Hybrid adaptive inflator for airbags
US5630619A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 9, 1996 |
| Grant date | May 20, 1997 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 9, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB60R2021/2725
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A hybrid adaptive airbag inflator. The inflator includes two separate chambers, each containing a quantity of stored inert gas. Each chamber additionally includes a heating device to heat the stored gas. To provide adaptive performance, one, or the other, or both of the heating devices may be fired, depending upon the severity of the collision. The heated stored gas increases in pressure and breaks free of the chamber to inflate the cushion. The two chambers are preferably provided with restricted gas communication, to equalize pressure between the chambers over time. This restricted communication maintains the chambers essentially separate over the short time periods associated with inflation. Over time, however, the communication will permit any unfired chamber to depressurize, providing increased safety.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.