Actuatable knee bolster

US6213506A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• TRW Limited · US

Inventors

• Timothy A. Swann · Mesa, US
• Vincent M. Mramor · Chandler, US
• Kevin M. Brown · Mesa, US
• Roy D. Van Wynsberghe · Mesa, US
• Bryan W. Shirk · Mesa, US
• Eric C. Erike · Mesa, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jan 14, 2000
• Grant date: Apr 10, 2001
• Expiry date: Jan 14, 2020

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B60R2021/23528
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

An apparatus (10) for helping to protect an occupant of a vehicle comprises a knee bolster (20) for engaging at least one leg of the occupant to restrain the occupant. The knee bolster (20) comprises a metal tube (50) having a collapsed condition and an expanded condition. The metal tube (50) when in the expanded condition positions the knee bolster (20) to help protect the vehicle occupant. The apparatus (10) also comprises a pyrotechnic transfer line (60, 62, 64) extending within the collapsed metal tube (50). The pyrotechnic transfer line (60, 62, 64) when ignited generates fluid under pressure in the metal tube to expand the metal tube from the collapsed condition to the expanded condition. The apparatus (10) further comprises an igniter (70) for igniting the pyrotechnic transfer line (60, 62, 64).