Car Protection Device Tracking

Abstract

Providing a vehicle protection device to prevent or mitigate injury to vehicle occupants in the event of a collision. An automobile protection device that may be configured to be mounted on a vehicle to provide protection to vehicle occupants during a collision event may include a textile component formed from a textile (300) and including an RFID chip (320a, 320b), the textile component having an associated RFID chip identifier, and a non-textile component coupled to the textile component and associated with the RFID chip identifier, the non-textile component being associated with the RFID chip identifier upon assembly when the non-textile component is coupled to the textile component.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to the field of vehicle protection, and more particularly to tracking of vehicle protection devices, including traceable vehicle protection devices and systems and methods for manufacturing the same, for quality control, safety control, manufacturing process data collection, and / or other tracking applications. [Background technology]

[0002] An inflatable airbag assembly is an example of an automotive protection device that is mounted within a vehicle and can deploy during a crash event. The deployed airbag can cushion the impact on the occupant and prevent a harmful collision with other vehicle structure. Some airbags have one or more drawbacks or may not function optimally in one or more respects. Safety belts are also examples of automotive protection devices that provide restraint for vehicle occupants during a crash event. Some safety belts may have one or more drawbacks or may not function optimally in one or more respects. Certain embodiments disclosed herein can address one or more of these issues. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0003] The present embodiments will become more fully apparent from the following specification and appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: The embodiments will be described and explained with specificity and detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, which depict exemplary embodiments only and, therefore, should not be considered as limiting the scope of the disclosure. [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a partial cross-sectional view of a radio frequency identifier (RFID) thread in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 10 is a front view of another RFID sled in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a front view of a textile including an RFID thread according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an RFID ribbon attached to textiles by staples, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a front view of an RFID ribbon attached to a textile by an adhesive in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a front view of an RFID ribbon sewn into a textile in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] 1 is a side view of a vehicle interior including an automobile protection device according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] 1 is a cross-sectional view of an automobile protection device according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] 1 is a front view of a vehicle seat position illustrating another vehicle protection device according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 10A] FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic view of a tracking system in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 10B] FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic view of a tracking system in communication with a quality assurance system in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 11] 1 is a flowchart illustrating the operations of a method for tracking a vehicle protection device in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0004] As will be readily understood, the components of the embodiments, as generally described and illustrated herein, could be arranged and designed in a wide variety of different configurations. Thus, the following more detailed description of various embodiments, as depicted in the Figures, is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure as claimed, but merely to illustrate various embodiments. While various aspects of the embodiments are shown in the drawings, the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale unless specifically indicated.

[0005] Vehicle protection devices can be used to prevent or mitigate injury to vehicle occupants in a crash event. Vehicle protection devices can include seat belts, airbags, nets, cushions, and other devices. Vehicle protection devices can mitigate injury caused by sudden deceleration of a vehicle occupant in a crash event. Vehicle protection devices can prevent a vehicle occupant from colliding with a vehicle structure, such as a beam, dashboard, or other structure.

[0006] Inflatable airbag systems are widely used to reduce or minimize injuries to occupants during a crash event. Airbag modules are installed in various locations within a vehicle, including, but not limited to, in the steering wheel, in the dashboard and / or instrument panel, in the side doors or side seats, adjacent to the vehicle's roof rails, in the head-overhead position, or in the knee or leg positions.

[0007] During deployment, the disclosed airbags are typically disposed within a housing in a packaged state (e.g., rolled, folded, and / or otherwise compressed), i.e., a compact configuration, and may be retained in the packaged state behind a cover. During a crash event, the inflator is triggered, causing the airbag to rapidly fill with inflation gas. The airbag can rapidly transition from the packaged state in the compact configuration to an inflated state in a deployed configuration. For example, the inflating airbag can be ejected from the housing by opening the airbag cover (e.g., by tearing a tear seam or by opening a door-like structure). The inflator can be triggered by any suitable device or system, and triggering can be in response to and / or influenced by one or more vehicle sensors.

