Selectively inflated crossbar airbag

An assembly for a vehicle includes a first seat and a second seat. The assembly includes a crossbar positioned between the first seat and the second seat. The assembly includes an airbag supported by the crossbar. The assembly includes a controller programmed to position the crossbar in a raised position in response to a detected occupant egress.

BACKGROUND

Vehicles are equipped with airbags. In the event of an impact, an inflator activates and provides inflation medium to the airbags, and the airbags pressurize and act as supplemental restraints for occupants during the impact. The airbags are located at various fixed positions in passenger compartments of vehicles. Vehicles may include airbags supported on a dash, side air curtains mounted to the roof rails, side airbags mounted to seats, etc.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

An assembly for a vehicle includes a first seat and a second seat. The assembly includes a crossbar positioned between the first seat and the second seat. The assembly includes an airbag supported by the crossbar. The assembly includes a controller programmed to position the crossbar in a raised position in response to a detected occupant egress.

The assembly may include the controller being programmed to position the crossbar in a lowered position in response to seat occupancy.

The assembly may include the controller being programmed to position the crossbar in the raised position in response to detected occupant ingress.

The assembly may further include a plurality of airbags including the airbag, the controller being programmed to, in response to a vehicle impact, select inflation of each airbag based on occupancy of the first seat and the second seat.

The assembly may further include the airbag being further defined as a first airbag and further comprising a second airbag, the first airbag being dedicated to the first seat, the controller being programmed to, in response to a vehicle impact, select inflation of the first airbag in response to the detection of an occupant in the first seat.

The assembly may include the first seat facing seat-forward toward the crossbar.

The assembly may include where the second airbag is dedicated to the second seat, the controller programmed to, in response a vehicle impact, select inflation of the second airbag in response to detection of an occupant in the second seat.

The assembly may include the first seat and the second seat being spaced from each other along a vehicle-longitudinal axis and the crossbar is between the first seat and the second seat.

The assembly may include the first seat and the second seat facing seat-forward toward the crossbar.

The assembly may include where the first airbag is inflatable from the crossbar toward the first seat and the second airbag is inflatable from the crossbar toward the second seat.

The assembly may further include a third seat spaced from the first seat along a cross-vehicle axis and the crossbar is between the second seat and the third seat.

The assembly may further include a third airbag, the controller programmed to, in response a vehicle impact, select inflation of the third airbag in response to detection of an occupant in the third seat.

The assembly may further include where the first seat and the third seat are spaced from each other along a cross-vehicle axis and the crossbar is spaced from the first seat and the third seat along a vehicle-longitudinal axis.

The assembly may further include a first pillar and a second pillar spaced cross-vehicle from the first pillar, the crossbar moveably supported by the first pillar and the second pillar.

The assembly may further include a first track supported by the first pillar and a second track supported by the second pillar, the crossbar being moveably supported by the first track and the second track.

With reference to the Figures, wherein like numerals indicate like parts throughout the several views, an assembly10for a vehicle12includes a first seat14aand a second seat14b. The assembly10includes a crossbar16positioned between the first seat14aand the second seat14b. The assembly10includes an airbag18supported by the crossbar16. The assembly10includes a controller20programmed to position the crossbar16in a raised position in response to detected occupant22egress.

The crossbar16is positioned between the seats14a,14bsuch that the airbag controls the kinematics of an occupant22of at least one of the seats14a,14bin the event of a vehicle impact. The controller20is programmed to raise the crossbar16to the raised position, as shown inFIG.1, in response to detected occupant22egress to increase space for the occupant22during egress. Similarly, as described further below, the controller20is programmed to lower the crossbar16to a lowered position, as shown inFIG.2, in response to seat occupancy.

As described further below, the crossbar16may support a plurality of airbags18with each airbag dedicated to one of the plurality of seats14. Each airbag is dedicated to one of the seats14in that the dedicated airbag is inflated during vehicle impact in response to occupancy of the seat to which the airbag is dedicated and controls the kinematics of at least the occupant22of that seat. While the dedicated airbag does control the kinematics of an occupant22of the seat to which the airbag is dedicated and is inflated in response to occupancy of that dedicated seat, it should be appreciated that in some examples the airbag may also be impacted by and/or control the kinematics of occupants22of other seats14.

