| 摘要 |
<p>The present invention is a tubular structure (11) 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 (20, 21) and roof rail (23). The primary component of the present invention is a braided tube (15) linked to a gas generator (22). When a side impact is detected, the gas generator (22) is ignited, inflating the braided tube (15). As the braided tube (15) inflates, the diameter of the tube (15) increases and its length decreases. The tube (15) then pulls out of its storage location and forms a taut, semi-rigid structural member across the vehicle's side window (24).</p> |
