A pyrotechnic drive device includes a housing (3) provided with a combustion chamber (5) having pyrotechnic material (15) as well as an activation device (13). The combustion chamber is delimited at least in an initial state on all sides by combustion chamber walls (3, 7, 13, 17, 33, 35) formed in at least one partial region by respective pressure-receiving surface or respective pressure-receiving element (17, 35). Each pressure-receiving impact of a pressure-receiving element (17, 35) is impacted after the activation of the pyrotechnic material (15) in such a way by the gas pressure generated in this manner that the pressure-receiving element (17, 35) is moved and/or deformed (17, 35) and/or a mechanical impulse is thus transmitted via the pressure-receiving element (17, 35) to an element to be driven (19) so that a connected substance (25) is transmitted. The residual volume of the combustion chamber (5), in which no pyrotechnic material (15) is provided in the initial state, is filled with a liquid, a gel-like or pasty filling material (21), and/or a soft, rubber-like material.

A pyrotechnic drive device includes a housing (3) provided with a combustion chamber (5) having pyrotechnic material (15) as well as an activation device (13). The combustion chamber is delimited at least in an initial state on all sides by combustion chamber walls (3, 7, 13, 17, 33, 35) formed in at least one partial region by respective pressure-receiving surface or respective pressure-receiving element (17, 35). Each pressure-receiving impact of a pressure-receiving element (17, 35) is impacted after the activation of the pyrotechnic material (15) in such a way by the gas pressure generated in this manner that the pressure-receiving element (17, 35) is moved and/or deformed (17, 35) and/or a mechanical impulse is thus transmitted via the pressure-receiving element (17, 35) to an element to be driven (19) so that a connected substance (25) is transmitted. The residual volume of the combustion chamber (5), in which no pyrotechnic material (15) is provided in the initial state, is filled with a liquid, a gel-like or pasty filling material (21), and/or a soft, rubber-like material.

An explosively propelled piston assembly (EPPA) comprising an optional mounting plate; at least one lower cylinder fastener; a breach bolt with a base and an upward extending member; a breach plate having a plurality of surround openings; a breach gasket having a plurality of openings; a combustion piston with a base, a center opening, and upward extending side wall and a threaded opening; a piston dampening ring; a combustion cylinder having an upper section, a lower section, upward extending members and at least one ventilation bore; and a plurality of threaded plate fasteners. Once the EPPA is assembled, an explosive charge is placed into the EPPA. The charge is then activated which produces a contained explosive force that actuates the piston, causing the piston to extend outward, applying the force onto an object in contact with or adjacent to the EPPA. The force can be used to produce pushing, flipping, rolling or other movement of the object.

An explosively propelled piston assembly (EPPA) comprising an optional mounting plate; at least one lower cylinder fastener; a breach bolt with a base and an upward extending member; a breach plate having a plurality of surround openings; a breach gasket having a plurality of openings; a combustion piston with a base, a center opening, and upward extending side wall and a threaded opening; a piston dampening ring; a combustion cylinder having an upper section, a lower section, upward extending members and at least one ventilation bore; and a plurality of threaded plate fasteners. Once the EPPA is assembled, an explosive charge is placed into the EPPA. The charge is then activated which produces a contained explosive force that actuates the piston, causing the piston to extend outward, applying the force onto an object in contact with or adjacent to the EPPA. The force can be used to produce pushing, flipping, rolling or other movement of the object.

Apparatus, methods, and systems for repositioning a steering wheel and/or airbag cushion prior to and/or during deployment of the airbag cushion resulting from an impact event. Some embodiments may comprise a steering wheel configured to be positioned between a first, operational configuration and a second, deployed configuration, wherein in the second configuration the steering wheel is positioned laterally relative to the first configuration, and wherein the steering wheel is configured to be repositioned between the first configuration and the second configuration. A steering wheel actuator may be configured to move the steering wheel laterally from the first configuration to the second configuration.

Apparatus, methods, and systems for repositioning a steering wheel and/or airbag cushion prior to and/or during deployment of the airbag cushion resulting from an impact event. Some embodiments may comprise a steering wheel configured to be positioned between a first, operational configuration and a second, deployed configuration, wherein in the second configuration the steering wheel is positioned laterally relative to the first configuration, and wherein the steering wheel is configured to be repositioned between the first configuration and the second configuration. A steering wheel actuator may be configured to move the steering wheel laterally from the first configuration to the second configuration.

An actuator assembly includes an actuation member, a release member, and a source of pressurized gas, wherein during a normal mode of operation, the actuation member and the release member are engaged to move in unison, and wherein during an emergency mode of operation, pressurized gas automatically decouples the actuation member from the release member to move separately. In accordance with yet other aspects of the present disclosure, an electro-mechanical actuator includes an electro-mechanical drive system and an integrated backup system operated by a gas generator, wherein when the backup system is activated, the electro-mechanical drive system is decoupled and the actuator moves to a predetermined position and mechanically locks in place.

An actuator assembly includes an actuation member, a release member, and a source of pressurized gas, wherein during a normal mode of operation, the actuation member and the release member are engaged to move in unison, and wherein during an emergency mode of operation, pressurized gas automatically decouples the actuation member from the release member to move separately. In accordance with yet other aspects of the present disclosure, an electro-mechanical actuator includes an electro-mechanical drive system and an integrated backup system operated by a gas generator, wherein when the backup system is activated, the electro-mechanical drive system is decoupled and the actuator moves to a predetermined position and mechanically locks in place.

A novel actuator contains a housing having a first end, a second end, and an inner wall. A piston rod assembly is contained within the housing, wherein the assembly contains a piston rod, a first end cap fixed at one end of the piston rod, and a second end cap fixed at an opposing end of the piston rod. An energy management device is constrained about an outer diameter of the first end cap, wherein upon actuation of the actuator, the energy management device may under predetermined conditions be deformed upon movement of said piston rod.

A novel actuator contains a housing having a first end, a second end, and an inner wall. A piston rod assembly is contained within the housing, wherein the assembly contains a piston rod, a first end cap fixed at one end of the piston rod, and a second end cap fixed at an opposing end of the piston rod. An energy management device is constrained about an outer diameter of the first end cap, wherein upon actuation of the actuator, the energy management device may under predetermined conditions be deformed upon movement of said piston rod.