Dual-stage gas generator utilizing eco-friendly gas generant formulation for military applications
US6918340B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 12, 2002 |
| Grant date | Jul 19, 2005 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 22, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB60R2021/2648
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
This invention relates to a gas generator having two or more compartments, each with a separate initiator, with one compartment discharging before another, i.e., the compartments discharge sequentially. Each compartment has the same propellants, but the propellants have different geometries in each compartment, which results in different rates of gas evolution from each compartment. The gas generator has a rapid initial inflation, followed by a more gradual inflation rate in the subsequent stages, improving safety to occupants. One propellant used for the gas generator comprises (1) ammonium nitrate as the oxidizer, (2) a fuel such as CL-20. and (3) a binder such as polycaprolactone. A second propellant comprises by weight approximately 70-95% energetic nitrate fuel, 5-25% energetic polymer binder and 0.1-5% flash suppressant. No hot metal particles (e.g., CuO) are generated in the new systems.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.