PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-11702029-B1
Application Number: US-202117552891-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B1

Title: Deployable restraints with tensioning mechanisms

Abstract:
A safety system includes an airbag configured to deploy from a rail and restrain motion of an occupant, a tether configured to deploy from a pillar, and an anchor coupling the tether and the airbag. The anchor is configured to travel from a stowed position proximate to the rail to a deployed position spaced apart from the rail and spaced apart from the pillar in unison with deployment of the airbag. The safety system includes a tensioning mechanism configured to apply force to the tether. Motion of the anchor is controlled by the force applied by the tensioning mechanism.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A safety system for a vehicle, comprising:
 an airbag configured to:
 deploy from an interior surface of the vehicle; and 
 restrain motion of an occupant relative to the vehicle; 
 
 a tether coupled to a top of the airbag via an anchor, the tether configured to:
 guide the anchor from a stowed position proximate to the interior surface to a deployed position spaced from the interior surface of the vehicle; and 
 maintain the anchor in the deployed position while the airbag restrains motion of the occupant relative to the vehicle; and 
 
 a tensioning mechanism configured to apply force to the tether to reduce a length of the tether during deployment of the airbag, 
 wherein the airbag comprises a main chamber coupled to the anchor and one or more auxiliary chambers coupled to and sealed with respect to the main chamber, and wherein the one or more auxiliary chambers are configured to be inflated to a pressure level that differs from a pressure level of the main chamber. 
 
     
     
       2. The safety system of  claim 1 , wherein the tensioning mechanism is further configured to:
 maintain a tension level of the tether above a tension threshold while the airbag restrains motion of the occupant relative to the vehicle. 
 
     
     
       3. The safety system of  claim 1 , wherein the airbag is disposed in and configured to deploy from a roof rail of the vehicle. 
     
     
       4. The safety system of  claim 3 , wherein the airbag and the tensioning mechanism are disposed adjacent to each other in the roof rail. 
     
     
       5. The safety system of  claim 3 , wherein the tether is configured to deploy from a pillar of the vehicle, and wherein the pillar is generally perpendicular to the roof rail. 
     
     
       6. The safety system of  claim 5 , wherein the tensioning mechanism is disposed in the pillar and configured to apply force to the tether in a direction away from the roof rail to reduce the length of the tether. 
     
     
       7. The safety system of  claim 1 , wherein the tensioning mechanism includes at least one of a pyrotechnic device, an electromechanical device, a pneumatic device, a hydraulic device, a spring device, or a spool device. 
     
     
       8. The safety system of  claim 1 , wherein the airbag deploys and the anchor travels from the stowed position to the deployed position in response to an output signal indicative of an imminent collision. 
     
     
       9. The safety system of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a deployment mechanism configured to break away a portion of the interior surface to allow the airbag to deploy and the tether to guide the anchor in traveling from the stowed position to the deployed position, wherein the deployment mechanism includes at least one of a pyrotechnic device, an electromechanical device, a pneumatic device, a hydraulic device, or a pre-tensioned spring device. 
 
     
     
       10. A safety system for a vehicle, comprising:
 a roof airbag configured to deploy from a roof rail of the vehicle and restrain motion of an occupant relative to the vehicle; 
 a tether routed through a tether housing and configured to deploy from a pillar of the vehicle; 
 an anchor coupling the tether and a top portion of the roof airbag, the anchor configured to travel from a stowed position proximate to the roof rail to a deployed position spaced apart from the roof rail and spaced apart from the pillar in unison with deployment of the airbag; and 
 a tensioning mechanism configured to apply force to the tether after deployment of the airbag in a direction determined by a path of the tether housing, wherein motion of the anchor is controlled by the force applied by the tensioning mechanism. 
 
     
     
       11. The safety system of  claim 10 , wherein the tensioning mechanism is configured to reduce a length of the tether during deployment of the airbag and maintain a tension level of the tether above a tension threshold while the airbag restrains motion of the occupant relative to the vehicle. 
     
     
       12. The safety system of  claim 10 , wherein the tensioning mechanism is disposed in the roof rail adjacent to the airbag and is configured to apply force to the tether in a direction toward the roof rail. 
     
     
       13. The safety system of  claim 10 , wherein the tensioning mechanism is disposed in the pillar and configured to apply force to the tether in a direction away from the roof rail. 
     
     
       14. The safety system of  claim 10 , wherein the tensioning mechanism includes at least one of a pyrotechnic device, an electromechanical device, a pneumatic device, a hydraulic device, a spring device, or a spool device. 
     
     
       15. The safety system of  claim 10 , wherein the tether housing is located along the roof rail, the pillar, or both, and wherein a middle section of the tether is held by the tether housing. 
     
     
       16. The safety system of  claim 10 , wherein the roof airbag comprises a main chamber coupled to the anchor and one or more auxiliary chambers coupled to and sealed with respect to the main chamber, and wherein the one or more auxiliary chambers are configured to be inflated to a pressure level that differs from a pressure level of the main chamber. 
     
     
       17. A safety system for a vehicle, comprising:
 an airbag configured to deploy from an interior surface of the vehicle and restrain motion of an occupant relative to the vehicle; 
 a tether configured to cause the airbag to travel from a stowed position within the interior surface of the vehicle to a deployed position extending between pillars of the vehicle; and 
 tensioning mechanisms disposed within the interior surface proximate to the airbag, the tensioning mechanisms configured to apply opposing forces to opposite ends of the tether, wherein a position of a top of the airbag is controlled by the opposing forces applied by the tensioning mechanisms. 
 
     
     
       18. The safety system of  claim 17 , wherein the tensioning mechanisms are configured to apply opposing forces to the opposite ends of the tether in directions toward the interior surface from which the airbag deploys. 
     
     
       19. The safety system of  claim 17 , wherein the airbag comprises a main chamber and one or more auxiliary chambers coupled to and sealed with respect to the main chamber, and wherein the one or more auxiliary chambers are configured to be inflated to a pressure level that differs from a pressure level of the main chamber. 
     
     
       20. The safety system of  claim 17 , wherein the tether is configured to deploy from opposing breakaway portions of the pillars of the vehicle. 
     