In the example shown in the figures, the plurality of airbags18includes a first airbag18a, a second airbag18b, a third airbag18c, and a fourth airbag and the plurality of seats14includes the first seat14a, the second seat14b, a third seat14cand a fourth seat14d. The first airbag18ais dedicated to the first seat14a, the second airbag18bis dedicated to the second seat14b, the third airbag18cis dedicated to the third seat14c, and the fourth airbag is dedicated to the fourth seat14d. In such an example, in the event of vehicle impact, the controller20is programmed to inflate the first airbag18ain response to occupancy of the first seat14a, to inflate the second airbag18bin response to occupancy of the second airbag18b, and so on. In other words, the controller20is programmed to not inflate the first airbag18aduring a vehicle impact when the first seat14ais unoccupied.

With reference toFIG.1, the vehicle12may be any suitable type of automobile, e.g., a passenger or commercial automobile such as a sedan, a coupe, a truck, a sport utility, a crossover, a van, a minivan, a taxi, a bus, etc. The vehicle12, for example, may be autonomous. In other words, the vehicle12may be autonomously operated such that the vehicle12may be driven without constant attention from a driver, i.e., the vehicle12may be self-driving without human input.

The vehicle12includes a vehicle body24. The vehicle body24includes body panels (not numbered) partially defining an exterior of the vehicle12. The body panels may present a class-A surface, e.g., a finished surface exposed to view by a customer and free of unaesthetic blemishes and defects. The body panels include, e.g., a roof panel, etc.

The vehicle12includes a passenger compartment26to house occupants22, if any, of the vehicle12. The passenger compartment26may extend across the vehicle12, i.e., from one side to the other side of the vehicle12. The passenger compartment26includes a front end28and a rear end30with the front end28being in front of the rear end30during forward movement of the vehicle12.

The vehicle body24may include a vehicle roof32spaced upwardly from a vehicle floor34. The vehicle body24includes pillars36,38, extending from the vehicle floor34to the vehicle roof32. The vehicle roof32is supported by the pillars36,38. For example, the vehicle body24may include an A-pillar (not numbered) and a B-pillar on each side of the vehicle12. In the example shown in the Figures, the vehicle12includes a first pillar36and a second pillar38spaced cross-vehicle from each other. The first pillar36and the second pillar38are the B-pillars of the vehicle12. The A-pillars may extend between a windshield and front doors. In other words, the A-pillars may be disposed at the front end28of the passenger compartment26. The B-pillars may extend behind the front doors, e.g., between adjacent doors. In other words, the B-pillars may be spaced from the A-pillars by a front door opening. The vehicle12may include additional pillars (not numbered), e.g., C-pillars, D-pillars. The pillars36,38may extend from the roof to the floor.

The vehicle12may include a headliner42supported by the vehicle body24, specifically, the vehicle roof32. The headliner42may conceal the vehicle roof32from view inside the vehicle12, i.e., in the passenger compartment26of the vehicle12. The headliner42includes a class-A surface facing the passenger compartment26, i.e., a surface specifically manufactured to have a high quality, finished, aesthetic appearance free of blemishes. The headliner42may be any suitable material, for example, fabric, leather, a polymeric panel, etc.

With continued reference toFIGS.1-4B, the vehicle12may include the plurality of seats14. The seats14are supported by the vehicle floor34. The seats14may be arranged in any suitable arrangement in the passenger compartment26. The vehicle12may include any suitable number of seats14. The plurality seats14may be movable relative to the vehicle floor34to various positions, e.g., movable fore-and-aft and/or cross-vehicle.

As an example, shown in the Figures, the vehicle12includes four seats14, namely, the first seat14a, the second seat14b, the third seat14c, and the fourth seat14d. The first seat14aand the third seat14care spaced from each other on the cross-vehicle axis. The second seat14band the fourth seat14dare spaced from each other on the cross-vehicle axis. The first seat14aand the third seat14care spaced from the second seat14band the fourth seat14don the vehicle-longitudinal axis. In this example, the first seat14aand the third seat14care at the rear end30of the passenger compartment26and the second seat14band the fourth seat14dare at the front end28of the passenger compartment26. As an example shown in the figures, the seats14a,14b,14c,14dmay be positioned in a rectangular configuration. In other examples, the vehicle12may include any suitable number of seats14arranged in any suitable configuration.

With continued reference to the example shown in the Figures, the first seat14aand the third seat14cface seat-forward toward the crossbar16. Specifically, the first seat14aand the third seat14cmay be facing the rear end30of the passenger compartment26, e.g., when an occupant22occupies the first seat14aor the third seat14c, the occupant22faces the rear end30of the passenger compartment26. The second seat14band the fourth seat14dmay be forward facing. Specifically, the second seat14band the fourth seat14dmay be facing the rear end30front end28of the passenger compartment26, e.g., when an occupant22occupies the second seat14bor the fourth seat14d, the occupant22faces the front end28of the passenger compartment26.

