WO2007022585A1

WO2007022585A1 - An inflation device

Info

Publication number: WO2007022585A1
Application number: PCT/AU2006/001225
Authority: WO
Inventors: Nicholas Todd Latham
Original assignee: Gm Global Technology Operations, Inc
Priority date: 2005-08-25
Filing date: 2006-08-25
Publication date: 2007-03-01

Abstract

In accordance with a broad aspect, the present invention provides an inflation device (10). The inflation device (10) includes a substrate (12), and a film (14) applied to at least one surface of the substrate (12). The film (14) is bonded or otherwise provided adjacent to at least one substrate surface to provide a compartment (18) between the substrate (12) and the film (14). The inflation device (10) also includes a compartment inflator (20) for inflating the compartment (18). The inflator (20) includes a fluid supply source (22). The fluid supply source (22) is in fluid communication with the compartment for the supply of fluid to the compartment (18).

Description

AN INFLATION DEVICE

The present invention relates to a supplemental inflatable restraint system for a vehicle.

Airbags are one form of supplemental inflatable restraint system in use for the safety of vehicle passengers. Airbags are generally mounted in a vehicle interior in any one of a plurality of locations ready for deployment in the event of a vehicle impact. Airbags are generally assembled in a modular form, with space needing to be set aside within a vehicle interior for accommodating the airbag module. Airbag module installation locations within a vehicle interior include within a cavity provided in the centre of the vehicle's steering wheel, within a dashboard cavity, within door cavities, within seat cavities, and behind the roof rail trim. The airbag itself is folded to fit into the cavity, normally within a small container, and unfolds rapidly as it inflates when activated.

Airbag module installation sites within a vehicle interior are generally limited by the availability of suitable mounting locations for the module in the vehicle interior.

Accordingly, it could be desirable to provide an alternative supplemental inflatable restraint system for installation within a vehicle interior at a location(s) in which it is difficult or impossible to mount existing supplemental inflatable restraint systems.

Further, it would be desirable to provide a supplemental inflatable restraint system with reduced storage space requirements when compared to existing supplemental inflatable restraint systems.

It could also be desirable to provide a supplemental inflatable restraint system for pedestrians, cyclists and other persons and property outside of a vehicle in the event of a vehicle impact. In accordance with a broad aspect, the present invention provides an inflation device. The inflation device includes a substrate, and a film applied to at least one surface of the substrate. The film is bonded or otherwise provided adjacent to at least one substrate surface to provide a compartment between the substrate and the film. The inflation device also includes a compartment inflator for inflating the compartment. The inflator includes a fluid supply source. The fluid supply source is in fluid communication with the compartment for the supply of fluid to the compartment.

Supply of fluid to the compartment is intended to create an inflated layer between the film and the substrate for lessening the impact force of an object with the film-side of the substrate.

The substrate may be of any suitable form. The substrate can be any part of a vehicle, such as a metal, glass or plastic part. The substrate could for example, be the top region of the door trim, where shoulder or head contact might occur, or it may be side or rear windows. In one possible form, the substrate is a vehicle window, with the film provided on the interior surface of the window. In the event of a vehicle impact, the compartment is inflated to lessen the impact force of a vehicle passenger with the inside surface of the window.

A film may also be provided on the exterior surface of a vehicle window, thereby providing the substrate with an inflated layer between the exterior window surface and persons (such as pedestrians, cyclists and motor-cyclists) and/or property in the event of an impact with the vehicle.

The substrate may alternatively be in the form of a vehicle panel, such as a vehicle bonnet, quarter panel or door panel, with the film provided on the exterior (or visible) surface of the panel. Such an arrangement may provide an inflated layer between the vehicle panel and persons (such as pedestrians, cyclists and motor-cyclists) and/or property in the event of an impact with the vehicle. In one form, the substrate is substantially rigid. Alternatively, the substrate may be deformable upon inflation of the compartment. For example, the substrate may be a laminated vehicle window, with the laminated construction allowing for deformation of the window upon inflation of the compartment. In such an arrangement the film may be provided in the form of a laminated surface layer of the window.

