초록 ▼

An apparatus (10) for helping to protect a vehicle occupant in the event of a collision comprises an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (12) and an inflator (14, 114). The inflator (14, 114) has a source of inflation fluid (48, 148) in a chamber (46) of the inflator (14, 114) for inflatin

An apparatus (10) for helping to protect a vehicle occupant in the event of a collision comprises an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (12) and an inflator (14, 114). The inflator (14, 114) has a source of inflation fluid (48, 148) in a chamber (46) of the inflator (14, 114) for inflating the protection device (12). The inflator (14, 114) includes a passage (68) through which inflation fluid flows from the chamber (46) into the protection device (12). The inflator (14, 114) also has a burst disk (44) which blocks the passage (68). An actuatable source (90) of laser light, when actuated, emits laser light which impinges on the burst disk (44) to cause the burst disk to rupture and release the inflation fluid from the chamber (46).

대표청구항 ▼

[ Having described the invention, the following is claimed:] [1.] An apparatus for helping to protect a vehicle occupant in the event of a collision, the apparatus comprising:an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device;an inflator having a chamber containing a source of inflation fluid for infl

[ Having described the invention, the following is claimed:] [1.] An apparatus for helping to protect a vehicle occupant in the event of a collision, the apparatus comprising:an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device;an inflator having a chamber containing a source of inflation fluid for inflating the protection device, the source of inflation fluid being a combustible mixture of gases;the inflator including a passage through which inflation fluid flows from the chamber into the protection device, the inflator further including an end cap and an end plug located on opposite ends of the chamber, the end cap supporting a burst disk which blocks the passage, the end plug containing a body of pyrotechnic material; andan actuatable source of laser light disposed within the inflator, the source of laser light including a laser diode which is supported by the end cap and faces the burst disk, when actuated the laser diode emitting laser light which impinges on the burst disk causing the burst disk to rupture and to release the inflation fluid from the chamber.