Adaptive inflation mechanism

This present invention provides variable deployment performance by controlling the quantity and fluid flow path of the inflator gas into or out of an air bag module (10) according to the present invention. The air bag module (10) includes a slide ring mechanism (30) disposed about an inflator (12) and adjacent at least a portion of a cushion retainer (18). The slide ring mechanism (30) comprises an annular ring having openings (80) formed therein, wherein during rotation of the slide mechanism (30), the openings (80) of the annular ring (30) align with openings (20) formed in the cushion retainer (18) to define a fluid flow path (110) away from an air bag cushion (14) for venting some of the inflator gas. Preferably, the annular ring (30) is rotated by attaching a pair of tethers (120) to the annular ring (30) and to a rear surface (15) of the air bag cushion (14). As the air bag cushion (14) inflates and reaches a predetermined pressure, the tethers (120) are pulled causing the slide ring (30) to rotate so that the openings (20, 80) in the annular ring (30) and cushion retainer (18) align directing an amount of inflator gas away from the air bag cushion (14). The present invention thus provides a direct mechanical system for cushion pressure feedback to tailor the inflation.