     
       21. The safety system of  claim 17 , wherein the interior surface of the vehicle is a roof rail of the vehicle.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/174,265, filed on Apr. 13, 2021, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/166,308, filed on Mar. 26, 2021, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety for all purposes. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     This disclosure relates generally to safety systems and specifically to airbags, supports, and anchors within occupant safety systems. 
     BACKGROUND 
     In conventional vehicle cabins, surfaces such as a dash panel, a windshield, a door, a pillar, a roof rail, or combinations thereof can serve as anchor points and reaction surfaces for an airbag that deploys from a steering wheel, a roof rail, or the dash panel during a vehicle event such as a collision to prohibit an occupant from impacting these (or other) vehicle structures. 
     In vehicle cabins with open space and modular seating systems that can be arranged into a configuration consistent with the vehicle cabin serving as a mobile office, a living room, or otherwise open are, options for conventional anchor points are limited. In the absence of adequate anchors, airbags may be unable to be positioned to effectively protect an occupant during a vehicle event such as a collision. New approaches to safety systems are thus desired. 
     SUMMARY 
     One aspect of the disclosure is a safety system for a vehicle. The safety system includes an airbag configured to deploy from an interior surface of a vehicle and restrain motion of an occupant relative to the vehicle. The safety system includes a tether coupled to the airbag via an anchor. The tether is configured to guide the anchor from a stowed position proximate to the interior surface to a deployed position spaced from the interior surface of the vehicle and maintain the anchor in the deployed position while the airbag restrains motion of the occupant relative to the vehicle. The safety system includes a tensioning mechanism configured to reduce a length of the tether during deployment of the airbag. 
     Another aspect of the disclosure is safety system for a vehicle. The safety system includes a roof airbag configured to deploy from a roof rail of a vehicle and restrain motion of an occupant relative to the vehicle, a tether configured to deploy from a pillar of the vehicle, and an anchor coupling the tether and the roof airbag. The anchor is configured to travel from a stowed position proximate to the roof rail to a deployed position spaced apart from the roof rail and spaced apart from the pillar in unison with deployment of the airbag. The safety system includes a tensioning mechanism configured to apply force to the tether. Motion of the anchor is controlled by the force applied by the tensioning mechanism. 
     Another aspect of the disclosure is a safety system for a vehicle. The safety system includes a curtain configured to extend between pillars of a vehicle and an airbag configured to deploy from an interior surface of the vehicle and restrain motion of an occupant relative to the vehicle. The outer surface of the airbag is coupled to the curtain. The safety system includes a tether configured to cause the curtain to travel from a stowed position proximate to the interior surface of the vehicle to a deployed position extending between the pillars in unison with deployment of the airbag. The safety system includes a tensioning mechanism configured to apply force to the tether. Motion of the curtain and a position of the airbag in deployment is controlled by the force applied by the tensioning mechanism. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG.  1    is a schematic side view illustration of a vehicle cabin including a safety system. 
         FIG.  2    is a schematic top view illustration of the vehicle cabin of  FIG.  1   . 
         FIG.  3    is a schematic side view illustration of the vehicle cabin of  FIG.  1    including a safety system in a stowed position. 
         FIG.  4    is a schematic top view illustration of the vehicle cabin including the safety system of  FIG.  3    in the stowed position. 
         FIG.  5    is a schematic side view illustration of the vehicle cabin including the safety system of  FIGS.  3  and  4    in a partially deployed position. 
         FIG.  6    is a schematic top view illustration of the vehicle cabin including the safety system of  FIGS.  3  to  5    in the partially deployed position. 
         FIG.  7    is a schematic side view illustration of the vehicle cabin including the safety system of  FIGS.  3  to  6    in a deployed position. 
         FIG.  8    is a schematic top view illustration of the vehicle cabin including the safety system of  FIGS.  3  to  7    in the deployed position. 
         FIG.  9    is a schematic side view illustration of the vehicle cabin of  FIG.  1    including another safety system deployed position. 
         FIG.  10    is a schematic top view illustration of the vehicle cabin including the safety system of  FIG.  9    in the deployed position. 
         FIG.  11    is a schematic side view illustration of the vehicle cabin of  FIG.  1    including another safety system in a stowed position. 
         FIG.  12    is a schematic side view illustration of the vehicle cabin including the safety system of  FIG.  11    in a deployed position. 
         FIG.  13    is a block diagram of a safety system. 
         FIG.  14    is an illustration of a hardware configuration for a controller. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Safety systems are described for use in vehicle cabins lacking access to traditional anchor locations, for example, due to modifiable seating configurations or an open vehicle cabin design. The safety systems include an airbag, for example, a roof airbag, anchors coupled to the airbag, and tethers coupled to the anchors. Tensioning mechanisms can be used to apply force to the tethers, for example, to reduce a length of the tethers and position the anchors in unison with deployment of the airbag. The tensioning mechanisms can guide the tethers and anchors to orient the airbag during deployment and to support the anchors to maintain a position of the airbag during a vehicle event such as a collision. In some examples, a curtain can be used to couple the tethers and the airbag. A generally synchronous or near concurrent deployment of the airbag and the tethers under tension can provide more efficient operation and positioning of the airbag in relatively open areas of a vehicle cabin, such as when side panels, doors, roof panels, pillars, or other surfaces are not available to support the airbag. 
       FIGS.  1  and  2    are a schematic side view and top view illustration of a vehicle cabin  100 . The vehicle cabin  100  is defined within or is otherwise interior to exterior components (not shown) of the vehicle. The vehicle cabin  100  can be described in reference to a longitudinal or X direction (e.g., fore-aft), a lateral or Y direction (e.g., side to side), and an elevational or Z direction (e.g., up-down). 
