Aspirating/venting motor vehicle passenger airbag module

Abstract

A modularized aspirating/venting motor vehicle passenger passive restraint assembly. A first embodiment utilizes two separate inflator units lockingly engaged within a stamped mounting plate which, in turn, is installed within an outer base plate. Both plates comprise a lower depending skirt portion defining an aperture through a lower portion of the corresponding plate. These apertures are located in substantially vertical alignment when the mounting plate is seated within the base plate. An elongated conduit permits a reciprocal fluid flow between the interior of the module and the ambient atmosphere. A first end of the conduit is inserted through the corresponding apertures in the base plate and mounting plate to a location adjacent the inflator units and secured therein by magnaforming the overlapping skirt portions into a groove on the conduit's outer surface. A second end of the conduit extends through an inner structural wall of the vehicle to a location outside of the passenger compartment. A second embodiment of the invention utilizes a single linear, bilateral inflator device having first and second combustion chambers secured at opposite end thereof to a central T-shaped support. The lower leg of the support is grooved to facilitate sealing the inflator to the base plate by magnaforming the base plate skirt into the groove. No mounting plate is required. The elongated conduit is releasably attached to a terminal end of the lower support leg by a fitting and extends out of the vehicle passenger compartment to permit fluid communication with the ambient atmosphere.