Morton International, Inc.

Autoliv Asp, Incorporated

Brent K Olson

J Kirk Storey

Davin G Saderholm

Kirk Storey

David J Green

Michael Perry Jordan

Donald J Cunningham

David W Lindsey

S Mark Bunker

Daniel G Minert

Bradley W Smith

Donald R Lauritzen

Bradley D Harris

Walter A Moore

Darrin L Johnson

Larry Frank Lunt

Brent R Marchant

Guy R Letendre

Scott A Jackson

L John Pierotti

Alan J Ward

Brian M Shaklik

James D Erickson

Brian T Snyder

William B Richardson

James R Kaufmann

Allen C Bosio

Harry M Miller

Kelly S Van Hooser

Pratricie G Cochran

An airbag inflator having a reduced area filter and cartridge-loaded generant. The inflator has a tubular housing with a plurality of exit ports in a limited angular extent. A filter having the general shape of a section of a tube is received within the housing within the extent of the exit ports. The filter has lateral edges which are compressed to reduce the thickness of the filter along these edges, increasing the inner diameter of the filter. A hollow cylindrical cartridge may be provided to house a quantity of pyrotechnic gas generant. The cylindrical cartridge is received within the housing, with the filter interposed between the cartridge and the exit ports. The increased inner diameter of the filter permits the use of a larger diameter cartridge compared to a filter which has not had its lateral edges compressed, which in turn permits a shorter inflator to hold the same volume of generant. The housing may be formed by double impact extrusion to have two separate interiors, each having a generant cartridge. This will permit the cartridges to be fired separately, providing adaptive performance for the inflator.

Pyrotechnic inflator with reduced extent filter and cartridge charges

A simplified airbag inflator providing a convoluted pathway for passage of inflation gases from the combustion chamber of the inflator to exhaust ports leading to an inflatable airbag is provided. The inflator has a U-shaped filter element and U-shaped diffuser attached to an inflator housing defining the combustion chamber. The combustion chamber is closed off with an end plate having generally axially aligned exit holes therein. Inflation gases would flow axially from the combustion chamber through the exit holes in the end plate, radially then axially through the filter element, and then radially out exhaust ports in the diffuser.

Low cost pyrotechnic inflator

An airbag cushion which forms a linear arrangement of a plurality of compartements having a rectangular cross sectional shape with opposed longitudinal and lateral surfaces is provided. Each of the compartments is formed by the joinder of at least first and second panel members to form an interior chamber adapted to be filled with an inflation fluid upon deployment of the airbag cushion and a planar partition wall separating the interior chambers of adjacent compartments. The joinder of the at least first and second panel members for each of the compartments is effected from the outside of the compartment interior chambers. A method of fabricating an airbag cushion in the form of a linear arrangement of a plurality of compartments having a rectangular cross sectional shape with opposed longitudinal and lateral surfaces is also provided. The method includes the step of joining together for each compartment at least respective first and second panel members forming an interior chamber adapted to be filled with an inflation fluid upon deployment of the airbag cushion and a planar partition wall separating the interior chambers of adjacent compartments. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, each such joining is effected from the outside of the respective compartment interior chamber.

Flat-sewn partitioned airbag cushion

A side-impact airbag is essentially tubular and formed from two substantially identical panels. One of the panels is shortened, as by pleating and stitching. The resulting airbag, when inflated, has a unique assymetrical shape which minimizes any tendency to slap against a vehicle's occupant.

Elongated asymmetrical automotive airbag

An airbag module having a cushion with a compression-deployed volume. The module includes an inflator which produces a quantity of inflation gas. This gas inflates only a first volume of the cushion, which is positioned to protect a first portion of a passenger's body. Compression of the first volume by the passenger forces the gas from the first volume into a second volume, to thus inflate the second volume. The second volume is positioned to protect a second portion of the passenger's body. The initial quantity of inflation gas is thus reused, reducing the amount of gas required. This in turn reduces the size and cost of the inflator. The module is preferred for side impact protection, and a fold arrangement suited to accurate deployment is provided. The folded cushion may be secured to the inflator by a frangible film wrap, eliminating the need for an exterior housing. The module is preferably mounted upon the side of the passenger seat back.

