Systems and methods for improved airbag suction

Abstract

Airbag cushion assembly (100) for aspirating ambient air, and related assemblies, methods, and components. Some embodiments may include an aspirating airbag cushion assembly (100) that includes an airbag cushion (124) that may be configured to deploy from a housing or the like. The assembly may further include one or more inflation conduits (140) configured to deliver inflation gas into the airbag cushion through a plurality of suction ports. Each inflation conduit may include features to improve suction efficiency, such as two or more rows of ports per conduit and / or angled features to redirect the inflation gas in a manner that improves the efficiency of the inflation gas to aspirate ambient air into the cushion.

Description

Summary of the Invention

[0001] Various improvements in vehicle technology, such as autonomous vehicles, may require changes to the way airbag assemblies operate. For example, larger airbags may be used in some autonomous vehicles, or other newer vehicles. This may be necessary, for example, due to the greater distance between the airbag module and the vehicle occupants. It is further contemplated that in some systems, a single cushion may be used to provide protection for multiple occupants.

[0002] However, existing suction airbag assemblies suffer from numerous drawbacks, such as being large, bulky, and / or complex, often requiring numerous different components and valving mechanisms. Such existing assemblies are often complex and / or unnecessarily difficult to assemble, further adding to costs.

[0003] Additionally, other suction systems have been used, but they are often less efficient and have suction rates that can be improved.

[0004] Accordingly, the inventors have determined that it would be desirable to provide systems and methods that overcome one or more of the aforementioned limitations and / or other limitations of the prior art. In some embodiments, the inventive concepts disclosed herein may enable an assembly to be provided that improves suction efficiency, for example, by providing inflation ports for generating suction in multiple rows on each inflation conduit and / or by forming the ports with one or more features for improving efficiency. For example, some embodiments may include inflation ports with divergence angles and / or Prandtl-Meyer features for improving gas velocity, generating lower pressure, and / or directing the ultrasonic plume into a region designed to improve suction efficiency.

[0005] In a more specific example of a suction airbag cushion assembly according to some embodiments, the assembly may comprise an airbag cushion and may be part of a housing and / or airbag package that comprises the airbag cushion. The suction housing may be fluidly coupled to the airbag cushion and / or the airbag cushion housing. The suction housing may comprise a suction inlet configured to allow receipt of ambient air into the airbag cushion during inflation of the airbag cushion. The assembly may further comprise an inflation module comprising an inflator and an inflation conduit fluidly coupled to the inflator. The inflation conduit may comprise a longitudinal axis and may be configured to deliver inflation gas from the inflator into the airbag cushion through a plurality of suction ports. One or more of the inflation conduits (in some embodiments, each of them) may comprise at least two rows of suction ports.

[0006] In some embodiments, each of the suction ports in a first row of the at least two rows of suction ports is offset from the center of the inflation conduit, the center being measured perpendicular to the longitudinal axis toward a first side of the inflation conduit adjacent the first intake opening of the suction inlet. In some such embodiments, each of the suction ports in a second row of the at least two rows of suction ports is offset from the center toward a second side of the inflation conduit opposite the first side and adjacent the second suction opening of the suction inlet.

[0007] In some embodiments, each of the suction ports in the first row may be angled toward a first side of the inflation conduit, and / or each of the suction ports in the second row may be angled toward a second side of the inflation conduit.

[0008] In some embodiments, each of the suction ports of the plurality of suction ports can include a flared distal portion. In some such embodiments, the flared distal portion can include an angled surface that is angled toward a vertical direction that at least substantially corresponds to the direction of arrival of ambient air through the suction inlet during deployment. In some such embodiments, the angled surface can be parallel, or at least substantially parallel, to the vertical direction.

[0009] In some embodiments, the angled surface may define an angle of about 25 degrees relative to each adjacent proximal portion of the suction port.

[0010] In some embodiments, the at least two rows of suction ports may comprise a first row and a second row, in some such embodiments, the first row may comprise suction ports offset from the suction ports in the second row such that each of the suction ports in the first row is positioned at a location along the longitudinal axis of the inflation conduit adjacent to a suction port in the second row.

