Deflector

Abstract

An interior deflector covering the opening communicating to the manifold and bag assembly in a gas generating device.

Description

This invention relates to an interior deflector in a restraining inflatable bag system. More particularly, this invention relates to an interior deflector located at a point at which gasses are being passed to the manifold to then enter the inflatible bag system.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An interior deflector mounted over the entrance to the exit opening of a gas source. The deflector is preferably mounted axially and such that the inflating gasses leaving the gas source to enter bag system must pass therethrough.

The deflector is designed to fit over the exit port. It is apertured to allow generated or stored gas, as well as electrical wiring as desired, to pass therethrough, said aperture or aperatures being small enough and spaced so that said deflector keeps debris from a pyrotechnic source from passing into the manifold or air bag system.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a bag system; and

FIG. 2 shows the deflector detail.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION

According to the system of FIG. 1, gas from a source 1 (either (a) a hybrid system of stored gas and gas produced from a pyrotechnic powder or (b) gas produced only from a burning powder only) is directed into a manifold 3 through a passageway 2. From the manifold, the gas passes into protective inflatable gas assembly 20.

The pyrotechnic gas producing structure is shown 4, in one illustrative embodiment, and is composed of an ignitor 5, a propellent 6 and a nozzle 7. The gas producing structure is fired on indication from a sensor device by ignition of ignitor 5 which burns and causes activation of gas generating propellent 6. In the embodiment shown, the structure 4 is electrically connected (wire 50) to a detonator 8 at the opposite end of the gas source for opening the plug 30 which causes communication from said source through the passageway 2 to the manifold 3.

In the embodiment shown the gas producing structure 4 (the gas generator) is in combination with stored gas (for example, nitrogen) in the bottle 9. Further details of this structure may be found in U. S. application Ser. No. 81,947 filed Oct. 19, 1970 now U.S. Pat. No. 3,674,059 issued July 4, 1972, for example.

Gas flowing into the passageway must flow through the apertures 101 in interior deflector 100 (as does wire 50). However, debris occuring as a result of the burning activity of the ignitor 5 and the propellent 6 is blocked by the deflector 100 from passing into the passageway 2.

In the preferred embodiment, as may be seen in FIG. 2, the deflector 100 is provided with screw threads 105 for attachment on the longitudinal axis A-A to the interior of the gas source. At the other end, the deflector is provided with a central aperture 102 and surrounding apertures 103, both of 1/8 to 1/2 inch diameter, and preferably 5/16 inch diameter and both of which pass axially through the deflector to form the referred to apertures 101. The deflector is shaped generally conically for maximum gas reception and debris interception with the tip 109 of the cone 104 facing the direction from which the debris and gas are flowing. The mounting of the deflector within the gas source keeps debris from gas generation from leaving the source and contaminating or endangering the rest of the system. Said deflector may be made, for example, of stainless steel or cast alloy.

Claims

Having described the invention with relation to the embodiment shown in the drawings, I claim:

1. Apparatus comprising a gas generating source containing gas producing material, protective inflatable restraint assembly inflatable by gas passed from said source, a removable plug retaining said gas in said source, detonator means for removing the plug and an interior deflector mounted within said source for intercepting debris resulting from said gas generation within said source, said deflector mounted on the longitudinal axis of the gas source, said deflector being generally conical in shape, the tip of the cone facing toward the direction opposite to the direction of gas flow, said deflector apertured to pass generated gas without causing turbulence in the gas and electrical wiring connected to the detonator means therethrough for activation of said source while intercepting said debris so as to keep it from passing there past, said apertures passing axially through the deflector from one end to the other, said apertured deflector being the only path through which the generated gas may pass to the inflatable restraint assembly.

2. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1, said apertures of about 1/8 to 1/2 inch diameter.