ribs 108 may overlap only one-third of the one or more flat portions 106-2. Additionally, in another embodiment, as illustrated in [Fig.2G], a pair of first welding ribs 108-A may extend along the opposite edges extending between the first end and the second end of the flat portions 106-2 in a direction perpendicular to the hinge axis A-A', and a second welding rib 108-B may extend along a length of the flat portion 106-2 or the hinge 106, so that the rib 108 remains between and parallel to the opposite ends (first end and second end) of the corresponding flat portions 106-2. Thus, these additional ribs 108 on the flat portions 106-2 of the hinges 106 may limit the creation of multiple hinge axes and direct all of the load toward the main hinge axis A-A', which allows for perfect rotation of the cladding panels 110, without uncontrollable separation of the housing 102.

[0050] Referring to [Fig.3A], when the airbag 300 is deflated under normal conditions, the housing 102 can contain the airbag 300 therein and the cover 104 can secure the airbag 300. Since there is no pressure or force exerted by the airbag 300, the first frangible members 112 and the second frangible member 114 may remain unfractured to keep the panels 110-A, 110-B connected. In addition, the hinges 106 may keep the cover 104 or the panels 110-A, 110-B connected to the housing 102 to keep the opening 102-1 covered.

[0051] Referring to [Fig.3B], when the airbag 300 inflates in the event of a vehicle collision, the housing 102 may guide the inflating airbag 300 to exit the housing 102 through the opening 102-1, while deploying or pivoting the cover 104 outwardly to an open position. The pressure or force exerted by the inflating airbag 300 may fracture or break the first frangible members 112 and the second frangible member 114, and thereby separate the panels 110-A, 110-B from each other to expose the opening of the housing 102. However, the rib 108 may maintain the panels 110-A, 110-B connected to the housing 102 and limit projection or separation of the corresponding cover 104 from the housing 102 upon movement of the cover 104 into the open position, without preventing deployment of the airbag 300.

[0052] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that, although different embodiments and drawings of the present invention have been created for the security module 100 having a single cover 104 and a pair of panels 110-A, 110-B that form the respective cover 104 for reasons of simplicity and better explanation, however, the teachings of the present invention are equally applicable to the security module 100 having any number of covers or panels without any limitation, and all such embodiments are within the scope of the present invention.

[0053] In one embodiment, the housing 102 or the safety module 100 may be configured to be installed at predefined locations on the vehicle frame such that only the door remains visible from inside the vehicle. In one embodiment, the frame for the airbag system or the safety module 100 may be located at any one or a combination of, but not limited to, a steering wheel, a dashboard, the door panels, the back of the seats, the side faces of the seats, the roof panels of the vehicle.

[0054] Thus, the present invention overcomes the drawbacks and limitations associated with existing airbag systems or safety modules, by providing an improved safety module that ensures that the airbag deployment mechanism operates as intended, while also preventing uncontrolled separation and projection of the hood upon airbag deployment.

[0055] Although the foregoing describes various embodiments of the invention, other embodiments of the invention may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof. The invention is not limited to the described embodiments, versions or examples, which are included to enable those skilled in the art to make and use the invention in combination with information and knowledge available to those skilled in the art. ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION

[0056] The proposed invention overcomes the drawbacks and limitations associated with existing vehicle airbag systems and safety modules.

[0057] The proposed invention limits the removal or breakage of the covers from the hinge area of ​​the guide element.

[0058] The proposed invention allows the free deployment of airbags in the event of a collision while preventing the uncontrolled separation and projection of the covers associated with the safety module during deployment of the airbag.

[0059] The proposed invention provides an improved safety module for a vehicle that allows for free deployment of airbags in a collision while preventing uncontrolled separation and projection of covers associated with the safety module upon airbag deployment.

Claims

Claims

1. A safety module (100) for a vehicle, the safety module (100) comprising: a housing (102) having an opening (102-1), the housing (102) containing an airbag (300) associated with the safety module (100) upon deployment of the airbag (300); and one or more covers (104) adapted to cover (104) the opening (102-1) of the housing (102), the one or more covers (104) being connected to the housing (102) by means of one or more hinges (106), wherein the one or more hinges (106) are formed by one or more curved portions (106-1) and one or more flat portions (106-2) arranged adjacent to each other along a hinge axis (A-A'), and wherein the one or more flat portions (106-2) comprise one or more ribs (108) projecting from an upper surface of the one or more flat portions (106-2) which are adapted to be welded to an internal surface of a chassis of the vehicle.

2. The safety module (100) of claim 1, wherein the airbag (300) is configured to inflate and exit the housing (102) through the opening (102-1) upon deployment while moving the cover(s) (104) into an open position.

3. A safety module (100) according to claim 1, wherein the at least one cover (104) comprises a pair of panels (110-A, 110-B) arranged on a same plane in its closed position, wherein each of the panels (110-A, 110-B) is connected to the housing (102) via respective hinges (106) further adapted to pivot due to the pressure exerted by the airbag (300) upon deployment to allow the panels (110-A, 110-B) to exit the opening (102-1) while pivoting about the hinge axis A-A' associated with the at least one hinge (106).

4. A safety module (100) according to claim 3, wherein the pair of panels (110-A, 110-B) are connected by one or more first frangible members (112) in the closed position adapted to break due to the pressure exerted by the airbag (300) upon deployment to allow the separate panels (110-A, 110-B) to pivot in a direction opposite to each other.

5. A security module (100) according to claim 1, wherein the one or more ribs (108) extend along at least a portion of a perimeter or edge of the one or more flat portions (106-2) of the one or more hinges (106).

6. A security module (100) according to claim 1, wherein the rib(s) (108) extend along at least a portion between a center and a perimeter or edge of the flat portion(s) (106-2) of the hinge(s) (106).

7. A security module (100) according to claim 6, wherein along a length of the at least one flat portion (106-2), the at least one rib (108) entirely overlaps the at least one flat portion (106-2), wherein along a width of the at least one flat portion (106-2), the at least one rib (108) only overlaps about one third of the at least one flat portion (106-2).

8. A security module (100) according to claim 1, wherein the rib(s) (108) comprise: a first welding rib (108-A) which extends along a first end of the flat portion(s) (106-2), wherein the first end of the corresponding flat portion (106-2) is connected to the cover(s) (104); and / or a second welding rib (108-B) which extends along a second end, opposite the first end, of the flat portion(s) (106-2), wherein the second end of the corresponding flat portion (106-2) is connected to the housing (102).

9. A security module (100) according to claim 1, wherein the rib(s) (108) are located and extend centrally along a length of the flat portion(s) (106-2) of the cover(s) (104).

10. A safety module (100) according to claim 3, wherein the at least one cover (104) is further connected to the housing (102) via one or more second frangible members (114) which are adapted to break due to the pressure exerted by the airbag (300) upon deployment and respectively allow the panels (110-A, 110-B) to pivot to the open position of the cover (104).

11. A safety module (100) according to claim 1, wherein the housing (102) comprises a guide portion adapted to guide the deployment of the airbag (300).

12. The safety module (100) of claim 1, wherein the housing (102) or the safety module (100) is configured to be installed at predefined locations on the chassis of the vehicle, wherein the chassis is associated with a group comprising a steering wheel, a dashboard, door panels, a rear face of seats, side faces of seats, and roof panels of the vehicle.

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