[0011] Some embodiments may further include a plurality of inflation conduits fluidly coupled to the inflator, each of the plurality of inflation conduits including a longitudinal axis and configured to deliver inflation gas from the inflator into the airbag cushion through a plurality of suction ports. In some such embodiments, each of the plurality of inflation conduits includes at least two rows of suction ports.

[0012] In another example of a suction airbag cushion assembly according to some embodiments, the assembly may include an airbag cushion and a housing including a suction inlet configured to allow receipt of ambient air into the airbag cushion during inflation. The assembly may further include an inflation module including an inflation conduit configured to deliver inflation gas from an inflator, the inflation conduit including a plurality of inflation ports configured to draw ambient air through the suction inlet in response to actuation of the inflator. In some embodiments, at least a subset of the plurality of inflation ports may include multi-sided ports. For example, in some embodiments, the multi-sided port may include a first portion that directs inflation gas away from a vertical direction that at least substantially corresponds to the direction of arrival of ambient air through the suction inlet during deployment, and a second portion angled relative to the first portion in a direction angled toward the vertical direction relative to the first portion.

[0013] Some embodiments may further include a valve assembly including at least one valve flap, the valve assembly configured to open the at least one valve flap in response to actuation of the inflator, and the valve assembly further configured to close the at least one valve flap in response to suction of the airbag cushion to prevent air and inflation gas from exiting through the suction inlet in response to inflation of the airbag cushion.

[0014] In some embodiments, the inflation conduit may include a first row of inflation ports adjacent a first side of the inflation conduit and a second row of inflation ports adjacent a second side of the inflation conduit opposite the first side. In some such embodiments, the first row may include suction ports that are offset from and / or staggered with the suction ports in the second row such that each of the suction ports in the first row is positioned at a location along the longitudinal axis of the inflation conduit adjacent a suction port in the second row.

[0015] In some embodiments, the second portion can at least partially define a widening feature that widens the inflation port at a distal portion of the inflation port.

[0016] In some embodiments, the second portion can be at least substantially parallel to the vertical direction.

[0017] In yet another example of a suction airbag cushion assembly according to some embodiments, the assembly may include an airbag cushion and a suction inlet configured to allow ambient air to be received into the airbag cushion during inflation of the airbag cushion. The assembly may further include a plurality of inflation conduits. Each of the plurality of inflation conduits may include a first row of inflation ports and a second row of inflation ports. Preferably, each of the inflation ports in the first row includes an angled surface that is angled toward the inflation ports in the second row, and each of the inflation ports in the second row includes an angled surface that is angled toward the inflation ports in the first row. The assembly may further include a valve assembly including at least one valve configured to open to allow ambient air to be received through the suction inlet and configured to close upon inflation of the airbag cushion.

[0018] In some embodiments, one or more (preferably each) of the angled surfaces has an increased size of its respective inflation port.

[0019] In some embodiments, each angled surface extends in a direction relative to an adjacent and / or proximal portion of its respective port that is at least substantially parallel to a vertical direction, the vertical direction being at least substantially perpendicular to a plane extending through each longitudinal axis of each of the plurality of inflation conduits. In some such embodiments, each angled surface may extend at an angle of about 25 degrees from an adjacent surface of its respective inflation port.

[0020] In some embodiments, each of the inflation ports may extend, at least partially, at an angle of about 25 degrees from a direction at least substantially parallel to the vertical direction, the vertical direction being at least substantially perpendicular to a plane extending through each longitudinal axis of each of the plurality of inflation conduits.

