Inflatabe metal bladders for automobile passenger protection
US5868422A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 24, 1998 |
| Grant date | Feb 9, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 24, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB60R2021/2359
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An inflatable metal bladder mounted to a motorized vehicle. The bladder is inflatable from a first condition to a second condition. The bladder has at least a first metal sheet having a thickness of from about 0.004 in to about 0.030 in. When actuated, a gas generator generates a gaseous stream having a temperature of from about 600.degree. C. to about 2000.degree. C. A sensor detects an impact of the vehicle with an external object. The sensor is coupled to the gas generator so as to actuate the gas generator responsive to detection of the impact. A conduit couples the gas generator and bladder to direct the gaseous stream to the bladder and thereby inflate the bladder from the first condition to the second condition. In the second condition, the inflatable member engages a vehicle occupant to place such occupant in a preferred position to avoid injury caused by the impact.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.