Adjustable performance hybrid inflator
First Claim
1. An improved hybrid inflator of the type having a pressure bottle containing compressed gas, combustible means for augmenting the stored gas and outlet means for delivering inflation gas from the inflator to a primary airbag cushion, the improvement comprising a vent opening defined as a second outlet from the pressure bottle for releasing stored compressed gas therefrom, a rupturable diaphragm positioned to seal the vent opening and prevent premature flow through the vent opening, and a means for rupturing the diaphragm to deliver stored gas from the vent opening in response to a control signal.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A hybrid inflator includes a pressure bottle containing compressed gas, combustible propellant for augmenting the stored gas and defining an outlet for delivering inflation gas from the inflator to a primary airbag cushion. The hybrid inflator further includes a vent opening defined as a second outlet from the pressure bottle for releasing stored compressed gas therefrom and a rupturable diaphragm positioned to seal the vent and prevent premature flow from the vent opening. A controller provides a signal for operating a squib for opening the primary outlet means and igniting the combustible propellant, and another signal for operating a squib rupturing the diaphragm covering the vent opening. The vent opening may be opened first to vent gas from the pressure bottle in advance of opening the primary outlet, may be opened with or after the primary outlet, or not at all. The vented gas is variously used for a soft onset of inflation of the primary airbag cushion, for inflation of an additional airbag cushion including a knee bolster, or the gas is dispersed.
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Citations
24 Claims
- 1. An improved hybrid inflator of the type having a pressure bottle containing compressed gas, combustible means for augmenting the stored gas and outlet means for delivering inflation gas from the inflator to a primary airbag cushion, the improvement comprising a vent opening defined as a second outlet from the pressure bottle for releasing stored compressed gas therefrom, a rupturable diaphragm positioned to seal the vent opening and prevent premature flow through the vent opening, and a means for rupturing the diaphragm to deliver stored gas from the vent opening in response to a control signal.
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15. A vehicle occupant restraint system comprising:
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A) means providing first and second control signals in response to a vehicle crash; B) a hybrid inflator having 1) a pressure bottle storing compressed gas and combustible means for augmenting the pressure of the compressed gas, 2) a primary outlet from the pressure bottle for delivering inflation gas, 3) means responsive to the first control signal for opening the primary outlet and initiating combustion of the combustible means for augmenting the pressure of the compressed gas, 4) a vent opening defined by the pressure bottle and covered by a rupturable diaphragm, and 5) means for rupturing the diaphragm in response to the second control signal to release gas through the vent opening; C) a primary airbag cushion and means for delivering inflation gas from the primary outlet of the pressure bottle to inflate the primary airbag cushion. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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21. A vehicle occupant restraint system comprising:
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A) controller means for providing first and second control signals in response to parameters of a vehicle crash, and sensors for sensing parameters of the vehicle crash connected as inputs to the controller means; B) an inflator, the inflator having 1) an elongated pressure bottle storing compressed gas containing combustible means for augmenting the pressure of the compressed gas, 2) a primary outlet defined by the pressure bottle for delivering inflation gas, 3) means responsive to the first control signal for opening the primary outlet and igniting the combustible means to augment the pressure of the compressed gas, 4) an opening defined in the pressure bottle and sealingly covered by a diaphragm, 5) a vent plate mounted extending across the opening in the pressure bottle adjacent the diaphragm, the vent plate defining a vent opening for controlling release of gas from the pressure bottle, and 6) squib means positioned adjacent the diaphragm for rupturing the diaphragm in response to a second control signal to release gas through the vent opening, C) a reaction canister mounting the inflator therein; and D) a primary airbag cushion mounted to the reaction canister for receiving inflation gas from the primary outlet of the pressure bottle for inflating the primary airbag cushion. - View Dependent Claims (22, 23, 24)
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Specification