Initiator assembly with connector interface element
AssigneeTRW Inc.
InventorsAndrew B. Bonas, Brian R. Pitstick
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An inflator for inflating a vehicle air bag discharges, when actuated, gas to inflate the air bag. An initiator has a terminal for electrical contact with an electrical connector of the vehicle circuitry. The initiator is actuatable in response to receiving an electrical signal from the connector through the terminal to initiate actuation of the inflator. A latch pin is attached by a body of plastic material to the initiator. The latch pin maintains the connector in electrical contact with the terminal of the initiator. The latch pin is preferably made of a material different from the body of plastic material.
Claims14
Apparatus for association with an electrical connector and for, when actuated, initiating actuation of an inflator for discharging gas to inflate a vehicle occupant restraint such as an air bag, said apparatus comprising:
- an initiator actuatable to initiate actuation of the inflator in response to receiving an electrical signal, said initiator having an electrical terminal for electrical contact with the electrical connector to receive the electrical signal from the electrical connector;
- means for supporting said initiator adjacent the inflator;
- a body of plastic material attaching said initiator and said means for supporting to each other;
- and
- a separate interface element for maintaining the electrical connector in electrical contact with said terminal, said body of plastic material having a portion attaching said interface element to said initiator.
Apparatus for association with an electrical connector and for, when actuated, initiating actuation of an inflator for discharging gas to inflate a vehicle occupant restraint such as an air bag, said apparatus comprising:
- an initiator actuatable to initiate actuation of the inflator in response to receiving an electrical signal, said initiator having an electrical terminal for electrical contact with the electrical connector to receive the electrical signal from the electrical connector;
- means for supporting said initiator adjacent the inflator;
- a body of plastic material attaching said initiator and said means for supporting to each other;
- an interface element for maintaining the electrical connector in electrical contact with said terminal, said interface element being made of a material different from said body of plastic material;
- and
- means for attaching said interface element to said initiator.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.