US 7,735,405 B2 · Pyrotechnic actuator for retracting a piston

Abstract

A safety arrangement for a motor vehicle includes a pyrotechnic actuator for retracting a hinge pin of a vehicle hood. The pyrotechnic actuator includes a housing defining a longitudinal axis and further includes a first end defining an opening. The pyrotechnic actuator additionally includes a piston disposed in the housing for movement along the longitudinal axis between an extended position and a retracted position. The piston carries the pin. The pin at least partially extends from the housing in the extended position. The piston includes a base portion defining a combustion chamber. The pyrotechnic actuator further includes a pyrotechnic charge disposed in the combustion chamber for producing a combustion gas operative to move the piston from the extended position to the retracted position. The combustion chamber is defined by a thin walled member that is sealed to contain the ballistic event.

Claims12

Dependent claims

A pyrotechnic actuator comprising:

a housing;
a combustion chamber located in the housing;
a pyrotechnic charge disposed in the combustion chamber for producing a combustion gas;
an initiator associated with the combustion chamber;
a piston disposed in the housing for movement from an extended position to a retracted position in response to combustion of the pyrotechnic charge, the piston including a proximal portion and a distal portion, the combustion chamber carried at the proximal portion;
and
a stationary member disposed within the piston and arranged to engage a stop mechanism positioned within the housing for opposing a combustion force to proximally displace the piston;
wherein the combustion chamber is defined by a thin walled member carried within the piston and arranged to retract with the piston such that the combustion chamber translates with the piston, the piston having a pin at least partially extending from the housing when the piston is in the extended position;
and
wherein combustion of the pyrotechnic charge moves the piston to pull the pin completely within the housing.

7 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Pyrotechnic actuator for retracting a piston

Life of this patent

Pyrotechnic actuator for retracting a piston

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims12