CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of United States Provisional Patent Application No. 63/358,974 filed on July 7, 2022, the content of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] This disclosure relates generally to restraints and specifically to object restraints.

BACKGROUND

[0003] In a cabin, a surface such as a dash panel, a steering wheel, or a seat back can serve as a reaction surface for a restraint, for example, an airbag, that deploys prior to or during an event. These surfaces can also help position an occupant or object or limit motion of an occupant of object during an event without an airbag.

[0004] In a cabin of a transportation device with increased open space as compared to the conventional cabin, a modular seating system can be arranged in a configuration consistent with the cabin serving as a mobile office, a living room, etc. Surfaces such as dash panels, steering wheels, or seat backs may not be present or positioned to serve as reaction surfaces for airbags or to assist in controlling motion of an occupant or objects during an event. New approaches to object restraint are thus desired.

SUMMARY

[0005] A first aspect of the disclosure is a system for a seat (e.g., a support). The system includes a sensor system configured to detect an imminent event, detect an occupant facing the seat, and detect a stowed object beneath the seat. The system also includes an airbag (e.g., a restraint) configured to deploy from the seat, restrain motion of the occupant facing the seat, and restrain motion of the stowed object beneath the seat. The airbag deploys in response to an output signal from the sensor system indicative of the imminent event and at least one of an output signal from the sensor system indicative of the occupant facing the seat or an output signal from the sensor system indicative of the stowed object beneath the seat. [0006] In the first aspect, the airbag can comprise an engagement portion configured to couple a distal end of the airbag to a floor of a transportation device that includes the seat. When deployed, the airbag can define a first chamber extending from a front edge of the seat to a floor of a transportation device that includes the seat. When deployed, the airbag can define a second chamber extending from a distal end of the first chamber to a bottom surface of the seat, and wherein the bottom surface of the seat acts a reaction surface for the second chamber of the airbag, thereby positioning the first chamber of the airbag to cover a gap between the seat and the floor of the transportation device. The airbag can have a stowed position disposed within a seat pan of the seat. The system can include a tether coupled to the airbag and the seat pan, the tether configured to guide the airbag from the stowed position to a deployed position extending between the stowed object and the occupant facing the seat. The system can include a deployment mechanism configured to deploy the airbag from the stowed position to a deployed position extending between the stowed object and the occupant facing the seat. In response to an output signal from the sensor system indicative of a location of the stowed object blocking the deployment mechanism, the airbag can be blocked from deployment. In response to an output signal from the sensor system indicative of an absence of an occupant facing the seat, the airbag can be blocked from deployment.

[0007] A second aspect of the disclosure is an airbag (e.g., a restraint) for a seat (e.g., a support). The airbag is configured to deploy from a seat pan of the seat in response to an output signal from a sensor indicative of an imminent event and another output signal from another sensor indicative of an occupant facing the seat. The airbag is configured to restrain motion of a lower limb of the occupant facing the seat.

[0008] In the second aspect, the airbag can be blocked from deployment in response to an output signal from the other sensor indicative of an absence of an occupant facing the seat. The airbag can define a chamber extending from a front edge of the seat pan to a floor of a transportation device that includes the seat. The seat can include a reaction surface extending from a front edge of the seat pan to a floor of a transportation device that includes the seat, and the reaction surface can be configured to position the airbag to cover a gap between the seat pan and the floor. The airbag can define a chamber extending from a front edge of the seat pan, beneath the seat pan, to a rear edge of the seat pan. The airbag can be configured to restrain motion of at least one of a foot, an ankle, or a shin of the occupant facing the seat. Various features of the second aspect may be used alone or in combination.

[0009] A third aspect of the disclosure is a method. The method includes receiving a first output signal indicative of an imminent event, receiving a second output signal indicative of an occupant facing a seat (e.g., a support), and deploying an airbag (e.g., a restraint) below the seat based on the first and second output signals such that an engagement portion of the airbag couples a distal end of the airbag to a floor of a transportation device that includes the seat.

[0010] A fourth aspect of the disclosure is a transportation device. The transportation device includes a sensor system configured to receive a first output signal indicative of an imminent event and a second output signal indicative of an occupant facing a seat within the transportation device. The transportation device also includes an airbag configured to deploy below the seat based on the first and second output signals such that an engagement portion of the airbag couples a distal end of the airbag to a floor of the transportation device.

[0011] In the fourth aspect, the sensor system can be further configured to receive a third output signal indicative of a stowed object beneath the seat, the airbag can be configured to deploy between the stowed object and the occupant facing the seat based on the first and third output signals, and the airbag can be configured to restrain motion of the occupant facing the seat and restrain motion of the stowed object beneath the seat. The airbag can be configured to deploy pyrotechnically, electromechanically, pneumatically, hydraulically, or using a pretensioned spring. The airbag can define a first chamber extending from a front edge of the seat to a floor of the transportation device that includes the seat. The airbag can define a second chamber extending from a distal end of the first chamber to a bottom surface of the seat, and the bottom surface of the seat acts a reaction surface for the second chamber of the airbag, positioning the first chamber of the airbag to cover a gap between the seat and the floor of the transportation device. Various features of the fourth aspect may be used alone or in combination.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] FIG. 1 is a schematic side view illustration of a cabin including a safety system in a stowed position.

[0013] FIG. 2 is a schematic top view illustration of the cabin of FIG. 1.

[0014] FIG. 3 is a schematic side view illustration of the cabin of FIG. 1 showing an embodiment of a safety system in a deployed position.

[0015] FIG. 4 is a schematic side view illustration of the cabin of FIG. 1 showing an embodiment of a safety system in a deployed position.