     The vehicle cabin  100  is defined as interior to various body structures such as roof rails, pillars, frames, body panels, interior panels, trim panels, and movable panels (e.g., doors, tailgate, hood, trunk lid, etc.). In the example of  FIGS.  1  and  2   , a body structure  102  can represent a roof rail that extends generally fore-aft in the X direction. Body structures  104 ,  106  can represent pillars or trim covers that extend generally vertically in the Z direction and optionally laterally in the Y direction and can, for example, be perpendicular to the body structure  102 . A body structure  202  shown in  FIG.  2    can represent a portion of sides and a back of the vehicle cabin  100  that extends both in the X direction and the Y direction, such as inclusive of doors or a belt line. The body structures  102 ,  104 ,  106 ,  202  are shown as partial components with truncation indications for simplicity of explanation. 
     The vehicle cabin  100  includes seats  108 ,  208 . The seats  108 ,  208  can include structures such as pans, backs, headrests, frames, springs, other suspension members, cushioning materials (e.g., foam or rubber), covers, and/or other structures (not shown) suitable for use in seating occupants (not shown) within the vehicle cabin  100 . The seats  108 ,  208  can also include restraints (not shown) for use in securing occupants to the seats  108 ,  208 . The seats  108 ,  208  can be movable between various seating arrangements such that passenger safety solutions require flexibility in implementation. In the vehicle cabin  100  of  FIGS.  1  and  2   , the seats  108 ,  208  are shown as facing forward in the X direction. 
     The vehicle cabin  100  includes a safety system  110 . The safety system  110  is shown in dotted line to represent a hidden location for packaging or storage of safety components (not shown) in a stowed position or in a pre-deployment condition, though other or additional locations for the safety system  110  are possible. For example, the safety system  110  may include airbags or curtains stowed behind various interior surfaces, such as within the body structures  102 ,  104 ,  106 ,  202  or the seats  108 ,  208  (not shown). The safety system  110  may also include housings, inflation mechanisms, deployment mechanisms, tensioning mechanisms, etc. used in implementation of the safety system  110  as further described herein. The location of the safety system  110  shown in  FIGS.  1  and  2    is stored within the body structure  102  such that the safety system  110  is stowed both in front of and between the seats  108 ,  208  and between the body structures  104 ,  106 . 
     Some components of the vehicle cabin  100  are in communication with a controller  112 . For example, the controller  112  can be configured to prohibit, allow, or otherwise control movement of the seats  108 ,  208 . The controller  112  can also be configured to prohibit, allow, or otherwise control components of the safety system  110 , such as controlling deployment of airbags (not shown) or force application by tensioning mechanisms (not shown), for example, in response to receiving output signals from sensors (not shown) indicative of a vehicle event such as an imminent collision. The output signals from sensors can also include information indicative of orientation or position of the seats  108 ,  208  or orientation or position of occupants in respect to the seats  108 ,  208  of the vehicle cabin  100 . 
       FIGS.  3  and  4    are a schematic side view and top view illustration of the vehicle cabin  100  of  FIGS.  1  and  2    including a safety system  310  in a stowed position. The safety system  310  can be similar to the safety system  110  of  FIGS.  1  and  2   . The safety system  310  includes an airbag  314  configured to deploy from an interior surface of the vehicle, such as in response to an output signal indicative of a vehicle event such as an imminent collision. In this example, the airbag  314  is packaged or disposed in and configured to deploy from the body structure  102 . The body structure  102  can be a roof rail that extends in the X-direction above a central portion of the vehicle cabin  100 . In this example, the airbag  314  is a roof airbag. Folds in the airbag  314  are shown in the top view of  FIG.  4    using dash-dot lines to represent accordion-style folding of the airbag  314  for packaging, though a variety of folding or rolling schemes are possible. The airbag  314  is configured to restrain motion of an occupant (not shown) relative to the vehicle, for example, in the X direction. The airbag  314  can be formed from flexible materials, porous materials, non-porous materials, internal baffles, and other known elements. 
     The safety system  310  includes tethers  316 ,  318  shown in dotted line. The tethers  316 ,  318  are coupled at first ends to the airbag  314  via anchors  320 ,  322 . The tethers  316 ,  318  extend from the anchors  320 ,  322  into or adjacent to the body structures  102 ,  104 ,  106 . The tethers  316 ,  318  can be formed from cable, cord, fabric, or other materials suitable to sustain tension. The anchors  320 ,  322  can be formed from stitching, fabric loops, hooks, or other mechanism suitable to couple the tethers  316 ,  318  to the airbag  314 . In the example of  FIGS.  3  and  4   , there are two tethers  316 ,  318  and two anchors  320 ,  322  shown, though the safety system  310  can include other numbers of these components depending, for example, on shapes and sizes of the airbag  314  and the body structures  102 ,  104 ,  106 . 
     A reinforcement  323  is shown as optional in dashed line at location of the anchors  320 ,  322  and at a location near an edge of the airbag  314  that extends between the anchors  320 ,  322 . The reinforcement  323  can strengthen the airbag  314  in order to avoid damage to the airbag  314 , for example, when the tethers  316 ,  318  guide deployment of the airbag  314 . The reinforcement  323  can be formed by an increased thickness of fabric at a location around the anchors  320 ,  322  and/or at a location near an edge of the airbag  314 . The reinforcement  323  can formed by use of a high-strength material for the airbag  314  at the location around the anchors  320 ,  322  and/or at the location near an edge of the airbag  314 , for example, a heat-resistant synthetic material. The reinforcement  323  can be formed by a separate material joined with a material that forms the airbag  314 , such as by wires or threads of steel or aluminum integrated with or otherwise attached to the airbag  314 . Other materials for the reinforcement  323  are also possible. The reinforcement  323  can be present at a location of the anchors  320 ,  322  as shown, between the anchors  320 ,  322  near an edge of the airbag as shown, at neither location, or at both locations. Though the reinforcement  323  is shown in respect to the side view of  FIG.  3    (and similarly, the side views of  FIGS.  5  and  7   ), the reinforcement  323  may instead or in addition be located so as to be viewable from the top view, for example, of  FIGS.  4 ,  6 , and  8   . 
