The present disclosure relates generally to the field of airbags. More specifically, the disclosure relates to a diffuser and a retainer for a steering wheel airbag module that are formed from a glass-polymer composite.
It is known to provide inflatable airbags in a vehicle. Inflatable airbags are inflated by gas directed into the airbag in response to a vehicle experiencing a sudden deceleration above a predetermined threshold or in response to other factors. The inflated airbag absorbs energy resulting from the movement of an occupant within the vehicle compartment against the airbag. The energy absorbed by the airbag is dissipated to minimize rebounding of the occupant from the airbag. Airbags may be provided at a variety of places within the vehicle to protect an occupant of the vehicle in a variety of impact scenarios. For example, airbags may be provided in the dashboard, proximate to the steering wheel, in the vehicle seats, in the door trim panels, in the headliner, etc. The steering wheel airbag assembly generally includes an inflator, an airbag that is inflated by the inflator, a diffuser, and a retainer that mechanically couples the airbag assembly to the vehicle, such as with threaded studs.
It would be desirable to provide an airbag assembly that is less expensive and easier to assemble.
One exemplary embodiment relates to an airbag retainer integrally combined with a diffuser, the integrated retainer and diffuser being one piece and comprising glass filled plastic.
Another embodiment relates to an airbag module, comprising an airbag cushion; a cover; an inflator to inflate the airbag cushion; and an integrated one-piece retainer and diffuser component. The integrated retainer and diffuser component couples to the cover to form a space for the airbag cushion. The integrated retainer and diffuser component disperses inflation gas from the inflator into the airbag cushion. The airbag module further includes a retaining ring to couple the airbag cushion to the integrated retainer and diffuser component.
Referring to
A conventional retainer 150 and diffuser 140 are two separate components that are fixed together, such as shown in
Referring in general to
Inflator 22 may be similar to inflator 122 of
Diffusing section 40 includes a cup-shaped dome portion 42 with an end wall 44 and a skirt 46 that forms one or more openings 48. Diffusing section 40 may be shaped similar to inflator 22 such that inflator 22 nests at least partially within diffusing section 40. Openings 48 allow the gas produced by inflator 22 to expand in multiple directions into the airbag. According to various exemplary embodiments, openings 48 may be larger or smaller and more or fewer openings may be provided in diffusing section 40 as shown in
Retaining section 50 is a generally annular body that is integrally formed with diffusing section 40 and generally forms the main body of integrated component 30. Retaining section 50 includes base wall 52 that forms a large central opening 54 (
As shown best in
According to one exemplary embodiment, integrated component 30 is formed from a glass-filled polymer composite. Glass fibers are introduced into the plastic, such as nylon, during an injection molding process. In one embodiment, the glass filled plastic material may be, for example, Zytel, or any other suitable type of plastic material.
In one embodiment, the plastic material comprises a range of 10% to 70% glass. In a preferred embodiment, the plastic material comprises a range of 10% to 60% glass. Alternatively, the plastic material comprises a range of 10% to 50% glass. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the glass filled plastic material comprises 40% glass. For example, the material may be 40% glass reinforced nylon PA 6. In yet another embodiment, the plastic material comprises a range of 10% or higher of glass. In yet another embodiment, the plastic material comprises a range of 10% to 30% glass. According to still other exemplary embodiments, the integrated component 30 may be formed from another comparable composite material.
Alternatively, the integrated component 30 may comprise a non plastic material, such as an aluminum alloy or magnesium alloy. The aluminum or magnesium alloys may be die cast to form the integrated component 30. In yet another embodiment, the integrated component 30 may be formed by a stamping process.
Conventionally, plastic was not considered to be a useful material for the diffuser. Generally, a plastic diffuser was not used because the plastic was considered to be likely to fracture due to the hot inflation gases. However, integrated component 30 does not fracture and is able to withstand the hot inflation gases from the inflator.
The diffusing section 40 formed from the composite is lighter than the comparable metal diffuser of
Yet another advantage of integrated component 30 is that adjustments may be made to integrated component 30 quickly, efficiently, and inexpensively by making only slight adjustments to the tooling process. For example, the size, position, and type of diffuser openings can be changed easily, quickly, and inexpensively depending on the desired inflation results. Conventionally, changing the design of the metal diffuser was costly and time consuming.
For purposes of this disclosure, the term “coupled” means the joining of two components (electrical or mechanical) directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary in nature or movable in nature. Such joining may be achieved with the two components (electrical or mechanical) and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two components or the two components and any additional member being attached to one another. Such joining may be permanent in nature or alternatively may be removable or releasable in nature.
The construction and arrangement of the elements of the airbag assembly as shown in the preferred and other exemplary embodiments is illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments of the present airbag assembly have been described in detail in this disclosure, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible (e.g. variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter recited in this disclosure. Accordingly, all such modifications attainable by one versed in the art from the present disclosure within the scope and spirit of the present invention are to be included as further embodiments of the present invention. The order or sequence of any process or method steps may be varied or re-sequenced according to alternative embodiments. Other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangement of the preferred and other exemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit of the present application.
This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/907,978, filed Apr. 25, 2007, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
Number | Date | Country | |
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60907978 | Apr 2007 | US |