[0016] FIG. 5 is a schematic side view illustration of the cabin of FIG. 1 showing an embodiment of a safety system in a deployed position.

[0017] FIG. 6 is a schematic side view illustration of the cabin of FIG. 1 showing an embodiment of a safety system in a deployed position. [0018] FIG. 7 is a schematic side view illustration of the cabin of FIG. 1 showing an embodiment of a safety system.

[0019] FIG. 8 is a schematic top view illustration of the cabin of FIG. 1 showing an embodiment of a safety system in a stowed position.

[0020] FIG. 9 is a flowchart describing a process for implementing a safety system.

[0021] FIG. 10 is a block diagram of a safety system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] In cabins of transportation devices with modifiable seating configurations, such as with an open cabin design, occupants may face opposing seats and have sufficient space that lower limbs (e.g., shins, ankles, or feet) of such occupants may swing or kick during events such as a collision or rapid deceleration of the transportation device. Safety systems are described that are configured to restrain such motion. The safety systems may include controllers, sensors, airbags, deployment mechanisms, tethers, reaction surfaces, and/or compressible materials.

[0023] Components of the safety systems such as airbags or compressible materials may be stowed within and/or deployed from a seat pan of a seat within a cabin to limit motion of a lower limb of an occupant that is within or faces the seat that includes the safety system. Such safety systems may be implemented at predetermined times, such as prior to an anticipated or imminent event such as a collision or during a rapid deceleration, as well as under predetermined conditions, such as when an occupant (or other object) is detected facing the seat that includes the safety system or when a stowed object is detected beneath the seat that includes the safety system. Such safety systems may be controlled not to deploy under other predetermined conditions, such as when no occupant is detected within or facing the seat that includes the safety system or when a stowed object is located in a manner that would block deployment of an airbag in the safety system.

[0024] FIGS. 1 and 2 are a schematic side view and top view illustration of a cabin 100. The cabin 100 can be defined within or otherwise interior to exterior components (not shown) of a transportation device. The cabin 100 can be described in reference to a longitudinal or X direction (e.g., fore-aft), a lateral or Y direction (e.g., side to side), and an elevational or Z direction (e.g., up-down).

[0025] The cabin 100 is defined as interior to various body structures of a transportation device such as roof rails, pillars, frames, body panels, interior panels, trim panels, and movable panels (e.g., doors, liftgates, etc.). In the example of FIG. 1, a body structure 102 can represent a floor panel that extends generally fore-aft in the X direction and front and rear panels that extend generally up-down in the Z direction. A body structure 202 shown in FIG.

2 can represent a perimeter, that is, a front, a back, and sides of the cabin 100. The body structure 202 is shown as extending both in the X direction and the Y direction, such as inclusive of doors or a belt line surrounding the cabin 100. The body structure 102 is shown as a partial component with truncation indications for simplicity.

[0026] The cabin 100 includes seats 104, 106, 204, 206. The seats 104, 106, 204, 206 can include structures such as pans or bases, backs, headrests, frames, springs, other suspension members, cushioning materials (e.g., foam or rubber), covers, and/or other structures (not shown) suitable for use in seating occupants (or other objects) within the cabin 100. The seats 104, 106, 204, 206 can also include restraints (not shown) for use in securing occupants to the seats 104, 106, 204, 206. The seats 104, 106, 204, 206 can be movable between various seating arrangements. In the cabin 100 of FIGS. 1 and 2, the seats 104, 204 are shown as facing rearward in the X direction and the seats 106, 206 are shown as facing forward in the X direction, such as in a living room or campfire configuration where occupants seated in the seats 104, 204 would face other occupants seated in the seats 106, 206. The seats 104, 104, 204, 206 may also be configured in a different seating arrangements, such as all facing forward in the X direction or all facing inward in the Y direction.

[0027] The cabin 100 includes safety systems 108, 208. The safety systems 108, 208 are shown in dotted line to represent a hidden location for packaging or storage of safety components (not shown). That is, the components in the safety systems 108, 208 are in a stowed position or a pre-deployment condition, though other or additional locations for the safety systems 108, 208 are possible. The safety systems 108, 208 may be separate as shown in FIG. 2. If the seats 104, 204 become combined, such as in a bench configuration, the safety systems 108, 208 can also be combined into a single safety system (not shown). The safety systems 108, 208 may include restraints such as airbags, tethers, cushions, foam, panels, etc. that are located proximate to exterior surfaces or stored or otherwise stowed behind various interior surfaces, such as upon or within various structures of the seats 104, 204. The safety systems 108, 208 may also include housings, inflation mechanisms, deployment mechanisms, tensioning mechanisms, etc. used in implementation of the safety systems 108, 208 as further described herein.

[0028] The cabin 100 includes a stowed object 110 positioned under the seats 104, 204. For example, the stowed object 110 can be a suitcase, a backpack, a cooler, a briefcase, or any other object suitable for storage beneath the seats 104, 204. To accommodate storage of the stowed object 110, the seats 104, 204 may have a cantilevered configuration as shown such that seat pans 112, 212 (that is, lower portions or bases of the seats 104, 204) are spaced apart from the floor covering the body structure 102 in the Z direction, such as is shown in FIG. 1 for the seat 104. In other words, an open area suitable for storage is present between the floor or the body structure 102 and the seat pans 112, 212 of the seats 104, 204. The stowed object 110 may alternatively be stored between the body structure 102 and the seats 106, 206 (such as on a floor beneath the seats 106, 206, not shown). The stowed object 110 may have a width, measured in the Y direction and as shown in FIG. 2, that is either narrower than or wider than a single one of the seats 104, 204 such that the stowed object 110 may be present under one or both of the seats 104, 204. In the example of FIG. 2, the stowed object 110 is present under both of the seats 104, 204.

