초록 ▼

A spool valve controls the release of gas from a pressure vessel into an airbag upon the release of the gas in the event of a collision. The valve uses pilot pressure acting on either end of the spool to actuate the spool. The position of the spool within the valve determines the flow rate through t

A spool valve controls the release of gas from a pressure vessel into an airbag upon the release of the gas in the event of a collision. The valve uses pilot pressure acting on either end of the spool to actuate the spool. The position of the spool within the valve determines the flow rate through the valve.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed:] [1.] An inflator system for inflating a vehicle occupant restraint system comprising:an inflatable restraint;a container, containing a compressed gas for inflating said inflatable restraint;means for blocking said compressed gas from flowing into said inflatable restraint;means f

[ What is claimed:] [1.] An inflator system for inflating a vehicle occupant restraint system comprising:an inflatable restraint;a container, containing a compressed gas for inflating said inflatable restraint;means for blocking said compressed gas from flowing into said inflatable restraint;means for opening said blocking means thereby releasing said compressed gas from said container into said inflatable restraint; andcontrol means for controlling the flow of gas from said container into said inflatable restraint, such that when said compressed gas is released from said container, the inflatable restraint inflates, said control means capable of increasing or decreasing the flow of gas;said control means including a valve, said valve having a first opening operatively interconnected to said container for gas to enter said valve from said container, a second opening for gas to exit said valve into said inflatable restraint, a flow path through said valve, and means for increasing or decreasing a cross sectional area of said flow path through said valve;said means for increasing or decreasing said cross sectional area of said flow path including a spool positioned in said flow path capable of moving in relation to said valve relative to said flow path and having an outer section, an indented portion, a first end and a second end, and means for moving said spool within said flow path to adjust an effective cross sectional area of said flow path wherein said means for moving said spool includes pilot orifices, said pilot orifices controlling the pressure to at least one of said ends of said spool.