Patent ID: 6692022
Filing Date: 2004-02-17
Classification: B60R

Abstract:
A dynamically adjustable automotive air bag gas venting system comprising:an inflatable cushion stored in a non-inflated configuration; an inflator receptive of a first command signal for initiating the inflator; wherein the inflator is in fluid communication with the inflatable cushion and operative in response to the first command signal to generate a prescribed quantity of inflation gas so as to deploy the inflatable cushion to an inflated configuration; a retainer plate including: a first aperture receptive of the inflator; and a first set of vent slots peripheral to the first aperture; a base plate including: a second aperture aligned with the first aperture and receptive of the inflator; and a second set of vent slots aligned with the first set of vent slots and peripheral to the second aperture; a rotatable ring positioned between the base plate and the retainer plate and including: a third aperture aligned with the first and second apertures and receptive of the inflator; and a third set of vent slots peripheral to the third aperture; and a pyrotechnic actuator receptive of a second command signal for initiating the pyrotechnic actuator; wherein the pyrotechnic actuator is positioned proximate to the rotatable ring and operative in response to the second command signal to rotate the rotatable ring so as to at least partially align the third set of vent slots with the first and second set of vent slots.