초록 ▼

A hybrid adaptive airbag inflator with initially low pressure upon deployment. The inflator includes two separate chambers, each containing a quantity of stored inert gas. Each chamber additionally includes a heating device to heat the stored gas. To provide adaptive performance, one, or the other,

A hybrid adaptive airbag inflator with initially low pressure upon deployment. The inflator includes two separate chambers, each containing a quantity of stored inert gas. Each chamber additionally includes a heating device to heat the stored gas. To provide adaptive performance, one, or the other, or both of the heating devices may be fired, depending upon the severity of the collision. At least one of the chambers includes a quantity of gas generating material associated with a projectile. The heating device causes combustion of the gas generating material, which in turn causes the projectile to move and pierce a burst disc sealing the chamber. This permits the gas to exit the inflator before substantial heating of the stored gas, and thus at a lower pressure, to reduce the possibility of the cushion injuring the passenger.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] An adaptive hybrid airbag inflator, comprising:first and second chambers, each containing a quantity of stored inflation gas, and having an exit;a burst disc sealing each of said exits;a heating device operatively associated with each of said chambers;a quantity of gas ge

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] An adaptive hybrid airbag inflator, comprising:first and second chambers, each containing a quantity of stored inflation gas, and having an exit;a burst disc sealing each of said exits;a heating device operatively associated with each of said chambers;a quantity of gas generating material mounted within at least one of said chambers, said material being operatively associated with said heating device of said chamber for ignition of said material;a projectile mounted in said one of said chambers, said projectile including a nicking prong for inducing a flaw into an associated one of said burst discs, said projectile being movable between initial and final positions, in said initial position said nicking prong being spaced from said associated burst disc, and in said final position said nicking prong being in engagement with said associated burst disc, said projectile being mounted such that ignition of said gas generating material moves said projectile from said initial to said final position.