Patent ID: 8579325
Filing Date: 2013-11-12
Classification: B60R

Abstract:
1. An active bolster for a vehicle occupant, the active bolster comprising: a rear panel, an internal structure, a front panel, and a reinforcement plate; said internal structure being disposed between said rear panel and said front panel; said reinforcement plate being disposed between said front panel and said internal structure said internal structure and said rear panel together forming a hollow chamber in communication with an inflation device, said hollow chamber being expandable on activation of the inflation device; said internal structure having at least one expandable element such that upon pressurization of said hollow chamber by said inflation device, at least a portion of said at least one expandable element undergoes deformation to permit inflation of said hollow chamber, displacing said rear panel rearwardly to an extended position; and wherein said internal structure includes weld protrusions, and said front panel includes weld pads, and wherein said weld protrusions are welded to said weld pads to couple said front panel to said internal structure, and wherein at least one anchor feature provided on said reinforcement plate is captured there between.