Abstract:
A dual stage inflater for providing an extended flow of inflation gas to an airbag or inflatable curtain is disclosed. The inflator includes a first gas chamber having an exit orifice, the exit orifice having an open configuration and a closed configuration. Additionally, the inflator has a second gas chamber in gaseous communication with the first gas chamber. The first and second gas chambers are separated by a flow restrictor positioned between them. This restrictor controls the flow of gas out of the second gas chamber. The inflator includes an initiator in communication with the interior of one of the gas chambers that is configured to selectively initiate a flow of gas through the exit orifice of the first gas chamber. The exit orifice of the inflator may be disposed within an inlet port of an inflatable curtain to cause inflation gases exiting the inflator through the exit orifices to enter directly into the airbag or inflatable curtain.
Abstract:
An inflator device including a pressure vessel forming a gas storage chamber having contents including a supply of stored pressurized gas. The pressure vessel forms a gas exit opening at a first end of the pressure vessel. An initiator assembly includes an initiator cover that extends through a sidewall of the pressure vessel at a first end portion of the pressure vessel, such that at least a portion of the initiator cover extends radially inwardly into the gas storage chamber. An initiator is positioned within the initiator cover, and produces a discharge effective to rupture a rupturable closure element normally covering the gas exit opening to allow flow of at least a portion of the gas storage chamber contents through the gas exit opening. A first radial aperture formed in the initiator cover is positioned at a direct discharge distance with respect to the closure element to focus the initiator discharge at the closure element to rupture the closure element. In one preferred embodiment of the invention, the inflator device also includes a supply of gas-generating pyrotechnic material contained within the gas storage chamber, wherein at least a portion of the supply of gas-generating pyrotechnic material is reactable to produce a product gas. A second aperture is formed in the initiator cover, and is in reaction initiation communication with the supply of gas-generating pyrotechnic material.
Abstract:
An airbag module may have an inflator and a cushion that are coupled together via first and second retention features. The first retention feature may be a clip seated within a housing coupled to the inflator or the cushion, and may have a tubular shape with inwardly extending fingers. The second retention feature may be a flared tubular end insertable into interlocking engagement with the first retention feature. The retention features may be used to couple the cushion or inflator to a gas guide, or to couple the inflator directly to an inflation tube attached to the fabric of the cushion. The retention features may also be used to couple a transportation cap to the inflator to disperse inflation gases along a thrust neutral pattern in the event of accidental discharge during shipping.
Abstract:
A dual stage inflator (20) for providing an extended flow of inflation gas to an airbag or inflatable curtain (10) is disclosed. The inflator (20) includes a first gas chamber (66) having an exit orifice (70), the exit orifice (70) having an open configuration and a closed configuration. Additionally, the inflator has a second gas chamber (68) in gaseous communication with the first gas chamber (66). The first and second gas chambers (66, 68) are separated by a flow restrictor (80) positioned between them. This restrictor controls the flow of gas out of the second gas chamber (68). The inflator (20) includes an initiator in communication with the interior of one of the gas chambers that is configured to selectively initiate a flow of gas through the exit orifice (70) of the first gas chamber (66). The exit orifice (70) of the inflator may be disposed within an inlet port (60) of an inflatable curtain (10) to cause inflation gases exiting the inflator (20) through the exit orifices (70) to enter directly into the airbag or inflatable curtain (10).