[0029] Some components of the cabin 100 are in communication with a controller 114. For example, the controller 114 can be configured to prohibit, allow, or otherwise control movement of the seats 104, 106, 204, 206. The controller 114 can also be configured to prohibit, allow, or otherwise control components of the safety systems 108, 208, such as controlling deployment of airbags (not shown) or force application by tensioning mechanisms (not shown) described further herein. The controller 114 can receive output signals from sensors 116, 216. These output signals can be indicative of an imminent event, for example, an anticipated collision, or indicative of an event in progress, such as a rapid deceleration, the rapid deceleration being an anticipatory indicator of an upcoming or potential event such as a collision. These output signals can also be indicative of an ongoing collision or a turnover or rollover of a transportation device.

[0030] The output signals from the sensors 116, 216 can include information indicative of orientation or position of the seats 104, 106, 204, 206, presence, orientation, or position of occupants (or objects) with respect to the seats 104, 106, 204, 206, and/or orientation or position of non-seated objects such as the stowed object 110 with respect to the seats 104, 106, 204, 206 or other portions of the cabin 100. For example, the sensor 116 (shown in dashed line as located within the seat 106) may send output signals indicative of occupant presence in the seat 106, that is, that an occupant is facing the seat 104. The term “facing” is used to indicate occupant presence in one seat, such as the seat 106, that faces another seat, such as the seat 104. In another example, the sensor 216 (shown as coupled to the body structure 202) may send output signals indicative of presence of the stowed object 110 beneath the seats 104, 204. In another example, the sensor 216, or another sensor (not shown) my send output signals indicative of an imminent event, such as an imminent collision or a rapid deceleration.

[0031] The sensors 116, 216 can be of various types and can communicate information to the controller 114 of FIGS. 1 and 2. For example, the sensors 116, 216 can include sensors configured to capture information from an external environment outside of the cabin 100. External-sensing sensors can include technologies such as radar, LIDAR, imaging, infrared, or other technologies configured to detect imminent (e.g., upcoming or impending) events such as upcoming collisions or in-process events such as collisions and rollovers, then provide information to the controller 114 to identify timing of the event and timing for implementing features of the safety systems 108, 208 in anticipation of the event. The sensors 116, 216 can also include sensors internal to the cabin 100 such as weight sensors, buckle switch sensors, internal cameras, seat position sensors, pressure sensors, imaging sensors, etc. that can provide information to the controller 114 to allow determinations to be made related to deployment of the safety systems 108, 208.

[0032] FIG. 3 is a schematic side view illustration of the cabin 100 of FIGS. 1 and 2 showing an embodiment of a safety system 308 in a deployed position. The safety system 308 can be similar to the safety systems 108, 208 of FIGS. 1 and 2. The safety system 308 includes an airbag 318. The airbag 318 can be formed from flexible materials, porous materials, non-porous materials, internal baffles, and other known elements. The airbag 318 can be packaged or disposed in and configured to deploy from the seat pan 112 of the seat 104. In other words, the airbag 318 has a stowed position (not shown) disposed within the seat pan 112 of the seat 104, such as within the dashed line area indicated in FIG. 3. Such packaging space for the airbag 318 is indicated in dashed line as hidden within the seat pan 112 of the seat 104, though the airbag 318 may also be stored or stowed along a lower surface of the seat pan 112. Other packaging solutions to stow the airbag 318 within or proximate to the seat pan 112 are also possible.

[0033] The airbag 318 has a deployed position shown in FIG. 3 where a chamber 320 of the airbag 318 extends from a front edge of the seat 104, here, a lower front edge of the seat pan 112, to the body structure 102 of the cabin 100, in this case, a floor of a transportation device that includes the seat 104. In other words, to move from the stowed position (not shown) to the deployed position of FIG. 3, the airbag 318 is deployed, inflating the chamber 320 to a sufficient pressure and size to cover a gap between the seat pan 112 and the body structure 102 at a location proximate to a lower, front edge of the seat pan 112. [0034] The airbag 318 includes an engagement portion 322 configured to couple a distal end of the airbag 318 to the floor of the transportation device (e.g., to material that covers the body structure 102) that includes the seat 104. The engagement portion 322 may differ in features from the chamber 320, such as having a different pressure than the chamber 320. The engagement portion 322 may include a coating on an exterior of the airbag 318 that increases friction between the engagement portion 322 and any materials on the floor (e.g., carpet, floor mats, etc., not shown) that cover the body structure 102 of the cabin 100. The engagement portion 322 may include self-fastening or high-friction materials, such as sandpaper, adhesive, hooks and loops, or other surfaces configured to engage with materials on the floor (e.g., carpet, not shown) that cover the body structure 102.

[0035] The safety system 308 also includes a tether 324. The tether 324 is coupled at a first end to the airbag 318 (such as via anchors, not shown). The tether 324 extends from the airbag 318 into or adjacent to the seat pan 312 (such as to another anchor, not shown). The tether 324 can be formed from cable, cord, fabric, or other materials suitable to sustain tension. The anchors (not shown) can be formed from stitching, fabric loops, hooks, loops, or other mechanism suitable to couple the tether 324 to the airbag 318 and to the seat pan 312. In the example of FIG. 3, one tether 324 is shown, though the safety system 308 can include additional tethers, depending, for example, on shapes and sizes of the airbag 318 and the seat pan 112. The tether 324 may assist the engagement portion 322 in positioning the airbag 318 with respect to the seat pan 112 and the body structure 102 (i.e., the floor covering the body structure 102). For example, the tether 324 can be configured to guide the airbag 318 from the stowed position (not shown) to the deployed position extending between the stowed object 110 and an occupant within or facing the seat 104, such as an occupant seated in the seat 106 of FIGS. 1 and 2. In the example of FIG. 3, the seat 104 is facing rearward in the X direction, but other orientations of the seat 104 are possible, such as inward-facing in the Y direction or forward-facing in the X direction.

