Hybrid adaptive inflator for airbags
First Claim
1. An adaptive hybrid airbag inflator, comprising:
- first and second chambers, each containing a quantity of stored pressurized inert gas, at least one of said chambers having an exit;
a first heating device operatively associated with said first chamber, a second heating device operatively associated with said second chamber; and
a restricted flow channel providing limited gas communication between said two chambers.
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0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A hybrid adaptive airbag inflator. The inflator includes two separate chambers, each containing a quantity of stored inert gas. Each chamber additionally includes a heating device to heat the stored gas. To provide adaptive performance, one, or the other, or both of the heating devices may be fired, depending upon the severity of the collision. The heated stored gas increases in pressure and breaks free of the chamber to inflate the cushion. The two chambers are preferably provided with restricted gas communication, to equalize pressure between the chambers over time. This restricted communication maintains the chambers essentially separate over the short time periods associated with inflation. Over time, however, the communication will permit any unfired chamber to depressurize, providing increased safety.
71 Citations
13 Claims
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1. An adaptive hybrid airbag inflator, comprising:
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first and second chambers, each containing a quantity of stored pressurized inert gas, at least one of said chambers having an exit; a first heating device operatively associated with said first chamber, a second heating device operatively associated with said second chamber; and a restricted flow channel providing limited gas communication between said two chambers. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. A hybrid adaptive airbag inflator, comprising:
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a housing having an interior and an exit port communicating with said interior; a divider wall mounted within said housing and dividing said interior into first and second chambers, said divider wall including a vent port communicating with said first chamber, said exit port also communicating with said first chamber; a quantity of inert gas stored in each of said chambers; a heating device operatively associated with each of said chambers for heating an associated one of said quantities of stored gas upon receipt of a signal; and a burst disc associated with each of said exit port and vent port and normally preventing flow of said stored gas from an associated one of said chambers. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13)
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Specification