초록 ▼

Variable deployment performance by controlling the quantity and fluid flow path of the inflator gas into or out of an air bag module according to the present invention. The air bag module includes a vent opening and a cushion retainer diffuser including a plurality of diffuser openings which permits

Variable deployment performance by controlling the quantity and fluid flow path of the inflator gas into or out of an air bag module according to the present invention. The air bag module includes a vent opening and a cushion retainer diffuser including a plurality of diffuser openings which permits fluid communication between an annular cavity and an air bag cushion. The vent opening provides a fluid path for the inflator gas to flow from the annular cavity to outside of the air bag module. For full level deployment, the vent opening is closed and therefore the inflator gas is not permitted to flow away from the air bag module but instead flows into the air bag cushion. For low level deployment, the volume of inflator gas which flows into the air bag cushion is controlled by selecting the ratio between the cross-sectional area of the diffuser openings and the cross-sectional area of the vent opening. For example, for reduced low level deployment, the cross-sectional area of the vent opening is increased in relation to the cross-sectional area of the diffuser openings. Conversely, for increased low level deployment, the cross-sectional area of the vent opening is decreased in relation to the cross-sectional area of the diffuser openings. Accordingly, the selective control of the ratio acts as a tuning mechanism by which different low level inflator outputs can be achieved. Deployment module levels between low level and high level can be achieved by controlling the timing of when the vent opening is closed.

대표청구항 ▼

1. An air bag module for restraint of an occupant in a vehicle, the air bag module comprising:an air bag cushion; an inflator being activatable to discharge inflator gas for inflating the air bag cushion, the inflator having a plurality of discharge ports through which the inflator gas is discharged

1. An air bag module for restraint of an occupant in a vehicle, the air bag module comprising:an air bag cushion; an inflator being activatable to discharge inflator gas for inflating the air bag cushion, the inflator having a plurality of discharge ports through which the inflator gas is discharged; a diffuser having a cavity disposed adjacent the inflator, the diffuser having a plurality of diffuser openings formed therein to provide fluid communication between the cavity and the air bag cushion, the plurality of diffuser openings providing a first fluid path between the inflator and the air bag cushion, the diffuser openings having a first cross-sectional area; a plate disposed about the inflator, the plate including a vent opening which provides a second fluid path to expel the inflator gas from the air bag module, the vent opening having a second cross-sectional area; an actuator assembly including a movable member being movable in a predetermined direction relative to the vent opening for restricting fluid flow through the vent opening, the actuator assembly having an actuator for generating a pressure within a second cavity defined by a liner, said liner being configured to receive and engage the movable member, wherein the pressure generated by the actuator causes the liner and the moveable member to move in the predetermined direction under predetermined first deployment conditions, said actuator being independently activated with respect to said inflator; and the air bag module has a selectable ratio between the first cross-sectional area and the second cross-sectional area, the selectable ratio being a predetermined value so that the volume of inflator gas discharged into the air bag cushion and the volume of inflator gas expelled out through the vent opening of the plate is controlled.