[0008] Airbag assemblies or systems can mitigate injury to vehicle occupants during a crash event by reducing the effect of the occupant's impact against structures within the vehicle (such as the dashboard and door columns) (body-to-structure impact).

[0009] Seat belts, or restraint devices, have been used to restrain vehicle occupants and mitigate injuries resulting from vehicle collisions. Seat belts may include lap belts and shoulder belts. Seat belts may tighten to secure a vehicle occupant in a vehicle seating position. Seat belts may extend from a retracted configuration to extend over the occupant. Seat belts may include a mechanism to prevent the seat belt from extending during a collision. Some seat belts may include a mechanism to prevent the seat belt from extending at a rate above a threshold.

[0010] To successfully protect vehicle occupants in a crash event, vehicle protection devices must be reliable. Some vehicle protection devices do not function properly after use. For example, some airbags can only be used once. Therefore, quality control is an important part of manufacturing vehicle protection devices. Batch testing of vehicle protection devices, along with other production controls, can ensure the reliability of the vehicle protection devices. In some cases, a recall is required to ensure that the vehicle protection devices function properly. In the event of a recall, it is important to know which vehicle protection devices are affected by the recall. Recalling too few devices can result in some unreliable devices remaining in the vehicle, while recalling too many devices can result in waste.

[0011] Conventional systems for tracking vehicle protection devices during manufacturing often rely on scanning barcode labels attached to vehicle protection device components. These systems require workers to identify and accurately scan barcode labels on the vehicle protection device components, slowing down the manufacturing process. Furthermore, once the vehicle protection device is assembled, some barcode labels cannot be scanned. For example, internal components of the vehicle protection device may have barcode labels that are not visible and cannot be scanned when the vehicle protection device is assembled.

[0012] FIG. 1 illustrates a radio frequency identifier (RFID) thread 100 according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. The RFID thread 100 may also be referred to as an RFID yarn 100. The RFID thread 100 may include a thread body 110, an RFID chip 120, and an antenna 130. The RFID chip 120 and antenna 130 may be housed inside the thread body 110, also referred to as the yarn body 110. The RFID chip 120 may be connected to the antenna 130. The antenna 130 may enable the RFID chip 120 to receive and / or emit electromagnetic signals. The RFID chip 120 may emit a signal or identifier when scanned. The RFID chip 120 may be sized to fit within the thread body 110 or to be incorporated within the thread body 110. The RFID chip 120 may be integral with the thread body 110. The thread body 110 may be sized similarly to a thread or yarn. The sled body 110 may comprise a fibrous material, rubber, plastic, or another material. The sled body 110 may be flexible. The antenna 130 may be flexible, allowing the RFID chip 120 to emit a signal or identifier when the RFID sled 100 is bent, looped, or coiled.

[0013] FIG. 2 illustrates another RFID thread 200 according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. The RFID thread 200 may include a thread body 210, also referred to as a yarn body 210. The thread body 210 may be sized similarly to a thread or yarn. The thread body 210 may include a fibrous material, rubber, plastic, or another material. The thread body 210 may be flexible. The RFID thread 200 may include multiple RFID chips 220. The multiple RFID chips 220 may be incorporated into the thread body 210 or may be integral with the thread body 210. The multiple RFID chips 220 may emit a signal or identifier when scanned. In some embodiments, the multiple RFID chips 220 may each emit the same signal or identifier. In other embodiments, the multiple RFID chips 220 may each emit a different signal or identifier. In yet other embodiments, a first subset of the plurality of RFID chips 220 may emit a first signal or identifier, and a second subset of the plurality of RFID chips 220 may emit a second signal or identifier. RFID sled 200 may include antenna 230. Antenna 230 may be connected to the plurality of RFID chips 220. In some embodiments, antenna 230 may be continuous. In other embodiments, antenna 230 may be interrupted such that a first portion of antenna 230 is connected to a first RFID chip of the plurality of RFID chips 220 and a second portion of antenna 230 is connected to a second RFID chip of the plurality of RFID chips 220. The antenna of the plurality of RFID chips 220 may be flexible, allowing the plurality of RFID chips 220 to emit a signal or identifier when RFID thread 100 is bent, looped, coiled, or the like. In some embodiments, the plurality of RFID chips 220 are evenly spaced apart. In other embodiments, the RFID chips 220 are not evenly spaced. The distance between successive RFID chips can range from 1 mm to 1 foot.

