초록 ▼

A collision- or rapid deceleration-initiated stiffening system for a structural member of a motor vehicle frame. The system includes a structural member that defines a hollow, substantially gas-tight interior. The system also includes an inflator for pressurizing the interior of the structural membe

A collision- or rapid deceleration-initiated stiffening system for a structural member of a motor vehicle frame. The system includes a structural member that defines a hollow, substantially gas-tight interior. The system also includes an inflator for pressurizing the interior of the structural member to increase the stiffness and the axial or buckle strength of the structural member upon collision or rapid deceleration of the motor vehicle. The inflator may produce inflation gas for pressurizing the structural member from different sources including the burning of solid pyrotechnic gas generant or the release of a stored gas, for example. In addition, the inflator may be initiated by different initiators including an electrical initiator squib connected to a remote deceleration sensor or a depressible initiator plunger in alignment with a bumper strut, for example. The inflator also may be used to inflate an airbag cushion of an airbag module in addition to pressurizing the structural member.

대표청구항 ▼

[ I claim:] [1.] A collision- or rapid deceleration-initiated system for increasing rigidity and axial buckle strength of an elongated structural frame member of a motor vehicle frame, the system comprising:an elongated structural frame member of a motor vehicle, the structural frame member containi

[ I claim:] [1.] A collision- or rapid deceleration-initiated system for increasing rigidity and axial buckle strength of an elongated structural frame member of a motor vehicle frame, the system comprising:an elongated structural frame member of a motor vehicle, the structural frame member containing a hollow, substantially gas-tight interior; andpressurizing means for introducing pressurized fluid into the gas-tight interior of the structural frame member to pressurize the gas-tight interior of the structural frame member to a predetermined level upon rapid deceleration or collision of the motor vehicle whereby rigidity and axial buckle strength of the elongated structural frame member is increased.