As shown in the Figures, the first seat14aand the third seat14cmay face the second seat14band the fourth seat14d. In other words, as described above, the first seat14aand the second seat14bare spaced from each other along the vehicle-longitudinal axis, and the third seat14cand the fourth seat14dare spaced from each other along the vehicle-longitudinal axis.

The seats14each include a seatback (not numbered), a seat bottom (not numbered), and a head restraint (not numbered). The head restraint may be supported by and extending upwardly from the seatback. The head restraint may be stationary or movable relative to the seatback. The seatback may be supported by the seat bottom and may be stationary or movable relative to the seat bottom. The seatback, the seat bottom, and the head restraint may be adjustable in multiple degrees of freedom. Specifically, the seatback, the seat bottom, and the head restraint may themselves be adjustable. In other words, adjustable components within the seatback, the seat bottom, and the head restraint may be adjustable relative to each other.

The seats14include an occupant seating area44. As shown in the Figures, the seatback and the seat bottom define the occupant seating area44of the seat. The occupant seating area44is the area occupied by an occupant22when properly seated on the seat bottom and the seatback. The occupant seating area44is in a seat-forward direction of the seatback and above the seat bottom. In other words, the seat-forward direction is the direction the occupant22faces when properly seated on the seat bottom and the seatback. As one example, the occupant22of the seat may be looking in the seat-forward direction and be looking at the rear end30of the passenger compartment26. In the example shown in the figures, the crossbar16is seat forward of each of the seats14a,14b,14c,14d.

With reference to the Figures, the assembly10includes the crossbar16. The crossbar16may move from the raised position and the lowered position depending on occupancy of the vehicle12. When occupants22intend to enter the vehicle12, the crossbar16moves to the raised position to allow space in the passenger compartment26for the occupants22to enter the vehicle12. When occupants22are seated in one or more of the seats14in the vehicle12, the crossbar16moves to the lowered position in front of the occupant seating area44. As an example, shown inFIGS.2-4Band described below, in the lowered position the crossbar16is between the occupant seating areas44of the first seat14aand the second seat14b. In other words, in the lowered position the crossbar16is between the first seat14aand the second seat14b. When occupants22intend to exit the vehicle12, the crossbar16moves to the raised position to allow space in the passenger compartment26for the occupants22to exit the vehicle12. Intention to exit the vehicle12may be detected in any suitable way and, for example, may be detected by an occupancy sensor46. As an example the occupancy sensor46may detect an intention to exit the vehicle12, e.g., by initial movement of the occupant22from the seat as detected by a weight sensor, image detector, etc., or by detection of a seatbelt latch being unbuckled from a seatbelt buckle for that particular seat.

The crossbar16is elongated from the first pillar36to the second pillar38. In other words, the crossbar16extends across the vehicle12in the cross-vehicle direction. The crossbar16is movably supported by the first pillar36and the second pillar38. Specifically, the crossbar16is movable along the first pillar36and the second pillar38from the raised position to the lowered position. The crossbar16may extend between a first end16aand a second end16b. As shown in the Figures, the first end16ais movably supported by the first pillar36and the second end16bis movably supported by the second pillar38. In the lowered position, the crossbar16may be spaced downwardly from the vehicle roof32and spaced upwardly from the vehicle floor34. The crossbar16may be in the lowered position when occupants22are seated in the seats14. In the raised position, the vehicle roof32may receive the crossbar16in the raised position. Specifically, as shown in the example in the Figures, the vehicle roof32and headliner42may define a slot48elongated from the first pillar36to the second pillar38. In such an example, the crossbar16may move into the slot48and is in the slot48when in the raised position. In other words, the slot48allows the crossbar16to be recessed into the vehicle roof32and headliner42when the crossbar16is in the raised position. The crossbar16may be in the raised position when occupants22of the seats14are entering and exiting the vehicle12.

The crossbar16may be elongated between a pair of the seats14. As described above, the crossbar16may be between the first seat14aand the second seat14b, and between the third seat14cand the fourth seat14d. Specifically, the crossbar16may be between the occupant seating areas44of the first seat14aand the second seat14band between the occupant seating areas44of the third seat14cand the fourth seat14dwhen the crossbar16is in the lowered position. In other words, as shown inFIGS.2-4B, the crossbar16may be between the occupant seating areas44of the third seat14cand the second seat14band the crossbar16may between the occupant seating areas44of the first seat14aand the fourth seat14d.

