Hybrid inflator with rapid pressurization-based flow initiation assembly
AssigneeOEA, Inc.
InventorsBrian K. Hamilton, Brent A. Parks
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A hybrid inflator for an automotive inflatable safety system is disclosed. In one embodiment, the inflator includes a stored gas housing and a gas generator housing. Propellant grains are contained within the gas generator and an appropriate pressurized medium is contained within the stored gas housing. Generally, the pressurized medium flows through the gas generator or an extension thereof when exiting the inflator to the air/safety bag to enhance the mixing of the pressurized medium with the propellant gases. Moreover, a rapid pressurization of a region proximate the main closure disk is used such that fluid pressure acts directly on the disk to open the same and initiate flow to the air/safety bag.
Claims105
A hybrid inflator for an automotive inflatable safety system comprising an air/safety bag, said inflator comprising:
- an inflator housing which contains a pressurized medium;
- a gas generator comprising a gas generator housing, a propellant contained within said gas generator housing, at least one gas generator inlet port which fluidly interconnects said gas generator housing and said inflator housing, and at least one gas generator outlet port which fluidly interconnects said gas generator housing and the air/safety bag;
- a propellant ignition assembly interconnected with said gas generator;
- and
- valve means, operatively associated with said at least one gas generator inlet port, for substantially inhibiting flow between said inflator housing and said gas generator housing through said at least one gas generator inlet port until a pressure within said inflator housing exceeds a pressure within said gas generator housing by a predetermined degree.
A method for operating an inflatable safety system comprising an air/safety bag and an inflator comprising an inflator housing, a pressurized medium contained within said inflator housing, a main closure disk between said pressurized medium and the air/safety bag, and a gas generator fluidly interconnected with said inflator housing and comprising first and second fluidly interconnected chambers, said first chamber containing a propellant, wherein said second chamber is positioned between said first chamber and said main closure disk, interfaces with said main closure disk, and is fluidly interconnectable with said inflator housing, said method comprising the steps of:
- generating propellant gases from said propellant;
- providing at least a portion of said propellant gases from said first chamber to said second chamber;
- substantially inhibiting a flow of said propellant gases from said second chamber into said inflator housing during a first portion of said generating step;
- opening said main closure disk using said substantially inhibiting step, said opening step comprising providing a flow path from said second chamber to said main closure disk and exerting a rupturing fluid pressure directly on said main closure disk through said flow path;
- allowing a flow from said inflator housing into said second chamber during a second portion of said generating step and after said substantially inhibiting step;
- and
- directing a flow to the air/safety bag after said opening step.
A method for operating an inflatable safety system comprising an air/safety bag and an inflator comprising an inflator housing, a pressurized medium contained within said inflator housing, a main closure disk between said pressurized medium and the air/safety bag, and a gas generator fluidly interconnected with said inflator housing and containing a propellant, said gas generator comprising first and second fluidly interconnected chambers, said first chamber containing said propellant, said second chamber being positioned between said first chamber and said main closure disk and being fluidly interconnectable with said inflator housing, said method comprising the steps of:
- combusting said propellant and generating propellant gases therefrom;
- providing a flow path from said gas generator to said main closure disk;
- providing at least a portion of said propellant gases from said first chamber to said second chamber;
- providing a portion of said propellant gases from said first chamber to said inflator housing;
- increasing a fluid pressure within a region defined at least in part by said main closure disk using said providing a flow path step, said increasing step comprising chemically reacting at least a portion of said propellant gases with said pressurized medium at least in said region, said second chamber comprising said region and thereby interfacing with said main closure disk;
- opening said main closure disk using said increasing step;
- and
- directing a flow to the air/safety bag after said opening step, said flow comprising a chemical mixture of said propellant gases and said pressurized medium.
A hybrid inflator for an automotive inflatable safety system comprising an air/safety bag, said inflator comprising:
- an inflator housing which contains a pressurized medium;
- a gas generator interconnected with said inflator housing and comprising first and second fluidly interconnected chambers, a propellant contained within said first chamber, at least one gas generator inlet port which fluidly interconnects said second chamber and said inflator housing, and at least one gas generator outlet port;
- a main closure disk positioned between all said gas generator outlet ports and the air/safety bag, wherein there is a flow path from said at least one gas generator outlet port to said main closure disk;
- a propellant ignition assembly associated with said gas generator, wherein ignition of said propellant generates propellant gases;
- means for opening said main closure disk to initiate flow to the air/safety bag, said means for opening comprising means for conducting said propellant gases through said flow path to act directly on said main closure disk and means for combusting said propellant gases within said second chamber, said propellant gases acting directly on said main closure disk;
- and
- means for pressurizing said second chamber of said gas generator housing at a greater rate than said inflator housing after ignition of said propellant, wherein said means for opening comprises said means for pressurizing.