[0014] In some embodiments, the RFID thread 200 may be incorporated into a seam tape. In some embodiments, the RFID thread 200 may be incorporated into a seam tape when the seam tape is produced. The RFID thread 200 may be integral with the seam tape. The seam tape may be used to join the seams of the airbag cushion during sewing of the airbag cushion. In some embodiments, the multiple RFID chips 220 may each emit the same signal or identifier. During sewing of the airbag cushion, a subset of the multiple RFID chips 220 may be destroyed and a second subset of the multiple RFID chips 220 may remain. During deployment of the airbag cushion, a third subset of the second subset of the multiple RFID chips 220 may be lost and a fourth subset of the second subset of the multiple RFID chips 220 may remain on the airbag cushion such that the airbag cushion can be identified using the signals or identifiers of the multiple RFID chips 220.

[0015] FIG. 3 illustrates a textile 300 including a first RFID thread 310a and a second RFID thread 310b in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the first RFID thread 310a and the second RFID thread 310b may be the RFID thread 100 of FIG. 1 or the RFID thread 200 of FIG. 2. The first RFID thread 310a may include a first RFID chip 320a. The second RFID thread 310b may include a second RFID chip 320b. The first RFID chip 320a may emit a first signal or identifier when scanned. The second RFID chip 320b may emit a second signal or identifier when scanned. In some embodiments, the first signal or identifier may be the same as the second signal or identifier. The textile 300 may be associated with the first and second signals or identifiers. In other embodiments, the first signal or identifier may be different from the second signal or identifier. The textile 300 may be associated with the first signal or identifier, the second signal or identifier, and / or a combination. In some embodiments, the textile 300 may include multiple RFID threads. In some embodiments, each thread in the textile 300 may be an RFID thread. The textile 300 may include a fibrous thread, a rubber thread, a plastic thread, or a thread of another flexible material. The first RFID thread 310a and the second RFID thread 310b may each include an antenna for picking up and emitting an electromagnetic signal, such as the first signal or identifier and the second signal or identifier.

[0016] FIG. 4 illustrates an RFID ribbon 410 attached to a textile 450 by staples 440, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. The RFID ribbon 400 may also be referred to as an RFID strip 410. In some embodiments, the RFID ribbon 410 may include an RFID chip and an antenna attached to the RFID chip inside the RFID ribbon 410. The RFID chip and antenna may be similar to the RFID chip 120 and antenna 130 of FIG. 1. In other embodiments, the RFID ribbon 410 may include RFID threads incorporated into the fabric or seams of the RFID ribbon 410. The RFID ribbon 410 may be attached to the textile 450 by staples 440, also referred to as fasteners. The staples 440 or fasteners may penetrate the RFID ribbon 410 and the textile 450 to attach the RFID ribbon 410 to the textile 450. Although four staples 440 are shown, any number of staples may be used to attach the RFID ribbon 410 to the textile 450. The staples 440 may be metal, plastic, polymer, or any other suitable material.

[0017] FIG. 5 illustrates an RFID ribbon 510 attached to a textile 550 by adhesive 540, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. RFID ribbon 500 may also be referred to as an RFID strip 510. In some embodiments, RFID ribbon 510 may include an RFID chip and an antenna attached to the RFID chip inside RFID ribbon 510. The RFID chip and antenna may be similar to RFID chip 120 and antenna 130 of FIG. 1. In other embodiments, RFID ribbon 510 may include RFID threads incorporated into the fabric or seams of RFID ribbon 510. Adhesive 540 may be a heat-curable adhesive, a UV-curable adhesive, or another type of adhesive. In some embodiments, adhesive 540 may be between RFID ribbon 510 and textile 550. In other embodiments, adhesive 540 may include a first adhesive below RFID ribbon 510 on textile 550 and a second adhesive above RFID ribbon 510.