The assembly10may include a first track50supported by the first pillar36and a second track52supported by the second pillar38. The crossbar16is moveably supported by the first track50and the second track52. Specifically, the first end16aof the crossbar16is moveably supported by the first track50and the second end16bof the crossbar16is moveably supported by the second track52. As the crossbar16moves between the raised position and the lowered position, the first end16aand the second end16bof the crossbar16move along the first track50and the second track52.

With reference toFIG.6, the assembly10includes a linear actuator54supported by one of the first pillar36or the second pillar38. The crossbar16is moveable by the linear actuator54from the raised position to the lowered position. Specifically, the crossbar16is moveable by the linear actuator54along the first track50and the second track52from the raised position to the lowered position. The linear actuator54may be coupled to one of the ends of the crossbar16. The linear actuator54moves the ends of the crossbar16between the lowered position and the raised position. The assembly10may include any suitable number of linear actuators54to move the crossbar16between the lowered position and the raised position. For example, as shown in the Figures, the assembly10may include a linear actuator54supported by the first pillar36and a linear actuator54supported by the second pillar38.

The linear actuator54may include a housing54aand a screw rod54bmovable into and out of the housing54a. The screw rod54bmay extend from the housing54ato one of the ends of the crossbar16. The screw rod54bmay be fully extended from the housing54awhen the crossbar16is in the raised position and the screw rod54bmay be retracted into the housing54awhen the crossbar16is in the lowered position. The linear actuator54includes a motor54c. The motor54cmay be coupled to the screw rod54bof the linear actuator54to move the screw rod54bto move the crossbar16between the raised position and the lowered position.

The crossbar16may be spring-loaded between the first pillar36and the second pillar38. Specifically, the first end16aand the second end16bof the crossbar16may be spring-loaded. As the crossbar16moves between the raised position and the lowered position, the crossbar16being spring-loaded allows the crossbar16to follow the contours of the pillars36,38. As shown in the Figures, the distance from the first pillar36to the second pillar38may change as the pillar extends from the vehicle roof32to the vehicle floor34. The length of the crossbar16may vary at the ends based on the contours as the crossbar16moves along the pillars36,38, because the crossbar16is spring loaded, between the raised position and the lowered position.

With reference toFIG.5, the assembly10includes an airbag assembly56supported by the crossbar16. The airbag assembly56includes the plurality of airbags18, an inflator58, and may include a housing (not shown). The plurality of airbags18, the inflator58, and the housing may be supported by the crossbar16.

As shown inFIG.5, the inflator58is supported on the crossbar16. The inflator58is in fluid communication with the airbags18. The inflator58expands the airbag with inflation medium, such as a gas, to move the airbag from an uninflated position to an inflated position. The inflator58may be, for example, a pyrotechnic inflator that ignites a chemical reaction to generate the inflation medium, a stored gas inflator that releases (e.g., by a pyrotechnic valve) stored gas as the inflation medium, or a hybrid. The airbag assembly56may include any suitable number of inflators58. In the example shown inFIG.5, the airbag assembly56includes two inflators58to inflate the airbag to the inflated position. In other examples, the size and quantity of the inflator58may be adjusted to inflate the airbag to the inflated position, e.g., the airbag assembly56may include one inflator58that is large enough to move the airbag to the inflated position.

As discussed above, the plurality of airbags18are supported by the crossbar16. When the crossbar16is in the raised position, the airbags18are in the uninflated position. Specifically, the plurality of airbags18may be folded to surround the crossbar16when the crossbar16is in the raised position and the plurality of airbags18are in the uninflated position. When the crossbar16is in the lowered position, the airbags18are in the uninflated position during normal operation of the vehicle12. In the event of an impact to the vehicle12and when the crossbar16is in the lowered position, the airbags18may be selectively inflated to the inflated position based on seat occupancy, i.e., one of the airbags18is inflated if the seat to which that airbag is dedicated is occupied. When in the inflated position, the airbags18surround the crossbar16. The airbags18inflate to the inflated position between the crossbar16and the seats14of the vehicle12. Specifically, the airbags18inflate to the inflated position between the crossbar16and the occupant seating areas44of the seats14of the vehicle12. In the event of a vehicle impact, the plurality of airbags18may inflate to the inflated position to control kinematics of occupants22seated in the seats14of the vehicle12.

