Apparatus and method for launching a vehicle
An apparatus for launching a vehicle includes a bag and an inflator in fluid communication with the bag, the inflator configured to generate a gas to inflate the bag. The apparatus is operable to launch the vehicle. A method for launching a vehicle includes the step of providing an apparatus for launching the vehicle, the apparatus comprising a bag and an inflator in fluid communication with the bag. The method further includes the step of activating the inflator, such that a gas flows from the inflator, and the step of inflating the bag with the gas to launch the vehicle.
1. An apparatus for launching a vehicle, comprising:
a bag; and
a gas-generant inflator in fluid communication with the bag, the inflator configured to generate a gas to inflate the bag, the gas generant inflator comprising:
a housing defining an exit port;
a baffle;
a gas generant disposed in the baffle; and
an igniter disposed in the housing and operably associated with the gas generant;
wherein the igniter, when activated, ignites the gas generant to produce a gas; the gas flows through the baffle and the exit port to inflate the bag; and the apparatus is operable to launch the vehicle.
2. The apparatus, according to claim 1 , wherein the apparatus is configured to mate with the vehicle.
3. The apparatus, according to claim 1 , wherein the inflator is configured to mate with an exhaust nozzle of the vehicle.
4. The apparatus, according to claim 1 , wherein the bag defines at least one collapsing feature.
5. The apparatus, according to claim 1 , wherein the bag comprises:
a fiber-reinforced, polymeric material.
6. The apparatus, according to claim 1 , further comprising:
a head, through which the inflator is in fluid communication with the bag; and
a base;
wherein the head, the base, and the bag define a cavity into which gas from the inflator is received to inflate the bag.
7. The apparatus, according to claim 1 , wherein the apparatus is operably associated with a vehicle system.
8. The apparatus, according to claim 1 , wherein the apparatus is operably associated with a fire controller.
9. A vehicle system, comprising:
a canister;
a vehicle disposed in the canister; and
an apparatus for launching the vehicle from the canister, the apparatus comprising:
a bag; and
a gas-generant inflator in fluid communication with the bag, the inflator configured to generate a gas to inflate the bag, the gas generant inflator comprising:
a housing defining an exit port;
a baffle;
a gas generant disposed in the baffle; and
an igniter disposed in the housing and operably associated with the gas generant;
wherein the igniter, when activated, ignites the gas generant to produce a gas; the gas flows through the baffle and the exit port to inflate the bag; and the bag is disposed between the vehicle and the canister.
10. The vehicle system, according to claim 9 , further comprising:
a fire controller operably associated with the apparatus for launching the vehicle from the canister.