Vehicle occupant protection apparatus
US5799969A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 18, 1997 |
| Grant date | Sep 1, 1998 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 18, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB60R21/272
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A vehicle occupant protection apparatus (10) includes a reaction structure (16), an inflator (14) for inflating a vehicle occupant protection device (12), an initiator (102) for initiating a flow of inflation fluid from the inflator (14), and a tubular connector (104) containing the initiator (102). The connector (104) engages the inflator (14), and extends through an aperture (176) in the reaction structure (16). A fastener (182) engages the connector (104) to fasten the connector (104), the initiator (102) and the inflator (14) to the reaction structure (16). In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus (10) further includes a diffuser (150) with a circular end wall (152) and a cylindrical side wall (154) projecting axially from the end wall (152). The side wall (154) of the diffuser (150) has fluid flow openings (156), and has an annular edge portion (158) crimped against a rim structure (160) on the inflator (14). A mounting stud (162) projects radially from the diffuser (150) and extends through an aperture (178) in the reaction structure (16). Another fastener (180) engages the mounting stud (182) to fasten the diffuser (150) and the inflator (14) to the reaction structure (16).
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.