초록 ▼

A variable output air bag inflator is presented wherein in one embodiment the inflator offers variable output and may be implemented with either pyrotechnic or hybrid inflators. The inflator offers full level deployment at a first end of the inflator unit and reduced level deployment at a second end

A variable output air bag inflator is presented wherein in one embodiment the inflator offers variable output and may be implemented with either pyrotechnic or hybrid inflators. The inflator offers full level deployment at a first end of the inflator unit and reduced level deployment at a second end. This is accomplished by providing two discrete paths for the inflator gas to flow during deployment of the air bag cushion. One path communicates with a first filter material or permits the hot inflation gas to directly exit the inflator without passing through a filter material. The other path communicates with a second filter material which absorbs heat from the inflator gas as it passes through the second filter material before exiting the inflator, wherein the second filter material has a heat sink capacity greater than the first filter material. The energy content and pressure of the inflator gas is therefore regulated by directing the inflator gas through the second filter material.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] An air bag inflator having variable output performance for inflating an air bag cushion, the air bag inflator comprising:a housing having a first end wall, a second end wall, and an outer wall disposed therebetween, wherein the outer wall further includes a first outlet a

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] An air bag inflator having variable output performance for inflating an air bag cushion, the air bag inflator comprising:a housing having a first end wall, a second end wall, and an outer wall disposed therebetween, wherein the outer wall further includes a first outlet and a second outlet in fluid communication with the air bag cushion, the housing further including a storage chamber disposed therein, the storage chamber being receptive to a pressurized inert gas and is in fluid communication with the air bag cushion and the first outlet under reduced level deployment conditions and is in fluid communication with the second outlet and the air bag cushion under full level deployment conditions;a first filter material disposed in fluid communication with the first outlet for removing heat from the pressurized inert gas during reduced level deployment conditions; anda pyrotechnic device disposed within an interior of the housing for heating the pressurized inert gas upon activation of the air bag inflator.