Variable output inflator
US6149193A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 6, 1999 |
| Grant date | Nov 21, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 6, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB60R2021/2648
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
This invention relates to a multi-stage gas bag inflator, operable initially, when activated, to cause the gas bag to deploy slowly and then, after a delay, to deploy rapidly, includes a housing having at least first and second chambers of preferably different size, separated by a bulkhead. One chamber is preferably smaller since it can be used to produce a smaller amount of gas to cause the initial slow deployment of the gas bag. A gas generant charge is ignited in the first chamber, and after some delay, a gas generant charge in the second chamber is ignited. The multi-stage inflator according to this invention can be used to provide the varying inflation rates needed to adjust the inflation of air bags to accommodate the severity of the collision and the position of the occupants. The inventive inflator is small in size and economical to produce.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.