Seat belt webbing pretensioner using MEMS devices

US6641074B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignees

• TRW Limited · US
• TRW VEHICLE SAFETY SYSTEMS INC. · US

Inventors

• Christopher Shih · Torrance, US
• Douglas P. Campbell · Metamora, US
• Lee D. Bergerson · Willow View Lane, US
• Dean M. Esterberg · Tempe, US
• Paul A. Bowers · Traverse City, US
• Ernst M. Faigle · Lapeer, US
• Homer W. Fogle, Jr. · Mesa, US
• Ivan L. Stonich · Hermosa Beach, US
• David H. Lewis · Fort Collins, US
• Eric N. Streif · Gilbert, US
• Brian R. Pitstick · Mesa, US
• Timothy A. Swann · Mesa, US
• Roy D. Van Wynsberghe · Mesa, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jan 8, 2001
• Grant date: Nov 4, 2003
• Expiry date: Jan 8, 2021

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B60R2022/4685
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A pretensioner (50) tensions vehicle seat belt webbing (18). The pretensioner (50) has a member (52) movable by an actuating fluid to tension the seat belt webbing (18). The pretensioner (50) further has at least one microelectromechanical system (MEMS) device (120) energizable to supply actuating fluid to move the member (52).