Air bag module with variable inflation
US6439603B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 13, 1999 |
| Grant date | Aug 27, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 13, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB60R2021/2765
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Variable deployment performance by controlling the quantity and fluid flow path of the inflator gas into or out of an air bag module according to the present invention. The air bag module includes a vent opening and a cushion retainer diffuser including a plurality of diffuser openings which permits fluid communication between an annular cavity and an air bag cushion. The vent opening provides a fluid path for the inflator gas to flow from the annular cavity to outside of the air bag module. For full level deployment, the vent opening is closed and therefore the inflator gas is not permitted to flow away from the air bag module but instead flows into the air bag cushion. For low level deployment, the volume of inflator gas which flows into the air bag cushion is controlled by selecting the ratio between the cross-sectional area of the diffuser openings and the cross-sectional area of the vent opening. For example, for reduced low level deployment, the cross-sectional area of the vent opening is increased in relation to the cross-sectional area of the diffuser openings. Conversely, for increased low level deployment, the cross-sectional area of the vent opening is decreased in relat…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.