Unlike airbags discussed above, the film employed in the present invention is not required to be folded, other than for securing the film to a supporting structure for example, but rather, the film is positioned flat adjacent the substrate. The film can be positioned to overlie the entire area of the substrate over which air inflation is required or is desirable in an unfolded form. An advantage of this arrangement is that the cavity required for storage of an airbag is not required. Thus, the present invention can be more space efficient than existing folded airbags.

The film is preferably flexible and deformable or stretchable. The film can have a structure, such as a micro-structure, to increase its surface area upon inflation, so as to permit a compartment to be formed.

The compartment may be defined between the substrate and the film by a seam bonding the film to the substrate.

The fluid supply source may supply any suitable fluid. However, in a particularly preferred form, the fluid supply source supplies an inert gas. The fluid may be produced by a suitable quantity of a propellant or an explosive, such as sodium azide. When this is detonated, a controlled volume of gas is produced very quickly. Detonation can be by any suitable arrangement, but the preferred arrangement is by pyrotechnic detonation.

The fluid supply source may include a canister or other receptacle containing pressurised gas, such as compressed CO₂. Preferably, the compartment inflator is capable of rapidly inflating the compartment in the event of a vehicle impact. Inflation preferably is within one second following detonation but is more preferably within 5 to 60 milliseconds following detonation. Inflation of the compartment preferably continues until the pressure within the compartment is between 10 and 300 KPa.

The fluid communication between the fluid supply source and the compartment may include any suitable arrangement, including a fluid supply conduit from the supply source to the compartment.

The compartment inflator may also include a fluid supply control to regulate the supply of fluid from the fluid source to the compartment.

In another form, the fluid supply source may be replaced by chemical constituents provided within the compartment which, when activated, inflate the compartment. Activation of the chemical constituents may be by any suitable means, including an electric charge.

The invention has, so far, been described in the context of a compartment provided between the substrate and the film. However, it is to be appreciated that a compartment may be provided between two (or more) layers of film provided on the substrate. The layers of film may be provided in a deflated state on the substrate in the form of, for example, a deflated bag or cushion, for inflating in the event of a vehicle impact. In this arrangement, the two films may overly one another and be joined or bonded to each other about their respective perimeters for compartment formation therebetween. This film arrangement can then be applied to a substrate, either by overlying the substrate or by bonding to the substrate. The application or bonding can be such that upon inflation of the compartment, the perimeter of the films may lift away from the substrate. By this arrangement, the available depth of the inflated compartment away from the substrate can be increased. The film may be fixed at a position adjacent a substrate it is to overlie. This is considered to be advantageous in relation to vehicle substrates that may shatter in an impact. Thus, the film can be fixed to a structure surrounding a glass window so that despite the window shattering, the film will remain in the desired position.

The film may be protected from ordinary wear and tear by a protective layer that overlies the film but which does not prevent compartment inflation. Any suitable PVC, leather, fabric or suitable plastic can be employed. Where the film is applied to a transparent vehicle part, a window for example, a transparent covering could be employed.

In a preferred form, the inflation device includes an activator to activate the compartment inflator for the supply of fluid from the fluid source to the compartment.

It will be convenient to hereinafter describe preferred embodiments of the invention with reference to the accompanying drawings. The particularity of the drawings is to be understood as not limiting the preceding broad description of the invention.

In the drawings:

Figure 1 is a diagrammatic side view of an inflation device according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 is a diagrammatic side view of the device of Figure 1 after deployment;

Figure 3 is a diagrammatic side view of two inflation devices following deployment according to two further embodiments of the present invention.

Figure 4 illustrates a further diagrammatic side view of an inflation device according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention.

Figures 5 and 6 are diagrammatic side views of the device of Figure 4 after deployment, with the figures different in respect of the type of substrate over which the inflation device is positioned. Referring to Figure 1 , there is illustrated an inflation device 10 prior to deployment. The device 10 is provided as a supplemental inflatable restraint system for use in a vehicle interior. The device 10 includes a substrate in the form of a vehicle window 12. The window 12 may be any vehicle window, including a side window, rear window or front window (windscreen). The window 12 is a laminated window.

A flexible transparent film (or layer) 14 is provided adjacent the inner surface of the window 12. Any suitable material may be employed for the film 14. The film 14 is substantially the same size and shape as the window 12. The film 14 is bonded to the window 12 about a peripheral seam 16 to define a compartment 18 between the window 12 and the film 14. The depth of the compartment is exaggerated in Figure 1 for illustrative purposes. The film 14 could for example, be bonded to the facing surface of the window 12.

In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 1 , the film 14, the seam 16 and the compartment 18 are integrated into the overall laminated structure of the window 12. The laminated structure of the window 12 provides a degree of flexibility in the window 12, as illustrated in Figure 2 when the inflation device 10 is deployed.

The device 10 also includes a compartment inflator 20. The compartment inflator 20 is provided for the rapid inflation of the compartment 18 in the event of a vehicle impact. The inflator 20 includes a fluid supply source in the form of a canister 22 containing compressed gas. Although not clearly illustrated, the canister 22 is in fluid communication with the compartment 18. It is envisaged that the inflator 20, including the canister 22, would be mounted at an appropriate location within a vehicle so as to be hidden from view.

The inflation device 10, following deployment, is illustrated diagrammatically in Figure 2. An activator (not illustrated) may initiate deployment of the inflation device 10. The activator could adopt any suitable form, and may include an electronic motion sensor for detecting rapid deceleration of a vehicle, as experienced in a vehicle impact. The activator may be incorporated into the vehicle electronics.

It is envisaged that the compartment 18 would inflate from the pre-deployed configuration illustrated in Figure 1 to the deployed configuration of Figure 2 exceptionally rapidly, and similar to the deployment rate of a vehicle airbag.

It can be seen from Figure 2 that deployment of the device 10, in the event of a vehicle impact, (rapidly) inflates the compartment 18 to lessen the impact force of the vehicle passenger P with the inner surface of the window 12.

Two further inflation device embodiments 1 10,210 are illustrated in Figure 3.

The device 1 10 is provided as a supplemental inflatable restraint system for use on a vehicle exterior. More specifically, the device 1 10 is provided to create an inflated layer between the vehicle bonnet and persons (such as pedestrians, cyclists and motor-cyclists) and/or property in the event of an impact with a vehicle bonnet. The device 1 10 is illustrated following deployment.

The device 1 10 includes a rigid substrate in the form of a vehicle bonnet 1 12. It is to be appreciated that the bonnet 1 12 may be incorporated into the device 1 10 during assembly of the vehicle. Alternatively, the device 1 10 may be retro-fitted to the vehicle bonnet 1 12.

A thin film layer 1 14 is applied to the upwardly facing surface of the bonnet 1 12. The film 1 14 is transparent so that the surface colour of the bonnet 1 14 is not significantly affected by the application of the film 1 14 to the bonnet 1 12. However, it is to be appreciated that the film 1 14 need not be transparent. The film layer 1 14 is flexible and stretchable, and may be manufactured from any suitable material.

Although not illustrated, the film 1 14 is substantially the same size and shape as the bonnet 1 12 prior to deployment of the device 1 10. The edge region of the film 1 14 is bonded to the edge region of the bonnet 1 12 by a seam 1 16, to create a compartment 1 18. The lower face 1 15 of the film 1 14 is releasably bonded (or applied) to the surface of the bonnet 1 12 in the region surrounded by the seam 1 16 prior to deployment of the device 1 10.

A compartment inflator (not illustrated) is provided for the rapid inflation of the compartment 1 18 (to the deployed arrangement illustrated in Figure 3) in the event of a vehicle impact. The inflator includes a fluid supply source in the form of a canister (not illustrated). The canister contains compressed gas and is in fluid communication with the compartment 1 18. The compartment inflator, including canister, may be mounted such that it is hidden from view. For example, the inflator may be mounted within the engine bay of the vehicle.

