Inflator
US7007610B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 21, 2003 |
| Grant date | Mar 7, 2006 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 21, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB60R2021/2636
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An inflator (1) is disclosed for use in a safety device within a motor vehicle, for example, for inflating an air-bag. The inflator comprises at least one gas outlet (23) having an initial predetermined gas flow area. The or each gas outlet incorporates a deformable part (41) which is configured to deform, in response to a predetermined gas pressure, so as to increase the gas flow area of the gas outlet. The deformable part (41) may be surrounded by a slot (40) which initially constitutes the outlet. The deformable part includes a neck (42) which bends so that the deformable part (41) opens like a flap. The invention is particularly suited for incorporating in a hybrid multi-stage gas generator comprising two or more pyrotechnic charges that can be actuated in combination or independently. The variable-area gas flow outlet provides an arrangement to vary the cross-section or area of a gas flow passage in response to a high pressure of gas.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.