Pyrotechnic igniter arrangement with integrated electronic assembly having mechanical shock protection

US6644197B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Conti Temic microelectronic GmbH · DE

Inventors

• Thomas Goernig · Markt Indersdorf, DE
• Holger Wulff · Ingolstadt, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: May 13, 2002
• Grant date: Nov 11, 2003
• Expiry date: May 13, 2022

Classification

• Technology area (CPC F): Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
• CPC primary: F42B3/121
• WIPO field: Other special machines
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

An igniter arrangement for vehicle occupant protection devices includes a substrate, an electronic assembly on the substrate in an electronic zone, an electrical ignition bridge on the substrate in a pyrotechnic zone, and a pyrotechnic charge adjoining the ignition bridge. A shock absorbing elastic first material covers a first portion of the substrate in the pyrotechnic zone, and forms a shock-absorbing cushion between the charge and the electronic zone. A second material harder than the first encases a second portion of the substrate and the electronic assembly in the electronic zone, protects the electronic assembly, and separates the two zones. The ignition bridge and the electronic assembly are at opposite ends of the elongate substrate. A breakable parting feature separably connects the two substrate portions and breaks due to high forces arising during ignition of the charge, so these forces are not transmitted through the substrate into the electronic zone.