초록 ▼

Hybrid inflators for an inflatable safety system are disclosed. In one embodiment, the hybrid inflator uses a dual function initiator in that the combustion products from the initiator both ignite the propellant by direct contact therewith and propel a projectile through a outlet closure disk to rel

Hybrid inflators for an inflatable safety system are disclosed. In one embodiment, the hybrid inflator uses a dual function initiator in that the combustion products from the initiator both ignite the propellant by direct contact therewith and propel a projectile through a outlet closure disk to release the stored pressurized medium. In another embodiment, the hardware configuration of the hybrid inflator allows the propellant to be loaded into the inflator after all hardware connections proximate the propellant, which require a weld, have in fact been welded. In another embodiment, the main inflator outlet closure disk is disposed at substantially a mid portion of the inflator. In another embodiment, the propellant gases are required to flow from the combustion chamber and into the stored gas housing prior to exiting the inflator, such by using a projectile to rupture the main inflator outlet closure disk and to thereafter seal the gas generator.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [29.] An inflator for an inflatable safety system comprising an inflatable bag, said inflator comprising:a first housing having a first end and a second end;a second housing assembly interconnected with said first housing, said second housing assembly comprising first and thir

[ What is claimed is:] [29.] An inflator for an inflatable safety system comprising an inflatable bag, said inflator comprising:a first housing having a first end and a second end;a second housing assembly interconnected with said first housing, said second housing assembly comprising first and third chambers, said first housing being disposed about said second housing assembly and spaced from said second housing assembly;a second chamber defined between said first housing and said second housing assembly;a first port on said second housing assembly interconnecting said first chamber and said second chamber, wherein said first chamber and said second chamber are in constant fluid communication;a gas-generating material disposed within said first chamber;a pressurized medium contained within said first, second and third chambers;an outlet to the inflatable ba located adjacent said second end of said first housing;a first closure disk disposed between said third chamber and said second end of said first housing and in which said first closure disk is rupturable after said gas-generating material is ignited;an activation assembly located adjacent said first end of said first housing for igniting said gas-generating material; andmeans for substantially preventing direct fluid communication between said first and third chambers when gases are generated upon ignition of said gas-generating material and in which substantially all of said gases are forced to flow from said first chamber, then into said second chamber, and then into said third chamber, wherein said gas-generating material is disposed between said means for substantially preventing and said first end of said first housing, said means for substantially preventing direct fluid communication comprising a partition disposed within said second housing assembly which separates said first chamber from said third chamber, an aperture extending through said partition, and a projectile slidably received within said aperture.