Patent ID: 7497468
Filing Date: 2009-03-03
Classification: B60R

Abstract:
1. An airbag module comprising: an inflatable airbag cushion; an inflator configured to inflate the cushion with inflation gas; a housing that encases at least a portion of the inflator and at least a portion of the cushion when the cushion is in an uninflated state; and a deflection device comprising a top portion that covers at least a portion of the inflator and a surface that slopes away from the inflator, wherein the deflection device is configured to deflect inflation gas in a direction away from a direction of airbag deployment, wherein the housing defines side wells on either side of the inflator and the deflection device is shaped to deflect the inflation gas into the side wells of the housing, and wherein the housing is shaped to direct a greater volume of inflation gas into lateral portions of the cushion than into a center portion of the cushion as the cushion is inflated.