Abstract:
PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an improved method for forming a mixture of fuel and a fluid oxidant in an inflator and the inflator comprising or being able to form such a mixture of fuel and the oxidant. SOLUTION: Inflation apparatus and method are provided wherein a hydrocarbon-containing inflation gas-producing mixture is formed via the fluid extraction of the hydrocarbon from a substrate material. COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT
Abstract:
Disclosed are embodiments of an airbag tether release mechanism for use with airbag inflation systems. In one embodiment, the mechanism includes an initiator positioned within a housing. The initiator is configured such that it provides an inherent seal to prevent the external release of pyrotechnic residues upon deployment. The device may also include a cutter operatively connected with the initiator such that deployment of the initiator actuates the cutter and a tether restraint structure configured to secure a tether until the tether is released by actuation of the cutter.
Abstract:
Systems, methods, and apparatus for use in an airbag inflation system are disclosed. An explosively formable projectile piece is positioned adjacent to an opening and, upon deployment of an initiator, is forced through the opening, thereby changing the shape of the projectile piece. The projectile piece is projected towards a rupturable wall. Once the projectile piece has ruptured the wall, the airbag inflation gas can pass through the opening in the wall and inflate the airbag.
Abstract:
An apparatus and method for inflating an inflatable device (10) which involve a heat source (40) composed of a load of fuel material and an initiator (42) is actuatable to be in heat transmitting communication such as to initiate dissociation of a gas source material (14) to form at least one gaseous dissociation product used to inflate the inflatable device.
Abstract:
Inflation apparatuses are provided employing an elongated enclosed housing which contains a non-gaseous, fluid form of gas generant material. The housing can desirably be sufficiently flexible to permit the inflator device to be desirably shaped such as to facilitate the specific placement and location thereof within the interior of a vehicle. Also, provided are associated methods of gas production.
Abstract:
An inflator apparatus and method for inflating an inflatable device which rely on the formation and subsequent reaction of acetylene are provided.
Abstract:
The air bag module door comprises a face portion to provide closure to an opening in an interior trim structure of a vehicle through which an air bag is deployable, the face portion having an upper surface, a lower surface and a peripheral surface between the upper and lower surfaces. The module door has at least a portion of the peripheral surface supported by an underlying portion of the interior trim structure, and at least one first flexible leg joined at a first end to the face portion and joinable at a second end to a corresponding mounting section of the module unit. The flexible leg permits the face portion to be positioned about the air bag deployment opening as the module unit is secured to the vehicle. The flexible leg becomes tensioned as the module door is fixed in position relative to the air bag deployment opening.