Apparatus for deploying an airbag through a hard panel
Number of patents in Portfolio can not be more than 2000
United States of America Patent
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-
Oct 17, 2000
Issued Date -
N/A
app pub date -
Jun 29, 1999
filing date -
Jun 9, 1997
priority date (Note) -
Expired
status (Latency Note)
Importance
Abstract
An apparatus for deploying an air bag through an automotive dash panel includes an air bag door integrally formed in the panel and defined by a frangible edge of reduced cross section. A dispenser supports the air bag behind the door. A metal reaction plate is positioned between the air bag and the door. When the air bag inflates it forces the reaction plate to bend around a horizontal hinge line. As the reaction plate rotates it concentrates inflation force along a lower portion of the frangible door edge. This helps predictably separate the door from the dash panel by tearing along the lower door edge and allowing the tear to propagate up two side edges. In one embodiment, the tear also propagates across an upper edge to completely separate the door from the panel. At least one, and preferably two or three tethers limit how far the door can travel during air bag inflation. A stop member may be included to limit reaction plate bending. After deployment, the reaction plate remains in a position that prevents the door from returning to its original position.
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