| 摘要 |
<p>A constant force air cushion arrangement (14) for side impact protection, including a plurality of air cells (28) mounted on the inner door panel (16). A tapered stem (30) is integrally molded on the inner surface of each cell (28) so as to extend toward the inner door panel (16). An orifice opening (34), which may have a diaphragm (32) mounted therein, is formed in a wall (26) of each cell (28) adjacent the distal end of the tapered stem (30). In the event of a side impact of a predetermined force, the stem (30) enters the orifice opening (34), either directly, or by bursting through the diaphragm (32) in response to the relative velocity between the door (10) and an occupant to progressively restrict the orifice opening (34) and, hence, the volume of air forced out through the orifice (34), by a progressively decreasing velocity between the door (10) and the occupant.</p> |