     The tethers  316 ,  318  can extend through tether housings  324 ,  326  disposed within the body structures  102 ,  104 ,  106 . The tether housings  324 ,  326  are configured to route and package the tethers  316 ,  318  in respect to the body structures  102 ,  104 ,  106 . Location, routing, structure, and size of the tether housings  324 ,  326  can be based on locations, shapes, and sizes of the airbag  314  and the tethers  316 ,  318 . The tether housings  324 ,  326  can be optional, that is, the safety system  310  may operate without tether housings  324 ,  326 . 
     The safety system  310  includes tensioning mechanisms  328 ,  330  coupled to second ends of the tethers  316 ,  318 , that is, to ends of the tethers  316 ,  318  that are not coupled to the anchors  320 ,  322 . In the example of  FIGS.  3  and  4   , the tensioning mechanisms  328 ,  330  are disposed in the body structure  102  adjacent to the airbag  314 . The tensioning mechanisms  328 ,  330  are configured to apply force to the tethers  316 ,  318 , for example, to reduce a length of the tethers  316 ,  318  during deployment of the airbag  314 . The tensioning mechanisms  328 ,  330  can include various devices configured to apply force, such as a pyrotechnic device, an electromechanical device, a pneumatic device, a hydraulic device, a spring device, or a spool device paired with a motor as non-limiting examples. The tensioning mechanisms  328 ,  330  of  FIGS.  3  and  4    are configured to apply force to the tethers  316 ,  318  in a direction toward the body structure  102  to reduce the length of the tethers  316 ,  318  as is further described herein. 
       FIGS.  5  and  6    are a schematic side view and top view illustration of the safety system  310  of  FIGS.  3  and  4    in a partially deployed position. As compared to the stowed position shown in  FIGS.  3  and  4   , the tethers  316 ,  318  have deployed from the body structures  104 ,  106  by exiting the body structures  104 ,  106  at respective breakaway portions  532 ,  534 . The tethers  316 ,  318  may be configured to physically break apart from the body structures  104 ,  106 , such as by tearing through fabric (not shown) that covers the body structures  104 ,  106 . In another example, the tethers  316 ,  318  can be clipped, wedged, or otherwise held adjacent to edges of the body structures  104 ,  106  such that deployment of the tethers  316 ,  318  into the vehicle cabin  100  occurs when tension is present between the tethers  316 ,  318  and the anchors  320 ,  322 , such as when the airbag  314  begins to deploy as shown in  FIG.  5   . 
     During deployment, the anchors  320 ,  322  move laterally away from the body structure  102  in the Y direction as shown in  FIG.  6    while the airbag  314  inflates. Motion of the anchors  320 ,  322  at this stage of the deployment process can be primarily guided by unfolding of the airbag  314 , optional presence of the reinforcement  323  at the location around and/or between the anchors  320 ,  322  near the edge of the airbag  314 , or other motion of the portion of the airbag  314  to which the anchors  320 ,  322  are coupled. This motion can cause slack in the tethers  316 ,  318 , as middle sections of the tethers are held by the tether housings  324 ,  326  to extend from the body structures  104 ,  106  at a location of the breakaway portions  532 ,  534 . The slack is represented by the undulating dotted lines of the tethers  316 ,  318  in the partially deployed position of the safety system  310  shown in  FIGS.  5  and  6   . In order to hold the anchors  320 ,  322  and the airbag  314  in position in relation to the body structures  102 ,  104 ,  016 , the tensioning mechanisms  328 ,  330  can be implemented as described herein. 
     Deployment of the airbag  314 , the tethers  316 ,  318 , or both can be effected using one or more deployment mechanisms (not shown). The deployment mechanism(s) can be configured to break away a portion of the interior surface, such as the breakaway portions  532 ,  534  covering the body structures  104 ,  106 , to allow the airbag  314  to deploy and the tethers  316 ,  318  to guide the anchors  320 ,  322  in traveling from the stowed position of  FIGS.  3  and  4    to the partially deployed position shown in  FIGS.  5  and  6    (and the deployed position shown in  FIGS.  7  and  8   ). The deployment mechanism(s) may be configured as one or more of a pyrotechnic device, an electromechanical device, a pneumatic device, a hydraulic device, and/or a pre-tensioned spring device. 
     The deployment mechanism(s) can be configured to cause or enable the breakaway portions  532 ,  534  to open, detach, or break away from the remainder of the interior surface. For example, an electromechanical device can include an electric motor, a threaded rod, and a threaded guide coupled to a sensor module (not shown) to receive commands from a controller such as the controller  112  of  FIGS.  1  and  2   . A pneumatic device can include pressurized gas (or a vacuum) configured to effect movement of a piston (not shown) based on a command from the controller  112 . A pre-tensioned spring device can include a spring that is coupled to a sensor module (not shown). The spring can be held in tension until being selectively released, for example, based on a command from the controller. Though only breakaway portions  532 ,  534  are shown, additional breakaway portions, such as associated with the body structure  102  and the airbag  314  may also be present in the safety system  310 . 
       FIGS.  7  and  8    are a schematic side view and top view illustration of the safety system  310  of  FIGS.  3  to  6    with the airbag  314  and the anchors  320 ,  322  in a fully deployed position. Both motion and position of the anchors  320 ,  322  can be controlled by applying force in the direction indicated by the arrows A in  FIGS.  7  and  8    using the tensioning mechanisms  328 ,  330 . The tensioning mechanisms  328 ,  330  can include one or more of pyrotechnic device(s), electromechanical device(s), pneumatic device(s), hydraulic device(s), spring device(s), or a spool device, for example, paired with a motor. In other examples (not shown), the tensioning mechanisms  328 ,  330  may be disposed in the body structures  104 ,  106 , here, pillars or trim covers, at a location below the breakaway portions  532 ,  534  in the Z direction. If the tensioning mechanisms  328 ,  330  are packaged in the body structures  104 ,  106  in this manner, the tensioning mechanisms  328 ,  330  would be configured to apply force to the tethers  316 ,  318  in a direction opposite of the arrows A, that is, away from the body structure  102  in order to reduce the length of the tethers  316 ,  318  and hold the position of the anchors  320 ,  322 . 
     In the example shown in  FIGS.  7  and  8   , force is applied to the tethers  316 ,  318  by the tensioning mechanisms  328 ,  330  in the direction of the arrows A to pull the tethers  316 ,  318  toward the body structure  102 , here, a roof rail, as the tensioning mechanisms  328 ,  330  are packaged in a location proximate to the airbag  314  in the body structure  102 . The term “proximate” is used to indicate a position behind, adjacent to, or next to the airbag  314 . In other words, the tethers  316 ,  318  are shortened in length in order to guide the anchors  320 ,  322  from the stowed position shown in  FIGS.  3  and  4    where the anchors  320 ,  322  are located proximate to the body structure  102  to the deployed position shown in  FIGS.  7  and  8    where the anchors  320 ,  322  are spaced from the body structures  102 ,  104 ,  106 . The term “spaced from” is used to indicate a position at a distance apart from the body structures  102 ,  104 ,  106  such that movement of the anchors  320 ,  322  from the stowed position to the deployed position involves travel of the anchors  320 ,  322  over a predetermined distance such as over tens of centimeters, over one-half meter, or over one meter. In the deployed position, the anchors  320 ,  322  are configured to support and properly position the airbag  314  to react impact forces from the occupant (not shown) during a vehicle event such as a collision. 
