Pyrotechnic linear inflator with structural enhancement
First Claim
1. An airbag device for use in a vehicle occupant protection system, the airbag device comprising:
- an inflator housing configured as a structural member of a vehicle, the housing comprising a cavity portion for receiving a gas generant composition therein, and a plurality of perforations formed along the cavity portion to enable fluid communication between an interior of the housing and an exterior of the housing.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
An inflator (10) for use in an inflatable vehicle occupant protection system. In one aspect of the invention, 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). In yet another aspect of the invention, an airbag device is disclosed which includes an inflator having an inflator housing (12) configured as a structural member of a vehicle. The inflator housing may be employed stand-alone structural member in a vehicle or used to reinforce another structural member. The housing may comprise a cavity portion having a cylindrical cross-section. The cavity portion may serve as the structural member, or extensions (150) may be coupled to the cavity portion to provide a structural member having a desired configuration.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. An airbag device for use in a vehicle occupant protection system, the airbag device comprising:
an inflator housing configured as a structural member of a vehicle, the housing comprising a cavity portion for receiving a gas generant composition therein, and a plurality of perforations formed along the cavity portion to enable fluid communication between an interior of the housing and an exterior of the housing. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18)
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19. An airbag device for use in a vehicle occupant protection system, the airbag device comprising:
a vehicle structural member defining a longitudinal inflator housing comprising a cavity portion for receiving a gas generant composition therein, and a plurality of perforations formed along the cavity portion to enable fluid communication between an interior of the housing and an exterior of the housing.
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20. A vehicle occupant restraint system comprising:
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an airbag device having at least one airbag and an inflator coupled to the airbag so as to enable fluid communication with an interior of the airbag upon activation of the inflator, the inflator including;
an inflator housing comprising a cavity portion with a plurality of perforations formed therealong to enable fluid communication between an interior of the housing and an exterior of the housing, and an extension portion extending from the cavity portion;
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.
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Specification