[0021] The features, structures, steps, or characteristics disclosed herein in connection with one embodiment may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more alternative embodiments. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0022] Non-limiting and non-exhaustive embodiments of the present disclosure, including various embodiments of the present disclosure, are described with reference to the drawings. [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a suction airbag inflation assembly, according to some embodiments. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the suction airbag inflation assembly of FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is an enlarged cross-sectional view illustrating a preferred flaring angle feature of the suction port for improving suction efficiency. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a suction airbag inflation assembly according to another embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0023] Detailed descriptions of devices, systems, and methods consistent with various embodiments of the present disclosure are provided below. While several embodiments are described, it should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to any of the specific embodiments disclosed, but instead encompasses numerous alternatives, modifications, and equivalents. In addition, while numerous specific details are set forth in the following description to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments disclosed herein, some embodiments may be practiced without some or all of these details. Moreover, for purposes of clarity, certain technical material known in the relevant art has not been described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the present disclosure.

[0024] As used herein, the term "substantially" refers to the complete or nearly complete extent or degree of an action, characteristic, attribute, state, structure, item, or result that functions as indicated. For example, an object that is "substantially" cylindrical or "substantially" vertical means that the object / feature is either cylindrical / vertical or nearly cylindrical / vertical so as to provide the same or nearly the same function. The precise degree of allowable deviation provided by the term may depend on the specific context. The use of "substantially" is equally applicable when used in a negative connotation to refer to the complete or nearly complete absence of an action, characteristic, attribute, state, structure, item, or result. For example, a structure that is "substantially free" of a base is either completely devoid of a base or nearly completely devoid of a base such that its effect is substantially the same as if it were completely devoid of a base.

[0025] Similarly, as used herein, the term "about" is used to provide flexibility to the endpoints of a numerical range by providing that a given value may be "slightly above" or "slightly below" the endpoint while still achieving the function associated with the range.

[0026] Apparatuses, methods, and systems are disclosed herein for suction airbag cushion assemblies configured to utilize ambient air, in some cases in conjunction with inflation gas, to inflate larger airbag cushions in some embodiments, such as airbag cushions for multiple occupants, airbag cushions for autonomous vehicles, or pedestrian airbag cushions. Various embodiments disclosed herein may provide unique features to improve, for example, the coupling mechanisms, components, and / or functionality of such assemblies.

[0027] Embodiments of the present disclosure may be best understood by reference to the drawings, where like parts may be designated with like numerals. It will be readily understood that the components of the disclosed embodiments, as generally described and illustrated in the drawings herein, may be arranged and designed in a wide variety of different configurations. Thus, the following detailed description of embodiments of the apparatus and methods of the present disclosure is not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, as claimed, but merely represents possible embodiments of the disclosure. In addition, unless otherwise specified, method steps need not necessarily be performed in any particular order, or even sequentially, nor need steps be performed only once. Further details regarding certain preferred embodiments and implementations will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0028] FIG. 1 depicts a suction airbag cushion assembly 100. The suction airbag cushion assembly 100 includes an airbag cushion package 110 with an airbag cushion 124 positioned and configured to deploy therefrom (not shown in FIG. 1; see FIG. 2). The suction airbag cushion assembly 100 further includes a suction housing 120 coupled to the airbag cushion package 110. The suction housing 120 includes an open side and / or an opening on its upper side for receiving the airbag cushion and / or for coupling to and / or receiving the airbag cushion package 110. The suction airbag cushion assembly 100 may be attached to the suction housing 120 by an elongated rail 113 to hold the airbag cushion 124 in place for packaging and deployment. Opposite the open side, the suction housing 120 includes a suction inlet configured to allow ambient air to enter the airbag cushion during inflation.

[0029] In the depicted embodiment, the suction inlet comprises a plurality of openings arranged in a grid pattern along this side of the suction housing 120, the openings being defined by the cross member and the inflation conduit 140. However, in alternative embodiments, it is contemplated that the suction inlet may comprise a single opening (in some such embodiments, the entire underside of the suction housing 120 may be open) or any other suitable number of openings, as desired.

[0030] The inflation module 130 may be coupled to the suction housing 120. As described in more detail below, in a preferred embodiment, the inflation module 130 may be slidably coupled to the suction housing 120. The inflation module 130 includes an inflator, which may include, for example, a disc inflator. However, other embodiments are contemplated in which the inflator may instead include another type of inflator, such as a tubular inflator or another suitable inflator.

