Patent ID: 6439603
Filing Date: 2002-08-27
Classification: B60R

Abstract:
An air bag module for restraint of an occupant in a vehicle, the air bag module comprising:an air bag cushion; an inflator being activatable to discharge inflator gas for inflating the air bag cushion, the inflator having a plurality of discharge ports through which the inflator gas is discharged; a diffuser having a cavity disposed adjacent the inflator, the diffuser having a plurality of diffuser openings formed therein to provide fluid communication between the cavity and the air bag cushion, the plurality of diffuser openings providing a first fluid path between the inflator and the air bag cushion, the diffuser openings having a first cross-sectional area; a plate disposed about the inflator, the plate including a vent opening which provides a second fluid path to expel the inflator gas from the air bag module, the vent opening having a second cross-sectional area; an actuator assembly including a movable member being movable in a predetermined direction relative to the vent opening for restricting fluid flow through the vent opening, the actuator assembly having an actuator for generating a pressure within a second cavity defined by a liner, said liner being configured to receive and engage the movable member, wherein the pressure generated by the actuator causes the liner and the moveable member to move in the predetermined direction under predetermined first deployment conditions, said actuator being independently activated with respect to said inflator; and the air bag module has a selectable ratio between the first cross-sectional area and the second cross-sectional area, the selectable ratio being a predetermined value so that the volume of inflator gas discharged into the air bag cushion and the volume of inflator gas expelled out through the vent opening of the plate is controlled.