Ported passenger airbag module can

• US 5,683,102 A
• Filed: 04/08/1996
• Issued: 11/04/1997
• Est. Priority Date: 04/08/1996
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Autoliv ASP Incorporated (Autoliv Incorporated)
• Original Assignee: Morton International Incorporated (Autoliv Incorporated)
• Inventors: Ravenberg, Michael J., Davis, Terry R.
• Primary Examiner(s): Johnson, Brian L.
• Assistant Examiner(s): English, Peter C.
• Application Number:
  US08/629,261
• Time in Patent Office: 575 Days
• Field of Search: 280/736, 280/739, 280/742, 280/741, 280/738, 280/737, 280/740, 280/732, 280/728.2, 280/728.1, 137/72, 137/74, 220/89.4
• US Class Current: 280/732
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2021/26064 characterised by auto-ignition means
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/276 with means to vent the inflation fluid source, e.g. in case of overpressure B60R21/30 takes precedence; venting means on inflatable member walls B60R21/239
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 137/1812 In fluid flow path

Abstract

The actuation of autoignition material in an airbag inflation device is facilitated by providing ports in the module can or housing of the airbag inflation device, and filling the ports with plugs of a fusible, low-melting material, so that when exposed to bonfire conditions, the plugs melt and the ports provide access to the autoignition material.

Claims

1. An airbag inflation device which includes an airbag and means to inflate said airbag and a housing for said airbag and said inflation means, wherein said inflation means includes an auto ignition material which ignites when said inflation means is exposed to bonfire temperatures,

the improvement comprising at least one port in said housing and a fusible plug in each said port, each said fusible plug having a diameter substantially in excess of the thickness of said plug.

2. The device of claim 1 in which said fusible plug is made of a material which melts at bonfire temperatures.

3. The device of claim 2 in which said fusible plug material is a low melting metal alloy.

4. The device of claim 2 in which said fusible plug material is an organic material.

5. The device of claim 1 in which said housing is a generally U shaped extrusion.

6. The device of claim 5 in which said extrusion includes two walls joined by a web.

7. The device of claim 6 in which each said port is in said web.

8. The device of claim 6 in which each said port is in one of said walls.

9. The device of claim 1 in which said device is a passenger side airbag inflation device.

10. The device of claim 1 in which each said port is located adjacent to said autoignition material.