[0018] FIG. 6 illustrates an RFID ribbon 610 sewn to a textile 650 in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. The RFID ribbon 600 may also be referred to as an RFID strip 610. In some embodiments, the RFID ribbon 610 may include an RFID chip and an antenna attached to the RFID chip inside the RFID ribbon 610. The RFID chip and antenna may be similar to the RFID chip 120 and antenna 130 of FIG. 1. In other embodiments, the RFID ribbon 610 may include RFID threads incorporated into the fabric or seams of the RFID ribbon 610. The RFID ribbon 610 may be sewn to the textile 650 by a seam 640. The seam 640 may straddle the RFID ribbon 610. In some embodiments, the seam 640 may penetrate the RFID ribbon 610. In some embodiments, the seam 640 may attach one end of the RFID ribbon 610 to the textile 650. In other embodiments, seams 640 may attach both ends of RFID ribbon 610 to textile 650. RFID ribbon 610 may include an RFID chip area 615. The RFID chip may be located in RFID chip area 615. Seams 640 may not extend into RFID chip area 615. In some embodiments, an antenna may be located within RFID chip area 615. In other embodiments, the antenna may extend beyond RFID chip area 615. The antenna may be covered by seams 640. Although RFID chip area 615 is shown occupying a central portion of RFID ribbon 610, RFID chip area 615 may be any portion of RFID ribbon 610.

[0019] In some embodiments, the seam 640 may include a metal thread or a metal-coated thread and may cross the antenna, allowing the seam 640 to function as an additional antenna. In some embodiments, the RFID ribbon 610 may not include an antenna, and the seam 640 may contact the leads of the RFID chip and function as the antenna. In some embodiments, the seam may cross the RFID chip area 615 and contact the antenna and / or the leads of the RFID chip.

[0020] FIG. 7 illustrates a vehicle interior 700 including an automobile protection device 750 according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. The vehicle interior 700 may include an occupant seat position 710 for receiving a vehicle occupant. During a collision event, the vehicle occupant may move rapidly in direction A and be injured when struck by a vehicle body 720. To protect the vehicle occupant, the automobile protection device 750 may be configured to slow the movement of the vehicle occupant in direction A. The automobile protection device 750 may include a front panel 730 and a side panel 740. The front panel 730 and the side panel 740 may be textile components of the automobile protection device 750. The front panel 730, the side panel 740, or any other textile component of the automobile protection device 750 may include RFID threads or RFID ribbons, as discussed herein. The front panel 730 and the side panel 740 may be configured to rapidly inflate to provide cushioning for the vehicle occupant. Vehicle protection device 750 may include an inflator 770 configured to inflate a front panel 730 and a side panel 740 of vehicle protection device 750. Vehicle protection device 750 may be housed within steering wheel 760. During a collision, vehicle protection device 750 may deploy in response to one or more sensors, causing inflator 770 to rapidly inflate front panel 730 and side panel 740 to slow the movement of a vehicle occupant in direction A. Although vehicle protection device 750 is shown here as a front driver's side airbag assembly, or airbag system, vehicle protection device 750 may be a variety of devices discussed herein, such as a side airbag, a knee airbag, a curtain airbag, a seat belt, a net, and other devices.

[0021] FIG. 8 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an automobile protection device 800 according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. The automobile protection device 800 may be the automobile protection device 750 of FIG. 7 in an undeployed state. The automobile protection device 800 may include a housing 810. The housing 810 may cover the automobile protection device 800 so that the automobile protection device 800 may rapidly deploy to protect a vehicle occupant during a collision. The automobile protection device 800 may include a textile component 812, such as an airbag cushion. In some embodiments, the textile component 812 may include an RFID thread or an RFID ribbon, as discussed herein. The textile component 812 may be folded within the housing 810 when in the undeployed state. In some embodiments, the textile component 812 may be configured to rapidly inflate to cushion a vehicle occupant during a collision. The automobile protection device 800 may include a non-textile component 814, such as an inflator. The non-textile component 814 may be coupled to or attached to the textile component 812. In some embodiments, the non-textile component 814 may be coupled or attached to the textile component 812 during assembly or bonding. In some embodiments, the non-textile component 814 may inflate the textile component 812. The vehicle protection device 800 may include multiple textile and non-textile components. For example, the multiple textile components may include a tether, an airbag cushion front panel, or an airbag cushion side panel, and the multiple non-textile components may include an inflator, an actuator, or mounting hardware (e.g., bolts, nuts, brackets).

