초록 ▼

The storage of combustible mixed fluid fuel and oxidizer in a porous matrix provides for enhanced control of fluid fueled inflators such as are used in automotive passive restraint airbag systems. By storing such in mixtures in a porous matrix having pores smaller than the quenching distance of the

The storage of combustible mixed fluid fuel and oxidizer in a porous matrix provides for enhanced control of fluid fueled inflators such as are used in automotive passive restraint airbag systems. By storing such in mixtures in a porous matrix having pores smaller than the quenching distance of the stored mixture the flammability of the mixture is suppressed. Storage of the mixture in a porous matrix having larger pores provides a mechanism for controlling the rate of release of the mixture, as well as providing a heat sink which helps moderate the temperature of the mixture during the filling operation, during long term storage and during the combustion process. Several inflator embodiments, with particularly advantageous structures for storing and releasing the mixture, are disclosed.

대표청구항 ▼

In an inflator for producing gas to inflate an inflatable apparatus, comprising: an initiator; a storage chamber containing a combustible mixture of a fluid fuel and an oxidant; and at least one discharge outlet from the interior to the exterior of the inflator; wherein: activation of said initiator

In an inflator for producing gas to inflate an inflatable apparatus, comprising: an initiator; a storage chamber containing a combustible mixture of a fluid fuel and an oxidant; and at least one discharge outlet from the interior to the exterior of the inflator; wherein: activation of said initiator produces heated initiator products and results in the ignition of said combustible mixture producing a volume of combusted gas which passes through said discharge outlet to be made available to said inflatable apparatus; the improvement comprising a solid porous matrix adapted to contain a portion of said combustible mixture is located in said storage chamber.