Vehicle component with integral inflator

• US 20060022444A1
• Filed: 07/27/2005
• Published: 02/02/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 07/27/2004
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Joyson Safety Systems Acquisition, LLC
• Original Assignee: TK Holdings Incorporated (Ningbo Junsheng Investment Group Co., Ltd.)
• Inventors: Khandhadia, Paresh S., Burns, Sean P.
• Granted Patent: US 8,622,419 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 280/736
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2021/2612 Gas guiding means, e.g. ducts
• 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 is provided. 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 as a 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. Examples of vehicle components employing the inflator (22) as a structural enhancement include seats, doors, and instrument panels.

Claims

1. A vehicle component comprising at least one dimensional measurement, the component comprising:

a perforated elongated inflator comprising an elongated housing fixed within the vehicle component, and an ignitable propellant bed within said housing and substantially coextensive with said housing;

an airbag having a length, said airbag substantially coextensive with and in fluid communication with said inflator; and

a release mechanism contained within said vehicle component for release of said airbag upon inflator activation,

wherein said elongated inflator is substantially coextensive with said at least one dimensional measurement thereby also functioning as a support element of said vehicle component and providing substantially uniform inflation of the airbag along its length.

2. The vehicle component of claim 1 wherein said component is an instrument panel.

3. The vehicle component of claim 1 wherein said component is a vehicle door.

4. The vehicle component of claim 1 wherein said component is a seat.

5. A method of manufacturing a vehicle component having at least one dimensional length, the method comprising the steps of:

providing an elongated perforated inflator substantially coextensive with said at least one dimensional length;

fixing said elongated perforated inflator within said vehicle component along said at least one dimensional length;

providing a propellant bed substantially coextensive with said elongated perforated inflator; and

providing an airbag in fluid communication with said inflator and substantially coextensive therewith, said airbag stored within said vehicle component.