[0022] FIG. 9 illustrates another vehicle protection device 900 according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. The vehicle protection device 900 may be a seat belt system. The vehicle protection device 900 may include a seat belt 910. The seat belt 910 may be referred to as a seat restraint or a restraint device. In some embodiments, the seat belt 910 may extend across the knees and chest of a vehicle occupant. The seat belt 910 may be configured to restrain the movement of the vehicle occupant during a collision to prevent injury. The seat belt 910 may be attached to a winch assembly 930 and an anchor 950. The winch assembly 930 may be configured to receive the seat belt 910 in a coiled arrangement. The winch assembly 930 may release the seat belt 910 from the coiled arrangement to allow the seat belt 910 to extend across the chest and knees of the vehicle occupant. The winch assembly 930 may be configured to restrain the seat belt 910 and prevent the seat belt 910 from extending in response to a collision. In some embodiments, the winch assembly 930 can prevent the seat belt 910 from extending above a threshold speed to restrain the vehicle occupant during a crash. The seat belt 910 can include a buckle 940. The buckle 940 can be removably attached to a buckle receiver 970. The buckle 940 can be attached to the buckle receiver 970 when the seat belt 910 is deployed across the chest and lap of the vehicle occupant. The buckle 940 can be detached from the buckle receiver 970 when the seat belt 910 is not deployed. The seat belt 910 can be or include a textile. The seat belt 910 can include a seam 920 and / or a seam 960. The textile and / or the seam 920 or the seam 960 of the seat belt 910 can include one or more RFID threads or ribbons, such as the RFID thread 100 of FIG. 1 or the RFID ribbon 410 of FIG. 4. In some embodiments, the seat belt 910 may include one or more RFID threads, as shown in Figure 3. The winch assembly 930, buckle 940, anchor 950, and buckle receiver 970 may be non-textile components of the vehicle protection device 900.The winch assembly 930, buckle 940, anchor 950, and buckle receiver 970 may include metal, plastic, rubber, and other materials.

[0023] 10A is a diagram of a tracking system 1000 according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. The tracking system 1000 may include an automobile protection device 1010, an assembly station 1020, and a database 1030. The automobile protection device 1010 may include a textile component 1012 and a non-textile component 1014. The textile component 1012 may include an RFID chip 1013. The assembly station 1020 may include a scanner 1022. The automobile protection device 1010 may be an automobile protection device as discussed herein, such as automobile protection device 750, automobile protection device 800, or automobile protection device 900. The RFID chip 1013 may be incorporated into an RFID yarn or an RFID ribbon as discussed herein. The RFID chip 1013 may be incorporated into or attached to the textile component 1012 as discussed herein.

