US 5,513,879 A · Two stage inflator with module venting for passenger side airbags

Abstract

A passive two stage passenger side inflator is disposed in a module funnel coupled to an airbag. The two stage inflator provides a gentle onset during the initial deployment to help protect out-of-position passengers. The second rapid stage is ignited passively by hot gas communication from the first stage. The inflating gases from both stages flow through a module funnel into the airbag. Openings in the module funnel permit pressure relief venting of the airbag to further protect out-of-position passengers even if the bag has not yet unfolded. Preferably the module is mounted such that the funnel vent openings direct the vented gas into the instrument panel, thus minimizing the particulate released into the passenger compartment.

Claims19

Dependent claims

An airbag system comprising:

an inflator for producing an inflating gas, said inflator including a central portion and first and second portions extending axially outwardly from said central portion, said first and second portions each having a plurality of openings for releasing said inflating gas produced from said inflator;
said inflator passively generating said inflating gas in two stages;
support means for supporting said inflator in a motor vehicle;
an airbag coupled to said support means for receiving said inflating gas,
said support means includes venting means between said first and second portions for venting vented gas from said airbag and means for separating said inflating gas from said vented gas.

2 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Two stage inflator with module venting for passenger side airbags

Life of this patent

Two stage inflator with module venting for passenger side airbags

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims19