Airbag inflator

US7325829B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• KEY SAFETY SYSTEMS, INC. · US

Inventors

• Michael Kelley · Valrico, US
• Richard Townsend · St. Petersburg, US
• Michael Mulville · Winter Haven, US
• Anthony John Curtis · Palm Harbor, US
• Samir Heric · Wiesbaden, DE
• Marko Morhard · Mainaschaff, DE
• Axel Wehrwein · Roßdorf, DE
• Guido Klettenheimer · Kelsterbach, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Aug 28, 2006
• Grant date: Feb 5, 2008
• Expiry date: Aug 28, 2026

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B60R2021/2685
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

An airbag inflator (200, 300) for inflating an airbag has a tubular inflator housing (11) having a first end (A) and a second end (B). A gas release mechanism (80) has an exhaust port end or housing (85) at the first end (A) for releasing gas directly from the tubular inflator housing (11) to ambient air, bypassing the airbag. A heater assembly (2) containing a gas generant is located and attached at the second end (B). An igniter (3) ignites the heater assembly (2). A primary gas vent port (70) vents gas from the tubular inflator housing (11) into an airbag during normal deployment of the airbag. The gas release mechanism (80) has a passageway or opening (84) for exhausting gas from the tubular inflator housing (11) to an exhaust port (85). A seal (82, 83) seals the passageway or opening (84) of the gas release mechanism (80). An igniter 3 for opens the seal (82, 83) thereby terminating or slowing deployment and normal inflation of the airbag through the primary vent port (70).