In an assembly group comprising a cap of a tubular gas generator and a deflector element that deflects gas flowing out of at least one outflow opening of the cap to at least one discharge opening of the deflector element, a deflection surface of the deflector element is arranged radially outwardly of the outflow opening. At least two securing arms of the deflector element extend through the outflow opening and engage behind an edge defining the outflow opening on an inside in a positive connection with the cap. The cap is fixed firmly to an axial end of the tubular gas generator. Subsequently, the deflector element is slid from an outside of the cap with its securing arms through the outflow opening, the securing arms forming a positive connection with the edge of the outflow opening which fixes the deflector element firmly to the cap.

A protection system comprises at least one inflatable safety structure, each associated with a gas generator that can be activated by an external command, wherein the external command comprises an electrical signal from an automated system that is responsible for the critical safety functions of a vehicle, corresponding to predictive information about an impact. The gas generator is configured to generate a gas over a time period such that the total inflation time of the inflatable structure is greater than 50 milliseconds. The inflatable structure may be waterproof.

Aspects of the disclosure relate to reducing the likelihood of injury to a passenger in a collision. In one example, a computing device may determine that an impact between a vehicle and an object external to the vehicle is imminent. The computing device may determine a protection range for a vehicle's airbag based on characteristics of the passenger, including the passenger's seating location within the vehicle. An airbag extension system may position an airbag package, including the vehicle's airbag, such that the vehicle's airbag is within the protection range of the passenger's seating location.

Aspects of the disclosure relate to reducing the likelihood of injury to a passenger in a collision. In one example, a computing device may determine that an impact between a vehicle and an object external to the vehicle is imminent. The computing device may determine a protection range for a vehicle's airbag based on characteristics of the passenger, including the passenger's seating location within the vehicle. An airbag extension system may position an airbag package, including the vehicle's airbag, such that the vehicle's airbag is within the protection range of the passenger's seating location.

An airbag device includes an actuator of a configuration that causes a string-form coupling member extending from an airbag to be coupled, and controls an inflation aspect of the airbag by causing a state of coupling with the coupling member to be maintained or terminated. The actuator includes a gas generator that can eject a combustion gas and a holder portion that can hold the coupling member. The holder portion includes a holding wall portion, which can hold the wound coupling member on an outer peripheral face side, and a top wall portion that closes a leading end side of the holding wall portion, and a contact region in which the combustion gas can be brought into contact with the coupling member is disposed in a region of the holding wall portion. The actuator causes the coupling member to be severed by causing the combustion gas to come into contact with the coupling member in the contact region, whereby a state of the coupling member being held in the holder portion can be terminated.

An airbag device includes an actuator of a configuration that causes a string-form coupling member extending from an airbag to be coupled, and controls an inflation aspect of the airbag by causing a state of coupling with the coupling member to be maintained or terminated. The actuator includes a gas generator that can eject a combustion gas and a holder portion that can hold the coupling member. The holder portion includes a holding wall portion, which can hold the wound coupling member on an outer peripheral face side, and a top wall portion that closes a leading end side of the holding wall portion, and a contact region in which the combustion gas can be brought into contact with the coupling member is disposed in a region of the holding wall portion. The actuator causes the coupling member to be severed by causing the combustion gas to come into contact with the coupling member in the contact region, whereby a state of the coupling member being held in the holder portion can be terminated.

The present invention discloses a multiple-chamber airbag structure where the airbag design has at least a stiff lower section to reduce the chest velocity and a soft upper section to meet the HIC requirements. Although stowed and deployed as a unitary airbag, the present invention includes separate chambers, which allows for independent gas inflation and stiffness control with venting.

The disclosure relates to a gas generator for a vehicle safety system, comprising an ignition unit, a propellant configured in a combustion chamber in a form of a propellant bed extending along a longitudinal axis of the gas generator. A sleeve having an axial opening protrudes into the propellant bed such that it surrounds the ignition unit at least partially and portions of the propellant are stored inside and outside the sleeve.

The disclosure relates to a gas generator for a vehicle safety system, comprising an ignition unit, a propellant configured in a combustion chamber in a form of a propellant bed extending along a longitudinal axis of the gas generator. A sleeve having an axial opening protrudes into the propellant bed such that it surrounds the ignition unit at least partially and portions of the propellant are stored inside and outside the sleeve.

The present invention discloses a multiple-chamber airbag structure where the airbag design has at least a stiff lower section to reduce the chest velocity and a soft upper section to meet the HIC requirements. Although stowed and deployed as a unitary airbag, the present invention includes separate chambers, which allows for independent gas inflation and stiffness control with venting.