| 摘要 |
<p>A valve mechanism (40) for controlling the release of gas (52) from a pressure vessel (50) into an airbag system is disclosed. When a collision occurs, gas (52) is initially released from a pressure vessel (50). The gas (52) travels through a valve mechanism (40) which regulates the volume of the gas (52) flowing through the valve from the pressure vessel (50) into an inflatable vehicle occupant restraint (30). When inflated, the vehicle occupant restraint (30) restrains an occupant of a vehicule during a collision. By controlling the gas flow into the airbag (30) at the appropriate times, the valve achieves the desired bag energy absorbing characteristics for each unique crash situation. The valve uses pilot pressure and actuating means (86) to control the flow by controlling the cross-sectional area of the gas flow path through the valve system (40).</p> |
