Distributed charge inflator system
US7162958B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 21, 2002 |
| Grant date | Jan 16, 2007 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 11, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB60R2021/2648
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An inflator includes a distributed charge to be distributed within an inflatable component of an inflatable system and a housing. The housing includes a combustion chamber and a gas storage chamber. The combustion chamber includes an initiator and a gas propellant. The gas storage chamber includes an inert gas at a high pressure. The housing also includes a gas nozzle. The distributed charge is connected to the housing through the gas nozzle. The distributed charge may be mechanically joined to the housing by a ferrule. Upon receiving an electrical signal from a crash sensor or other activator, the initiator ignites the gas propellant in the combustion chamber. The hot gas and hot particles from the burning gas propellant and the initiator flow into the gas storage chamber and heat the compressed inert gas in the gas storage chamber. The heated, compressed gas in the gas storage chamber flows through the gas nozzle and ignites the distributed charge. Combustion of the distributed charge generates a high volume of gas and inflates an inflatable component of an inflatable system.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.