[0036] Deployment of the airbag 318, the tether 324, or both can be implemented using a deployment mechanism (not shown) and optionally, a tensioning mechanism (not shown). The safety system 308 can include a deployment mechanism configured to open, position, or break away a portion of the seat pan 112 (or other portion of the seat 104) to allow the airbag 318 to deploy and the tether 324 to guide the chamber 320 in traveling from the stowed position within or proximate to the seat pan 112 to the deployed position shown in FIG. 3. The safety system 308 can include an optional tensioning mechanism configured to pull the tether 324 taught, which in combination with the engagement portion 322, can hold the airbag 318 against the body structure 102 (or materials, such as carpet, covering the body structure 102) in a generally fixed position between the stowed object 110 and an occupant (not shown) within or facing the seat 104.

[0037] The deployment mechanism may be configured as one or more of a pyrotechnic device, an electromechanical device, a pneumatic device, a hydraulic device, and/or a pretensioned spring. For example, an electromechanical device can include an electric motor, a threaded rod, and a threaded guide configured to receive commands from the controller 114. A pneumatic device can include pressurized gas (or a vacuum) configured to effect movement of a piston (not shown) based on a command from the controller 114. A pre-tensioned spring can include a spring held in tension until being selectively released, for example, based on a command from the controller 114.

[0038] When deployed from the seat 104, here, specifically, the seat pan 112, the airbag 318, specifically, the chamber 320, is configured to restrain motion of an occupant (not shown) within or facing the seat 104, such as an occupant seated in the seat 106 of FIGS. 1 and 2. For example, an occupant (not shown) facing the seat 104 may experience relatively unconstrained motion, such as a pendulum-like swinging or kicking motion in the X-direction and Z-direction, of a lower limb, such as a shin, an ankle, and/or a foot, during an event such as a rapid deceleration or a collision given the open nature of the cabin 100. The presence of the chamber 320 of the airbag 318 can cushion, prohibit, reduce a velocity of, or otherwise mitigate an effect of contact between the lower limb, that is, the shin, the ankle, and/or the foot of the occupant, and the seat pan 112.

[0039] The airbag 318, specifically, the chamber 320, is also configured to restrain motion, for example, motion in the X direction, of the stowed object 110 beneath the seat 104. Use of the tether 324 of the safety system 308 can assist in maintaining a position of the chamber 320 when contact occurs with the stowed object 110. For example, the stowed object 110 may tend to slide from its stowed position as shown under the seat 104 to another position (not shown) within the cabin 100 during an event such as a rapid deceleration or a collision. The presence of the chamber 320, the engagement portion 322, and the tether 324 holding a position of the chamber 320 can prohibit the stowed object 110 from sliding into an open area of the cabin 100. In some examples, neither the engagement portion 322 nor the tether 324 is needed to keep the stowed object 110 in the stowed position under the seat 104, and the chamber 320 alone may be sufficient to keep the stowed object 110 in the position shown in FIG. 3. [0040] Deployment of the airbag 318 can occur is response to several detected conditions. For example, the airbag 318 can deploy in response to an output signal from a sensor system, such as including the sensors 116, 216, indicative of an imminent event, such as an imminent collision. Deployment of the airbag 318 may not occur based solely on the indication of the imminent event. Instead, the airbag 318 may be deployed, such as based on a command from the controller 114, when at least one additional condition is detected, that is, when two conditions are detected. For example, if another output signal from the sensor system, such as the from the sensors 116, 216, is indicative of an occupant within or facing the seat 104, the airbag 318 can deploy. In another example, if another output signal from the sensor system, such as from the sensors 116, 216, is indicative of the stowed object 110 being beneath the seat pan 112 of the seat 104, the airbag 318 can deploy. In other words, the safety system 308 can be designed such that the airbag 318 deploys if both an event, such as an imminent collision or rapid deceleration, is detected and either the stowed object 110 is detected beneath the seat 104 or an occupant is detected within or facing the seat 104.

[0041] The safety system 308 may also include features that prohibit deployment of the airbag 318 in response to different detected conditions. For example, in response to an output signal from the sensor system, such as from the sensors 116, 216, indicative of a location of the stowed object 110 blocking the deployment mechanism (not shown), the airbag 318 may be blocked from deployment. In other words, if the stowed object 110 is not completely beneath the seat 104 or is too large to fit fully under the seat 104, such that the airbag 318 cannot deploy to reach the deployed position shown in FIG. 3, deployment of the airbag 318 can be prohibited. In another example, in response to an output signal from the sensor system, such as from the sensors 116, 216, indicative of an absence of an occupant within or facing the seat 104, the airbag 318 can be blocked from deployment. Efficiency of the safety system 308 can be improved by requiring several detected conditions prior to deployment, thus avoiding deployment when cushioning may not be required.