With reference to the Figures, the airbag assembly56may include any suitable number of airbags18supported by the crossbar16and extending from the crossbar16in the inflated position. The airbag assembly56may include a number of airbags18that is equal to the number of seats14facing the crossbar16. As described above, the first airbag18ainflates from the crossbar16toward the first seat14aand the second airbag18binflates from the crossbar16toward the second seat14b, etc.

With reference to the Figures, each airbag includes a base portion60supported on the crossbar16and a pillow portion62supported on the base portion60. As an example shown in the figures, the base portion60is elongated along the crossbar16. As shown inFIG.5, when inflated simultaneously, the base portions60surround the crossbar16in the inflated position. In such an example, the crossbar16is elongated through a center of the base portions60and the base portions60completely surround the crossbar16. The base portions60of adjacent airbags18may share walls. In other words, in the inflated position the base portions60of adjacent airbags18may abut each other. For example, when the first, second, and third airbags18a,18b,18care in the inflated position, the base portion60of the first airbag18amay abut the base portion60of the third airbag18cand the base portion60of the second airbag18b.

The base portions60are fluidly connected with the corresponding pillow portions62. In other words, the inflation medium may freely pass from the inflator58, through the base portion60and into the pillow portion62. The airbag assembly56may include a manifold64connected to the inflator58and a plurality of fill tubes66extending from the manifold64to the plurality of airbags18. The manifold64allows inflation medium to pass from the inflator58to the airbags18. As an example shown in the Figures, the manifold64may connect to two fill tubes66. As described below, the controller20may instruct the manifold64to allow inflation medium to pass through one or both fill tubes66. In other words, the plurality of airbags18are selectively inflated based on the instructions from the controller20to the manifold64.

The crossbar16is rigid relative to the airbag assembly56. The crossbar16may be of any suitable material that is rigid relative to the airbag assembly56, e.g., a metal or a plastic. The rigidity of the crossbar16relative to the airbag assembly56allows the crossbar16to act as a reaction surface for the airbag assembly56in the inflated position. The crossbar16supports the airbag assembly56and acts as a reaction surface for the airbags18when in the inflated position.

The airbags18may be fabric, e.g., a woven polymer. For example, the fabric may be woven nylon yarn, for example, nylon. Other examples of woven polymer include polyether ether ketone (PEEK), polyetherketoneketone (PEKK), polyester, etc. The woven polymer may include a coating, such as silicone, neoprene, urethane, etc. For example, the coating may be polyorgano siloxane.

With reference toFIGS.9-10, the controller20stores instructions to control components of the vehicle12according to the method shown inFIGS.9-10. Specifically, the controller20may be a restraints control module. Use of “based on” and “in response to” herein, including with reference to the instructions stored by the controller20and the method, indicates a causal relationship, not merely a temporal relationship.

The controller20includes a processor and a memory. The memory includes one or more forms of computer readable media, and stores instructions executable by the controller20for performing various operations, including as disclosed herein. As described below, the controller20is programmed to perform a specific function or a specific set of functions. The memory can be of any type, e.g., hard disk drives, solid state drives, servers, or any volatile or non-volatile media. The memory can store the collected data sent from the sensors. The memory can be a separate device from the controller20, and the controller20can retrieve information stored by the memory via a network in the vehicle12, e.g., over a CAN bus, a wireless network, etc. Alternatively or additionally, the memory can be part of the controller20, e.g., as a memory of the controller20. The controller20may include or be communicatively coupled to, e.g., via a vehicle network such as a communications bus as described further below, more than one processor, e.g., included in components such as sensors, electronic control units (ECUs) or the like included in the vehicle12for monitoring and/or controlling various vehicle12components. As shown inFIG.8, the controller20is generally arranged for communications on a vehicle communication network68that can include a bus in the vehicle12such as a controller20area network CAN or the like, and/or other wired and/or wireless mechanisms. Further, as mentioned below, various sensors may provide data to the controller20via the vehicle communication network68.

The vehicle12may include one or more ingress/egress sensor70to identify whether an occupant22is entering or exiting the vehicle12. The controller20may be in communication with the ingress/egress sensor70. The ingress/egress sensor70may detect movement of the occupant22. As one example, the occupant22may be seated in the seat and the ingress/egress sensor70may detect movement of the occupant22to exit the vehicle12, e.g., unbuckling of a seatbelt, standing up from the seat, opening the door of the vehicle12, etc. As another example, the ingress/egress sensor70may detect movement of an occupant22outside of the vehicle12to enter the vehicle12, e.g., movement to the door, opening the door, etc.

