Filter assembly for non-welded inflator device
First Claim
1. A self sealing annular filter component for operation within a housing portion of a pyrotechnic inflator device, said filter comprising:
- (a) first and second ring-shaped members configured to form annular frame means of said filter component, at least one of said ring-shaped members having at least one tab member formed integrally thereupon and extending outwardly therefrom toward said other ring-shaped member to maintain a set spacing between said ring-shaped members; and
(b) a plurality of filtration means supported upon said filter frame means, each said filtration means positioned so as to at least partially overlap a preceding underlying one of said filtration means around an entire outer annular surface of said filter frame means,an entire upper and lower circumferential edge of said first and said second ring-shaped members, respectively, further being adapted for obtaining circular line contact with an inner portion of said inflator housing, thus causing said filter component to be self-sealing against said inner portion as a result of outwardly directed hoop stresses produced upon said filter component by activation of said pyrotechnic inflator, such that a gaseous combustion product produced thereby is prevented from bypassing said filter component and is therefore directed through said filtration means in a serpentine path so as to cool and filter said gas.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A self-sealing annular filter component for operation within a housing portion of a pyrotechnic inflator device. The filter comprises: (a) first and second ring-shaped members configured to form an annular frame, at least one of the ring members being provided with at least one tab member formed integrally therewith and extending outwardly therefrom toward the other ring-shaped member to maintain a set spacing between the frame members, and (b) a plurality of filter layers supported upon the filter frame, each filter layer positioned so as to at least partially overlap a preceding underlying filter layer around the entire annular surface of the filter frame. The outer circumferential edge of the ring-shaped frame member is adapted to ensure circular line contact with an inner portion of the inflator housing. This causes the filter to be self-sealing against the housing as a result of outwardly directed hoop stresses produced by activation of the inflator and thus ensures that the gaseous combustion products produced as a result of the inflator firing do not bypass the filter and exit directly into an attached air bag.
40 Citations
17 Claims
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1. A self sealing annular filter component for operation within a housing portion of a pyrotechnic inflator device, said filter comprising:
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(a) first and second ring-shaped members configured to form annular frame means of said filter component, at least one of said ring-shaped members having at least one tab member formed integrally thereupon and extending outwardly therefrom toward said other ring-shaped member to maintain a set spacing between said ring-shaped members; and (b) a plurality of filtration means supported upon said filter frame means, each said filtration means positioned so as to at least partially overlap a preceding underlying one of said filtration means around an entire outer annular surface of said filter frame means, an entire upper and lower circumferential edge of said first and said second ring-shaped members, respectively, further being adapted for obtaining circular line contact with an inner portion of said inflator housing, thus causing said filter component to be self-sealing against said inner portion as a result of outwardly directed hoop stresses produced upon said filter component by activation of said pyrotechnic inflator, such that a gaseous combustion product produced thereby is prevented from bypassing said filter component and is therefore directed through said filtration means in a serpentine path so as to cool and filter said gas. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. A self-sealing annular filter component for operation within a housing portion of a pyrotechnic inflator device, said filter comprising:
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(a) first and second ring-shaped members, each said member comprising a metal stamping having a substantially straight wall portion with a first end and a second end and an angled flange portion, integral with said first end, extending outwardly from said wall portion at an acute angle therefrom, at least one said ring-shaped member having at least one tab member formed integrally thereupon and extending outwardly therefrom toward said other ring-shaped member to maintain a set spacing between said ring-shaped members, said ring-shaped members adapted for an interengaging fit therebetween to form an annular filter frame; (b) a plurality of filter layers supported upon said filter frame, each said layer positioned so as to at least partially overlap a preceding underlying one of said layers around an entire annular surface of said filter frame, said annular filter component adapted for operation within a housing portion of a pyrotechnic inflator device, said housing portion comprising (a) a domed diffuser member having a first open end and a second closed end, said diffuser member defining a plurality of diffuser ports spaced equidistantly around a circumferential peripheral portion thereof, said ports providing fluid communication between a combustion cavity defined within said diffuser by said annular filter component and an inner portion of an automobile air bag operatively associated with said inflator so as to permit the deployment of said air bag upon activation of said inflator; (b) a closure plate member sealing the open end of said diffuser member, thus forming said inflator housing; both said diffuser member and said closure plate member formed of a relatively lightweight, corrosion-resistant, high tensile strength material, and further, said open end of said diffuser member being mechanically formed over an outer peripheral lip portion of said closure plate member to form a hermetic seal therebetween, and wherein the angled flange portion of each said ring-shaped member extends away from the corresponding straight wall portion of said member at an angle of about 11/2°
greater than an internal contact angle between said filter and, respectively, said diffuser member and said closure plate member in order that said filter component is substantially wedged against an inner portion of said inflator housing to provide a gas-tight seal therebetween upon activation of the inflator device. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
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Specification