[0024] The assembly station 1020 may be a location for assembling the vehicle protection device 1010. The textile components 1012 and / or non-textile components 1014 may be added to the vehicle protection device 1010 at the assembly station 1020 during assembly or bonding. Assembly may be the time when the textile components 1012 and / or non-textile components 1014 are added to or bonded to the vehicle protection device 1010. In one example, the non-textile components 1014 are bonded to the textile components 1012 during assembly. In some embodiments, multiple assembly stations may be used in assembling the vehicle protection device 1010. The scanner 1022 may scan the RFID chip 1013 and identify an identifier in the RFID chip 1013. Scanning the RFID chip 1013 may include emitting electromagnetic radiation that stimulates the RFID chip 1013 to emit a signal including the identifier, and parsing the signal emitted by the RFID chip 1013 to identify the identifier. The assembly station may transmit the identifier to the database 1030. The identifier may be associated with the vehicle protection device 1010 in the database 1030. In some embodiments, the identifier may be associated with the vehicle protection device 1010 in the database 1030 at the time of assembly. The textile component 1012 may be associated with the identifier in the database 1030. The non-textile component 1014 may be associated with the identifier in the database 1030. In some embodiments, the non-textile component 1014 may be associated with the identifier in the database 1030 at the time of assembly. In one example, the non-textile component 1014 is identified and then associated with the identifier in the database 1030 when the non-textile component 1014 is coupled to the textile component 1012 at the time of assembly. In some embodiments, the assembly station 1020 may associate the vehicle protection device 1010, the textile component 1012, and / or the non-textile component 1014 with the identifier in the database 1030.In other embodiments, the database 1030 may associate the vehicle protection device 1010, the textile component 1012, and / or the non-textile component 1014 with an identifier based on the identification of the assembly station 1020. The assembly station 1020 may receive information associated with the non-textile component 1014 and transmit the information to the database 1030.

[0025] In some embodiments, the vehicle protection device 1010 includes a plurality of RFID chips. In some embodiments, the vehicle protection device 1010 includes a plurality of textile components, each including an RFID chip, as discussed herein, and a plurality of non-textile components. Each textile component of the plurality of textile components may be associated in the database 1030 with an identifier of the RFID chip within each textile component. As the plurality of textile components are added to the vehicle protection device 1010, the vehicle protection device 1010 may be associated in the database 1030 with an identifier of each RFID chip within each textile component. In some embodiments, the plurality of textile components includes a first textile component of the vehicle protection device and an additional textile component. As the additional textile component is added to the vehicle protection device 1010, the additional textile component is associated with the identifier of the RFID chip of the first textile component. In some embodiments, the plurality of non-textile components are associated with different identifiers. For example, the inflator of the vehicle protection device 1010 is associated with a first identifier of a first RFID chip embedded in the airbag panel based on the inflator being installed next to the airbag panel, and the mounting hardware of the vehicle protection device 1010 is associated with a second identifier of a second RFID chip embedded in the tether based on the mounting hardware being installed next to the tether.

[0026] In some embodiments, the scanner 1022 scans the RFID chip 1013 before the textile component 1012 is added to the vehicle protection device 1010. In other embodiments, the scanner 1022 scans the RFID chip 1013 after the textile component 1012 is added to the vehicle protection device 1010.

[0027] FIG. 10B is a diagram of a tracking system 1000a that communicates with or includes a quality assurance station 1040 (or quality assurance system) in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. The quality assurance station 1040 may include a scanner 1042. The quality assurance station 1040 may be a location for checking or verifying the quality and functionality of the vehicle protection device 1010. For example, the quality assurance station 1040 may test the inflation of an airbag to ensure that the airbag inflates as needed to prevent or mitigate injury to a vehicle occupant during a collision. The quality assurance station 1040 may be used to identify problems or potential problems with the vehicle protection device. For example, the quality assurance station 1040 may identify a vehicle protection device for recall. The scanner 1042 may scan the RFID chip 1013 and identify an identifier in the RFID chip 1013. The quality assurance station 1040 may communicate with the database 1030 to determine what is associated with the identifier in the database. The quality assurance station 1040 may associate the problem or information point (e.g., tracking information, quality information) with an identifier in the database 1030. In some embodiments, the quality assurance station 1040 may identify the component of the vehicle protection device 1010 associated with the problem in the database 1030. In other embodiments, the quality assurance station 1040 may identify the vehicle protection device that includes the component associated with the problem in the database 1030. For example, the quality assurance station 1040 may identify which vehicle protection devices are included in a recall based on the vehicle protection devices associated with the problem in the database 1030.

[0028] In some embodiments, the quality assurance station 1040 may organize vehicle protection devices into batches. The quality assurance station 1040 may organize textile components of the vehicle protection devices into batches. The quality assurance station 1040 may organize non-textile components of the vehicle protection devices into batches. Based on the vehicle protection devices, textile components, or non-textile components of a batch having a problem, other devices or components in the batch may also be associated with the problem in the database. The quality assurance station 1040 may issue a recall alert for all of the devices and / or components associated with the problem.

[0029] 11 is a flowchart 1100 illustrating operations of a method for tracking vehicle protection devices. In some embodiments, the method may be performed by assembly station 1020 of FIGS. 10A and 10B. Additional, fewer, or different operations may be included in the method. The operations shown may be performed in the order shown, in a different order, or simultaneously.

[0030] The method may include associating (1110) an identifier of an RFID chip of a textile component of the automotive protection device with the textile component in a database. The RFID chip may be incorporated into an RFID chip or RFID ribbon within the textile component, or may be attached to the textile component, as discussed herein. The identifier of the RFID chip may be identified by scanning the RFID chip and capturing a signal including the identifier emitted by the RFID chip in response to the scan. The identifier of the RFID chip may be identified by an additional scanner, allowing the textile component and / or automotive protection device to be identified using the identifier of the RFID chip and the database.

[0031] The method may include incorporating 1120 the non-textile component into the vehicle protection device. Incorporating 1120 the non-textile component into the vehicle protection device may include assembling the vehicle protection device including the non-textile component.

[0032] The method may include associating 1130 the non-textile component with an identifier of the RFID chip in a database. The non-textile component may be identified using the identifier of the RFID chip such that scanning the RFID chip enables the non-textile component to be identified.

[0033] For example, the textile component may be an airbag cushion of an airbag assembly, and the airbag cushion and / or airbag assembly may be identified by scanning an RFID chip embedded in an RFID sled within the airbag cushion. In this example, the non-textile component may be an inflator of the airbag assembly, and incorporating the inflator into the airbag assembly may include attaching the inflator to the airbag cushion of the airbag assembly. In this example, the inflator of the airbag assembly may be associated in a database with an identifier for the RFID chip such that scanning the RFID chip in the textile component allows the non-textile component to be identified.

[0034] Throughout this specification, the phrases "coupled" and "in communication" refer to any form of interaction between two or more entities, including mechanical, electrical, magnetic, electromagnetic, fluid, and thermal interaction. Two components can be coupled to one another even if the two components are not in direct contact with one another. The terms "abut" and "abutting" refer to items that are in direct physical contact with one another, although the items may not necessarily be attached together.

[0035] As used herein, inboard refers to a direction toward the centerline of the vehicle and outboard refers to a direction away from the centerline of the vehicle and outward from the vehicle.

[0036] The phrases "attached" and "directly attached" refer to the interaction between two or more entities that are in direct contact with each other and / or separated from each other only by fasteners of any suitable type (e.g., mounting hardware or adhesive).

[0037] The phrase "fluid communication" is used in its ordinary sense and is broad enough to refer to an arrangement in which a fluid (e.g., a gas or liquid) can flow from one element to another when the elements are in fluid communication with each other.

[0038] The terms "a" and "an" may refer to one, but are not limited to one. For example, the present disclosure may recite an airbag having a "chamber," but the present disclosure also contemplates that the airbag may have two or more chambers.

[0039] The terms "longitudinal" and "longitudinally" refer to a direction or orientation extending or extending between the front of the vehicle and the rear of the vehicle.

[0040] As used herein, the terms "forward" and "rearward" are used with reference to the front and rear of the associated vehicle. For example, a rearwardly deploying airbag cushion deploys toward the rear of the vehicle. Additionally, other reference terms, such as "horizontal," are used relative to the vehicle in which the airbag assembly is installed, unless it is clear from the context that a different frame of reference is intended. Thus, terms such as "horizontal" are used in relation to a vehicle regardless of whether the vehicle itself is oriented horizontally (e.g., located upright on level ground) or angled relative to true horizontal (e.g., located on a hill).

[0041] Unless otherwise stated, all ranges include both endpoints, and all values ​​between the endpoints.