The device 210 is also provided as a supplemental inflatable restraint system for use on a vehicle exterior. More specifically, the device 210 is provided to create an inflated layer between the vehicle windscreen and persons (such as pedestrians, cyclists and motor-cyclists) and/or property in the event of an impact with a vehicle windscreen. As with the device 1 10, the device 210 is illustrated following deployment.

The device includes a substrate in the form of a vehicle windscreen 212. Unlike the window 12 illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, the windscreen 212 is rigid.

A thin, transparent film layer 214 (of any suitable material) is applied to the exterior surface of the windscreen 212. The film 214 is flexible and stretchable. Although not illustrated, the film 214 is substantially the same size and shape as the exterior surface of the windscreen prior to deployment of the device 210. The edge region of the film 214 is bonded to the edge region of the windscreen 212 by a seam 216 to create a compartment 218. The film face 217 adjacent the windscreen 212 is releasably bonded to the surface of the windscreen 212 in the region surrounded by the seam 216 prior to deployment of the device 210. The film 214 may be manufactured from any suitable material. A compartment inflator (not illustrated) is provided for the rapid inflation of the compartment 218 (to the arrangement illustrated in Figure 3) in the event of a vehicle impact. The inflator includes a fluid supply source in the form of a canister (not illustrated). The canister contains compressed gas and is in fluid communication with the compartment 218. The compartment inflator, including canister, may be mounted such that it is hidden from view. For example, the inflator may be mounted within in the engine bay of the vehicle, or within the vehicle dashboard at the base of the windscreen 212.

The windscreen 212 may be incorporated into the device 210 the during vehicle assembly. Alternatively, the device 210 may be retro-fitted to the vehicle windscreen 212.

Figures 4, 5 and 6 illustrate further embodiments of the invention. Referring to Figure 4, this shows a substrate in the form of a fixed vehicle window 310 which is secured at either end within channels 31 1 . A pair of film layers 312 and 313 are disposed in overlying relationship with the substrate 310, with the film 312 being disposed intermediate the substrate 310 and the film 313.

It is intended in this arrangement, that the film 312 is lightly bonded to the facing surface of the substrate 310. Bonding may occur fully along the length of the film 312, or if the film 312 is self-supporting in the position shown, bonding can be in a discreet region inboard of the ends of the film 312. It is to be noted that the films 312 and 313 are bonded to each other at least at each end, and possibly throughout their entire length.

Figure 5 illustrates the films 312 and 313 inflated to form an interior compartment 314 similar to the compartments 18, 1 18 and 218 discussed before. It can be seen that the films 312 and 313 remain joined at their perimeter P, but otherwise that they are spaced apart. It can further be seen, that the film 312 remains connected to the substrate 310 at an intermediate region R. Thus, the film 312 has pulled away from the substrate 310 upon inflation of the interior compartment 314 and the join at the perimeter P of the films 312 and 313 has lifted away from the substrate 310. The arrangement of Figure 5 is particularly applicable to substrates which are shatterproof. Such substrates include shatterproof glass or plastic, such as polycarbonate, or on metal panels.

Figure 6 illustrates an alternative arrangement having similar features to Figures 4 and 5, but in which the substrate 410 is not shatterproof, but rather is fragile or brittle. In this arrangement, one or both ends E of the films 412 and 413 can be secured as shown. The ends E of the films 412 and 413 extend into the channels at 414 and 415 to be secured within the channels either by suitable bonding or fastening arrangements, or by jamming within the channels by the substrate 410.

It will be clear from Figure 6, that upon inflation of the compartment 416, that the film 412 does not pull away from the substrate 410 in the same manner as the film 312 illustrated in Figure 5. Further, in the arrangement of Figure 6, if the substrate 410 shatters or breaks, the film layers 412 and 413 will remain in place given their securement within the channels 417.

It is to be appreciated that the films 14,1 14,214 (or seams 16,1 16,216) may contain holes for the deflation of the respective compartments 18,1 18,218 following deployment of the devices 10,1 10,210.

While application of the present invention has been described generally in the context of cars, it is to be appreciated that the invention could also be applied to any other vehicle, including but not limited to trucks, semi-trailers, buses, vans and even motor cycles.