A method for operating an inflatable safety system comprising an air/safety bag and an inflator comprising an inflator housing, a pressurized medium contained within said inflator housing, a main closure disk between said pressurized medium and the air/safety bag, and a gas generator fluidly interconnected with said inflator housing and comprising first and second fluidly interconnected chambers, said first chamber containing a propellant, wherein said second chamber is positioned between said first chamber and said main closure disk, interfaces with said main closure disk, and is fluidly interconnectable with said inflator housing, said method comprising the steps of:
- generating propellant gases from said propellant;
- providing at least a portion of said propellant gases from said first chamber to said second chamber;
- substantially inhibiting a flow of said propellant gases from said second chamber into said inflator housing during a first portion of said generating step;
- opening said main closure disk using said substantially inhibiting step, wherein said substantially inhibiting step continues for a certain time after said opening step;
- allowing a flow from said inflator housing into said second chamber during a second portion of said generating step and after said substantially inhibiting step;
- and
- directing a flow to the air/safety bag after said opening step.
A method for operating an inflatable safety system comprising an air/safety bag and an inflator comprising an inflator housing, a pressurized medium contained within said inflator housing, a main closure disk between said pressurized medium and the air/safety bag, and a gas generator fluidly interconnected with said inflator housing and comprising first and second fluidly interconnected chambers, said first chamber containing a propellant, wherein said second chamber is positioned between said first chamber and said main closure disk, interfaces with said main closure disk, and is fluidly interconnectable with said inflator housing, said method comprising the steps of:
- generating propellant gases from said propellant;
- providing at least a portion of said propellant gases from said first chamber to said second chamber;
- substantially inhibiting a flow of said propellant gases from said second chamber into said inflator housing during a first portion of said generating step, wherein said substantially inhibiting step comprises blocking a flow path between said inflator housing and said gas generator with a first valve;
- opening said main closure disk using said substantially inhibiting step;
- allowing a flow from said inflator housing into said second chamber during a second portion of said generating step and after said substantially inhibiting step, wherein said allowing step comprises moving said first valve out of said flow path between said inflator housing and said gas generator, wherein said moving step comprises collapsing at least a portion of said first valve;
- and
- directing a flow to the air/safety bag after said opening step.
A method for operating an inflatable safety system comprising an air/safety bag and an inflator comprising an inflator housing, a pressurized medium contained within said inflator housing, a main closure disk between said pressurized medium and the air/safety bag, and a gas generator fluidly interconnected with said inflator housing and comprising first and second fluidly interconnected chambers, said first chamber containing a propellant, wherein said second chamber is positioned between said first chamber and said main closure disk, interfaces with said main closure disk, and is fluidly interconnectable with said inflator housing, said method comprising the steps of:
- generating propellant gases from said propellant;
- providing at least a portion of said propellant gases from said first chamber to said second chamber;
- substantially inhibiting a flow of said propellant gases from said second chamber into said inflator housing during a first portion of said generating step, wherein said substantially inhibiting step comprises blocking a flow path between said inflator housing and said gas generator with a first valve;
- opening said main closure disk using said substantially inhibiting step;
- allowing a flow from said inflator housing into said second chamber during a second portion of said generating step and after said substantially inhibiting step, wherein said allowing step comprises moving said first valve out of said flow path between said inflator housing and said gas generator, wherein said moving step comprises sensing a predetermined pressure differential between a pressure in said inflator housing and a pressure in said second chamber;
- and
- directing a flow to the air/safety bag after said opening step.
