Variable output inflator
US6789820B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 26, 2002 |
| Grant date | Sep 14, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 27, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB60R2021/2633
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An apparatus (10) includes an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (14) and an inflation fluid source (50) for providing inflation fluid (152) for inflating the protection device. The apparatus (10) also includes an opening (170) through which the inflation fluid (152) flows from the inflation fluid source (50). A member (190) is movable to control flow of the inflation fluid (152) through the opening (170). A volume of a field responsive fluid (230) resists movement of the member (190). The field responsive fluid (230) has a viscosity that varies in response to an energy field acting on the fluid. The apparatus (10) further includes means (232) for varying the viscosity of the field responsive fluid (230) to vary the resistance to movement of the member (190).
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.