Abstract:
An adapter unit (138) for a rigid knee airbag is provided. The adapter unit enables a rigid knee airbag to be in communication with an inflator (136) having a diffuser portion for disseminating inflation fluid into the airbag. The rigid knee airbag includes a front panel and a back panel (130). The adapter unit may include an impression formed in the back panel (130). The inflator (136) may include a male fastener (246) attached to the diffuser portion of the inflator. The inflator may be inserted into a large orifice (256) in a first substantially planar end portion of the impression such that the male fastener extends through a small orifice in a second substantially planar end portion of the impression. A female fastener may then be used to attach the inflator to the second substantially planar end portion. Alternatively, the adapter unit (138) may include a housing that is similar to the impression formed in the back panel described above. Alternatively still, the adapter unit (138) may include a raised portion formed in the back panel, the raised portion including an orifice having a diameter that is slightly smaller than the diameter of the diffuser portion of a disk inflator.
Abstract:
Assemblies and methods for the electrical grounding of an initiator for a vehicle device, e.g. an inflator. Initiator assemblies are provided for inflators in electrical charge transmitting connection via a connector assembly to an electric ground. Initiator assemblies include integrally molded initiator having a molded base forming a connector socket. The molded base includes a grounding clip recess feature. A metallic electrical grounding clip is housed in the grounding clip recess feature. The grounding clip includes a base portion and an extending portion. The extending portion includes a first end proximate and in contact with the base portion and a second end distal from the base portion and with second end in electrical transferring contact with the vehicle device.
Abstract:
An initiator assembly includes an SMI assembly board onto which at least a first and a second initiator are surface mounted. The first and second initiators each include a respective surface mount initiator board with which a respective igniter element is respectively mounted. Corresponding multi-initiator assemblies for automotive airbag inflator devices as well as automotive airbag inflator device combinations are also provided.
Abstract:
An inflator device including a housing defining a storage chamber and a supply of gas generant material disposed within the storage chamber. The inflator device includes an initiator assembly having an initiator in actuating communication with the supply of gas generant material. A moisture barrier member is disposed between the initiator assembly and the supply of gas generant material. The moisture barrier member acts to prevent moisture transmission from the initiator assembly to the supply of gas generant material. Upon actuation of the initiator, however, the moisture barrier member ruptures to permit reaction initiating communication between the initiator and at least a portion of the supply of gas generant material contained within the inflator device.
Abstract:
A duplex firing inflator structural component and related assemblies are provided. The component includes a molded element that contains a duplex firing initiator assembly including a primary initiator operatively associated with a primary pyrotechnic output composition and a secondary initiator operatively associated with a secondary pyrotechnic output composition. The component also includes a single connector in electrical operative association with the primary and the secondary initiators.
Abstract:
An inflatable bolster system is provided for supporting a body portion of a vehicle occupant such as the knees and lower body or pelvis during a collision. The inflatable bolster includes a decorative substantially rigid front panel and an expandable metal rear panel attached to the non-metal decorative front panel. The inflatable bolster has an inflation orifice, and may have at least one vertical expansion fold and at least one horizontal expansion fold on the rear panel.