[0042] FIG. 4 is a schematic side view illustration of the cabin 100 of FIG. 1 showing an embodiment of a safety system 408 in a deployed position. The seat pan 112 has a slightly different position or angle with respect to the X axis than is shown is FIG. 3, for example, the seat 104 is in a reclined position. The safety system 408 can be similar to the safety systems 108, 208, 308 of FIGS. 1 to 3. The airbag 418 can be packaged or disposed in and configured to deploy from the seat pan 112 of the seat 104. In other words, the airbag 418 can have a stowed position (not shown) disposed within the seat pan 112 of the seat 104, such as within the dashed line area within the seat pan 112. [0043] The airbag 418 has a deployed position shown in FIG. 4 where a first chamber 420 of the airbag 418 extends from a front edge of the seat 104, here, a lower front edge of the seat pan 112, to the body structure 102 of the cabin 100, in this case, a floor covering the body structure 102 of a transportation device that includes the seat 104. A second chamber 426 of the airbag 418, separated from the first chamber 420 using a dashed line, extends from a distal end of the first chamber 420 to a bottom surface of the seat, here, a bottom surface of the seat pan 112. The first and second chambers 420, 426 may be separated by a baffle, may have different pressures, or may have other unique features. For example, a pressure within the second chamber 426 may be higher than a pressure within the first chamber 420. In the embodiment of the safety system 408 shown in FIG. 4, the bottom surface of the seat pan 112 acts a reaction surface for the second chamber 426 of the airbag 418, thereby positioning the first chamber 420 of the airbag to cover a gap between the seat 104 and the body structure 102 (e.g., the floor) of the transportation device.

[0044] In other words, to move from the stowed position (not shown) to the deployed position of FIG. 4, the airbag 418 is deployed, such as by a deployment mechanism (not shown), inflating the first chamber 420 to a sufficient pressure and size to cover a gap between the seat pan 112 and the body structure 102 at a location proximate to a lower front edge of the seat pan 112. The second chamber 426 is inflated to a sufficient pressure and size to abut a lower surface of the seat pan 112 and to hold the first chamber 420 in position between the stowed object 110 and an open area of the cabin 100. In this way, the second chamber 426 can replace the tether 324 of FIG. 3 as a positioning or anchoring feature for the airbag 418 such that the second chamber 426 will prohibit the stowed object 110 from sliding into an open area of the cabin 100 while the first chamber 420 restrains motion of an occupant within or facing the seat 104 (e.g., X direction and/or Z direction motion of a lower limb of the occupant, not shown), such as an occupant seated in the seat 106 of FIGS. 1 and 2. In the example of FIG. 4, the seat 104 is facing rearward in the X direction, but other orientations of the seat 104 are possible, such as inward-facing in the Y direction or forwardfacing in the X direction.

[0045] In a case where another occupant is seated in the seat 104, the first chamber 420 may also limit motion of a lower limb of such a seated occupant, for example, by cushioning a back of a knee or a calf of such an occupant seated in the seat 104. Use of the second chamber 426 to position the first chamber 420 may be beneficial when the airbag 418 is used to restrain lower limb motion for both the occupant facing the seat 104 and the occupant seated within the seat 104 (not shown), such as by angling the first chamber 420 with respect to the Z direction using the second chamber 426. Deployment of the airbag 418 to limit motion of a lower limb of an occupant facing the seat 104, and optionally, another occupant seated within the seat 104, can occur in response to one or more output signals from the sensor system, such as from the sensors 116, 216, in a manner described with respect to FIG. 3.

[0046] FIG. 5 is a schematic side view illustration of the cabin 100 of FIG. 1 showing an embodiment of a safety system 508 in a deployed position. The safety system 508 can be similar to the safety systems 108, 208, 308, 408 of FIGS. 1 to 4. The safety system 508 includes an airbag 518 that inflates to define a chamber 520. The chamber 520 can be a single chamber or two or more chambers, for example, having differing sizes or pressures when inflated. The airbag 518 can be configured to deploy from the seat pan 112, for example, to inflate at a position near a front edge of the seat pan 112. The airbag 518 can be configured to deploy adjacent to a reaction surface 528, The reaction surface 528 can be extendable from the seat pan 112 of the seat 104, such as through use of a deployment mechanism (not shown).

[0047] Prior to deployment, the airbag 518 can be stored within the seat pan 112 at a location behind (i.e., leftward in the X direction) the reaction surface 528, such as within an area shown in dashed line that represents an example of a stowed position for the airbag 518. The reaction surface 528 and the portion of the seat pan 112 that includes storage for the airbag 518 can be controlled to extend from a front edge of the seat pan 112 toward a floor (i.e., toward the body structure 102) of a transportation device that includes the seat 104 as shown. The reaction surface 528 is configured to position the airbag 518, once deployed, to cover a gap or space between the seat pan 112 and the floor of the transportation device. [0048] The reaction surface 528 may be a fixed part of the seat pan 112 and cover at least some of a gap between the seat pan 112 and the floor that covers the body structure 102. Whether fixed or extendable, the reaction surface 528 of the seat pan 112 can replace the second chamber 426 of the airbag 418 of FIG. 4 or the tether 324 of FIG. 3 as a positioning or anchoring feature for the airbag 518 such that when deployed, the chamber 520 will restrain motion of an occupant (e.g., X direction and/or Z direction motion of a lower limb of the occupant, not shown) facing the seat 104, such as an occupant seated in the seat 106 of FIGS.

1 and 2. In the example of FIG. 5, the seat 104 is facing rearward in the X direction, but other orientations of the seat 104 are possible, such as inward-facing in the Y direction or forwardfacing in the X direction. [0049] Neither the airbag 518 nor the reaction surface 528 of the safety system 508 in FIG. 5 extend a full distance of the gap between the seat pan 112 and floor that covers the body structure 102 when deployed. Partial coverage of the gap or space between the seat pan 112 and the body structure 102 may be sufficient to restrain motion of a lower limb of an occupant facing the seat 104, that is, the shin, the ankle, and/or the foot of the occupant facing the seat 104 may be cushioned by the airbag 518 during an event such as a collision despite a gap remaining between the airbag 518 and the floor that covers the body structure 102.