[0031] The suction housing 120 may include a first side or lower side that includes a suction inlet that may be configured to allow reception of ambient air into the airbag cushion 124 during inflation, as mentioned above. The suction housing 120 may further include a second side or upper side opposite the first side that is configured to receive the airbag cushion 124 and / or the airbag cushion package 110 therein. A third side of the suction housing 120 extends between the upper and lower ends and may be closed, or at least substantially closed.

[0032] This open side, or in other embodiments, one or more openings, may be configured to be closed, or at least substantially closed, by the inflation module 130. More specifically, the inflation module 130 may be configured to be received in the open side of the suction housing 120 and to close the open side / opening upon mating with the inflation module 130 (which in the depicted embodiment means sliding completely onto the module).

[0033] The inflation module 130 further includes a plurality of inflation conduits 140, such as tubes, fluidly coupled to the inflator. Each of the inflation conduits 140 includes a plurality of inflation or suction ports 142 (alternatively referred to as suction ports, as they assist in drawing ambient air into the cushion 124 during inflation), and each of the inflation conduits 140 and / or ports 142 is configured to deliver inflation gas from the inflator to the airbag cushion 124. Preferably, the assembly 100 is configured so that inflation gas is delivered at a sufficiently high velocity to draw ambient air into the airbag cushion 124 through the suction inlets during inflation. In alternative embodiments, each port 142 may be formed as a nozzle or the like that may extend from one or more of the inflation conduits 140.

[0034] In the depicted embodiment of FIG. 1 , inflation / vacuum ports 142 are formed in two opposing rows in each inflation conduit 140. Thus, port 142a is part of a first row, and port 142b is part of a second row. Preferably, these two rows are offset from one another relative to the center of each inflation conduit 140. In other words, when measured from the center perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of each inflation conduit 140, each port 142a in one row is offset from the center toward a first side of the inflation conduit 140, preferably adjacent a first suction opening of the suction inlet, and each suction port 142b in the second row of suction ports is offset from the center toward a second side of the same inflation conduit 140, opposite the first side, and preferably adjacent a second different suction opening of the suction inlet. As discussed below and depicted in the embodiment of FIG. 4 , in some embodiments, the ports may also or alternatively be staggered and / or formed in offset rows relative to one another, rather than at the center of each conduit.

[0035] In this manner, the jet / inflation delivered through port 142 may be positioned closer to the opposite edge of conduit 140, which may allow for a more efficient suction system by generating better suction flow. Without being limited by theory, it is believed that this is due to preferably positioning the ultrasonic plume of gas closer to the edge of tube / conduit 140, thereby positioning the low pressure zone created by such high velocity gas closer to where it will draw in ambient air or more efficiently aspirate higher volumes of air into the cushion. This may also improve the negative pressure to draw more ambient air into the cushion compared to the amount of inflation gas required to generate the flow, thereby preferably allowing for a higher suction rate for the assembly.

[0036] It may also be preferable that the ports 142 be spaced sufficiently apart from one another so that the expansion gas flow lines do not cross, or at least cross only minimally. Thus, preferably, the ports 142 are spaced apart with a maximum amount of space between each adjacent port within the area allocated to the suction inlet, as is the case in the depicted embodiment.

[0037] 2, assembly 100 may further include a valve assembly 160. Valve assembly 160 may include one or more valves, preferably configured to automatically open upon activation of the inflator and further configured to automatically close during inflation of the airbag cushion, to prevent air and inflation gas from exiting through a suction inlet below a valve flap of valve assembly 160. In some embodiments, one or more valves of valve assembly 160 may be configured to automatically close at a predetermined stage during inflation of the airbag cushion.