The ingress/egress sensors70may be positioned on the interior or the exterior of the vehicle12. For example, the ingress/egress sensors70may be in the passenger compartment26. The ingress/egress sensor70may be one or a combination of various sensors including, for example, a motion sensor, image detection, proximity sensor, seatbelt buckle sensor, door sensor (to detect opening and closing of the door), etc.

The vehicle12may include the occupancy sensors46to detect occupancy of one of the seats14, i.e., the presence or absence of the occupant22in the seat. The occupancy sensor46may detect that the occupant22is seated in a particular seat, e.g., the first seat14a, the second seat14b, etc. The occupancy sensor46may detect that no occupant22is seated in a particular seat, e.g., the first seat14a, the second seat14b, etc. The occupancy sensors46may be coupled to the seats14to identify when an occupant22is seated in the seats14or may be spaced from the seats14. The occupancy sensor46may be, for example, a weight sensor (i.e., in the seat), an image detector (e.g., spaced from the seat and configured to detect an occupant22, or lack thereof, based on image detection), a seatbelt buckle sensor that detects engagement of a seatbelt latch, or lack thereof, with a seatbelt buckle, etc. The vehicle12may include any suitable number of occupancy sensors46. For example, the vehicle12may include a number of occupancy sensors46equal to the number of seats14in the vehicle12.

The controller20may be in communication with the occupancy sensors46. As one example, the occupancy sensor46may detect that the occupant22has occupied the seat. As another example, the occupancy sensor46may detect that the occupant22is no longer seated in the seat. The controller20may use the occupancy sensor46and the ingress/egress sensor70together to detect the position of the occupant22in the vehicle12.

The vehicle12may include at least one impact sensor72for sensing impact of the vehicle12, and the controller20may be in communication with the impact sensors72. The impact sensor72is configured to detect an impact to the vehicle12. The impact sensor72may be of any suitable type, for example, post-contact sensors such as accelerometers, pressure sensors, and contact switches; and pre-impact sensors such as radar, LIDAR, and vision-sensing systems. The vision-sensing systems may include one or more cameras, CCD image sensors, CMOS image sensors, etc. The impact sensor72may be located at numerous points in or on the vehicle12.

The vehicle12includes the controller20programmed to position the crossbar16in the raised position in response to detected occupant22egress. As described above, the vehicle12may include sensors to detect occupant22egress, e.g., ingress/egress sensors70and occupancy sensors46. In response to the information from the sensors, the controller20instructs the motor54cto extend the screw rod54bto raise the crossbar16to the raised position to allow the occupant22to exit the vehicle12. In an example where the ingress/egress sensor70is the seatbelt buckle sensor, the ingress/egress sensor70may detect the occupant22unbuckling their seatbelt and thus preparing to egress the vehicle12. As another example, where the ingress/egress sensor70is the motion sensor or the image detection sensor, the ingress/egress sensor70may detect the occupant22exhibiting behaviors consistent with preparing to egress the vehicle12. As another example, where the ingress/egress sensor70is the proximity sensor, the ingress/egress sensor70may detect the occupant22moving away from the seat in a manner that is consistent with preparing to egress the vehicle12. In response to the ingress/egress sensor70detection (e.g., seatbelt unbuckle, motion or image detection, proximity detection, etc.), the controller20instructs the motor54cto extend the screw rod54bto raise the crossbar16to the raised position to allow the occupant22to exit the vehicle12.

The controller20may be programmed to position the crossbar16in the raised position in response to detected occupant22ingress. As described above, the vehicle12may include sensors to detect occupant22ingress, e.g., ingress/egress sensors70. The ingress/egress sensor70may, for example, detect movement of the occupant22approaching the vehicle12that is consistent with an occupant22preparing to enter the vehicle12. As another example, the ingress/egress sensor70may, for example, detect the door of the vehicle12opening. In response to the information from the sensors, the controller20instructs the screw rod54bto extend and raise the crossbar16to the raised position to allow the occupant22to enter the vehicle12.

The controller20may be programmed to position the crossbar16in a lowered position in response to seat occupancy. As described above, the vehicle12may include occupancy sensors46to detect occupancy of the seat, i.e., the presence or absence of the occupant22in the seat. The occupancy sensor46may, for example, detect that the occupant22is seated in the seat. In response to the information from the sensor, the controller20instructs the screw rod54bto retract and lower the crossbar16to the lowered position.

