ELECTROTHERMAL INFLATABLE RESTRAINT SYSTEM AND METHOD OF INFLATING AN INFLATABLE CUSHION

摘要

An electrothermal gas generating device for inflating the air cushion of an occupant restraint system of the "air bag" type. Upon sensing a deceleration above a predetermined threshold level a discharge voltage is applied between electrodes within the electrothermal device which sustains a current arc therebetween, creating a plasma jet which flows into a chamber containing a solid or liquid reactive material. The reactive material is converted into gas by the high temperature, high pressure plasma jet. The gas created then flows into and inflates the air cushion.