A method for operating an inflatable safety system comprising an air/safety bag and an inflator comprising an inflator housing, a pressurized medium contained within said inflator housing, a main closure disk between said pressurized medium and the air/safety bag, and a gas generator fluidly interconnected with said inflator housing and comprising first and second fluidly interconnected chambers, said first chamber containing a propellant, wherein said second chamber is positioned between said first chamber and said main closure disk, interfaces with said main closure disk, and is fluidly interconnectable with said inflator housing, said method comprising the steps of:
- generating propellant gases from said propellant;
- providing at least a portion of said propellant gases from said first chamber to said second chamber;
- substantially inhibiting a flow of said propellant gases from said second chamber into said inflator housing during a first portion of said generating step;
- opening said main closure disk using said substantially inhibiting step;
- allowing a flow from said inflator housing into said second chamber during a second portion of said generating step and after said substantially inhibiting step, wherein said allowing step is performed when a pressure within said inflator housing exceeds a pressure within said second chamber by a certain amount;
- and
- directing a flow to the air/safety bag after said opening step.
A method for operating an inflatable safety system comprising an air/safety bag and an inflator comprising an inflator housing, a pressurized medium contained within said inflator housing, a main closure disk between said pressurized medium and the air/safety bag, and a gas generator fluidly interconnected with said inflator housing and containing a propellant, wherein said gas generator comprises first and second fluidly interconnected chambers, said first chamber containing said propellant, said second chamber being positioned between said first chamber and said main closure disk, interfacing with said main closure disk, and being fluidly interconnectable with said inflator housing, said method comprising the steps of:
- combusting said propellant and generating propellant gases therefrom;
- providing at least a portion of said propellant gases from said first chamber to said second chamber;
- increasing a fluid pressure within a region defined at least in part by said main closure disk, said second chamber comprising said region, said increasing step comprising chemically reacting at least a portion of said propellant gases with said pressurized medium at least in said region;
- substantially inhibiting a flow of said propellant gases from said second chamber into said inflator housing during a first portion of said generating step;
- allowing a flow from said inflator housing into said second chamber during a second portion of said generating step and after said substantially inhibiting step;
- opening said main closure disk using said increasing step, wherein said substantially inhibiting step continues for a certain time after said opening step;
- and
- directing a flow to the air/safety bag after said opening step, said flow comprising a chemical mixture of said propellant gases and said pressurized medium.
A method for operating an inflatable safety system comprising an air/safety bag and an inflator comprising an inflator housing, a pressurized medium contained within said inflator housing, a main closure disk between said pressurized medium and the air/safety bag, and a gas generator fluidly interconnected with said inflator housing and containing a propellant, wherein said gas generator comprises first and second fluidly interconnected chambers, said first chamber containing said propellant, said second chamber being positioned between said first chamber and said main closure disk, interfacing with said main closure disk, and being fluidly interconnectable with said inflator housing, said method comprising the steps of:
- combusting said propellant and generating propellant gases therefrom;
- providing at least a portion of said propellant gases from said first chamber to said second chamber;
- increasing a fluid pressure within a region defined at least in part by said main closure disk, said second chamber comprising said region, said increasing step comprising chemically reacting at least a portion of said propellant gases with said pressurized medium at least in said region;
- substantially inhibiting a flow of said propellant gases from said second chamber into said inflator housing during a first portion of said generating step, wherein said substantially inhibiting step comprises blocking a flow path between said inflator housing and said gas generator with a valve assembly;
- allowing a flow from said inflator housing into said second chamber during a second portion of said generating step and after said substantially inhibiting step, wherein said allowing step comprises moving said valve assembly out of said flow path between said inflator housing and said gas generator, wherein said moving step comprises collapsing at least a portion of said valve assembly;
- opening said main closure disk using said increasing step;
- and
- directing a flow to the air/safety bag after said opening step, said flow comprising a chemical mixture of said propellant gases and said pressurized medium.