[0042] Vehicle seating position refers to the position that an occupant typically occupies when seated in a vehicle seat. The term "occupant" refers to a person or crash test dummy in the vehicle.

[0043] References throughout this specification to "an embodiment" or "the embodiment" mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, the recited phrases, or variations thereof, listed throughout this specification do not necessarily all refer to the same embodiment.

[0044] Similarly, in the above description of the embodiments, it should be understood that various features may be grouped together in a single embodiment, figure, or description of those features to streamline the disclosure. However, this method of disclosure should not be interpreted as reflecting an intention that any claim requires more features than are expressly recited in that claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in combinations of fewer than all features of any single foregoing disclosed embodiment. Accordingly, the claims following this Detailed Description are expressly incorporated into this Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment. The present disclosure includes all permutations of independent claims, as well as dependent claims.

[0045] The recitation in a claim of the term "first" with respect to a feature or element does not necessarily imply the presence of a second or additional such feature or element. Elements recited in means-plus-function form are intended to be construed in accordance with 35 U.S.C. § 112, paragraph 6. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that changes may be made to the details of the above-described embodiments without departing from the underlying principles of the invention. Embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined as follows:

Claims

1. 1. An automobile protection device configured to be mounted on a vehicle to provide protection to an occupant of the vehicle during a collision event, said automobile protection device comprising: a textile component formed from a textile and including an RFID chip, the textile component being associated in a database with an identifier of the RFID chip; a non-textile component coupled to the textile component and associated in the database with the identifier of the RFID chip, the non-textile being associated with the identifier of the RFID chip at the time of assembly when the non-textile component is coupled to the textile component; Automotive protection device.

2. 10. The vehicle protection device of claim 1, wherein the vehicle protection device is an airbag system and the textile component is a panel of an inflatable airbag cushion of the airbag system.

3. 10. The vehicle protection device of claim 1, wherein the vehicle protection device is a safety belt and the textile component is a woven strap of the safety belt.

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

5. 10. The automotive protection device of claim 1, wherein the RFID chip is embedded in a yarn of material woven to form the textile.

6. 10. The automotive protection device of claim 1, wherein the RFID chip is embedded in a ribbon embedded in the textile component.

7. 2. The vehicle protection device of claim 1, further comprising a second textile component, the second textile component being associated with the identifier of the RFID chip at the time of attachment when the second textile component is attached to the textile component.

8. 1. A system comprising: A database, an assembly station for assembling an automobile protection device configured to be mounted on a vehicle to provide protection to an occupant of the vehicle during a collision event, the assembly station comprising a scanner, the scanner comprising: scanning an RFID chip in a textile component of the vehicle protection device, the textile component being associated in the database with an identifier of the RFID chip to determine the identifier of the RFID chip; receiving information associated with a non-textile component of the vehicle protection device; adding said non-textile component to said vehicle protection device; associating in the database the non-textile components of the vehicle protection device with the identifiers of the RFID chips; The system is configured as follows:

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

10. 9. The system of claim 8, wherein the vehicle protection device is a safety belt and the textile component is a woven strap of the safety belt.

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

12. The system of claim 8 , wherein the RFID chip is embedded in a yarn of material woven to form the textile.

13. The system of claim 8 , wherein the RFID chip is embedded in a ribbon embedded in the textile component.

14. 1. A method for manufacturing an automotive protection device configured to be mounted on a vehicle to provide protection to an occupant of the vehicle during a crash event, the method comprising: Associating in a database an identifier of an RFID chip of a textile component of said vehicle protection device with said textile component; incorporating a non-textile component into said vehicle protection device; associating the non-textile component with the identifier of the RFID chip in the database; A method comprising:

15. identifying information points relating to one or more of the textile component and the non-textile component; determining the RFID identifier based on an association between the information point and an RFID identifier in the database; and identifying one or more other components associated with the defective component based on the RFID identifier.

15. The method of claim 14.

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

17. 15. The method of claim 14, wherein the automobile protection device is a safety belt and the textile component is a woven strap of the safety belt.

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

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

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

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