초록 ▼

A deployable cushion mechanism for a vehicle that provides a cushion deployed in case of vehicle tipping. The cushion is inflated from a folded condition through rapid release of stored energy. Air is allowed to enter the cushion by way of valves or other orifices. Ground contact of the tipped vehic

A deployable cushion mechanism for a vehicle that provides a cushion deployed in case of vehicle tipping. The cushion is inflated from a folded condition through rapid release of stored energy. Air is allowed to enter the cushion by way of valves or other orifices. Ground contact of the tipped vehicle occurs with the inflated cushion so as to prevent injury to the passenger.

대표청구항 ▼

1. A deployable cushion mechanism for protecting a passenger of an unenclosed personal vehicle, the deployable cushion mechanism comprising:(a) a cushion for absorbing energy, having an interior surface, coupled to the vehicle in such a manner as to permit inflation of the cushion outward from the v

1. A deployable cushion mechanism for protecting a passenger of an unenclosed personal vehicle, the deployable cushion mechanism comprising:(a) a cushion for absorbing energy, having an interior surface, coupled to the vehicle in such a manner as to permit inflation of the cushion outward from the vehicle; (b) a fan for inflating the cushion from an uninflated condition with air from outside the cushion to within the interior surface of the cushion through an orifice that permits air flow out of the cushion after inflation; (c) an actuator for triggering, independently of the weight or position of the passenger, the introduction, from the uninflated condition of the cushion, of a gas from outside the cushion to within the interior surface of the cushion; and (d) at least one spring, disposed within the cushion, for storing mechanical energy for inflation of the cushion.