Dual stage actuation system
First Claim
1. An inflator for use in an inflatable restraint system comprisinga pressure vessel having first and second chambers containing pressurized fluid that are separated by a common partition for containing the fluid within each of said chambers;
- each chamber having a substantial source of inflationary fluid for venting by the inflator;
discharge means communicating with the first chamber for the release of the fluid therein in response to a stimulus external of the vessel; and
movable control means associated with said partition for regulating the passage of the fluid from the second chamber to the first chamber, said control means being activated in response to the pressure difference between said first and second chambers created by the activation of said discharge means for releasing the fluid within the first chamber said moveable control means comprisingchanneling means axially extending from the partition defining a path for passage of fluid between said chambers; and
valve means slidingly engaged with the channeling means operably responsive to the pressure differential in said path for regulating the flow of fluid there through.
0 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
The invention is directed to an actuation system that is contained within a divided pressure vessel which has two chambers under pressure, separated by a common partition and piston. The system is operated by causing an opening in the first chamber, creating a pressure differential between the two chambers which causes the piston to move and fluid to flow between the two chambers. Movement of the piston may or may not expose flow orifices between the two chambers. Pyrotechnic material is enclosed within the piston to generate combustion products for augmenting performance. The two chambers can be used to contain inert working gases or reacting fluids that are isolated from one another until the system is actuated.
-
Citations
18 Claims
-
1. An inflator for use in an inflatable restraint system comprising
a pressure vessel having first and second chambers containing pressurized fluid that are separated by a common partition for containing the fluid within each of said chambers; - each chamber having a substantial source of inflationary fluid for venting by the inflator;
discharge means communicating with the first chamber for the release of the fluid therein in response to a stimulus external of the vessel; and movable control means associated with said partition for regulating the passage of the fluid from the second chamber to the first chamber, said control means being activated in response to the pressure difference between said first and second chambers created by the activation of said discharge means for releasing the fluid within the first chamber said moveable control means comprising channeling means axially extending from the partition defining a path for passage of fluid between said chambers; and valve means slidingly engaged with the channeling means operably responsive to the pressure differential in said path for regulating the flow of fluid there through. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
- each chamber having a substantial source of inflationary fluid for venting by the inflator;
-
18. A fluid fueled inflator for use in an inflatable restraint system comprising
a pressure vessel having first and second chambers containing pressurized fluid that are separated by a common partition for containing the fluid within each of said chambers; - each chamber having a substantial source of inflationary fluid for venting by the inflator;
discharge means communicating with the first chamber for the release of the fluid therein in response to a stimulus external of the vessel; movable control means associated with said partition for regulating the passage of the fluid from the second chamber to the first chamber, said control means being activated in response to a pressure difference between said first and second chambers created by the activation of said discharge means for releasing the fluid within the first chamber; said moveable control means comprising cylinder means having internal and external surfaces axially extending from the partition defining a path for passage of fluid between said chambers; valve means slidingly engaged with the cylinder means operably responsive to the pressure in said path for regulating the flow of fluid there through; and said valve means further comprising a first pyrotechnic charge component having affixed thereto a second fluid fuel component, said first and second components being separated by a seal, said second component being constructed to axially extend into said second chamber, said second component having openings which permit fluid communication with said second chamber upon actuation of the inflator.
- each chamber having a substantial source of inflationary fluid for venting by the inflator;
Specification