Airbag inflator with direct electrical ignition for small sized gas generant bodies
US5876062A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 29, 1997 |
| Grant date | Mar 2, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 29, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB60R2021/26064
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A two-walled, dual chamber, inflator for inflation of an automotive airbag in the event of a collision is provided. The inflator includes a simplified housing with two internal chambers, including a central chamber and a coaxial outer chamber. The central chamber houses both the solid fuel gas generant bodies and a electrical igniter having a reliable single-stage ignition train in direct contact with the generant bed. The single-stage igniter includes a resistance wire submersed in the generant bed along a convoluted path. Multiple points of direct contact are established between the igniter wire and gas generant over a substantial portion of the generant bed, which leads to more uniform and efficient ignition of the gas generant. To get sufficient surface area for the generant to contact the igniter wire, the gas generant bodies are formed in relatively small sizes of about 0.05 inch or less, which, in turn, limits the selection of gas generant materials to those having low burn rates of about 0.625 inch/second or less to be effective. The outer chamber contains a filter for cooling the generated gas and collecting entrained particulate residues prior to venting into the airbag c…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.