Active venting apparatus and method for airbag systems
US7017945B2 · kind B2 · utility
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 17, 2002 |
| Grant date | Mar 28, 2006 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 21, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB60R2021/26029
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Enhanced airbag modules and associated methods are provided. An airbag module according to the invention may have a cushion with an inflatable protection zone and a flexible venting tube coupled to the inflatable protection zone. A closure mechanism may be used to compress the flexible venting tube against an anchoring member, such as a housing of the airbag module or a vehicle feature, until venting through the flexible venting tube is needed. The closure mechanism may then be actuated, for example, by igniting a pyrotechnic within a specially designed bolt of the closure mechanism. The bolt may, for example, have a bore with a pyrotechnic initiator molded-in-place within the bore. The bolt may fracture to open the closure mechanism, thereby permitting inflation gas to flow out of the inflatable protection zone via the flexible venting tube.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.