Airbag inflator having a housing protected from high-temperature reactive generated gases
First Claim
1. In a gas generator for a vehicle airbag assembly comprising a metallic housing which encloses a gas generating composition comprising a high reaction temperature gas generant capable of producing a sufficient volume of generated gas to inflate an associated airbag, the improvement comprising a protective layer over a portion of the interior surface of said metallic housing, said protective layer being configured to protect said portion from deterioration by contact with the reaction products produced by the gas generating composition.
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Accused Products
Abstract
The present invention is directed to the use of protective layers on or adjacent to interior surfaces of the metal housings of gas generators, or inflators, used in automotive airbag systems. The protective layers are provided to protect such housings from deterioration which might otherwise be caused by impingement of the high temperature and chemically reactive generated gases and other associated reaction products on the interior surfaces of the housing. The protective layers can be in the form of coatings or platings on the housing surface or they can be provided as separate structures which shield specific portions of the housing'"'"'s interior surfaces. The invention is particularly useful in protecting aluminum housings when they are used with the newer high reaction temperature non-azide gas generant materials.
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Citations
26 Claims
- 1. In a gas generator for a vehicle airbag assembly comprising a metallic housing which encloses a gas generating composition comprising a high reaction temperature gas generant capable of producing a sufficient volume of generated gas to inflate an associated airbag, the improvement comprising a protective layer over a portion of the interior surface of said metallic housing, said protective layer being configured to protect said portion from deterioration by contact with the reaction products produced by the gas generating composition.
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15. In an airbag system for a vehicle comprising an airbag and a gas generator capable of producing sufficient gas to inflate said airbag, said gas generator comprising an aluminum housing which contains a gas generant material comprising copper oxide and amino tetrazole, the improvement comprising an anodized aluminum layer located on at least a portion of the interior of said aluminum housing so as to provide protection for said portion against deterioration due to contact with reaction products produced by said gas generant material.
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16. In a gas generator, for use in a vehicle airbag system, comprising:
- which generated gas can be discharged,
(b) a combustion chamber containing a gas generating material capable of producing sufficient generated gas to inflate an airbag, (c) flow means for directing said generated gas produced in said combustion chamber to said at least one port, said flow means including surfaces of the housing upon which the generated gas impinges and is diverted; the improvement comprising a structure of an energy blocking material located adjacent to at least one of said surfaces such that said generated gas impinges on and is diverted by said structure instead of impinging on said at least one of said surfaces thereby providing protection for said at least one of said surfaces against deterioration due to contact with reaction products produced by said gas generating material. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26)
- which generated gas can be discharged,
Specification