The controller20may be programmed to, in response to a vehicle impact, select inflation of each airbag based on occupancy of seats14. For example, if the occupancy sensor46detects that the first seat14ais occupied, the controller20selects to inflate the first airbag18ain response to a vehicle impact and if the occupancy detects that the first seat14ais not occupied, the controller20selects to not inflate the first airbag18ain response to a vehicle impact, etc.

As an example, shown inFIGS.3A-3B, the first seat14aand the second seat14bare occupied by the occupants22and the third seat14cand the fourth seat14dare not occupied by the occupants22. In this example, the controller20is programmed to, in response to a vehicle impact, select inflation of the first airbag18ain response to the detection of an occupant22in the first seat14a. With continued reference toFIGS.3A-3B, the controller20may be programmed to, in response to a vehicle impact, select inflation of the second airbag18bin response to the detection of an occupant22in the second seat14b.

As another example, shown inFIGS.3A-3B, the first seat14aand the third seat14care occupied by the occupants22and the second seat14band the fourth seat14dare not occupied by the occupants22. In this example, the controller20is programmed to, in response to a vehicle impact, select inflation of the first airbag18ain response to the detection of an occupant22in the first seat14a. With continued reference toFIG.3A-3B, the controller20may be programmed to, in response to a vehicle impact, select inflation of the third airbag18cin response to the detection of an occupant22in the third seat14c.

As another example not shown in the Figures, the fourth seat14dmay be occupied by the occupant22, and the first, second, and third seat14care not occupied by the occupants22. In this example, the controller20is programmed to, in response to a vehicle impact, select inflation of the fourth airbag in response to the detection of an occupant22in the fourth seat14d.

As another example shown in the method inFIG.10, the controller20may identify when to move the crossbar16to the lowered position and to the raised position based occupants22entering or exiting the vehicle12and send instructions to the screw rod54bto extend or retract to raise or lower the crossbar16as described above. When the crossbar16is moving toward the lowered position or toward the raised position, the controller20may identify whether the crossbar16contacts an obstruction in the passenger compartment26. In this example, the controller20sends instructions to vehicle12components, such as the linear actuator54, to start or stop an action.

As shown inFIG.9, with reference to decision blocks915,925,935, the method includes identifying an occupant22entering or exiting the vehicle12. The ingress/egress sensors70, e.g., a motion sensor, image detection, proximity sensor, etc., may send information to the controller20over the vehicle communication network68.

With reference to block905, the method includes identifying whether an occupant22is seated in one of the seats14. If an occupant22is not identified as being seated in one of the seats14, the method moves to block935. If an occupant22is identified as being seated in one of the seats14, the method moves to block910.

With reference to block935, if an occupant22is detected entering the vehicle12, the method moves to block940. If no occupant22is detected entering or exiting the vehicle12, the method returns to its start.

With reference to block940, if the crossbar16is lowered the method moves to block945and raises the crossbar16to allow for occupant22ingress. The controller20instructs the motor54cof the linear actuator54to move the crossbar16toward the raised position based on an occupant22entering the vehicle12. If the crossbar16is not lowered, the method ends.

With reference to block910, the method identifies whether the crossbar16is lowered. If the crossbar16is lowered, the method moves to block925. With reference to block925, the method identifies whether the occupant22is preparing for vehicle egress. If the occupant22is preparing for vehicle egress the controller20instructs the motor54cof the linear actuator54to move the crossbar16toward the raised position based on the occupant22preparing to exit the vehicle12. If the occupant22is not preparing to exit the vehicle12, the method ends.

With reference to block910, if the method identifies the crossbar16is not lowered, the method moves to block915. With reference to block915, the method identifies whether the occupant22is preparing for vehicle12egress. If the occupant22is not preparing to exit the vehicle12, the method moves to block920. With reference to block920, the controller20instructs the motor54cof the linear actuator54to move the crossbar16toward the lowered position based on the occupant22not preparing to exit the vehicle12. If the occupant22is preparing to exit the vehicle12, the method ends.

As shown inFIG.10, with reference to decision block1015, the method includes identifying an obstruction between the raised position and the lowered position. After moving the crossbar16toward the lowered position, the path that the crossbar16follows may become obstructed, e.g., by an occupant22entering the vehicle12, luggage, or other items in the passenger compartment26, etc. In response to identifying the obstruction, the method moves to block1020. If no obstruction is identified, the method moves to block1030.