     Based on the force applied by the tensioning mechanisms  328 ,  330 , the tethers  316 ,  318  are configured to maintain the anchors  320 ,  322  in the deployed position during the vehicle event. The optional reinforcement  323 , shown in  FIG.  7   , can strengthen an edge of the airbag  314  and the connection between the anchors  320 ,  322  and the airbag  314  to allow the relevant portion(s) of the airbag  314  to better sustain the force applied by the tethers  316 ,  318 . The tensioning mechanisms  328 ,  330  are configured to maintain a tension level of the tethers  316 ,  318  above a tension threshold while the airbag  314  restrains motion of the occupant (not shown) relative to the vehicle cabin  100 . The tension threshold can be predetermined, based, for example, on a size or location of the occupant and/or on a size of the airbag  314  and a location of the body structures  102 ,  104 ,  106  in respect to the location of the anchors  320 ,  322  when fully deployed. The tension threshold is a non-zero positive value indicating application of a tension force between the tethers  316 ,  318  and the anchors  320 ,  322 . 
     The airbag  314  is shown in  FIGS.  7  and  8    as including a main chamber  736  coupled to the anchors  320 ,  322  and auxiliary chambers  738 ,  740  coupled to and sealed in respect to the main chamber  736 , in this example, using dashed lines to show boundaries between the chambers  736 ,  738 ,  740 . The main chamber  736  is configured to provide support to the auxiliary chambers  738 ,  740 . The auxiliary chambers  738 ,  740  can serve as cushioning and reaction surfaces during vehicle events. For example, the auxiliary chambers  738 ,  740  can be configured to be inflated to a pressure level that differs from a pressure level of the main chamber  736  using an inflation mechanism (not shown) that is sealed from and passes through the main chamber  736 . 
       FIGS.  9  and  10    are a schematic side view and top view illustration of another safety system  910  with an airbag  914  in a fully deployed position. Many of the features of the safety system  910  are similar to the safety systems  110 ,  310  of  FIGS.  1  to  8   , so only differences will be highlighted for brevity. The safety system  910  includes an airbag  914  deployed from the body structure  102 , here, a roof rail. The safety system also includes a tether  917  configured to extend between the body structures  104 ,  106 , here, between pillars or trim covers, and along an edge of the airbag  914 . Routing of the tether  917  along the edge of the airbag  914  is accomplished with a single anchor  921 , though multiple anchors similar to the anchors  320 ,  322  are also possible. In the example of  FIGS.  9  and  10   , the anchor  921  can be formed in or attached to the airbag  914 , such as a tube, a loop, a tunnel, a channel, or other routing and anchoring mechanism. The anchor  921  can be reinforced, such as by using thicker or stronger material for the airbag  914  at a location where the tether  917  is routed through or adjacent to the airbag  914 . 
     Both motion and position of the anchor  921  and thus, the airbag  914 , can be controlled by applying force to the tether  917  in the direction indicated by the arrows B using tether housings  924 ,  926  and tensioning mechanisms  928 ,  930 . The tether housings  924 ,  926  can guide a path of the tether  917  through the body structures  102 ,  104 ,  106 . The tensioning mechanisms  928 ,  930  can include one or more of pyrotechnic device(s), electromechanical device(s), pneumatic device(s), hydraulic device(s), spring device(s), or a spool device, for example, paired with a motor and configured to apply force to opposite ends of the tether  917 . In other examples (not shown), the tensioning mechanisms  928 ,  930  may be disposed in the body structures  104 ,  106 , here, pillars or trim covers, at a location below the breakaway portions  532 ,  534  in the Z direction. If the tensioning mechanisms  928 ,  930  are packaged in the body structures  104 ,  106  in this manner, the tensioning mechanisms  328 ,  330  would be configured to apply force to the tethers  917  in a direction opposite of the arrows B, that is, away from the body structure  102  in order to pull the tether  917  taught from both ends and hold the position of the anchor  921 . 
     Based on the force applied by the tensioning mechanisms  928 ,  930 , the tether  917  can be held taught and a location of the anchor  921  can be held in the deployed position during a vehicle event in which the airbag  914  is deployed. The tensioning mechanisms  928 ,  930  are configured to maintain a tension level of the tether  917  above a tension threshold while the airbag  914  restrains motion of the occupant (not shown) relative to the vehicle cabin  100 . The tension threshold can be predetermined, based, for example, on a size or location of the occupant and/or on a size of the airbag  914  and a location of the body structures  102 ,  104 ,  106  in respect to the location of the anchor  921  when fully deployed. The tension threshold is a non-zero positive value indicating application of a tension force to the tether  917 . 
     During a vehicle event, synchronous or near synchronous deployment of the airbags  314 ,  914 , the tethers  316 ,  318 ,  917 , and the tensioning mechanisms  328 ,  330 ,  928 ,  930  allows for efficient operation of the airbags  314 ,  914  in relatively open areas of the vehicle cabin  100 , such as when side panels, doors, roof panels, pillars, or other surfaces are not available to provide reaction surfaces or anchor locations suitable to position the airbags  314 ,  914 . The sequence and timing of deployment of various components depends on relative positions of the airbags  314 ,  914 , the tethers  316 ,  318 ,  917 , and the tensioning mechanisms  328 ,  330 ,  928 ,  930  in respect to each other and other components within the vehicle cabin  100 . 
     The safety systems  310 ,  910  can be adaptive systems (e.g., with multi-stage or multi-chamber airbags  314 ,  914  as shown) to enable occupant contact with the airbags  314 ,  914  to be optimally timed and to better control motion of the occupant. The vehicle cabin  100  can also include advanced sensors (not shown) to determine proper timing for the airbags  314 ,  914 , the tethers  316 ,  318 ,  917 , and the tensioning mechanisms  328 ,  330 ,  928 ,  930  to deploy or engage depending on various aspects such as severity, location, and speed of an imminent collision, occupant size, occupant mass, position of the seats  108 ,  208 , restraint usage, etc. 
     The types of sensors employed can be varied and can communicate information a controller (not shown) similar to the controller  112  of  FIGS.  1  and  2   . For example, the sensors can include sensors configured to capture information from an external environment outside of the vehicle cabin  100 . External-sensing sensors can includes technologies such as radar, LIDAR, imaging, infrared, or other technologies configured to detect potential vehicle events such as collisions and provide information to the controller to allow a determination of timing of the vehicle event. The sensors can also include sensors internal to the vehicle cabin  100  such as weight sensors, buckle switch sensors, internal cameras, seat position sensors, imaging sensors, etc. that can provide information to the controller to allow determinations to be made related to deployment timing for the safety systems  310 ,  910 . 
       FIG.  11    is a schematic side view illustration of the vehicle cabin  100  including another safety system  1110  in a stowed position. Many of the features of the safety system  1110  are similar to the safety systems  110 ,  310 ,  910  of  FIGS.  1  to  10   , so only differences will be highlighted for brevity. The safety system  1110  includes a curtain  1142  configured to extend between the body structures  104 ,  106 , here, between pillars or trim covers. The safety system  1110  also includes an airbag  1114  shown in dotted line as packaged behind the curtain  1142  and proximate to (or within) the body structure  102 . In this example, the airbag  1114  is a roof airbag. 
     The curtain  1142  and the airbag  1114  are configured to deploy from an interior surface of the vehicle, such as the body structure  102 , here, a roof rail, in response to an output signal indicative of a vehicle event such as an imminent collision. The curtain  1142  is configured to prohibit items within the vehicle cabin  100 , such as loose articles or limbs of an occupant (not shown) to exit the vehicle cabin  100  during a vehicle event. The airbag  1114  is configured to restrain motion of an occupant (not shown) relative to the vehicle, for example, in the X direction. The airbag  1114  and the curtain  1142  can be formed from flexible materials, porous materials, non-porous materials, internal baffles, and other known elements. 
     The safety system  1110  includes tethers  1116 ,  1118  shown in dotted line. The tethers  1116 ,  1118  are coupled at first ends to the curtain  1142  via anchor mechanisms  1120 ,  1122 . In this example, the anchor mechanisms  1120 ,  1122  include pairs of clips, rivets, balls, or other connecting elements coupled by cords or cables. The anchor mechanisms  1120 ,  1122  are configured to allow tension to be applied to the curtain  1142  in multiple areas during deployment of the curtain  1142  and the airbag  1114  using the tethers  1116 ,  1118 . The tethers  1116 ,  1118  can be formed from cable, cord, fabric, or other materials suitable to provide tension. In the example of  FIGS.  11  and  12   , there are two tethers  1116 ,  1118  and two anchor mechanisms  1120 ,  1122  shown, though the safety system  1110  can include other numbers of these components depending, for example, on shapes, sizes, and locations of the airbag  1114  and the body structures  102 ,  104 ,  106 . 
     The safety system  1110  includes tensioning mechanisms  1128 ,  1130  coupled to second ends of the tethers  1116 ,  1118 , that is, to ends of the tethers  1116 ,  1118  that are not coupled to the anchor mechanisms  1120 ,  1122 . In the example of  FIGS.  11  and  12   , the tensioning mechanisms  1128 ,  1130  are disposed within or below (in the Z direction) the body structures  104 ,  106  in a manner spaced from the airbag  1114  and the curtain  1142  when the airbag  1114  and the curtain  1142  are in the stowed position as shown in  FIG.  11   . The tensioning mechanisms  1128 ,  1130  are configured to apply force to the tethers  1116 ,  1118 , for example, to reduce a length of the tethers  1116 ,  1118  and to deploy the curtain  1142  coupled to the tethers  1116 ,  1118  by way of expanding the anchor mechanisms  1120 ,  1122 . 
     The tensioning mechanisms  1128 ,  1130  can include various devices configured to apply force, such as a pyrotechnic device, an electromechanical device, a pneumatic device, a hydraulic device, a spring device, or a spool device paired with a motor as non-limiting examples. The tensioning mechanisms  1128 ,  1130  of  FIGS.  11  and  12    are configured to apply force to the tethers  1116 ,  1118  in a direction away from the body structure  102 , that is, away from the interior surface from which the airbag  1114  and the curtain  1142  are deployed. Both motion of the curtain  1142  and a position of the airbag  1114  in respect to the curtain  1142  are controlled by the force applied by the tensioning mechanisms  1128 ,  1130  as described in reference to  FIG.  12   . 
       FIG.  12    is a schematic side view illustration of the vehicle cabin  100  including the safety system  1110  of  FIG.  11    in a deployed position. As compared to the stowed position in  FIG.  11   , the anchor mechanisms  1120 ,  1122  are shown with elements spread vertically in the Z direction along sides of the curtain  1142 . The spread can be achieved, for example, by using the tensioning mechanisms  1128 ,  1130  to apply force in a direction indicated by the arrows C to the tethers  1116 ,  1118  to shorten the tethers  1116 ,  1118  and expand the anchor mechanisms  1120 ,  1122 . Application of force can deploy the curtain  1142  coupled to the anchor mechanisms  1120 ,  1122 . In some examples, the anchor mechanisms  1120 ,  1122  can travel within an anchor guide (not shown) formed or disposed within the body structures  104 ,  106  to predetermined positions as shown. That is, components of the anchor mechanisms  1120 ,  1122  are configured to spread apart while traversing the anchor guide while the curtain  1142  travels from the stowed position to the deployed position shown in  FIG.  12   . In other examples, the body structures  104 ,  106  are shaped to serve as the anchor guide for the anchor mechanisms  1120 ,  1122 . 
     In  FIG.  12   , the airbag  1114  is shown as fully deployed, partially in dotted line based on being located behind the curtain  1142 . An outer surface of the airbag  1114  is coupled to the curtain  1142  using a pattern of stitches  1244  shown in dashed-dot lines. The pattern of stitches  1244  can vary in shape, size, and location. In this example, the pattern of stitches  1244  connects the curtain  1142  to a central, support-providing region of the airbag  1114 . The connection between the airbag  1114  and the curtain  1142  can also be effected using adhesives, joints, loops, or other connection mechanisms in addition to or in place of the pattern of stitches  1244 . By coupling an outer surface of the airbag  1114  and the curtain  1142 , the airbag  1114  is able to be positioned in respect to an occupant (not shown) based on tension generated by the tensioning mechanisms  1128 ,  1130  in the direction of the arrows C that acts sequentially upon the tethers  1116 ,  1118 , the anchor mechanisms  1120 ,  1122 , the curtain  1142 , and the airbag  1114  via the pattern of stitches  1244 . 
