Multi-stage gas generator with thermal uncoupling of the propellant charges

US6314888A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• TRW Airbag Systems GmbH & Co. KG · DE

Inventors

• Werner Muller · East Greenwich, US
• Roland Schropp · Tegernheim, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: May 18, 1999
• Grant date: Nov 13, 2001
• Expiry date: May 18, 2019

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B60R2021/2648
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A multi-stage gas generator comprises a housing with an outer wall and also inner walls, at least two combustion chambers filled with at least one propellant charge, one igniter each associated with a propellant charge for the independent activation of each propellant charge, and at least one thermal insulation arrangement between the propellant charges. The arrangement reduces a transport of thermal energy, generated on the ignition of a propellant charge, to the other non-ignited propellant charge to such a high extent that the non-ignited propellant charge remains below its autogenous ignition temperature. Instead of or additionally to the thermal arrangement a cooling arrangement may be provided.