Pressurized gas inflator for vehicle occupant protection systems
US5542702A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 27, 1995 |
| Grant date | Aug 6, 1996 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 27, 2015 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB60R21/272
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A pressurized gas inflator suited for side impact airbags comprises an elongated cylindrical bottle having a closed end and an open end defining an outlet opening. A diaphragm is sealed across the open end of the bottle to form a chamber containing pressurized gas. A cup-shaped diffuser also has an open end secured to the open end of the bottle with the periphery of the diaphragm therebetween. A squib is mounted in the diffuser for rupturing the diaphragm. An enhanced squib with 300-400 milligrams of ZPP is used in one disclosed inflator and an augmented directional initiator is used in another disclosed inflator. The enhanced squib and augmented directional initiator provide heating to offset adiabatic cooling of the gas. The diffuser defines outlet ports for delivering the inflation gas. The cylindrical bottle has a mounting flange on its closed end, and the mounting flange may be an end cap with a radially extending flange. The diameter of the bottle may be necked down at the open end defining the outlet opening. The squib may be mounted through the wall of the diffuser, with the squib terminals exposed for plug connection.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.