Trw Limited

A.o. Smith Corporation

Thomas O Minor

Daniel E Coleman

Stephen L Kretschmer

Michael J Erickson

A vehicle occupant protection apparatus (10) includes a reaction structure (16), an inflator (14) for inflating a vehicle occupant protection device (12), an initiator (102) for initiating a flow of inflation fluid from the inflator (14), and a tubular connector (104) containing the initiator (102). The connector (104) engages the inflator (14), and extends through an aperture (176) in the reaction structure (16). A fastener (182) engages the connector (104) to fasten the connector (104), the initiator (102) and the inflator (14) to the reaction structure (16). In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus (10) further includes a diffuser (150) with a circular end wall (152) and a cylindrical side wall (154) projecting axially from the end wall (152). The side wall (154) of the diffuser (150) has fluid flow openings (156), and has an annular edge portion (158) crimped against a rim structure (160) on the inflator (14). A mounting stud (162) projects radially from the diffuser (150) and extends through an aperture (178) in the reaction structure (16). Another fastener (180) engages the mounting stud (182) to fasten the diffuser (150) and the inflator (14) to the reaction structure (16).

Vehicle occupant protection apparatus

In a front wheel drive vehicle, a rear suspension system is provided for non-driven non-steered rear wheels. A twist beam axle extends along a transverse horizontal line between the rear wheels, and a pair of coil springs extend along respective spaced parallel axes intersecting the noted transverse horizontal line. A stabilizer torsion bar extends along the transverse horizontal line of the twist beam axle. Each spring seat assembly is attached between its respective wheel spindle mounting plate and the twist beam axle such that the wheel spindle mounting plate is spaced outwardly of the twist beam axle. The stabilizer torsion bar extends between the spring seat assemblies and is attached to each at a point spaced inwardly of the respective wheel spindle mounting plate and inboard of the respective coil spring. Upper and lower mating shell structure is provided for the spring seat assemblies, including an upper surface with an opening therein through which the respective coil spring extends. The mating shells have overlapped surfaces providing sections of increased thickness stock. Fishmouth brackets strengthen the joint between the spring seat assembly and the twist beam axle, and reinforcing brackets have weldments aligned with fishmouth bracket weldments, providing additional stiffness along fatigue areas.

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Scottsdale, AZ, United States of America

Thomas O Minor