Airbag cushion having compression-deployed section

An auto ignition system for use as part of an airbag inflator having an ignitor tube. The auto ignition system includes an elongated auto ignition chamber having an open end and a length to width ratio of at least three. The auto ignition chamber is adapted to be positioned within the airbag inflator with the open end facing the ignitor tube. Auto ignition material is contained within the auto ignition chamber, and a metal foil retention disk closes the open end of the auto ignition chamber. According to one embodiment, the auto ignition chamber is a recess defined by an endwall of the airbag inflator with the open end of the recess facing the ignitor tube. According to another embodiment of the invention, a solid press-fit closure plug closes the open end of the auto ignition chamber, and according to an additional embodiment, the press-fit closure plug is a porous metal fiber or powder press-fit closure plug. According to a further embodiment, the auto ignition chamber is defined by a retention cup adapted to be press-fit within the recess defined by the endwall of the inflator.

Auto ignition system

An inflator and cushion retaining device for mounting an airbag inflator and an airbag cushion within a motor vehicle. The inflator and cushion retaining device includes an elongated trough for receiving and supporting a sidewall of the airbag inflator. The trough extends from an endwall to an open end, and the endwall defines an opening for receiving a mounting stud extending from an end of the airbag inflator. At least one tooth extends into the opening from the endwall for catching the mounting stud and securing the mounting stud within the opening. A pair of arms extends from the trough adjacent the open end for wrapping around the inflator and securing the inflator within the trough. At least one rib protrudes inwardly from the trough adjacent the open end for spacing the sidewall of the inflator away from the trough. The inflation and cushion retaining device and the inflator are contained within an airbag cushion. Studs extend transversely to and outwardly from the outside of the trough and through openings in the airbag cushion for mounting the airbag cushion together with the inflator and cushion retention device and the airbag inflator, as part of an airbag module within a motor vehicle.

Airbag cushion and airbag inflator retention device

A side impact airbag module assembly having a combination airbag inflator and module housing and an airbag cushion. The combination airbag inflator and module housing has an extruded unitary one-piece hollow elongated longitudinal body having an outer surface, an inner surface, a first open end, a second open end, and a plurality of gas exhaust ports extending from the inner surface to the outer surface. Two airbag receiving channels, each channel having a slot running along the channel, are respectively located on the outer surface of the longitudinal body, parallel with the body on opposite sides of the plurality of gas exhaust ports. A first endplug seals the first open end and a second endplug seals the second open end with the inner surface of the longitudinal body and the endplugs defining a gas generant chamber containing a gas generant. A first endplate is secured to the first open end of the longitudinal body and a second endplate is secured to the second open end, the endplates closing ends of the airbag receiving channels. Each endplate has a mounting bracket extending therefrom. The airbag cushion is folded and bundled in a tearable or breakable wrapper and has an open mouth partly formed by opposed mouth sides that are secured within the airbag receiving channels between the endplates. The endplates also retain opposed mouth ends of the airbag cushion.

Side-impact airbag module assembly incorporating combination airbag

A hybrid inflator including an inflator housing having an outer wall and a pop-out diffuser. The outer wall defines a compressed gas reservoir and contains a combustion chamber separated from the compressed gas reservoir by a rupturable burst diaphragm. An initiator and pyrotechnic gas generant are contained within the combustion chamber of the inflator housing. The initiator is connectable to a remote collision or deceleration sensor through an initiator port defined by the outer wall. Compressed inert gas is contained within the compressed gas reservoir. The pop-out diffuser includes a diffuser plate forming a unitary part of the outer wall and a rupturable seam divides the diffuser plate from the remainder of the outer wall. A diffuser sleeve extends from the diffuser plate into the compressed gas reservoir to a diffuser flange extending radially outwardly from the diffuser sleeve and having an outer diameter that is greater than an outer diameter of the diffuser plate. The diffuser sleeve defines a plurality of gas exhaust ports. Upon initiation of the inflator, the initiator ignites the pyrotechnic gas generant which burst through the rupturable burst diaphragm to heat the compressed inert gas. The heated compressed inert gas pressurizes and causes the rupturable seam of the diffuser plate to rupture and form a portal so that the pop-out diffuser will extends out of the outer wall through the portal. The compressed inert gas can then exit the inflator through the gas exhaust ports of the diffuser sleeve and be dispersed for inflating an inflatable airbag cushion.

