Method for operating a compressed-gas device in a motor vehicle

• US 6,254,125 B1
• Filed: 06/29/1999
• Issued: 07/03/2001
• Est. Priority Date: 06/29/1998
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Peter Fassbaender
• Original Assignee: Peter Fassbaender
• Inventors: Fassbaender, Peter
• Primary Examiner(s): Culbreth, Eric
• Assistant Examiner(s): Lum, L.
• Application Number:
  US09/343,134
• Time in Patent Office: 735 Days
• Field of Search: 280/735, 280/736, 280/739, 280/741
• US Class Current: 280/735
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/01 Electrical circuits for triggering passive safety arrangements, e.g. airbags, safety belt tighteners, in case of vehicle accidents or impending vehicle accidents electrical circuits for transmission of signals between steering wheel and the vehicle itself B60R16/027; for electrically actuating belt retractor locking means B60R22/343
• 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

Abstract

A compressed-gas device for a motor vehicle which is provided with a compressed-gas cartridge. The compressed-gas cartridge is coupled with a control device. A sensor is provided which detects an accident and is coupled with the control device. The compressed-gas cartridge is provided with a vent valve with which the compressed-gas cartridge can be vented after detection of an accident.

Claims

1. A method for rendering a compressed-gas device in a motor vehicle depressurized after the vehicle is involved in an accident, comprising the step of automatically venting the compressed-gas device into ambient surroundings so as to bring the device into an unpressurized condition a period of time after the vehicle is involved in the accident.

2. A method according to claim 1, wherein the compressed-gas device has a compressed-gas cartridge, and further comprising the step of detecting the accident with a sensor mounted in the motor vehicle, the step of bringing the compressed-gas device into an unpressurized condition including automatically venting the compressed-gas cartridge after detecting the accident with the sensor.

3. A method according to claim 2, wherein the compressed-gas cartridge is vented after a presettable period of time.

4. A method according to claim 2, including venting the compressed-gas cartridge regardless of whether the cartridge has already been triggered by the accident or not.

5. A compressed-gas device for a motor vehicle, comprising:

a compressed-gas cartridge;

a control device coupled with the cartridge for controlling activation of the cartridge;

a sensor provided for detecting an accident and coupled with the control device; and

a vent valve connected to the compressed-gas cartridge so as to vent the compressed-gas cartridge into ambient surroundings a period of time after detection of the accident by the sensor.

6. A compressed-gas device according to claim 5, wherein the vent valve is a throttle valve.

7. A compressed-gas device according to claim 5, wherein the vent valve is coupled with the control device.

8. A compressed-gas device according to claim 5, and further comprising a release valve connected to the compressed-gas cartridge and coupled with the control device.

9. A compressed-gas device according to claim 5 , wherein the compressed-gas cartridge is associated with at least one of the group consisting of an airbag, a side bag, a window bag, and a seat belt tightener.

10. A compressed-gas device according to claim 5, wherein the sensor is an acceleration sensor.