Apparatus and methods of venting gas in an airbag module

• Main Authors: Hawthorn, Laura A, Dunkle, Stephanie, Winters, Mark T, Ryan, Shawn G, Kneisly, Ann L, Sparkman, John P, Schatz, Patrick W
• Format: Patent
• Language: English
• Published: 05.10.2004

This disclosure relates generally to airbag modules. More specifically, this disclosure relates to apparatus and methods of venting gas in an airbag module. An airbag module is provided. The module includes a housing, an inflator, an inflatable cushion, a vent aperture defined in the housing, and a gas deflecting member. The vent aperture places the interior of the housing in fluid communication with the exterior of the housing. The vent aperture is offset from exhaust ports of the inflator. The gas deflecting member is movable between a first position and a second position. In the first position, a first portion of the deflecting member deflects a first amount of the inflation gas to the exterior of the housing. In the second position, a second portion of the deflecting member deflects the inflation gas towards the inflatable cushion. A second amount of the inflation gas is ventable from the housing through the vent aperture when the deflecting member is in the second position.