Hybrid inflator with staged inflation capability
US5351988A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 14, 1992 |
| Grant date | Oct 4, 1994 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 14, 2012 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB60R2021/2633
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An inflator comprising: a pressure vessel (10) for storing a quantity of stored inflation gas under pressure. The pressure vessel comprising a first burst disk (46) and a seal disk (310) both for selectively sealing same. The inflator (10) including a gas release mechanism (52, 300) for permitting the controlled, staged release of the inflation gas at determinable inflation rates. The gas release mechanism includes: a first pyrotechnic device, positioned outside of the pressure vessel and spaced from the first burst disk (46), including a piston (72) moved into a disk piercing position to rupture the first burst disk (46) in response to the buildup of pressure caused burning of a first quantity of propellant material (218). The bursting of the first burst disk permits the inflation gas to initially flow out of the pressure vessel at a determinable cold inflation rate, the piston thereafter provides a conduit to communicate the products of combustion of the burning propellent to the pressure means so as to increase the temperature of the inflation gas therein and thereby increase the rate of egress of the gas. The inflator (10) also includes a second pyrotechnic mechanism (300), pos…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.