Variable output inflator for an air bag
US6196582A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 22, 1999 |
| Grant date | Mar 6, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 22, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB60R2021/2633
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
The present invention presents an inflator providing variable output inflation of an air bag cushion in response to full or reduced level deployment conditions. The inflator of the present invention includes a first chamber for storing an inert gas, a second chamber in fluid communication with the first chamber, and a third chamber in selective fluid communication with the second chamber, the third chamber for storing a heat modifier for varying a heat value of the inert gas. The inflator also includes a pyrotechnic device having a combustible material for heating the inert gas and a first initiator for actuating the pyrotechnic device upon first and second deployment conditions. A second initiator for opening the third chamber to the second chamber is provided wherein actuation of the second initiator causing the heat modifier to fluidly communicate with the combustible material and vary the heat value of the inert gas during a combustion process. The second initiator is actuated during second deployment conditions.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.