Linear inflator and mounting clip

• US 20050189740A1
• Filed: 02/25/2005
• Published: 09/01/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 02/26/2004
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Automotive Systems Laboratory, Incorporated (Ningbo Junsheng Investment Group Co., Ltd.)
• Original Assignee: Automotive Systems Laboratory, Incorporated (Ningbo Junsheng Investment Group Co., Ltd.)
• Inventors: Stevens, Bruce A.
• Granted Patent: US 7,404,571 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 280/728.200
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/2171 specially adapted for elongated cylindrical or bottle-like inflators with a symmetry axis perpendicular to the main direction of bag deployment, e.g. extruded reaction canisters B60R21/2176 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/232 Curtain-type airbags deploying mainly in a vertical direction from their top edge
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/2644 using only solid reacting substances, e.g. pellets, powder

Abstract

An inflator (10) for use in an inflatable vehicle occupant protection system. In one aspect, the inflator (10) includes a longitudinal enclosure (22) having a substantially uniform cross-sectional area along at least a portion of the enclosure, and a gas generant composition (24) positioned along the portion of the enclosure (22). The gas generant composition (24) is distributed substantially uniformly along the portion of the enclosure (22). A plurality of gas exit apertures (40) is formed along the portion of the enclosure (22) to enable fluid communication between the enclosure (22) and an exterior of the enclosure. The apertures (40) are spaced apart a distance proportional to a desired rate of propagation of a combustion reaction of gas generant positioned between the apertures (40). In another aspect of the invention, the total number of apertures (40) along the enclosure (22) is inversely proportional to a desired rate of propagation of a combustion reaction of gas generant positioned between the apertures (40). An airbag system (100) incorporating the inflator (10) and methods of attaching the airbag system to a vehicle are also disclosed.

Claims

1. An airbag system comprising:

an airbag; and

at least one mounting clip coupled to the airbag for mounting the airbag to a vehicle, the mounting clip defining a cavity configured for receiving a portion of the inflator therein.

2. The airbag system of claim 1 further comprising an inflator received in the mounting clip cavity, the inflator being coupled to the airbag so as to enable fluid communication between the inflator and an interior of the airbag.

3. The airbag system of claim 2 further comprising a plurality of mounting clips substantially evenly spaced along a length of the inflator.

4. The airbag system of claim 1 wherein a pocket is formed in the airbag for receiving a portion of the at least one clip therein.

5. The airbag system of claim 4 wherein the airbag includes a first tab extending from an edge thereof, and wherein the pocket is formed in the first tab.

6. The airbag system of claim 5 wherein the pocket is in fluid communication with an interior of the airbag.

7. The airbag system of claim 5 wherein the airbag includes a plurality of tabs extending from an edge thereof, each tab including a pocket formed therein for receiving a portion of a mounting clip therein, and wherein the plurality of tabs are substantially evenly spaced along the edge of the airbag.

8. The airbag system of claim 5 further including a second tab extending from an edge of the airbag opposite the first tab, and wherein the pocket is formed between the first and second tabs.

9. The airbag system of claim 8 wherein a seam between the first tab and the second tab is sealed to provide a substantially gas-tight seal.

10. The airbag system of claim 1 wherein the at least one clip includes a body portion defining the cavity for receiving the portion of the inflator therein, and a first end portion projecting from the body portion.

11. The airbag system of claim 10 further comprising a second end portion projecting from the body portion.

12. The airbag system of claim 11 wherein the second end portion of the clip extends adjacent the first end portion of the at least one clip.

13. The airbag system of claim 12 wherein an interference fit is formed between the inflator and the at least one clip when the second end portion of the at least one clip contacts the first end portion of the at least one clip.

14. The airbag system of claim 11 wherein the body portion is formed from two separate pieces.

15. The airbag system of claim 14 wherein the first end portion extends from a first one of the two separate pieces and the second end portion extends from a second one of the two separate pieces.

16. The airbag system of claim 1 wherein an interference fit is formed between the inflator and the at least one clip when the portion of the inflator is received in the cavity.

17. The airbag system of claim 1 wherein an interference fit is formed between the inflator and the at least one clip when the at least one clip is mounted to the vehicle.

18. The airbag system of claim 1 wherein the at least one clip is positioned in an interior of the airbag.

19. The airbag system of claim 1 wherein the inflator comprises:

a longitudinal enclosure having a substantially uniform cross-sectional area along at least a portion of the enclosure, wherein said longitudinal enclosure comprises a first perforated section and a second perforated section, said first perforated section containing a first gas exit aperture area and said second perforated section containing a second gas exit aperture area, said second gas exit aperture area greater than said first gas exit aperture area;

a gas generant composition positioned within the at least a portion of the enclosure, the gas generant composition being distributed substantially uniformly along the at least a portion of the enclosure; and

an igniter operably fixed to said first perforated section for ignition of said gas generant composition upon inflator activation.

20. A vehicle occupant restraint system comprising:

an airbag; and

at least one mounting clip coupled to the airbag for mounting the airbag to a vehicle, the mounting clip defining a cavity configured for receiving a portion of the inflator therein.