Patent ID: 6517101
Filing Date: 2003-02-11
Classification: B60R

Abstract:
An inflatable restraint deployment system comprising a simplified hold-down assembly for fastening an air bag door of said inflatable restraint deployment system in a tamper-proof closed position, said deployment system comprising:an air bag container comprising an open end adjacent an air bag deployment opening; said air bag door having a hinged edge pivotally supported adjacent said air bag deployment opening, said air bag door pivotally moveable about said hinged edge between a closed tamper-proof position covering said air bag deployment opening and an open air bag release position exposing said air bag deployment opening; an elongated door hold-down member supported in a fixed position at one end thereof and having a flange at a second end thereof; a fastener hole rim in one of said air bag door and said hold-down member flange, said fastener hole rim defining a fastener hole; and a door hold-down stud fastener integrally molded into the other of the air bag door and the hold-down member flange and including a fastener base engaging the other of said air bag door and said hold-down member, a shaft portion integrally extending from said fastener base through said fastener hole in a direction generally parallel to the direction said door initially moves when forced out of said closed position, a first fastener flange extending outward from around said shaft portion and engaging said fastener hole rim to hold said air bag door in said closed position, and a first fastener cross-sectional area defined by the intersection of said door hold-down stud fastener and a plane extending perpendicular to said shaft portion through said first fastener flange; said fastener hole having an area smaller than said first fastener cross-sectional area whereby at least one of said fastener hole rim and said first fastener flange yields as said air bag door opens in response to air bag deployment and wherein one of said fastener hole rim and said first fastener flange reversibly yields upon engagement of said fastener flange with said fastener hole rim.