[0038] In the depicted embodiment, valve assembly 160 includes a first valve 162a or valve flap and a second valve 162b or valve flap. Valves 162a and 162b may include flaps, such as butterfly flaps, configured to automatically open and close at least two separate openings in the suction inlet. In some embodiments, including the depicted embodiment, these flaps may be configured to open and close each of the openings defining the suction inlet. In the depicted embodiment, each of valves 162a and 162b includes two flaps pivotally coupled to each other at a central portion, such as hinged portion 161, of the respective valve. Thus, as shown in FIG. 2, valves 162a and 162b may be configured to pivot to their respective open configurations during inflation by pivoting their respective flaps at this central portion / line 161.

[0039] In some embodiments, the valve flaps of valve assembly 160 may be sufficiently flexible to allow the flaps to flex during inflation. However, in some embodiments, these flaps may be sufficiently rigid to maintain a bias toward their respective closed configuration. In other words, the valves and / or valve flaps may be configured to require an opening force (generated by a partial vacuum within the associated airbag cushion) or are otherwise biased toward their respective closed configuration. The valve flaps themselves may be configured to perform this function in some embodiments, while in other embodiments, support members for such valve flaps, such as hinges, may be provided to facilitate the desired opening and closing function.

[0040] In some embodiments, the valve flaps may comprise a relatively rigid material (at least compared to the fabric of the airbag cushion 124). In some embodiments, such valve flaps may be configured to operate in a desired manner simply by rigidly coupling such flaps adjacent to the suction inlet. Alternatively, flaps 162a / 162b may be hinged at one end such that they are biased toward their respective closed positions. Some embodiments may include flaps that partially or completely overlap one another.

[0041] Valve assembly 160 may likewise be slidably coupleable with suction housing 120. Thus, as shown in FIG. 2 (showing flaps 162a / 162b in an open configuration), for example, pivot points of flaps 162a / 162b of valve assembly 160 may comprise elongated protrusions or beads 161 that may be slidably received in corresponding elongated slots formed along the bottom portion of suction housing 120. Protrusions / beads 161 and their corresponding slots preferably comprise bulbous bottom portions and narrowed neck portions to ensure that valve assembly 160 is maintained in its proper position within suction housing 120.

[0042] The cross-sectional view of FIG. 2 also depicts the flaps / valves 162a and 162b of the valve assembly 160 in an open configuration during inflation of the airbag cushion 124. As mentioned above, directing high-velocity inflation gas through the inflation port 142 creates a pressure differential that preferably causes the valve and / or flaps of the valve assembly 160 to automatically open (i.e., without additional mechanical elements or other forces / actions). This allows the inflation of the airbag cushion 124 to be supplemented by ambient air, which may enter the airbag cushion 124 through one or more openings in the suction inlet. Preferably, the inflation port 142 can be used to create a sufficient pressure differential to cause the valve flaps 162a / 162b to automatically open. This same pressure differential can then allow the ambient air to assist in the inflation of the airbag cushion 124. Preferably, the inflation gas is introduced into the airbag cushion 124 in a forceful manner. Thus, in addition to and / or instead of the pressure differential, the velocity and / or rate of the amount of gas delivered through port 142 may be sufficient to cause ambient air to be entrained within the inflation gas and thus sucked into the airbag cushion 124 along with the inflation gas.

[0043] At a desired point during inflation, the valves and / or flaps 162a / 162b of the valve assembly 160 are automatically closed to prevent air and inflation gas from escaping, or at least reduce the amount of air and inflation gas that may escape from the airbag cushion 124. Again, this can be accomplished in a number of ways, but preferably the valves and / or flaps of the valve assembly 160 are biased to their respective closed positions by the hinges, by the physical structure and attachment bond / pivot points of the hinges, or otherwise, such that a threshold amount of force and / or pressure is required to reposition the hinges to their open configuration and thereafter automatically return the hinges to their closed configuration.

[0044] Thus, the valves / flaps of valve assembly 160 are preferably configured to initially operate in a closed configuration and then automatically open during inflation, which may occur, for example, by creating a partial vacuum within the airbag cushion 124 with inflation gas from an inflator. Following inflation, the system may be configured to automatically close again to maintain gas (both ambient air and inflation gas) within the cushion during occupant contact. The system may be specifically configured to automatically provide these three stages (closed, open during inflation, and re-closed during or following inflation) at desired times through the positioning and configuration of valves, conduits, ports, etc.