A method for operating an inflatable safety system comprising an air/safety bag and an inflator comprising an inflator housing, a pressurized medium contained within said inflator housing, a main closure disk between said pressurized medium and the air/safety bag, and a gas generator fluidly interconnected with said inflator housing and containing a propellant, wherein said gas generator comprises first and second fluidly interconnected chambers, said first chamber containing said propellant, said second chamber being positioned between said first chamber and said main closure disk, interfacing with said main closure disk, and being fluidly interconnectable with said inflator housing, said method comprising the steps of:
- combusting said propellant and generating propellant gases therefrom;
- providing at least a portion of said propellant gases from said first chamber to said second chamber;
- increasing a fluid pressure within a region defined at least in part by said main closure disk, said second chamber comprising said region, said increasing step comprising chemically reacting at least a portion of said propellant gases with said pressurized medium at least in said region;
- substantially inhibiting a flow of said propellant gases from said second chamber into said inflator housing during a first portion of said generating step, wherein said substantially inhibiting step comprises blocking a flow path between said inflator housing and said gas generator with a valve assembly;
- allowing a flow from said inflator housing into said second chamber during a second portion of said generating step and after said substantially inhibiting step, wherein said allowing step comprises moving said valve assembly out of said flow path between said inflator housing and said gas generator, wherein said moving step comprises sensing a predetermined pressure differential between a pressure in said inflator housing and a pressure in said second chamber;
- opening said main closure disk using said increasing step;
- and
- directing a flow to the air/safety bag after said opening step, said flow comprising a chemical mixture of said propellant gases and said pressurized medium.
A method for operating an inflatable safety system comprising an air/safety bag and an inflator comprising an inflator housing, a pressurized medium contained within said inflator housing, a main closure disk between said pressurized medium and the air/safety bag, and a gas generator fluidly interconnected with said inflator housing and containing a propellant, wherein said gas generator comprises first and second fluidly interconnected chambers, said first chamber containing said propellant, said second chamber being positioned between said first chamber and said main closure disk, interfacing with said main closure disk, and being fluidly interconnectable with said inflator housing, said method comprising the steps of:
- combusting said propellant and generating propellant gases therefrom;
- providing at least a portion of said propellant gases from said first chamber to said second chamber;
- increasing a fluid pressure within a region defined at least in part by said main closure disk, said second chamber comprising said region, said increasing step comprising chemically reacting at least a portion of said propellant gases with said pressurized medium at least in said region;
- substantially inhibiting a flow of said propellant gases from said second chamber into said inflator housing during a first portion of said generating step, wherein said substantially inhibiting step comprises blocking a flow path between said inflator housing and said gas generator with a valve assembly;
- allowing a flow from said inflator housing into said second chamber during a second portion of said generating step and after said substantially inhibiting step, wherein said allowing step comprises moving said valve assembly out of said flow path between said inflator housing and said gas generator, wherein said allowing step is performed when a pressure within said inflator housing exceeds a pressure within said second chamber by a certain amount;
- opening said main closure disk using said increasing step;
- and
- directing a flow to the air/safety bag after said opening step, said flow comprising a chemical mixture of said propellant gases and said pressurized medium.
A hybrid inflator for an automotive inflatable safety system comprising an air/safety bag, said inflator comprising:
- an inflator housing which contains a pressurized medium;
- a gas generator interconnected with said inflator housing and comprising first and second fluidly interconnected chambers, a propellant contained within said first chamber, at least one bleed port which fluidly interconnects said first chamber and said inflator housing, at least one gas generator inlet port which fluidly interconnects said second chamber and said inflator housing, and at least one gas generator outlet port;
- an aspirator positioned between said first and second chambers, wherein propellant gases from said first chamber flow into said second chamber through said aspirator;
- a main closure disk positioned between all said gas generator outlet ports and the air/safety bag;
- a propellant ignition assembly associated with said gas generator, wherein ignition of said propellant generates propellant gases;
- and
- means for opening said main closure disk to initiate flow to the air/safety bag, said means for opening comprising means for combusting said propellant gases within said second chamber, said propellant gases acting directly on said main closure disk.
A hybrid inflator for an automotive inflatable safety system comprising an air/safety bag, said inflator comprising:
- an inflator housing which contains a pressurized medium;
- a gas generator interconnected with said inflator housing and comprising first and second fluidly interconnected chambers, a propellant contained within said first chamber, at least one bleed port which fluidly interconnects said first chamber and said inflator housing, at least one gas generator inlet port which fluidly interconnects said second chamber and said inflator housing, and at least one gas generator outlet port, wherein said inflator housing is substantially toroidal and concentrically disposed about said gas generator housing, each said gas generator inlet port comprising a first orientation, said first orientation being one part of said gas generator inlet port being at a first radial location relative to a central longitudinal axis of said inflator and a second part of said gas generator inlet port being at a second radial location relative to said central longitudinal axis and different from said first radial location;
- a main closure disk positioned between all said gas generator outlet ports and the air/safety bag;
- a propellant ignition assembly associated with said gas generator, wherein ignition of said propellant generates propellant gases;
- and
- means for opening said main closure disk to initiate flow to the air/safety bag, said means for opening comprising means for combusting said propellant gases within said second chamber, said propellant gases acting directly on said main closure disk.
