Inflator for inflatable vehicle occupant protection device

US7131663B1 · kind B1 · utility

Assignee

• TRW VEHICLE SAFETY SYSTEMS INC. · US

Inventors

• Douglas P. Campbell · Metamora, US
• Ahmad K. Al-Amin · Gilbert, US
• Timothy A. Swann · Mesa, US
• Roy D. Van Wynsberghe · Mesa, US
• Jess A. Cuevas · Scottsdale, US
• Dean M. Esterberg · Tempe, US
• Bryan W. Shirk · Mesa, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Aug 10, 1999
• Grant date: Nov 7, 2006
• Expiry date: Aug 10, 2019

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y10T137/1737
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

An inflator (22) for providing inflation fluid ( ) to inflate an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (14) includes a container (30) storing the inflation fluid under pressure. The container (30) has an outlet passage (80) through which the inflation fluid flows from the container. A rupturable closure member (92) fixed to the container (30) blocks flow of inflation fluid through the passage (80). A support (100) for the rupturable closure member (92) defines a chamber (110) adjacent the rupturable closure member (92). The rupturable closure member (92) has a first portion (122) deformed into the chamber (110) by the pressure of the inflation fluid and a second ring-shaped portion (124) encircling the first portion (122). An initiator (98) ruptures the closure member (92) when actuated by shearing the first portion (122) from the second portion (124).