[0045] More specifically, upon initial deployment, significant pressure may be achieved within the cushion 124 before the cushion 124 breaks through the cover (the "breakthrough phase" of deployment). This high pressure greatly increases the likelihood of leakage from the rear of the housing unless the suction inlet is blocked. Failure to block the suction inlet may also prevent desired cushion restraint. Following the breakthrough phase, it is preferable to open the suction inlet as quickly as possible to allow ambient air to assist the inflation process.

[0046] Again, valve flaps 162a / 162b may be configured to automatically reclose following the previously mentioned reduction in pressure differential, the creation of a pressure differential on the opposite side, and / or cessation of inflation gas being delivered through inflation port 142. As previously mentioned, in some embodiments, valve flaps 162a / 162b may be biased toward their respective closed positions to facilitate this inflation phase. One or more airbag cushion vents (not shown) may be used and adjusted to provide desired deployment / restraint characteristics.

[0047] 2 and 3, the suction housing 120 includes a pair of elongated channels 123 configured to receive a corresponding pair of elongated rails 113 formed on the airbag cushion package 110. This may allow the airbag cushion package 110, the suction housing 120, and the inflation module 130 to be slidably coupled to one another in some embodiments without the use of any fasteners, or at least substantially without the use of fasteners.

[0048] As also shown in these figures, the inflation module 130 further comprises a frame defined by a plurality of support members extending perpendicular to the inflation conduit 140. Additional support members may extend parallel to the conduit 140. Such parallel support members 148 may bound the conduit 140 on either side of the frame. As shown in FIG. 3, a pair of elongated grooves 125 may be formed in the suction housing 120. In some embodiments, the support members 148 may include protrusions 149 that may be received in the grooves 125.

[0049] 3 also depicts a preferred configuration of the inflation / aspiration ports 142. Specifically, ports 142a and 142b are preferably formed from multiple pieces that result in a flared distal portion. In some further preferred embodiments, the flared distal portion comprises an angled surface that forms a flared angle feature, which may further comprise a Prandtl-Meyer feature. In other words, in some embodiments, each port 142a in the first row is initially angled outward toward a first side of its inflation conduit 140, and each port 142b in the second row is angled outward in the opposite direction toward a second, opposite side of the inflation conduit 140.

[0050] Distal to this portion (from the perspective of the inflation gas) are formed one or more surfaces 143 that define a divergence angle, which may open / expand the size of port 142 and / or may preferably be angled in an opposite direction relative to the adjacent proximal portion of port 142. In some embodiments, including the depicted embodiment of FIGS. 2 and 3, each angled surface 143 may be angled toward a vertical direction (vertical being upward in FIGS. 2 and 3) that corresponds at least substantially to the direction of arrival of ambient air through the suction inlet during deployment. In preferred embodiments, including the depicted embodiment, angled surface 143 may further extend in a direction at least substantially perpendicular to a plane extending through the respective longitudinal axis of each of the plurality of inflation conduits 140.

[0051] In more preferred embodiments, ports 142a and 142b may be angled at their respective proximal portions from about 0 degrees to about 45 degrees relative to the vertical (angle α in FIG. 3). In some such embodiments, angle α may be from about 10 degrees to about 30 degrees. In some such embodiments, angle α may be about 25 degrees.

[0052] Similarly, in preferred embodiments, angled surface 143 defines an angle of about 5 degrees to about 35 degrees relative to the adjacent proximal portion of each of its respective suction ports (angle β in FIG. 3). In some such embodiments, angle β may be about 25 degrees. Thus, in the depicted embodiment, angles α and β may be the same, or at least substantially the same, although this need not be the case for all contemplated embodiments.

