Patent ID: 8746736
Filing Date: 2014-06-10
Classification: B60R

Abstract:
1. An airbag module for providing restraint to an occupant of a vehicle, comprising: an inflatable airbag cushion that includes a vent hole and a vent pocket; an inflator for generating inflation gas to inflate the airbag cushion during deployment; an actuator; a vent member configured to fill at least a portion of the vent pocket to selectively cover the vent hole of the cushion; and a tether having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is coupled to the vent member and the second end is coupled to the actuator; wherein when the actuator has not been activated, the vent member remains in a first position covering the vent hole under a tension applied by the tether to thereby prevent inflation gas from escaping through the vent hole; wherein when the actuator has been activated, the tension is reduced enough to allow the inflation gas to move the vent member to a second position uncovering the vent hole thereby allowing inflation gas to escape through the vent hole and through the vent member.