Patents by Inventor Thomas Goernig

Thomas Goernig has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 6659010
    Abstract: A pyrotechnic igniter arrangement, especially for occupant protection devices in motor vehicles, includes a single common carrier substrate, an electronic assembly arranged on the carrier substrate in an electronic zone, an electrically ignitable ignition bridge arranged on the carrier substrate in a pyrotechnic zone, and a pyrotechnic charge in the pyrotechnic zone. A mechanical decoupling or parting feature, such as a frangible link or an elastically bendable neck, is provided in the carrier substrate between the pyrotechnic zone and the electronic zone, so that forces arising during ignition of the pyrotechnic charge are not transmitted through the carrier substrate into the electronic zone. The decoupling feature breaks or elastically yields when a load exceeding a prescribed threshold is applied thereto. The electronic assembly is protected from damage due to excessive loads, and remains functional even after ignition of the pyrotechnic charge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Assignee: Conti Temic microelectronic GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Goernig, Holger Wulff
  • Patent number: 6644199
    Abstract: An igniter element and an ignition electronics assembly are mounted and electrically interconnected on a circuit carrier for igniting a pyrotechnic charge, e.g. for deploying an airbag in a motor vehicle. The igniter element (e.g. a layer of ignitable material) is arranged on a carrier body of heat-resistant, thermally insulating material, which is mounted on the circuit carrier. An electrical contact on the carrier body electrically connects the igniter element with the circuit carrier. The carrier body has a standardized configuration, contact arrangement, and dimensions, to be mounted on the circuit carrier like any standardized electronic component using automated equipment. Relative to the contact on the bottom surface, the igniter element can be arranged on a side surface of the carrier body so as to face in a longitudinal direction away from the ignition electronics assembly and toward and into contact with the pyrotechnic charge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Assignee: Conti Temic microelectronic GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Goernig, Holger Wulff
  • Patent number: 6644197
    Abstract: An igniter arrangement for vehicle occupant protection devices includes a substrate, an electronic assembly on the substrate in an electronic zone, an electrical ignition bridge on the substrate in a pyrotechnic zone, and a pyrotechnic charge adjoining the ignition bridge. A shock absorbing elastic first material covers a first portion of the substrate in the pyrotechnic zone, and forms a shock-absorbing cushion between the charge and the electronic zone. A second material harder than the first encases a second portion of the substrate and the electronic assembly in the electronic zone, protects the electronic assembly, and separates the two zones. The ignition bridge and the electronic assembly are at opposite ends of the elongate substrate. A breakable parting feature separably connects the two substrate portions and breaks due to high forces arising during ignition of the charge, so these forces are not transmitted through the substrate into the electronic zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Assignee: Conti Temic microelectronic GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Goernig, Holger Wulff
  • Publication number: 20020166472
    Abstract: An igniter element and an ignition electronics assembly are mounted and electrically interconnected on a circuit carrier for igniting a pyrotechnic charge, e.g. for deploying an airbag in a motor vehicle. The igniter element (e.g. a layer of ignitable material) is arranged on a carrier body of heat-resistant, thermally insulating material, which is mounted on the circuit carrier. An electrical contact on the carrier body electrically connects the igniter element with the circuit carrier. The carrier body has a standardized configuration, contact arrangement, and dimensions, to be mounted on the circuit carrier like any standardized electronic component using automated equipment. Relative to the contact on the bottom surface, the igniter element can be arranged on a side surface of the carrier body so as to face in a longitudinal direction away from the ignition electronics assembly and toward and into contact with the pyrotechnic charge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2002
    Publication date: November 14, 2002
    Inventors: Thomas Goernig, Holger Wulff
  • Publication number: 20020166473
    Abstract: An igniter arrangement for vehicle occupant protection devices includes a substrate, an electronic assembly on the substrate in an electronic zone, an electrical ignition bridge on the substrate in a pyrotechnic zone, and a pyrotechnic charge adjoining the ignition bridge. A shock absorbing elastic first material covers a first portion of the substrate in the pyrotechnic zone, and forms a shock-absorbing cushion between the charge and the electronic zone. A second material harder than the first encases a second portion of the substrate and the electronic assembly in the electronic zone, protects the electronic assembly, and separates the two zones. The ignition bridge and the electronic assembly are at opposite ends of the elongate substrate. A breakable parting feature separably connects the two substrate portions and breaks due to high forces arising during ignition of the charge, so these forces are not transmitted through the substrate into the electronic zone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2002
    Publication date: November 14, 2002
    Inventors: Thomas Goernig, Holger Wulff
  • Publication number: 20020166471
    Abstract: A pyrotechnic igniter arrangement, especially for occupant protection devices in motor vehicles, includes a single common carrier substrate, an electronic assembly arranged on the carrier. substrate in an electronic zone, an electrically ignitable ignition bridge arranged on the carrier substrate in a pyrotechnic zone, and a pyrotechnic charge in the pyrotechnic zone. A mechanical decoupling or parting feature, such as a frangible link or an elastically bendable neck, is provided in the carrier substrate between the pyrotechnic zone and the electronic zone, so that forces arising during ignition of the pyrotechnic charge are not transmitted through the carrier substrate into the electronic zone. The decoupling feature breaks or elastically yields when a load exceeding a prescribed threshold is applied thereto. The electronic assembly is protected from damage due to excessive loads, and remains functional even after ignition of the pyrotechnic charge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2002
    Publication date: November 14, 2002
    Inventors: Thomas Goernig, Holger Wulff