Air bag inflator with mechanism for deactivation of second stage and autoignition
US6431594B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignees
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 5, 2001 |
| Grant date | Aug 13, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 5, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB60R2021/26047
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An apparatus (10) for inflating an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (36) comprises a housing (12) and an inflation fluid source (34) in the housing for, when actuated, providing fluid for inflating the protection device. An electrically actuatable initiator (38) is connected with the housing (12) for actuating the inflation fluid source (34). The apparatus (10) also comprises vehicle electric circuitry (37) for actuating the initiator (38) to actuate the inflation fluid source (34) in response to sensing an occupant protection event for which inflation of the protection device (36) is desired. A microelectromechanical system device (MEMS device) (52) in the apparatus is electrically energizable to cause actuation of the inflation fluid source (34). An autoignition mechanism (40) responsive to an event other than an occupant protection event energizes the MEMS device to cause actuation of the inflation fluid source. The MEMS device (52), when energized, generates heat for autoigniting the inflation fluid source (34) or for deactivating a secondary inflation fluid source.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.