Gas inflator apparatus
US5060974A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 30, 1990 |
| Grant date | Oct 29, 1991 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 30, 2010 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB60R2021/26035
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A gas inflator apparatus for deploying inflatable devices, particularly automobile air bags, which provides an initial flow rate of gas onto the air bag, followed by a delayed maximum flow rate to fully depoly the air bag, the apparatus particularly having the capability to program the delay by monitoring cartain environmental conditions, namely pressure, and additionally providing temperature compensation for variations in ambient conditions, all of which optimize performance of the gas inflator apparatus over a wider range of operating conditions. A single electrical signal is sent to the gas inflator apparatus upon the sensing of an impact. The signal actuates an electro-explosive device which allows stored gas in the gas inflator apparatus to begin flowing into the air bag. Mechanical elements monitor the differential pressure between a pressure related to the pressure in the housing which stores the gas and a reference pressure. Upon achievement of a programmed differential pressure, the mechanical elements ignite a gas generator propellant, the combustion of which augments the flow rate into the air bag to ensure full inflation thereof.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.