Patent · US Expired

Hybrid inflator with elongated housing and center discharge

US5533751A · kind A · utility

31Cited by
10References
26Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateApr 17, 1995
Grant dateJul 9, 1996
Priority date
Expiry dateApr 17, 2015

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
  • CPC primaryB60R21/272
  • WIPO fieldTransport
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

A hybrid inflator for an inflatable restraint system has a center frame and two tubular end caps forming an elongated housing defining a chamber storing pressurized inert gas. Unit means for heating and delivering the stored gas are mounted in the center frame and positioned to deliver inflation gasses centrally with respect to the elongated housing. In a two unit embodiment, one unit includes a squib and a pyrotechnic gas generant, and the other unit defines an outlet orifice and baffle plate. In another two unit embodiment, the second unit includes an essentially non gas-producing heating composition which, when activated, heats and expands the pressurized gas. In a third embodiment, a unit includes heating material and ignition means and defines the outlet orifice. The center manifold is extruded metal stock with two opposing flat surfaces adapted to mount one or more units.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.