Leak detection enhancing insert for an airbag inflator assembly
US6709011B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 21, 2001 |
| Grant date | Mar 23, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 3, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB60R2021/26029
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An inflator is provided that can reduce the occurrence of virtual and masked leaks in inflator testing. The inflator may have an outer wall surrounding a main internal compartment containing compressed inflation gases. Additionally, the inflator may have a pyrotechnic assembly containing a generant, or pyrotechnic material, and an initiator configured to ignite the pyrotechnic material upon receipt of an electric signal from a vehicle's electrical system. The initiator may be separated from the pyrotechnic material, and from the compressed gases, by a pressure dome that effectively creates a cavity around the initiator. The initiator may be accessible to outside contact through an opening in the outer wall. An insert may be positioned around the initiator to control flows of gas leaving the cavity through the opening. Thus, during testing, residual gases within the cavity are able to escape the inflator within a predictable time period, so that the inflator can reliably be checked for gases exiting the main internal compartment. The insert may have a porous design so that gases escape from the cavity at a controlled rate during testing, but are unable to escape in any destructive m…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.