Hybrid inflator with pop-out diffuser

An undeployed air bag and inflator are wrapped in a soft cloth package. At the time the air bag is inflated, a seam in the cloth ruptures and a portion of the package unfolds to form a guide for the deploying air bag. The package also includes means to secure it to a portion of a vehicle such as a seat back.

Cover/director for air bag

An airbag inflator assembly including an airbag inflator and an inflator attachment having a sleeve. The inflator includes an elongated sidewall and an end having a flange stop extending outwardly from the sidewall. The sleeve receives and supports the sidewall of the inflator with the flange stop butting against the sleeve. The sleeve has an inwardly extending resilient tab that faces away from the flange stop and engages a gas exhaust port defined by the sidewall to retain the inflator within the sleeve. At least one stud extends transversely to and outwardly from the sleeve for mounting the inflator attachment and inflator within an airbag module. The inflator attachment further includes at least two spaced-apart pairs of diametrically opposed ribs protruding inwardly from the sleeve and grippingly engaging the sidewall of the inflator. The sleeve also defines gas exhaust outlets, which on different versions of the sleeve may vary to accommodate different types of inflators. According to one alternative embodiment, the inflator does not include a flange stop. Instead, the sleeve includes an endwall that butts against the inflator, with the resilient tab facing the endwall. According to another embodiment, the inflator sidewall has a tapered neck, and the resilient tab engages the tapered neck instead of the gas exhaust port. According to an additional embodiment, the sleeve does not include the resilient tab but only includes the at least two spaced-apart pairs of diametrically opposed ribs for grippingly engaging and securing the inflator within the sleeve.

Airbag inflator attachment with snap-in sleeve

The structural framework of an automotive chair serves as the reservoir for airbag-inflating gas. Accordingly, the need for a separate gas reservoir for each airbag installation is eliminated.

Seat structure pressure vessel for airbag installation

A filter, seal and port arrangement for a pyrotechnic air bag inflator. The seal consists of a ring or annulus of sheet metal which has a foot section abutting against the filter, and a leg section of the seal angled to form an interference fit against an interior wall of the generator housing. For annular filters used in axial flow inflators, a ring is used at the radially inner and outer edges of the annular filter. For tubular filters used in radial flow inflators, a single seal at a longitudinal end may be sufficient. With such tubular filters, the seal may include a stand-off to form an annular void between the radially outer face of the filter and the wall of the housing. This void will act as a plenum to ensure that a greater volume of the filter is used. The tubular filter itself may also be formed with raised lands such that the interposed grooves form such a plenum. In a similar manner the disk filters may also have plenum producing lands on their outer faces, or the housing may include such lands. The housing may also be provided with tangentially oriented ports between the ignitor and the gas generating material to increase the contact area between the combusting ignitor and the generant, and to reduce the impingement force produced by the combusting ignitor.

Air bag filter and seal arrangement

A pressurized gas inflator suited for side impact airbags comprises an elongated cylindrical bottle having a closed end and an open end defining an outlet opening. A diaphragm is sealed across the open end of the bottle to form a chamber containing pressurized gas. A cup-shaped diffuser also has an open end secured to the open end of the bottle with the periphery of the diaphragm therebetween. A squib is mounted in the diffuser for rupturing the diaphragm. An enhanced squib with 300-400 milligrams of ZPP is used in one disclosed inflator and an augmented directional initiator is used in another disclosed inflator. The enhanced squib and augmented directional initiator provide heating to offset adiabatic cooling of the gas. The diffuser defines outlet ports for delivering the inflation gas. The cylindrical bottle has a mounting flange on its closed end, and the mounting flange may be an end cap with a radially extending flange. The diameter of the bottle may be necked down at the open end defining the outlet opening. The squib may be mounted through the wall of the diffuser, with the squib terminals exposed for plug connection.

Pressurized gas inflator for vehicle occupant protection systems

An inflatable vehicle occupant restraint having a dynamic burn vent wherethrough inflation gas can be appropriately vented therefrom. Such an inflatable vehicle occupant restraint has particular application for side impact restraint systems wherein increased venting by the dynamic vents occurs subsequent to full deployment of the inflatable restraint.

Growing community of inventors

Clearfield, UT, United States of America

Brent K Olson