Variable mass flow airbag module
First Claim
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1. A variable mass flow, airbag module system for use in a vehicle comprising:
- an airbag module, said airbag module including a housing in communication with an inflatable airbag;
gas supply means for said housing for rapidly providing inflation gas for inflating said airbag;
vent means in a wall of said housing; and
valve means movable between a first position closing off said vent means and a second position for opening said vent means for venting a portion of said gas supplied in said housing;
valve actuator means for operatively controlling said valve means; and
electronic control means for controlling both said gas supply means and said valve actuator means, said electronic control means being responsive to multiple sensed inputs for selectively activating said valve actuator means and thus selectively varying the mass flow of said inflation gas directed to inflate said airbag.
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Abstract
A variable mass flow airbag module includes a housing having gas discharge ports in direct communication with an airbag to be inflated for rapidly inflating the airbag and adapted to receive gas from a pyrotechnic inflator, stored gas or hybrid inflator, or other type of inflator. The housing has a vent opening which is controlled by a valve to vent a controlled variable amount of gas to achieve a desired mass flow of gas into the airbag to provide a desired level of energy absorption capability for optimizing occupant protection.
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Citations
6 Claims
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1. A variable mass flow, airbag module system for use in a vehicle comprising:
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an airbag module, said airbag module including a housing in communication with an inflatable airbag; gas supply means for said housing for rapidly providing inflation gas for inflating said airbag; vent means in a wall of said housing; and valve means movable between a first position closing off said vent means and a second position for opening said vent means for venting a portion of said gas supplied in said housing; valve actuator means for operatively controlling said valve means; and electronic control means for controlling both said gas supply means and said valve actuator means, said electronic control means being responsive to multiple sensed inputs for selectively activating said valve actuator means and thus selectively varying the mass flow of said inflation gas directed to inflate said airbag. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
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Specification