Patent ID: 7648164
Filing Date: 2010-01-19
Classification: B60N,B60R,G07C

Abstract:
1. A method for controlling flow of gas into an airbag, comprising: providing a gas generator having a combustion chamber for generating gas; providing a variable flow restrictor in a flow path from the combustion chamber to the airbag, the variable flow restrictor having at least one inlet communicating with the combustion chamber and at least one outlet all of which lead to the airbag and being arranged such that all of the generated gas flowing into the least one outlet from the combustion chamber flows out of the at least one outlet to the airbag under variable flow conditions; providing a controller for controlling flow resistance of the variable flow restrictor; directing the gas into the airbag after initiation of deployment of the airbag; and controlling the flow of gas into the airbag via the controller based on at least one condition at the time of initiation such that the airbag is variably deployed dependent on the at least one condition and the flow resistance provided by the variable flow resistor causes pressure in the combustion chamber to be controlled.