With reference to block1020, the method includes stopping movement of the crossbar16toward the lowered position based on identification of an obstruction in the vehicle12. When an obstruction is identified, the controller20instructs the motor54cof the linear actuator54to stop movement of the crossbar16until the obstruction is removed.

With reference to decision block1025, the method includes identifying the obstruction identified in decision block1015has been removed. If the obstruction is identified as being removed, the method moves to block1030. If the obstruction is not identified as being removed, the method returns to block1020to continue to stop movement of the crossbar16.

With reference to block1030, the method includes moving the crossbar16to the lowered position based on identification that the obstruction has been removed or based on identification of no obstruction in the vehicle12. Once the obstruction is removed or no obstruction is present in the vehicle12, the controller20instructs the motor54cor the linear actuator54to move the crossbar16toward the lowered position until the lowered position is reached.

With reference to block1005, the method includes identifying an occupant22seated in one of the seats14of the vehicle12. The occupancy sensors46, e.g., a weight sensor, image detection, buckled seatbelt, etc., may send information to the controller20over the vehicle communication network68. If an occupant22is detected in a seat of the vehicle12, the method moves to block1075. If no occupant22is detected in the seat, the method returns to start.

With reference to block1075, the method includes identifying which seats14are occupied by occupants22. The controller20may receive information from the occupancy sensors46that an occupant22is seated in a seat of the vehicle12. The controller20identifies the seats14that are occupied. With reference to block1040, later in the method, the controller20instructs the inflator58to inflate the airbags18to the inflated position for the occupied seats14.

With reference to decision block1035, the method includes detecting a vehicle impact. The impact sensors72of the vehicle12may detect the impact. The impact sensor72may send information to the controller20to indicate the impact.

With reference to block1040, the method includes moving one or more of the plurality of airbags18to the inflated position in response to the detected impact based on occupancy of the seat that corresponds with the airbag. The controller20instructs the inflator58to inflate the airbag to the inflated position for the occupied seats14, as identified in block1075. By way of non-limiting examples, where block1075identifies the first seat14aas occupied, block1040instructs inflation of the first airbag18a; where block1075identifies the second seat14bas occupied, block1040instructs inflation of the second airbag18b; where block1075identifies the third seat14cas occupied, block1040instructs inflation of the third airbag18c; and where block1075identifies the fourth seat14das occupied, block1040instructs inflation of the fourth airbag. Block1075may identify any combination of occupied seats14. Based on the combination identified by block1075, block1040will inflate the corresponding airbags18. The airbag may control the kinematics of occupants22in the seats14.

With reference to decision block1045, the method includes identifying an indication that an occupant22is exiting the vehicle12. The controller20may receive information from the occupancy sensors46that an occupant22is seated in a seat of the vehicle12. Such an indication may include sensing occupancy from a weight sensor, the vehicle12being put in park, unbuckling of a seatbelt, image detection in the passenger compartment26, etc.

With reference to block1050, the method includes moving the crossbar16from the lowered position toward the raised position based on the indication that the occupant22is exiting the vehicle12. As an occupant22is preparing to exit the vehicle12, the controller20instructs the motor54cof the linear actuator54to move the crossbar16toward the raised position to allow occupants22to exit the vehicle12.

With reference to decision block1055, the method includes identifying an obstruction between the lowered position and the raised position. The path that the crossbar16follows toward the raised position may become obstructed, e.g., by an occupant22resting on the crossbar16of the vehicle12, etc. In response to identifying the obstruction, the method moves to block1060. If no obstruction is identified, the method moves to block1070.

With reference to block1060, the method includes stopping movement of the crossbar16toward the raised position based on identification of an obstruction in the vehicle12. When an obstruction is identified, the controller20instructs the motor54cof the linear actuator54to stop movement of the crossbar16until the obstruction is removed.

With reference to decision block1065, the method includes to identify the obstruction identified in decision block1055has been removed. If the obstruction is identified as being removed, the method moves to block1070. If the obstruction is not identified as being removed, the method returns to block1065to continue to stop movement of the crossbar16.

With reference to block1070, the method includes moving the crossbar16to the raised position based on identification that the obstruction has been removed or based on identification of no obstruction in the vehicle12. Once the obstruction is removed or no obstruction is present in the vehicle12, the crossbar16may move toward the raised position until the raised position is reached.