[0050] The chamber 520 of the airbag 518 may also be used to limit motion of a lower limb of an occupant (not shown) seated in the seat 104, for example, by cushioning a back of a knee or a calf of such an occupant seated in the seat 104 when the airbag 518 is deployed. The safety system 508 is not shown as restraining motion of a stowed object (not shown) beneath the seat 104, though it may also be possible to use the safety system 508 to restrain motion (e.g., motion in the X direction) of a stowed object during an event. For example, the stowed object may be stowed beneath the seat 104 and behind the reaction surface 528 by sliding the object into the gap from a side of the seat 104. Deployment of the airbag 518 can occur in response to one or more output signals from the sensor system, such as from the sensors 116, 216, in a manner described with respect to FIG. 3.

[0051] FIG. 6 is a schematic side view illustration of the cabin 100 of FIG. 1 showing an embodiment of a safety system 608 in a deployed position. The safety system 608 can be similar to the safety systems 108, 208, 308, 408, 508 of FIGS. 1 to 5. The safety system 608 includes an airbag 618 that inflates to define a chamber 620. The chamber 620 can be a single chamber or two or more chambers, for example, having differing sizes or pressures when inflated. The airbag 618 can be configured to deploy from a bottom surface of the seat pan 112, extending from a front edge of the seat pan 112, beneath the seat pan 112, to a rear edge of the seat pan 112 as shown, such as through use of a deployment mechanism (not shown). [0052] Prior to deployment, the airbag 618 can be stored within the seat pan 112, such as within an area shown in dashed line that represents an example of a stowed position for the airbag 618. Abase or lower surface of the seat pan 112 is configured to position the chamber 620 of airbag 618, once deployed, to cover a portion of a gap or space between the seat pan 112 and the floor covering the body structure 102 of the transportation device. The chamber 620 is configured to restrain motion of an occupant (e.g., X direction and/or Z direction motion of a lower limb of the occupant, not shown) facing the seat 104, such as an occupant seated in the seat 106 of FIGS. 1 and 2. For example, the chamber 620 can cushion the lower limb of the occupant facing the seat 104 when the lower limb of the occupant undergoes a pendulum-like swinging or kicking motion prior to an imminent event or during an event such as rapid deceleration. In the example of FIG. 6, the seat 104 is facing rearward in the X direction, but other orientations of the seat 104 are possible, such as inward-facing in the Y direction or forward-facing in the X direction.

[0053] The safety system 608 is not shown as restraining motion of a stowed object (not shown) beneath the seat 104, though it may also be possible to use the safety system 608 to restrain motion (e.g., motion in the X direction, Y direction, or Z direction) of a stowed object during an event, such as by inflating the chamber 620 to engage with the stowed object to maintain a position of the stowed object under the seat 104. Deployment of the airbag 618 can occur in response to one or more output signals from the sensor system, such as from the sensors 116, 216, in a manner described with respect to FIG. 3.

[0054] FIG. 7 is a schematic side view illustration of the cabin 100 of FIG. 1 showing an embodiment of a safety system 708. The safety system 708 includes a compressible material 730 that covers a bottom surface of the seat pan 112, extending from a front edge of the seat pan 112, beneath the seat pan 112, to a rear edge of the seat pan 112 as shown.

[0055] The compressible material 730 may include a foam material, such as a polyurethane foam, an expanded polypropylene foam, a polyethylene foam, or another material that can provides cushioning during an impact with such material. The foam may have a predetermined density, such as 40 grams per liter, 50 grams per liter, or 60 grams per liter. The foam may have a predetermined thickness, such as 10mm, 35 mm, or 70mm, that extends below a bottom surface of the seat pan 112.

[0056] The compressible material 730 is configured to restrain motion of an occupant (e.g., X direction and/or Z direction motion of a lower limb of the occupant, not shown) facing the seat 104, such as an occupant seated in the seat 106 of FIGS. 1 and 2. For example, the compressible material 730 can cushion the lower limb of the occupant facing the seat 104 when the lower limb of the occupant undergoes a pendulum-like swinging or kicking motion prior to an imminent event such as a collision or during an event such as a rapid deceleration. In the example of FIG. 7, the seat 104 is facing rearward in the X direction, but other orientations of the seat 104 are possible, such as inward-facing in the Y direction or forwardfacing in the X direction.

[0057] FIG. 8 is a schematic top view illustration of the cabin 100 of FIG. 1 showing an embodiment of a safety system 808 in a stowed position. Though shown in FIGS. 3 to 6 in deployed positions, the safety systems 308, 408, 508, 608 may have stowed positions similar to the stowed position described for the safety system 808.

[0058] In FIG. 8, the cabin 100 includes a seat 804 configured to support two or three occupants in a rear-facing configuration, for example, a bench-style seat. The safety system 808 includes two portions, a first portion 808a and a second portion 808b, that are spaced apart in the Y direction within (or under) a seat pan 812 of the seat 804. The first and second portions 808a, b of the safety system 808 include first and second airbags 818a,b that are packaged near a front edge of the seat pan 812. The first and second portions 808a, b of the safety system 808 also include first and second deployment mechanisms 832a, b, the first and second deployment mechanisms 832a, b configured to deploy the first and second airbags 818a,b, such as in response to one or more output signals from the sensor system, such as from the sensors 116, 216, in a manner described with respect to FIG. 3. In the example of FIG. 8, the seat 804 is facing rearward in the X direction, but other orientations of the seat 804 are possible, such as inward-facing in the Y direction or forward-facing in the X direction.

