Pyrotechnic actuator and method of actuating a pyrotechnic actuator
AssigneeSpecial Devices, Inc.
InventorAbrar A. Tirmizi
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A pyrotechnic actuator and a method of actuating the same are described. The actuator comprises a pressure chamber and a piston having such an outer diameter that it is snugly fitted into the pressure chamber. A gas generating ignition and output charge generates gas that pressurizes the pressure chamber and the piston when ignited. The piston is designed such that at least part of its outer diameter expands under the pressure in the pressure chamber such that at least a part of the external piston surface is forced into a press fit against the internal wall of the pressure chamber and therefore seals the pressure chamber. This prevents exhaust gas and flames from escaping from the device in an uncontrolled manner.
Claims19
A pyrotechnic actuator comprising:
- a pressure chamber that is defined by an internal pressure chamber wall and an outer piston wall;
- a piston having such an outer diameter that it is snugly fitted into the pressure chamber such that at least a part of an external piston surface extends in close proximity to or abuts against at least a part of the internal pressure chamber wall;
- a gas generating ignition and output charge generating gas that pressurizes the pressure chamber and the piston when ignited;
- and
- an igniter for igniting the gas generating ignition and output charge;
- wherein
- the piston is designed such that at least part of its outer diameter expands under the pressure in the pressure chamber such that at least a part of the external piston surface is forced into a press fit against the internal wall of the pressure chamber.
A method of actuating a pyrotechnic actuator that comprises a pressure chamber that is defined by an internal wall and a piston having such an outer diameter that the piston is fitted snugly into the internal wall of the pressure chamber such that at least a part of an external piston surface extends in close proximity to or abuts against at least a part of the internal wall surface;
- the method comprising:
- igniting a gas generating charge of an explosive;
- pressurizing the pressure chamber and at least one surface of the piston with the gas generated by the ignited charge of an explosive;
- expanding the piston in its outer diameter by pressure within the pressurized pressure chamber such that at least a part of the external piston surface is forced into a press-fit against the internal wall of the pressure chamber;
- and
- propelling the piston by the pressure in the pressure chamber along the same while maintaining the press fit created by the pressure induced piston expansion.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.