A hybrid inflator for an automotive inflatable safety system comprising an air/safety bag, said inflator comprising:
- an inflator housing which contains a pressurized medium;
- a gas generator interconnected with said inflator housing and comprising first and second fluidly interconnected chambers, a propellant contained within said first chamber, at least one bleed port which fluidly interconnects said first chamber and said inflator housing, at least one gas generator inlet port which fluidly interconnects said second chamber and said inflator housing, and at least one gas generator outlet port, wherein said first and second chambers are longitudinally aligned and interconnected by at least first and second ports, said first and second ports being skewed relative to a central, longitudinal axis of said gas generator housing;
- a main closure disk positioned between all said gas generator outlet ports and the air/safety bag;
- a propellant ignition assembly associated with said gas generator, wherein ignition of said propellant generates propellant gases;
- and
- means for opening said main closure disk to initiate flow to the air/safety bag, said means for opening comprising means for combusting said propellant gases within said second chamber, said propellant gases acting directly on said main closure disk.
A hybrid inflator for an automotive inflatable safety system comprising an air/safety bag, said inflator comprising:
- an inflator housing which contains a pressurized medium;
- a gas generator interconnected with said inflator housing and comprising first and second fluidly interconnected chambers, a propellant contained within said first chamber, at least one bleed port which fluidly interconnects said first chamber and said inflator housing, at least one gas generator inlet port which fluidly interconnects said second chamber and said inflator housing, and at least one gas generator outlet port;
- valve means, operatively associated with said at least one gas generator inlet port, for substantially inhibiting flow between said inflator housing and said second chamber through said at least one gas generator inlet port until a pressure within said inflator housing exceeds a pressure within said second chamber by a predetermined degree;
- a main closure disk positioned between all said gas generator outlet ports and the air/safety bag;
- a propellant ignition assembly associated with said gas generator, wherein ignition of said propellant generates propellant gases;
- and
- means for opening said main closure disk to initiate flow to the air/safety bag, said means for opening comprising means for combusting said propellant gases within said second chamber, said propellant gases acting directly on said main closure disk.
A method for operating an inflatable safety system comprising an air/safety bag and an inflator comprising an inflator housing, a pressurized medium contained within said inflator housing, a main closure disk between said pressurized medium and the air/safety bag, and a gas generator fluidly interconnected with said inflator housing and containing a propellant, wherein said gas generator comprising first and second fluidly interconnected chambers, said first chamber containing said propellant, said second chamber being positioned between said first chamber and said main closure disk and being fluidly interconnectable with said inflator housing, said method comprising the steps of:
- combusting said propellant and generating propellant gases therefrom;
- providing a flow path from said gas generator to said main closure disk;
- providing at least a portion of said propellant gases from said first chamber to said second chamber, said providing at least a portion of said propellant gases step comprising inducing a vortex flow within said second chamber;
- increasing a fluid pressure within a region defined at least in part by said main closure disk using said providing a flow path step, said increasing step comprising chemically reacting at least a portion of said propellant gases with said pressurized medium at least in said region, wherein said second chamber comprises said region and thereby interfaces with said main closure disk;
- opening said main closure disk using said increasing step;
- and
- directing a flow to the air/safety bag after said opening step, said flow comprising a chemical mixture of said propellant gases and said pressurized medium.
A method for operating an inflatable safety system comprising an air/safety bag and an inflator comprising an inflator housing, a pressurized medium contained within said inflator housing, a main closure disk between said pressurized medium and the air/safety bag, and a gas generator fluidly interconnected with said inflator housing and containing a propellant, wherein said gas generator comprising first and second fluidly interconnected chambers, said first chamber containing said propellant, said second chamber being positioned between said first chamber and said main closure disk and being fluidly interconnectable with said inflator housing, said method comprising the steps of:
- combusting said propellant and generating propellant gases therefrom;
- providing a flow path from said gas generator to said main closure disk;
- providing at least a portion of said propellant gases from said first chamber to said second chamber, said providing at least a portion of said propellant gases step comprising inducing a flow from said first chamber into said second chamber with at least a peripheral velocity component;
- increasing a fluid pressure within a region defined at least in part by said main closure disk using said providing a flow path step, said increasing step comprising chemically reacting at least a portion of said propellant gases with said pressurized medium at least in said region, wherein said second chamber comprises said region and thereby interfaces with said main closure disk;
- opening said main closure disk using said increasing step;
- and
- directing a flow to the air/safety bag after said opening step, said flow comprising a chemical mixture of said propellant gases and said pressurized medium.
A method for operating an inflatable safety system comprising an air/safety bag and an inflator comprising an inflator housing, a pressurized medium contained within said inflator housing, a main closure disk between said pressurized medium and the air/safety bag, and a gas generator fluidly interconnected with said inflator housing and containing a propellant, wherein said gas generator comprising first and second fluidly interconnected chambers, said first chamber containing said propellant, said second chamber being positioned between said first chamber and said main closure disk and being fluidly interconnectable with said inflator housing, said method comprising the steps of:
- combusting said propellant and generating propellant gases therefrom;
- providing a flow path from said gas generator to said main closure disk;
- providing at least a portion of said propellant gases from said first chamber to said second chamber;
- increasing a fluid pressure within a region defined at least in part by said main closure disk using said providing a flow path step, said increasing step comprising chemically reacting at least a portion of said propellant gases with said pressurized medium at least in said region, wherein said second chamber comprises said region and thereby interfaces with said main closure disk;
- substantially inhibiting a flow of said propellant gases from said second chamber into said inflator housing during a first portion of said generating step;
- and
- allowing a flow from said inflator housing into said second chamber during a second portion of said generating step and after said substantially inhibiting step;
- opening said main closure disk using said increasing step;
- and
- directing a flow to the air/safety bag after said opening step, said flow comprising a chemical mixture of said propellant gases and said pressurized medium.
A method for operating an inflatable safety system comprising an air/safety bag and an inflator comprising an inflator housing, a pressurized medium contained within said inflator housing, a main closure disk between said pressurized medium and the air/safety bag, and a gas generator fluidly interconnected with said inflator housing and containing a propellant, wherein said gas generator comprising first and second fluidly interconnected chambers, said first chamber containing said propellant, said second chamber being positioned between said first chamber and said main closure disk and being fluidly interconnectable with said inflator housing, said method comprising the steps of:
- combusting said propellant and generating propellant gases therefrom;
- providing a flow path from said gas generator to said main closure disk;
- providing at least a portion of said propellant gases from said first chamber to said second chamber;
- increasing a fluid pressure within a region defined at least in part by said main closure disk using said providing a flow path step, said increasing step comprising chemically reacting at least a portion of said propellant gases with said pressurized medium at least in said region, wherein said second chamber comprises said region and thereby interfaces with said main closure disk;
- opening said main closure disk using said increasing step;
- introducing a flow from said inflator housing to said second chamber, said introducing step comprising inducing a vortex flow within said second chamber;
- and
- directing a flow to the air/safety bag after said opening step, said flow comprising a chemical mixture of said propellant gases and said pressurized medium.
A method for operating an inflatable safety system comprising an air/safety bag and an inflator comprising an inflator housing, a pressurized medium contained within said inflator housing, a main closure disk between said pressurized medium and the air/safety bag, and a gas generator fluidly interconnected with said inflator housing and containing a propellant, wherein said gas generator comprising first and second fluidly interconnected chambers, said first chamber containing said propellant, said second chamber being positioned between said first chamber and said main closure disk and being fluidly interconnectable with said inflator housing, said method comprising the steps of:
- combusting said propellant and generating propellant gases therefrom;
- providing a flow path from said gas generator to said main closure disk;
- providing at least a portion of said propellant gases from said first chamber to said second chamber;
- increasing a fluid pressure within a region defined at least in part by said main closure disk using said providing a flow path step, said increasing step comprising chemically reacting at least a portion of said propellant gases with said pressurized medium at least in said region, wherein said second chamber comprises said region and thereby interfaces with said main closure disk;
- opening said main closure disk using said increasing step;
- introducing a flow from said inflator housing to said second chamber, said introducing step comprising introducing a flow from said inflator housing into said second chamber with at least a peripheral velocity component;
- and
- directing a flow to the air/safety bag after said opening step, said flow comprising a chemical mixture of said propellant gases and said pressurized medium.
A method for operating an inflatable safety system comprising an air/safety bag and an inflator comprising an inflator housing, a pressurized medium contained within said inflator housing, a main closure disk between said pressurized medium and the air/safety bag, and a gas generator fluidly interconnected with said inflator housing and containing a propellant, wherein said gas generator comprising first and second fluidly interconnected chambers, said first chamber containing said propellant, said second chamber being positioned between said first chamber and said main closure disk and being fluidly interconnectable with said inflator housing, said method comprising the steps of:
- combusting said propellant and generating propellant gases therefrom;
- providing a flow path from said gas generator to said main closure disk;
- providing at least a portion of said propellant gases from said first chamber to said second chamber;
- increasing a fluid pressure within a region defined at least in part by said main closure disk using said providing a flow path step, said increasing step comprising chemically reacting at least a portion of said propellant gases with said pressurized medium at least in said region, wherein said second chamber comprises said region and thereby interfaces with said main closure disk;
- opening said main closure disk using said increasing step;
- monitoring a pressure within said inflator housing and a pressure within said second chamber;
- and
- directing a flow to the air/safety bag after said opening step, said flow comprising a chemical mixture of said propellant gases and said pressurized medium.
A method for operating an inflatable safety system comprising an air/safety bag and an inflator comprising an inflator housing, a pressurized medium contained within said inflator housing, a main closure disk between said pressurized medium and the air/safety bag, and a gas generator fluidly interconnected with said inflator housing and containing a propellant, wherein said gas generator comprising first and second fluidly interconnected chambers, said first chamber containing said propellant, said second chamber being positioned between said first chamber and said main closure disk and being fluidly interconnectable with said inflator housing, said method comprising the steps of:
- combusting said propellant and generating propellant gases therefrom;
- providing a flow path from said gas generator to said main closure disk;
- providing at least a portion of said propellant gases from said first chamber to said second chamber;
- increasing a fluid pressure within a region defined at least in part by said main closure disk using said providing a flow path step, said increasing step comprising chemically reacting at least a portion of said propellant gases with said pressurized medium at least in said region, wherein said second chamber comprises said region and thereby interfaces with said main closure disk;
- opening said main closure disk using said increasing step;
- directing a flow to the air/safety bag after said opening step, said flow comprising a chemical mixture of said propellant gases and said pressurized medium;
- and
- maintaining at least a certain differential pressure between said inflator housing and said second chamber for a certain period of time after beginning said directing step.
A hybrid inflator for an automotive inflatable safety system comprising an air/safety bag, said inflator comprising:
- an inflator housing which contains a pressurized medium;
- a gas generator interconnected with said inflator housing and comprising first and second fluidly interconnected chambers, a propellant contained within said first chamber, at least one gas generator inlet port which fluidly interconnects said second chamber and said inflator housing, and at least one gas generator outlet port;
- a main closure disk positioned between all said gas generator outlet ports and the air/safety bag, wherein there is a flow path from said at least one gas generator outlet port to said main closure disk;
- a propellant ignition assembly associated with said gas generator, wherein ignition of said propellant generates propellant gases;
- means for opening said main closure disk to initiate flow to the air/safety bag, said means for opening comprising means for conducting said propellant gases through said flow path to act directly on said main closure disk and means for combusting said propellant gases within said second chamber, said propellant gases acting directly on said main closure disk;
- and
- means for inducing a vortex flow within said second chamber at least in part from a flow from said inflator housing.
A hybrid inflator for an automotive inflatable safety system comprising an air/safety bag, said inflator comprising:
- an inflator housing which contains a pressurized medium;
- a gas generator interconnected with said inflator housing and comprising first and second fluidly interconnected chambers, a propellant contained within said first chamber, at least one gas generator inlet port which fluidly interconnects said second chamber and said inflator housing, and at least one gas generator outlet port;
- a main closure disk positioned between all said gas generator outlet ports and the air/safety bag, wherein there is a flow path from said at least one gas generator outlet port to said main closure disk;
- a propellant ignition assembly associated with said gas generator, wherein ignition of said propellant generates propellant gases;
- means for opening said main closure disk to initiate flow to the air/safety bag, said means for opening comprising means for conducting said propellant gases through said flow path to act directly on said main closure disk and means for combusting said propellant gases within said second chamber, said propellant gases acting directly on said main closure disk;
- and
- means for inducing a vortex flow within said second chamber at least in part form a flow from said first chamber.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.