摘要:
The present invention is a tubular structure which inflates upon side or oblique vehicle impact to protect the occupants of a vehicle such as an automobile. The structure is mounted in its undeployed state along the periphery of the vehicle's side pillars and roof rail. The primary component of the present invention is a braided tube linked to a gas generator. When a side impact is detected, the gas generator is ignited, inflating the braided tube. As the braided tube inflates, the diameter of the tube increases and its length decreases. The tube then pulls out of its storage location and forms a taut, semi-rigid structural member across the vehicle's side window.
摘要:
A seat restraint system whose torso belt inflates upon impact to protect the occupants of a vehicle such as an automobile. The inflating component of the present invention is a braided tube linked to a gas generator and crash sensor. When an impact is detected, the gas generator is ignited, inflating the braided tube. As the braided tube inflates, the diameter of the tube increases significantly and its length decreases significantly, due to the orientation of the fibers comprising the braided tube. The contracting tube pretensions the seat belt system by pulling any slack out of the seat belt systems. The inflated structure restricts the forward motion of an occupant and distributes crash loads over a larger occupant surface area to reduce both primary and secondary injuries. In a side impact the inflated structure restricts occupant motion, distributes crash loads and provides head protection.
摘要:
The present invention is a tubular structure which inflates upon side or oblique impact to protect the occupants of a vehicle such as an automobile. The structure is mounted in its undeployed state along the periphery of the vehicle's window. The primary component of the present invention is a braided tube containing a gas generator. When a side impact is detected, the gas generator is ignited, inflating the braided tube. As the braided tube inflates, the diameter of the tube increases and its length decreases. The tube then pulls out of its storage location and forms a taut, semi-rigid structural member across the vehicle's window.
摘要:
The present invention is a torso protection system having braided tubes that inflate upon side or oblique impact to protect the torso of a seated vehicle occupant. Prior to inflation, the braided tubes are mounted in the undeployed state along both sides of the occupant's seat. When an impact is detected, a gas generator generates, inflating the braided tubes. As the braided tubes inflate, their diameters increase and their lengths decrease substantially. The braided tubes then pull out of their storage locations and form bolsters on either side of the seated occupant. The inflated tubes prevent the torso of the occupant from directly colliding with interior side structures of the vehicle and restrict the lateral motion of the occupant.
摘要:
This invention is an Inflatable Tubular Bolster (ITB) which prevents or limits injury to an occupant of a motor vehicle due to a frontal or semi-frontal crash. In particular, the invention protects the front seat occupant's legs and lower torso by providing a cushioned barrier that absorbs impact energy and restricts the occupant's lower body from moving forward and into or underneath the instrument panel and toward the foot well. This invention can be effective in any vehicle where an occupant's lower body is subject to crash injury from a dashboard, instrument panel, or similar structure.
摘要:
A seat restraint system whose torso belt includes an inflatable structure that inflates upon impact to protect the occupants of a vehicle such as an automobile. The inflatable structure is linked to a gas generator and crash sensor. When an impact above a predetermined level of severity is detected, the gas generator is ignited, inflating the inflatable structure which contracts in length as it inflates. In a preferred embodiment, the inflatable structure is a braided tube. As the braided tube inflates, the diameter of the tube increases significantly and its length decreases significantly, due to the orientation of the fibers comprising the braided tube. The contraction in length pretensions the seat belt system by pulling any slack out of the seat belt systems. In a frontal impact, the inflated structure restricts the forward motion of an occupant and distributes crash loads over a larger occupant surface area to reduce both primary and secondary injuries. In a side impact, the inflated structure passes over the occupant's shoulder, restricts occupant motion, distributes crash loads and provides head and neck protection.
摘要:
An air bag system for protecting an occupant in a motor vehicle against injuries resulting from a crash. The system is distinguished by an air bag with releasable partitioning, preferably breakaway stitching, that provides a variable-size inflatable volume and by a means to control the level of inflation. These features allow the present invention to provide optimum protection regardless of whether the occupant is restrained by a seat belt and regardless of whether the crash speed at impact is moderate or severe. The air bag of the invention accommodates the occupant who is wearing a seat belt restraint by inflating to a relatively small inflated volume with a varying internal pressure depending on the crash speed. It accommodates the occupant who is not belted and is in a vehicle traveling 21 mph or faster at the moment of impact by inflating to a larger inflated volume. Thus, the invention provides protection that is appropriate to and optimal for specific crash conditions. The releasable partitioning also helps control the forcefulness, or aggressivity, of the deployment. Additionally, the design minimizes rebound energy imparted to the occupant by the selection of air bag size and fill. Further, the present invention, in most crash scenarios, provides an unvented air bag which eliminates problems associated with venting inflation gas into the occupant compartment.
摘要:
A composite load bearing member is provided comprising an elongated inner structural member and a thick polymeric composite outer member. An apparatus for producing the composite load bearing member is provided including devices for suspending the inner structural member within a mold cavity prior to and during injection of the polymeric composite outer member. A method of using the apparatus to produce the composite load bearing member is provided.
摘要:
A fiber optic sensor for measuring strain on and within structures. The sensor includes an optical fiber, two reflective markers, and two thin layers of carrier material. The optical fiber is looped multiple times within the two thin layers of the carrier material. The optical signal circulates multiple times through the sensing region, as it is travels through the multiple loops of optical fiber within the carrier layers. The fiber optic sensor can be embedded within a structure, as that structure is being fabricated, or it can be attached onto a preexisting structure. An optical signal generated from a source such as a laser is input into one end of the optical fiber. The signal is reflected at reflective markers at predetermined positions in the optical fiber. The time delay of the signals received back is then analyzed to calculate the strain in the structure.
摘要:
A composite load bearing member is provided comprising an elongated inner structural member and a thick polymeric composite outer member. An apparatus for producing the composite load bearing member is provided including devices for suspending the inner structural member within a mold cavity prior to and during injection of the polymeric composite outer member. A method of using the apparatus to produce the composite load bearing member is provided.