Advantageously, the present invention provides an alternative supplemental inflatable restraint system for installation within a vehicle interior at a location(s) in which it is difficult or impossible to mount many existing supplemental inflatable restraint systems. Further, the present invention advantageously provides a supplemental inflatable restraint system with reduced storage space requirements when compared to many existing supplemental inflatable restraint systems.

The present invention could also potentially be used to provide a supplemental inflatable restraint system for pedestrians, cyclists and other persons and property outside of a vehicle in the event of a vehicle impact.

Finally, it is to be understood that various alterations, modifications and/or additions may be introduced into the construction and arrangement of the parts previously described without departing from the spirit or ambit of this invention.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1 . An inflation device, including a substrate, and at least one layer of film, the layer of film being positioned adjacent to a surface of the substrate in a manner to form a compartment between the substrate and the film, the inflation device further including a compartment inflator for inflating the compartment, the inflator including a fluid supply source which is in fluid communication with the compartment for the supply of fluid to the compartment.

2. An inflation device according to claim 1 , wherein the film is releasably bonded to the substrate surface such that the bond is released upon supply of fluid to the compartment to inflate the compartment.

3. An inflation device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the substrate is a vehicle window and the film is positioned adjacent to the interior surface of the window.

4. An inflation device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a layer of film is provided on the exterior surface of a vehicle window.

5. An inflation device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the substrate is a vehicle panel with the film provided on the exterior surface of the panel.

6. An inflation device according to claim 5, wherein the vehicle panel is a vehicle bonnet, quarter panel or door panel.

7. An inflation device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the substrate is substantially rigid.

8. An inflation device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the substrate is deformable upon inflation of the compartment.

9. An inflation device according to claim 8, wherein the substrate is a laminated vehicle window, with the laminated construction allowing for deformation of the window upon inflation of the compartment.

10. An inflation device according to claim 9, wherein the film is a laminated surface layer of the window.

1 1 . An inflation device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the film is flexible and deformable.

12. An inflation device according to any one of claims 1 to 1 1 , wherein the compartment is defined between the substrate and the film by seam bonding the film to the substrate.

13. An inflation device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the fluid supply source supplies an inert gas.

14. An inflation device according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the fluid supply source includes a receptacle containing pressurised gas.

15. An inflation device according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the compartment is fully inflated within 1 second.

16. An inflation device according to claim 15, wherein the compartment is fully inflated within about 5 to 60 milliseconds.

17. An inflation device according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the compartment is inflated to a pressure of between 10 and 300 KPa.

18. An inflation device according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein fluid communication between the fluid supply source and the compartment includes a fluid supply conduit from the supply source to the compartment.

19. An inflation device according to any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the compartment inflator includes a fluid supply control to regulate the supply of fluid from the fluid source to the compartment.

20. An inflation device according to any one of claims 1 to 19, including a second layer of film intermediate the substrate and the first layer of film and wherein the compartment is formed between the two layers of film.

21 . An inflation device according to claim 20, wherein the two layers of film are bonded together with the compartment being formed inboard of the bond.

22. An inflation device according to claim 21 , wherein each layer of film has a perimeter and the bond is at the respective perimeters.

23. An inflation device according to claim 22, wherein when the compartment is inflated the perimeter of the compartment lifts away from the substrate.

24. An inflation device according to any one of claims 1 to 23, wherein the film is applied to the substrate by being fixed to a structure adjacent the substrate.

25. An inflation device according to any one of claims 1 to 24, wherein the film is overlaid by a protective covering which permits compartment inflation.

26. An inflation device including a substrate, and a film applied to at least one surface of the substrate, the film being positioned adjacent to at least one substrate surface in a manner to form a compartment between the substrate and the film, the inflation device further including a chemical inflator which is operable, when activated, to inflate the compartment.

27. An inflation device according to claim 25 wherein activation of the chemical inflator is by an electric charge.

28. An inflation device according to claim 26 or 27, wherein the chemical inflator is a propellant or an explosive.