[0059] The first and second deployment mechanisms 832a, b may be configured to operate independently, that is, the first airbag 818a may be deployed without the second airbag 818b being deployed based, for example, on presence of a stowed object (not shown) beneath only a portion of the seat 804. That is, the stowed object may be located such that only the first airbag 818a is positioned to restrain the stowed object during an event. The second airbag 818b may be deployed without the first airbag 818a being deployed based, for example, on presence of an occupant in the seat 106 of FIGS. 1 and 2 and absence of an occupant in the seat 206 of FIGS. 1 and 2 facing the seat 804. That is, the occupant facing the seat 804 may be seated in the seat 106 (not the seat 206) of FIG. 2, and the occupant is thus located such that only the second airbag 818b is positioned to cushion a lower limb of the occupant during an event that leads to a swinging or kicking motion of the lower limb of the occupant facing the seat 804.

[0060] The first and second deployment mechanisms 832a, b may include components that eject, inflate, and/or control position of the first and second airbags 818a, b. For example, the first and second deployment mechanisms 832a, b can be configured to deploy the first and second airbags 818a,b pyrotechnically, electromechanically, pneumatically, hydraulically, and/or using a pre-tensioned spring. Although the first and second deployment mechanisms 832a, b are shown as extending generally fore-aft within the seat pan 812 in the X direction, other packing options for the first and second deployment mechanisms 832a, b are also possible.

[0061] FIG. 9 is a flowchart describing a process 934 for a safety system. The process 934 includes a step 936 of receiving a first output signal indicative of an event, that is, identifying an event such as an imminent collision, a rapid deceleration, a rollover of a transportation device, or an in-progress collision. The step 936 can be implemented using, for example, the controller 114 and the sensor 216 described with respect to FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0062] The process 934 includes a step 938 of receiving a second output signal indicative of an occupant within or facing a seat, that is, identifying an occupant seated within a seat or that faces a seat that includes a safety system having features suitable to restrain motion of the occupant, specifically, motion of a lower limb of the occupant. The step 938 can be implement using, for example, the controller 114 and the sensor 116 described with respect to FIGS. 1 and 2. For example, the safety systems 108, 208, 308, 408, 508, 608, 708, and 808a, b of FIGS. 1 to 8 include such features.

[0063] The process 934 includes an optional step 940 (shown in dashed line) of receiving a third output signal indicative of a stowed object beneath the seat, that is, identifying a stowed object below the seat that includes a safety system having features suitable to restrain motion of the stowed object. The optional step 940 can be implement using, for example, the controller 114 and the sensor 216 described with respect to FIGS. 1 and 2. For example, the safety systems 108, 208, 308, 408, and 808a, b of at least FIGS. 1 to 4 and 8 include such features.

[0064] The process 934 includes a step 942 of deploying a restraint of the safety system. For example, the step 942 can include deploying an airbag below the seat which the occupant is within or faces based on the first and second output signals so that an engagement portion of the airbag couples a distal end of the airbag to a floor of a transportation device that includes the seat as is shown by the deployed positions of the airbags 318, 418 in the safety systems 308, 408 of FIGS. 3 and 4. The step 942 of deploying can occur pyrotechnically, electromechanically, pneumatically, hydraulically, or using a pre-tensioned spring.

[0065] When the optional step 940 occurs, and a stowed object is identified, deploying the safety system in step 942 can include deploying a restraint such as an airbag between the stowed object and the occupant within or facing the seat. The airbag can restrain both motion of the occupant within or facing the seat and motion of the stowed object beneath the seat as is shown by the deployed positions of the airbags 318, 418 in the safety systems 308, 408 of FIGS. 3 and 4. [0066] FIG. 10 is a block diagram that shows a safety system 1044. The safety system 1044 can include a controller 1046, sensors 1048, a deployment mechanism 1050, a positioning mechanism 1052, and an airbag 1054.

[0067] The safety system 1044 can operate in a manner similar to the safety systems 108, 208, 308, 408, 508, 608, 708, 808 of FIGS. 1 to 8. The controller 1046 can operate in a manner similar to the controller 114 of FIGS. 1 to 8. The sensors 1048 can operate in a manner similar to the sensors 116, 216 of FIGS. 1 to 2. The deployment mechanism 1050 can operate in a manner similar to the first and second deployment mechanisms 832a, b of FIG. 8. The positioning mechanism 1052 can operate in a manner similar to the tether 324, the second chamber 426, and/or the reaction surface 528 of FIGS. 3 to 5. The airbag 1054 can operate in a manner similar to the airbags 318, 418, 518, 618, 818 of FIGS. 3 to 6 and 8. The safety system 1044 is shown as including the sensors 1048, the deployment mechanism 1050, the positioning mechanism 1052, and the airbag 1054, but one or more of these components may be absent from the safety system 1044.

[0068] The controller 1046 coordinates operation of the safety system 1044 by communicating electronically (e.g., using wired or wireless communications) with the sensors 1048, the deployment mechanism 1050, the positioning mechanism 1052, and the airbag 1054. The controller 1046 may receive information (e.g., signals, information, and/or data) from the sensors 1048 and may receive information from and/or send information to other portions of the safety system 1044 such as the deployment mechanism 1050, the positioning mechanism 1052, the airbag 1054, or other portions (not shown).

