Patrick C Kwong

Title: The Innovations of Patrick C. Kwong in Safety Technology

Introduction

Patrick C. Kwong, an inventive force based in Seattle, WA, has made significant contributions to the field of automotive safety technology. With a total of two patents under his name, Kwong has focused on developing gas generant compositions that enhance the safety and effectiveness of vehicle occupant restraint systems.

Latest Patents

Kwong’s latest patents are groundbreaking in their approach to safety restraint systems. The first patent, titled “Azide-free gas generant compositions and processes”, presents a composition and process for inflating an automobile or aircraft occupant safety restraint bag. This innovation aims to reduce the toxicity of gases produced by gas generants. By combining a relatively low energy nitrogen-containing fuel with a burn rate accelerator, such as an alkali metal salt, Kwong’s composition effectively lowers the combustion temperature while maintaining a rapid burn rate, significantly reducing the toxicity of the resultant gases.

The second patent, “Ignition compositions for inflator gas generators”, introduces autoigniting compositions that consist of a hydrazine salt of 3-nitro-1,2,4-triazole-5-one. This invention is designed for the gas generator of a vehicle occupant restraint system, allowing for rapid autoignition at temperatures ranging from approximately 150°C (302°F) to 220°C (428°F). This capability enables the gas generator to operate at lower temperatures, facilitating the use of aluminum canisters. Moreover, these autoignition compositions are relatively insensitive to shock or impact, ensuring safety in both manufacturing and handling, and they are classified as Class B materials.

Career Highlights

Kwong is currently employed at Automotive Systems Laboratory, Inc., where he leverages his expertise to advance safety technologies in the automotive industry. His innovative work not only contributes to enhanced vehicle safety but also showcases the critical relationship between chemical engineering and automotive design.

Collaborations

While working at Automotive Systems Laboratory, Inc., Kwong collaborates closely with his colleague, Donald R. Poole. Together, they cultivate a creative environment that fosters innovation and propels the development of safer automotive technologies.

Conclusion

Patrick C. Kwong's contributions through his patents reflect a commitment to making automotive environments safer for occupants. His innovations in gas generant compositions and ignition systems mark significant steps forward in the field of automotive safety, providing essential advancements that could benefit countless lives on the road.