Leak detection enhancing insert for an airbag inflator assembly
First Claim
1. An inflator for an airbag system, the inflator comprising:
- an outer wall having an opening;
an initiator positioned proximate the opening for activation from outside the inflator;
a pressure dome positioned inside the inflator to form a cavity containing the initiator; and
an insert positioned around the initiator, the insert having a structure selected to permit passage of gas through the insert at a limited flow rate.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
An inflator is provided that can reduce the occurrence of virtual and masked leaks in inflator testing. The inflator may have an outer wall surrounding a main internal compartment containing compressed inflation gases. Additionally, the inflator may have a pyrotechnic assembly containing a generant, or pyrotechnic material, and an initiator configured to ignite the pyrotechnic material upon receipt of an electric signal from a vehicle'"'"'s electrical system. The initiator may be separated from the pyrotechnic material, and from the compressed gases, by a pressure dome that effectively creates a cavity around the initiator. The initiator may be accessible to outside contact through an opening in the outer wall. An insert may be positioned around the initiator to control flows of gas leaving the cavity through the opening. Thus, during testing, residual gases within the cavity are able to escape the inflator within a predictable time period, so that the inflator can reliably be checked for gases exiting the main internal compartment. The insert may have a porous design so that gases escape from the cavity at a controlled rate during testing, but are unable to escape in any destructive manner during ignition of the pyrotechnic material.
42 Citations
19 Claims
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1. An inflator for an airbag system, the inflator comprising:
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an outer wall having an opening;
an initiator positioned proximate the opening for activation from outside the inflator;
a pressure dome positioned inside the inflator to form a cavity containing the initiator; and
an insert positioned around the initiator, the insert having a structure selected to permit passage of gas through the insert at a limited flow rate. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. An inflator for an airbag system, the inflator comprising:
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an outer wall comprising an opening;
a membrane positioned to form a cavity within the inflator adjacent to the opening; and
a substantially porous insert positioned proximate the opening to allow a limited flow of gas to pass through the opening prior to deployment of the inflator. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13)
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14. A method for limiting passage of gas through an opening of an inflator, the method comprising:
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providing a membrane;
providing an insert having a gas-permeability selected to permit passage of gas through the insert at a controlled flow rate;
installing the membrane to create a cavity within the inflator, the cavity being in fluid communication with the opening prior to deployment of the inflator; and
installing the insert to control gas flow Out of the cavity through the opening. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
providing a housing for a pyrotechnic assembly, the housing comprising a bore;
providing a pyrotechnic material; and
providing an initiator configured to ignite the pyrotechnic material.
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17. The method of claim 16, further comprising:
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providing a cap dimensioned to fit within the bore of the housing;
inserting the pyrotechnic material into the bore;
inserting the cap into the bore to hold the pyrotechnic material in place; and
staking the housing to hold the cap in place.
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18. The method of claim 16, wherein installing the insert in the opening comprises:
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engaging the initiator within the insert; and
engaging the insert within the bore.
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19. The method of claim 14, wherein installing the membrane comprises substantially sealing the cavity from gas flow from a main internal compartment of the inflator.
Specification