[0053] Again, without being limited by theory, it is believed that this preferred geometry changes the plume from a proximal angled surface portion (approximately 25 degrees from vertical in a preferred embodiment) to a vertical or near-vertical position, thereby allowing the plume to flow more parallel to the suction air flowing into the cushion 124 of the assembly 100. Additionally, the use of a Prandtl-Meyer angled surface may be useful in creating an expanding fan, which in effect increases the gas velocity along the outer surface of the plume opposite the angled surface. Tuning the plume with increased outermost surface gas velocity may facilitate more efficient suction, for example, by allowing a greater suction mass flow compared to the inflator gas mass flow required to generate suction.

[0054] 4 depicts a suction airbag cushion assembly 200 according to an alternative embodiment. The suction airbag cushion assembly 200 comprises an airbag cushion package and / or housing (the housing and cushion are not shown in FIG. 4 and may be similar to those shown in FIG. 2) with an airbag cushion positioned and configured to deploy therefrom. The suction airbag cushion assembly 200 further comprises a suction housing 220 coupled to the airbag cushion housing. The suction housing 220 may be similar to the suction housing 120 and thus may include a suction inlet configured, for example, to allow receipt of ambient air into the airbag cushion during inflation.

[0055] Similarly, inflation module 230 may be coupled to suction housing 220. Inflation module 230, like inflation module 130, may further include a plurality of inflation conduits / tubes 240 fluidly coupled to the inflator. Again, each of inflation tubes 240 includes a plurality of inflation or suction ports 242, each of inflation tubes 240 and / or ports 242 configured to deliver inflation gas from the inflator into the airbag cushion.

[0056] The inflation / vacuum ports 242, like ports 142, are formed in two opposing rows in each inflation conduit 240. Thus, ports 242a are part of a first row, and ports 242b are part of a second row. Also like ports 142, these two rows are offset from one another relative to the center of each inflation conduit 240. In other words, when measuring the center perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of each inflation conduit 240, each port 242a in one row is offset from the center toward a first side of the inflation conduit 240, preferably adjacent a first suction opening of the suction inlet, and each suction port 242b in the second row of suction ports is offset from the center toward a second side of the same inflation conduit 240, opposite the first side, and preferably adjacent a different, second suction opening of the suction inlet.

[0057] Unlike ports 142, however, the ports 242 a in the first row are staggered or offset from the ports 242 b in the second row such that each of the ports 242 a in the first row is positioned at a location along the longitudinal axis of the inflation conduit 240 that is adjacent to a port 242 b in the second row, both rows. This staggered feature of the assembly 200 may have several benefits. For example, having staggered ports may provide increased strength to the assembly, improving deployment load strength. It may also increase the area between nearest ports in opposing rows, increasing part strength.

[0058] Other features and / or remainder of the port of assembly 200 may be the same or similar to any of those previously described. For example, in some embodiments, port 242 may be at least initially angled outward away from the vertical. In some such embodiments, the port may be multi-sided, multi-sectioned, and / or flared in a proximal-to-distal region. For example, an angled surface, such as a Prandtlmeyer flared surface, may direct inflation gases from an initial outward direction to a vertical or near-vertical direction, improving the efficiency of aspirating adjacent ambient air during deployment.

[0059] The foregoing specification has been described with reference to various embodiments and implementations. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, the various operational steps, and components for performing the operational steps, may be implemented in various ways depending on the particular application or in consideration of any number of cost functions associated with the operation of the system. Accordingly, any one or more of the steps may be eliminated, modified, or combined with other steps. Furthermore, the present disclosure is to be considered illustrative rather than limiting, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure. Similarly, benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have been described above with respect to various embodiments. However, benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any element that can cause or make any benefit, advantage, or solution more pronounced should not be construed as a critical, necessary, or essential feature or element.

[0060] Those skilled in the art will understand that many changes can be made to the details of the above-described embodiments without departing from the underlying principles of the invention, and the scope of the invention should therefore be determined solely by the claims which follow.

