Low pressure switch/initiator/gas generator
US5429387A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 16, 1994 |
| Grant date | Jul 4, 1995 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 16, 2014 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB60R2021/2725
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A single device acts as a pressure switch, gas generated heater, and an igniter. The device has pyrotechnic material such as a combustible gas in an inner chamber. An outer chamber, that is, a chamber in which the device is positioned, includes a gas that may or may not be combustible. A monitor current flows through a pressure monitor resistor and a bridgewire resistor monitoring continuity. When the pressure in the outer chamber decreases below a threshold value, the pressure monitor resistor breaks continuity and causes a resistance change. If an air bag is to deploy, the bridgewire resistor heats up to a point that the pyrotechnic material in the inner chamber is ignited. The resulting combustion ruptures pressure discs and the outward hot product heats the gas in the outer chamber. The outer chamber ruptures and the heated gas therein flows in the air bag.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.