Patent ID: 6257910
Filing Date: 2001-07-10
Classification: F42B,H01R

Abstract:
An apparatus for association with an electrical connector and for, when actuated, initiating actuation of an inflator for discharging inflation fluid to inflate a vehicle occupant protection device such as an air bag, said apparatus comprising:an igniter actuatable to initiate actuation of the inflator in response to receiving an electrical signal, said igniter having a pair of electrical terminals for electrical contact with the electrical connector to receive the electrical signal from the electrical connector;a retainer for supporting said igniter adjacent the inflator, said retainer having at least one recess; anda shorting clip for maintaining the electrical connector in electrical contact with said electrical terminals and for establishing a short circuit between said electrical terminals of said igniter when said electrical connector is not in electrical contact with said electrical terminals;said shorting clip including a main body portion a first locking foot freely movable relative to said main body portion, and a second locking foot freely movable relative to said main body portion and into said at least one recess in said retainer for attaching said shorting clip to said igniter;said main body portion of said shorting clip having a generally cylindrical outer periphery, said first and second locking feet projecting from said main body portion of said shorting clip at locations spaced circumferentially about said outer periphery of said shorting clip.