초록 ▼

An apparatus (14) for inflating an inflatable vehicle occupant restraint (12) comprises means (22) defining an elongated combustion chamber (30) having opposed ends (24, 26). The combustion cheer (30) contains a mass (32) of gas generating material. An igniter (92) is positioned at one end of the co

An apparatus (14) for inflating an inflatable vehicle occupant restraint (12) comprises means (22) defining an elongated combustion chamber (30) having opposed ends (24, 26). The combustion cheer (30) contains a mass (32) of gas generating material. An igniter (92) is positioned at one end of the combustion chamber (30) for igniting the mass (32) of gas generating material. The mass of gas generating material provides a substantially continuous burn path for the full length of the combustion chamber (30). The mass of gas generating material comprises at least one expansion area (124) between the combustion chamber opposed ends (24, 26), which expansion area is essentially free of gas generating material. The expansion area (124) has a free volume which is effective to attenuate pressure waves within the combustion chamber.

대표청구항 ▼

An apparatus for inflating an inflatable vehicle occupant restraint comprising: (a) means for defining a combustion chamber; (b) a plurality of bodies of gas generating material within said combustion chamber, each of said bodies of gas generating material having surface means for defining a central

An apparatus for inflating an inflatable vehicle occupant restraint comprising: (a) means for defining a combustion chamber; (b) a plurality of bodies of gas generating material within said combustion chamber, each of said bodies of gas generating material having surface means for defining a central passageway through each or said bodies; (c) an actuatable igniter at one end of said combustion chamber for igniting said gas generating material, said gas generating material when ignited creating a first flame front and a second flame front, said first flame front moving longitudinally through said combustion chamber in a first direction and rebounding from a second end of said combustion chamber opposite said one end and moving in a second direction opposite said first direction, said second flame front moving longitudinally through said combustion chamber in said first direction at a speed slower than the speed of said first flame front such that said second flame front collides with said first flame front moving in said second direction, the collision of said first and second flame fronts creating a radially acting pressure wave; and (d) means for attenuating said radially acting pressure wave comprising surface means on at least one of said bodies of gas generating material for defining a central passageway which is larger in diameter than the other of said central passageways.