The present invention provides a system and method for distributing
inflation gases within an airbag cushion. Such a cushion may have one or
more protection zones configured to inflate to protect vehicle occupants.
An inflation channel maybe enclosed by one or more of the protection
zones, and may be attached to a mounting surface within a protection zone.
The inflation channel may be connected to an inflator, and may have a
plurality of holes along its length, sized or spaced apart in a manner
selected to provide a comparatively even flow rate of inflation gas to all
parts of the cushion during inflation. Additionally, the inflation channel
may have a gas outlet extension along which the holes are disposed; the
gas outlet extension may have a tapered shape configured to collapse under
external pressure to prevent backflow of inflation gases into the
inflation channel. The inflation channel may be easily manufactured in a
number of ways, including extrusion of a polymeric workpiece with a slit
along its length. The slit may be intermittently closed to form the gas
outlet extension with the holes, without the need for punching or
drilling.
