초록 ▼

An electrothermal gas generating device for inflating the air cushion of an occupant restraint system of the “air bag”type. Upon sensing a deceleration above a predetermined threshold level a discharge voltage is applied between electrodes within the electrothermal device which sustains a current ar

An electrothermal gas generating device for inflating the air cushion of an occupant restraint system of the “air bag”type. Upon sensing a deceleration above a predetermined threshold level a discharge voltage is applied between electrodes within the electrothermal device which sustains a current arc therebetween, creating a plasma jet which flows into a chamber containing a solid or liquid reactive material. The reactive material is converted into gas by the high temperature, high pressure plasma jet. The gas created then flows into and inflates the air cushion.

대표청구항 ▼

An occupant restraint system of the air bag type comprising one or more deceleration sensors, a control unit responsive to said sensors, an electrical power supply regulated by said control unit, an inflatable occupant restraint cushion, a means for forming plasma connectable to said power supply, a

An occupant restraint system of the air bag type comprising one or more deceleration sensors, a control unit responsive to said sensors, an electrical power supply regulated by said control unit, an inflatable occupant restraint cushion, a means for forming plasma connectable to said power supply, and a means for generating gas in fluid communication with said plasma forming means, said gas generating means including a reactive material, wherein a signal from said sensor causes the control unit to activate said plasma forming means which generates plasma, said plasma being communicated to said reactive material, said reactive material being heated by said plasma and converted into gas which inflates said inflatable cushion.