PLASTIC AIR BAG MODULE WITH VARIABLE CUSHION VENT AREA ADJUSTMENT

• US 20030085554A1
• Filed: 11/06/2001
• Published: 05/08/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 11/06/2001
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC (General Motors Company)
• Original Assignee: General Motors Corporation (Motors Liquidation Co. GUC Trust)
• Inventors: Thomas, Scott David
• Granted Patent: US 6,565,114 B1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 280/728.3
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/2171 specially adapted for elongated cylindrical or bottle-like inflators with a symmetry axis perpendicular to the main direction of bag deployment, e.g. extruded reaction canisters B60R21/2176 takes precedence

Abstract

There is disclosed a housing assembly for an air bag system with a gas emitting inflator for emitting inflation gas. The housing assembly includes a support structure for retaining the gas emitting inflator within the structure and to a vehicle if the gas emitting inflator auto-ignites upon exposure to extreme conditions.

Claims

1. A housing for supporting an air bag system within a vehicle comprising a cylindrical gas emitting inflator for emitting inflation gas, said housing comprising:

a three-dimensional unitary support structure for helping to retain said gas emitting inflator within said housing if said air bag system is degraded, said support structure comprising framing to support an air bag cushion above said gas emitting inflator, said framing forming a perforated, semi-cylindrical diffuser and having a flange extending downward from said diffuser frame for securing said gas emitting inflator to said support structure;

a three dimensional unitary housing container fixedly attached to said retaining support structure and supporting said gas emitting inflator within said housing; and

a mask-like girdle fixedly attached to said housing container opposite said retainer support structure and supporting said gas emitting inflator.

2. The housing as defined in claim 1, said girdle further comprising a retaining member for retaining said gas emitting inflator within said housing if said air bag system is degraded.

3. The housing as defined in claim 1, and further comprising an attachment member for securing said retaining support structure to a vehicle.

4. The housing as defined in claim 1, wherein said retaining support structure is formed of a metal stamping.

5. The housing as defined in claim 1, wherein said housing container is formed of a non-ferrous material.

6. The housing as defined in claim 1, wherein said girdle is formed of a metal stamping.

7. The housing as defined in claim 6, wherein said girdle further comprises an attachment member for securing said girdle to a vehicle.

8. The housing as defined in claim 7, wherein said girdle is formed of a metal stamping.

9. An air bag module housing assembly for housing an air bag system within a vehicle, said air bag system comprising a gas emitting inflator for emitting inflation gas and an air bag in fluid communication with said inflator, said housing assembly comprising:

a retainer having a first rigid strap and a second perforated, semi-cylindrical rigid diffuser for supporting said air bag about said inflator and forming the upper portion of said housing assembly;

wherein said diffuser further comprises a downwardly extending rigid flange having means for attaching said inflator to said retainer; and

a mask-like girdle forming the lower portion of said housing assembly and removably attached to said retainer, said girdle cradling and fixedly containing said gas emitting inflator, said girdle and said retainer retaining said gas emitting inflator within said housing assembly, said girdle further comprising an attachment member for securing said girdle with said gas emitting inflator to said vehicle.

10. The housing assembly as defined in claim 9, wherein said girdle is formed of a metal stamping.

11. The housing assembly as defined in claim 9, wherein said retainer is formed of a non-ferrous material.

12. An air bag system housing assembly for use within a vehicle, including a housing container for housing an air bag cushion, for supporting a gas emitting inflator if portions of said air bag system, such as the housing container, are degraded, said housing assembly comprising:

a three-dimensional unitary support structure comprising a perforated, semi-cylindrical inflator gas diffuser; and

a mask-like girdle attached to said support structure and forming a cage around said gas emitting inflator and having fasteners for attaching said support structure, said girdle, and said housing container connected to the vehicle;

wherein said housing container is formed from a non-ferrous material and said support structure, said girdle and said fasteners are formed from a metal material.

13. The housing assembly as defined in claim 12, further comprising a cavity for retaining a moveable member assembly for activating said air bag cushion.

14. The housing assembly as defined in claim 12, wherein said air bag cushion is attached to said support structure.