[0069] The controller 1046, usable as the controller 114, includes a processor, a memory device, a storage device, one or more input devices, and one or more output devices. These components may be interconnected by hardware such as a bus that allows communication between the components. The processor may be a central processing unit operable to execute stored program instructions such that the controller 1046 (or the controller 114) can perform operations described by the computer program instructions. The memory device may be a volatile, high-speed, short-term information storage device such as a random-access memory module. The storage device may be a non-volatile information storage device such as a hard drive or a solid-state drive. The input devices may any type of human-machine interface, such as buttons, switches, a keyboard, a mouse, a touchscreen input device, a gestural input device, or an audio input device. The output devices may include any type of device operable to send commands associated with an operating mode or state or provide an indication to a user regarding an operating mode or state, such as a display screen, or an audio output. [0070] The sensors 1048, usable as the sensors 116, 216, may capture or receive information related, for example, to components of the safety system 1044 and from an environment where the safety system 1044 is located. The environment can be an exterior of a transportation device or an interior of a transportation device such as the cabin 100 of FIGS. 1 to 8. Information captured or received by the sensors 1048 can relate to seats, occupants, operation of other transportation devices, pedestrians and/or objects in an external environment, operating conditions of the transportation device, operating conditions or trajectories of other transportation devices, and/or other conditions within the transportation device or exterior to the transportation device.

[0071] The safety system 1044 can change an operational mode of the deployment mechanism 1050, the positioning mechanism 1052, and/or the airbag 1054 based on a control signal, such as a signal from the controller 1046 (or the controller 114). The control signal may be based on information captured or received by the sensors 1048 (or the sensors 116, 216) and may change various components within the safety system 1044 between various operational modes, such as between stowed positions and deployed positions. For example, the control signal from the controller 1046 may lead to one or both of the first and second deployment mechanisms 832a, b deploying one or both of the first and second airbags 818a,b, moving one or both of the first and second airbags from stowed positions to deployed positions as shown in FIG. 8.

[0072] As described above, one aspect of the present technology is the gathering and use of data available from various sources, such as from the sensors 116, 216, 1048 or user profiles, to improve the function of safety systems such as the safety systems 108, 208, 308, 408, 508, 608, 708, 808, 1044. The present disclosure contemplates that in some instances, this gathered data may include personal information data that uniquely identifies or can be used to contact or locate a specific person. Such personal information data can include demographic data, location-based data, telephone numbers, email addresses, twitter IDs, home addresses, data or records relating to a user’s health or level of fitness (e.g., vital signs measurements, medication information, and exercise information), date of birth, or any other identifying or personal information.

[0073] The present disclosure recognizes that the use of personal information data, in the present technology, can be used to the benefit of users. For example, the personal information data can be used to deliver changes to operational modes of safety systems such as the safety systems 108, 208, 308, 408, 508, 608, 708, 808, 1044 to best match user preferences or profiles. Other uses for personal information data that benefit the user are also possible. For instance, health and fitness data may be used to provide insights into a user’s general wellness or may be used as positive feedback to individuals using technology to pursue wellness goals.

[0074] The present disclosure contemplates that the entities responsible for the collection, analysis, disclosure, transfer, storage, or other use of such personal information data will comply with well-established privacy policies and/or privacy practices. In particular, such entities should implement and consistently use privacy policies and practices that are generally recognized as meeting or exceeding industry or governmental requirements for maintaining personal information data private and secure. Such policies should be easily accessible by users and should be updated as the collection and/or use of data changes. Personal information from users should be collected for legitimate and reasonable uses of the entity and not shared or sold outside of those legitimate uses. Further, such collection/sharing should occur after receiving the informed consent of the users.

[0075] Additionally, such entities should consider taking any needed steps for safeguarding and securing access to such personal information data and ensuring that others with access to the personal information data adhere to their privacy policies and procedures. Further, such entities can subject themselves to evaluation by third parties to certify their adherence to widely accepted privacy policies and practices. In addition, policies and practices should be adapted for the particular types of personal information data being collected and/or accessed and adapted to applicable laws and standards, including jurisdiction-specific considerations. For instance, in the US, collection of or access to certain health data may be governed by federal and/or state laws, such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA); whereas health data in other countries may be subject to other regulations and policies and should be handled accordingly. Hence different privacy practices should be maintained for different personal data types in each country.

[0076] Despite the foregoing, the present disclosure also contemplates embodiments in which users selectively block the use of, or access to, personal information data. That is, the present disclosure contemplates that hardware and/or software elements can be provided to prevent or block access to such personal information data. For example, in the case of userprofile-based safety systems, the present technology can be configured to allow users to select to "opt in" or "opt out" of participation in the collection of personal information data during registration for services or anytime thereafter. In addition to providing “opt in” and “opt out” options, the present disclosure contemplates providing notifications relating to the access or use of personal information. For instance, a user may be notified upon downloading an app that their personal information data will be accessed and then reminded again just before personal information data is accessed by the app.

[0077] Moreover, it is the intent of the present disclosure that personal information data should be managed and handled in a way to minimize risks of unintentional or unauthorized access or use. Risk can be minimized by limiting the collection of data and deleting data once it is no longer needed. In addition, and when applicable, including in certain health related applications, data de-identification can be used to protect a user’s privacy. De-identification may be facilitated, when appropriate, by removing specific identifiers (e.g., date of birth, etc.), controlling the amount or specificity of data stored (e.g., collecting location data a city level rather than at an address level), controlling how data is stored (e.g., aggregating data across users), and/or other methods.

[0078] Therefore, although the present disclosure broadly covers use of personal information data to implement one or more various disclosed embodiments, the present disclosure also contemplates that the various embodiments can be implemented without the need for accessing such personal information data. That is, the various embodiments of the present technology are not rendered inoperable due to the lack of all or a portion of such personal information data. For example, changes in operational modes in safety systems can be implemented for a given user by inferring user preferences or user status based on nonpersonal information data, a bare minimum amount of personal information, other nonpersonal information available to the system, or publicly available information.