     In operation, the tensioning mechanisms  1128 ,  1130  apply force to the tethers  1116 ,  1118 , the tethers  1116 ,  1118  apply force to the anchor mechanisms  1120 ,  1122 , the components of the anchor mechanisms  1120 ,  1122  expand and move along the anchor guide (not shown), and the connection between the anchor mechanisms  1120 ,  1122  and the curtain  1142  causes the curtain  1142  to travel from the stowed position shown in  FIG.  11    to the deployed position shown in  FIG.  12    where the curtain  1142  extends between the body structures  104 ,  106 , here, the pillars or trim covers, in unison with deployment of the airbag  1114 . To effect this guiding motion, the tensioning mechanisms  1128 ,  1130  can include one or more of pyrotechnic device(s), electromechanical device(s), pneumatic device(s), hydraulic device(s), spring device(s), or a spool device, for example, paired with a motor. 
     The airbag  1114  in  FIG.  12    is shown as having a main chamber that includes the outer surface coupled to the curtain  1142  using the pattern of stitches  1244 . The airbag  1114  also includes a pair of auxiliary chambers coupled to and optionally sealed in respect to the main chamber. In some examples, the auxiliary chambers are configured to be inflated to a pressure level that differs from a pressure level of the main chamber by an inflation mechanism (not shown) that is sealed from and passes through the main chamber. Other configurations of the airbag  1114  are also possible. 
     A benefit of using the tensioning mechanisms  1128 ,  1130  and the tethers  1116 ,  1118  to control deployment of the curtain  1142  and positioning of the airbag  1114  is that location, space between, and shape of the body structures  102 ,  104 ,  106  does not reduce efficacy of the safety system  1110 . For example, when the body structure  102  is a roof rail that extends in the X direction between the seats  108 ,  208  (see  FIG.  2   ) and the body structures  104 ,  106  are pillars or trim covers that extend both vertically in the Z direction and laterally in the Y direction, such as in a curved manner, the curtain  1142  can be controlled to follow the shape of the body structures  104 ,  106  based on use of the anchor mechanisms  1120 ,  1122 . 
     Though the safety systems  310 ,  910 ,  1110  are described as having multiple anchors, one or multiple tethers, and multiple tensioning mechanisms, implementation can be effected using one anchor or multiple anchors, one tether or multiple tethers, and one tensioning mechanism (not shown) or multiple tensioning mechanisms depending on architecture of the vehicle cabin  100  and tension threshold requirements. For example, a safety system with one anchor, one tether, and one tensioning mechanism (not shown) may be packaged proximate to the seat  108  in the body structure  202  shown in  FIG.  2   . 
       FIG.  13    is a block diagram that shows a safety system  1346 . The safety system  1346  can include a controller  1348 , sensors  1350 , guiding mechanisms  1352 , tensioning mechanisms  1354 , and an airbag  1356 . The safety system  1346  can include components similar to components described in reference to the safety systems  110 ,  310 ,  910 ,  1110  of  FIGS.  1  to  12   . The guiding mechanisms  1352  can operate in a manner similar to the anchors  320 ,  322 ,  921 , the anchor mechanisms  1120 ,  1122 , the tethers  316 ,  318 ,  917 ,  1116 ,  1118 , and/or the curtain  942  described in reference to  FIGS.  3  to  12   . The tensioning mechanisms  1354  can include components similar to components described in reference to the tensioning mechanisms  328 ,  330 ,  928 ,  930 ,  1128 ,  1130  of  FIGS.  3  to  12   . The airbag  1356  can operate in a manner similar to the airbags  314 ,  914 ,  1114  described in reference to  FIGS.  3  to  12   . The safety system  1346  is shown as including the sensors  1350 , the guiding mechanisms  1352 , the tensioning mechanisms  1354 , and the airbag  1356 , but one or more of these components may be absent from the safety system  1346 . 
     The controller  1348  coordinates operation of the safety system  1346  by communicating electronically (e.g., using wired or wireless communications) with the sensors  1350 , the guiding mechanisms  1352 , the tensioning mechanisms  1354 , and the airbag  1356 . The controller  1348  may receive information (e.g., signals, information, and/or data) from the sensors  1350  and may receive information from and/or send information to other portions of the safety system  1346  such as the guiding mechanisms  1352 , the tensioning mechanisms  1354 , and the airbag  1356 , or other portions (not shown). 
     The sensors  1350  may capture or receive information related, for example, to components of the safety system  1346  and from an external environment where the safety system  1346  is located. The external environment can be an exterior of a vehicle or an interior of a vehicle such as the vehicle cabin  100  of  FIGS.  1  to  12   . Information captured or received by the sensors  1350  can relate to seats, occupants, operation of other vehicles, pedestrians and/or objects in the external environment, operating conditions of the vehicle, operating conditions or trajectories of other vehicles, and/or other conditions within the vehicle or exterior to the vehicle. 
     The safety system  1346  can change an operational mode of the guiding mechanisms  1352 , the tensioning mechanisms  1354 , and the airbag  1356  based on a control signal, such as a signal from the controller  1348 . The control signal may be based on information captured or received by the sensors  1350  and may cause various components within the safety system  1346  to change between various operational modes, such as between stowed positions, partially deployed positions, and deployed positions. 
       FIG.  14    shows an example of a hardware configuration for a controller  1458  that may be used to implement the controller  1348  and/or other portions of the safety system  1346 . In the illustrated example, the controller  1458  includes a processor  1460 , a memory device  1462 , a storage device  1464 , one or more input devices  1466 , and one or more output devices  1468 . These components may be interconnected by hardware such as a bus  1470  that allows communication between the components. 
     The processor  1460  may be a conventional device such as a central processing unit and is operable to execute computer program instructions and perform operations described by the computer program instructions. The memory device  1462  may be a volatile, high-speed, short-term information storage device such as a random-access memory module. The storage device  1464  may be a non-volatile information storage device such as a hard drive or a solid-state drive. The input devices  1466  may include sensors such as the sensors  1350  and/or any type of human-machine interface, such as buttons, switches, a keyboard, a mouse, a touchscreen input device, a gestural input device, or an audio input device. The output devices  1468  may include any type of device operable to send commands associated with an operating mode or state or provide an indication to a user regarding an operating mode or state, such as a display screen, an interface for a safety system such as the safety system  1346 , or an audio output. 
