Gm Global Technolgoy Operations, Inc.

Jeffery L Pearson

Gregory A Miller

John D Horsch

Brian H Frantz

Robert L Jones

David A Cok

Keith D Wilson

A testing apparatus connects to an inflatable restraint and simulates the inflation curve of a pyrotechnic device used in a vehicle. A manifold connects the inflatable restraint to a pair of parallel accumulators for communicating a gas to the inflatable restraint. The accumulators store gas at a high pressure. A valve is connected and interposed between each of the accumulators and the manifold for releasing the flow of the gas out of the accumulators. An adjustable orifice is connected and interposed between each of the valves and the manifold for regulating the flow of the gas out of the accumulators. A flow shut off device is connected to the manifold and is interposed between the accumulators and the inflatable restraint and is adapted for stopping the flow of gas from the first and second accumulator to the inflatable restraint. A valve timing sequencer is connected to the valves and the flow shut off device for timing the actuation of the valves and the flow shut off device whereby the valves and the flow shut off device are actuate in sequence to release the gas from the accumulators and then stop the flow of the gas to the inflatable restraint to simulate the inflation curve of the pyrotechnic device.

Stored gas inflatable restraint inflation system

A container for the folded cushion of an occupant restraint system is of generally rectangular shape and includes an elongated I-shaped tear line configuration which permits the longer side walls of the container to open outwardly about their secured lower edges for depolyment of the cushion along an alternate path laterally of the container should the cushion be unable to deploy along a normal path toward the driver through oppositely opening flaps of the base wall of the container.

Occupant restraint system

An occupant restraint system for a vehicle occupant includes a folded occupant restraint cushion mounted to a support and a band wrapped around the cushion and having its ends secured to the support. The band includes a weakened portion located above the outer wall of the cushion. The weakened portion is ruptured by the force of the inflating cushion when the internal pressure of the cushion exceeds a predetermined limit to permit the cushion to deploy normal to or toward the occupant. The band delays the initial deployment of the cushion toward the occupant.

An occupant restraint system includes a module having a support provided with openings therethrough which are normally closed by rupturable diaphragms when the pressure within the cushion exceeds a predetermined limit, the reaction force on the module moves the diaphragms into engagement with rupture pins to rupture the diaphragms and vent the cushion to ambient through the support.

A modular occupant restraint system includes a container for the folded cushion and a cover for the container. The container has lines of perforations which subdivide the walls thereof into two sets of flaps. One set of flaps permits deployment of the folded cushion along alternate paths laterally of the system and generally parallel to the driver's torso. The other set of flaps permits deployment of the cushion along the intended path toward the driver's torso. The cover has weakened lines which subdivide the cover into flaps generally coextensive with those of the container. The folded cushion has fan folded chordal portions which are located opposite the first set of flaps of the container to forcibly open such flaps.

Growing community of inventors

Rochester, MI, United States of America

Jeffery L Pearson