Patent ID: 6213503
Filing Date: 2001-04-10
Classification: B60R

Abstract:
A multi-level output inflator for an air bag, comprising:a center bulkhead operatively connected to the air bag;a primary gas generating unit having an inner end connected to one side of said bulkhead and comprising a primary pressure vessel disposed adjacent to said bulkhead and in communication therewith, said primary pressure vessel having an inert gas under pressure therein:a secondary gas generating unit having an inner end connected to the opposite side of said bulkhead, and comprising a secondary pressure vessel disposed adjacent to said bulkhead and in communication therewith, said secondary pressure vessel having an inert gas under pressure therein;said bulkhead comprising a first opening therein in communication with said primary pressure vessel and a primary outlet port in communication with said first opening and the air bag, a second opening therein in communication with said secondary pressure vessel and a secondary outlet port in communication with said second opening and the air bag, a primary burst disc between said first opening and said primary pressure vessel, and a secondary burst disc between said second opening and said secondary pressure vessel,each of said gas generating units comprising a closed outer end and an initiator and ignitable gas generating charge in communication with the pressure vessel thereof;whereby upon the ignition of the gas generating charge of one of said gas generating units, the gas therein is further pressurized to rupture the adjacent burst disc and effect the flow of the pressurized gas through the adjacent bulkhead opening and outlet port to the air bag for inflation thereof;said bulkhead further comprising a first bore extending therethrough that connects said primary and secondary pressure vessels, and a second bore therethrough which connects said primary and secondary pressure vessels and is of a size smaller than that of said first bore.