Initiator for an air bag inflator
US5621183A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 12, 1995 |
| Grant date | Apr 15, 1997 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 12, 2015 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF42B3/124
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An electrically actuatable initiator (10) for an air bag inflator (20) includes an electrically sensitive ignition charge (280) disposed in an electrically conductive ignition cup (290). A plastic insulation cup (320) overlies the ignition cup (290). The insulation cup (320) electrically insulates the ignition cup (290) to block the flow of electric current into the ignition cup to prevent unintended actuation of the ignition charge (280). A locking ring member (380) is made from a shape-memory alloy which shrinks in diameter when heated above a predetermined temperature. The locking ring member (380) secures an output cup (360) to a retainer (150) and hermetically seals between the output cup and the retainer. A second locking ring member (310) secures the ignition cup (290) to a header (150) and seals between the ignition cup and the header.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.