초록 ▼

A variable inflation rate inflator system for inflating one or more airbags including an inflator for releasing a gas into the airbag(s), a first anticipatory crash sensor for determining that a crash requiring an airbag will occur based on data obtained prior to the crash and, upon the making of su

A variable inflation rate inflator system for inflating one or more airbags including an inflator for releasing a gas into the airbag(s), a first anticipatory crash sensor for determining that a crash requiring an airbag will occur based on data obtained prior to the crash and, upon the making of such a determination, triggering the inflator means to release gas into the airbag(s) to thereby inflate the same at a first inflation rate, and a second crash sensor for determining that a crash requiring an airbag will occur or is occurring and, upon the making of such a determination, affecting the inflator such that an additional quantity of gas is released thereby into the airbag(s) to thereby inflate the airbag(s) at a second inflation rate greater than the first inflation rate. Also, an airbag passive restraint system for protecting an occupant sitting in the seat adjacent the side door is disclosed including at least one airbag arranged to be inflated between the occupant and the side door, a sensor for detecting that a crash requiring deployment of the airbag(s) is required, an inflator for releasing a gas into the airbag(s) to inflate the same and which is triggered by the sensor to release gas into the airbag(s) in response to the detection by the sensor of a crash requiring deployment of the airbag(s), and a system for permitting the occupant to be displaced away from the side door upon inflation of the airbag(s) and thereby increase the space between the occupant and the side door.

대표청구항 ▼

[What is claimed is:] [1.]inflator means for controlling accumulation of a gas in said at least one airbag and thus inflation of said at least one airbag, said inflator means comprising a first inflator means structured and arranged to produce gas and direct the gas into said first airbag and a seco

[What is claimed is:] [1.]inflator means for controlling accumulation of a gas in said at least one airbag and thus inflation of said at least one airbag, said inflator means comprising a first inflator means structured and arranged to produce gas and direct the gas into said first airbag and a second inflator means structured and arranged to produce gas and direct the gas into said second airbag,a first anticipatory crash sensor for determining that a crash requiring an airbag will occur based on data obtained prior to the crash and, upon the making of such a determination, triggering said first inflator means to release gas into said first airbag to thereby inflate said at least one airbag at a first inflation rate; anda second crash sensor for determining that a crash requiring an airbag will occur or is occurring and, upon the making of such a determination, triggering said second inflator means to release gas into said second airbag to thereby inflate said at least one airbag at a second inflation rate greater than said first inflation rate.