     As described above, one aspect of the present technology is the gathering and use of data available from various sources, such as from the sensors  1350  or user profiles, to improve the function of safety systems such as the safety systems  110 ,  310 ,  910 ,  1110 ,  1346 . The present disclosure contemplates that in some instances, this gathered data may include personal information data that uniquely identifies or can be used to contact or locate a specific person. Such personal information data can include demographic data, location-based data, telephone numbers, email addresses, twitter IDs, home addresses, data or records relating to a user&#39;s health or level of fitness (e.g., vital signs measurements, medication information, and exercise information), date of birth, or any other identifying or personal information. 
     The present disclosure recognizes that the use of personal information data, in the present technology, can be used to the benefit of users. For example, the personal information data can be used to deliver changes to operational modes of safety systems such as the safety systems  110 ,  310 ,  910 ,  1110 ,  1346  to best match user preferences or profiles. Other uses for personal information data that benefit the user are also possible. For instance, health and fitness data may be used to provide insights into a user&#39;s general wellness or may be used as positive feedback to individuals using technology to pursue wellness goals. 
     The present disclosure contemplates that the entities responsible for the collection, analysis, disclosure, transfer, storage, or other use of such personal information data will comply with well-established privacy policies and/or privacy practices. In particular, such entities should implement and consistently use privacy policies and practices that are generally recognized as meeting or exceeding industry or governmental requirements for maintaining personal information data private and secure. Such policies should be easily accessible by users and should be updated as the collection and/or use of data changes. Personal information from users should be collected for legitimate and reasonable uses of the entity and not shared or sold outside of those legitimate uses. Further, such collection/sharing should occur after receiving the informed consent of the users. 
     Additionally, such entities should consider taking any needed steps for safeguarding and securing access to such personal information data and ensuring that others with access to the personal information data adhere to their privacy policies and procedures. Further, such entities can subject themselves to evaluation by third parties to certify their adherence to widely accepted privacy policies and practices. In addition, policies and practices should be adapted for the particular types of personal information data being collected and/or accessed and adapted to applicable laws and standards, including jurisdiction-specific considerations. For instance, in the US, collection of or access to certain health data may be governed by federal and/or state laws, such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA); whereas health data in other countries may be subject to other regulations and policies and should be handled accordingly. Hence different privacy practices should be maintained for different personal data types in each country. 
     Despite the foregoing, the present disclosure also contemplates embodiments in which users selectively block the use of, or access to, personal information data. That is, the present disclosure contemplates that hardware and/or software elements can be provided to prevent or block access to such personal information data. For example, in the case of user-profile-based safety systems, the present technology can be configured to allow users to select to “opt in” or “opt out” of participation in the collection of personal information data during registration for services or anytime thereafter. In addition to providing “opt in” and “opt out” options, the present disclosure contemplates providing notifications relating to the access or use of personal information. For instance, a user may be notified upon downloading an app that their personal information data will be accessed and then reminded again just before personal information data is accessed by the app. 
     Moreover, it is the intent of the present disclosure that personal information data should be managed and handled in a way to minimize risks of unintentional or unauthorized access or use. Risk can be minimized by limiting the collection of data and deleting data once it is no longer needed. In addition, and when applicable, including in certain health related applications, data de-identification can be used to protect a user&#39;s privacy. De-identification may be facilitated, when appropriate, by removing specific identifiers (e.g., date of birth, etc.), controlling the amount or specificity of data stored (e.g., collecting location data a city level rather than at an address level), controlling how data is stored (e.g., aggregating data across users), and/or other methods. 
     Therefore, although the present disclosure broadly covers use of personal information data to implement one or more various disclosed embodiments, the present disclosure also contemplates that the various embodiments can be implemented without the need for accessing such personal information data. That is, the various embodiments of the present technology are not rendered inoperable due to the lack of all or a portion of such personal information data. For example, changes in operational modes in safety systems can be implemented for a given user by inferring user preferences or user status based on non-personal information data, a bare minimum amount of personal information, other non-personal information available to the system, or publicly available information.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20211216
Publication Date: 20230718
Grant Date: 20230718
Priority Date: 20210326
Inventors: GOLMAN, ADAM J.
BUEHLER, JESSE T.
DENNIS, NATHANIEL J.
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "B60R21/2338", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B60R21/232", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B60R21/233", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B60R2021/23388", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B60R21/2338", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B60R2021/23388", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B60R21/233", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B60R21/232", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B60R21/233", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B60R2021/23388", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B60R21/2338", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B60R21/232", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B60R2021/23386", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B60R21/214", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 87163244