Claims

1. a suction housing (120) fluidly coupled to the airbag cushion (124), the suction housing (120) including a suction inlet configured to allow ambient air to be received into the airbag cushion (124) during inflation of the airbag cushion (124); and an inflation module (130) including an inflator and an inflation conduit (140) fluidly coupled to the inflator, the inflation conduit (140) including a longitudinal axis, the inflation conduit (140) configured to deliver inflation gas from the inflator into the airbag cushion (124) through a plurality of suction ports (142), the inflation conduit (140) including at least two rows of suction ports (142a, 142b); each of the suction ports [142] of the plurality of suction ports [142] includes a widened distal portion; At least a subset of the plurality of suction ports [142] are multi-sided ports [140], a first portion that directs inflation gas away from a vertical direction that corresponds at least substantially to a direction of arrival of the ambient air through the suction inlet during deployment; a second portion angled toward the perpendicular direction relative to the first portion; A suction airbag cushion assembly [100], characterized in that the suction port [142] is formed in a nozzle.

2. 2. The suction airbag cushion assembly according to claim 1, wherein each of the suction ports in a first row of the at least two rows of suction ports is offset from a center of the inflation conduit, the center being measured perpendicular to the longitudinal axis toward a first side of the inflation conduit adjacent a first suction opening of the suction inlet, and each of the suction ports in a second row of the at least two rows of suction ports is offset from the center toward a second side of the inflation conduit opposite the first side and adjacent a second suction opening of the suction inlet.

3. 3. The suction airbag cushion assembly [100] of claim 2, wherein each of the suction ports [142 a] in the first row is angled toward the first side of the inflation conduit [140], and each of the suction ports [142 b] in the second row is angled toward the second side of the inflation conduit [140].

4. 2. The suction airbag cushion assembly [100] of claim 1, wherein the flared distal portion comprises an angled surface [143] that is angled toward a vertical direction that at least substantially corresponds to a direction of arrival of ambient air through the suction inlet during deployment.

5. 5. The suction airbag cushion assembly [100] of claim 4, wherein the angled surface [143] is at least substantially parallel to the vertical direction.

6. 2. The suction airbag cushion assembly [100] of claim 1, wherein the angled surface [143] defines an angle of approximately 25 degrees relative to an adjacent proximal portion of each of the suction ports [142].

7. 2. The suction airbag cushion assembly of claim 1, further comprising: a plurality of inflation conduits fluidly coupled to the inflator, each of the plurality of inflation conduits having a longitudinal axis, each of the plurality of inflation conduits configured to deliver inflation gas from the inflator into the airbag cushion through a plurality of suction ports, each of the plurality of inflation conduits having at least two rows of suction ports.

8. 2. The suction airbag cushion assembly according to claim 1, wherein each suction port in a first row of suction ports is offset from a suction port in a second row of suction ports such that each of the suction ports in the first row is positioned at a location along the longitudinal axis of the inflation conduit adjacent to a suction port in a second row.

9. The suction airbag cushion assembly [100] according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein at least a subset of the suction ports [142] at least partially define a widening feature that widens the suction ports [142] at a distal portion of the suction ports [142].

10. 10. The suction airbag cushion assembly [100] of claim 9, wherein the flaring feature comprises a surface [143] that is at least substantially parallel to a vertical direction in which ambient air enters the assembly.

11. The inflator according to claim 1, further comprising a plurality of inflation conduits [140] fluidly coupled to the inflator; 2. The suction airbag cushion assembly according to claim 1, wherein each of the suction ports comprises an angled surface extending in a direction at least substantially parallel to a vertical direction, the vertical direction being at least substantially perpendicular to a plane extending through a respective longitudinal axis of each of the plurality of inflation conduits.

12. 12. The suction airbag cushion assembly [100] of claim 11, wherein each of the angled surfaces [143] extends at an angle of approximately 25 degrees from the adjacent surface of its respective suction port [142].

13. 13. The suction airbag cushion assembly of claim 11 or 12, wherein each of the suction ports [142] extends at least partially at an angle of about 25 degrees from a direction at least substantially parallel to a vertical direction, the vertical direction being at least substantially perpendicular to a plane extending through a respective longitudinal axis of each of the plurality of inflation conduits [140].

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