초록 ▼

A hybrid inflator for an inflatable safety system is provided. The hybrid inflator is configured to provide for efficient mixing of hot combustion gases from combustion of the propellant and other combustible materials with the cooler pressurized medium in the stored gas housing. The mixing of the c

A hybrid inflator for an inflatable safety system is provided. The hybrid inflator is configured to provide for efficient mixing of hot combustion gases from combustion of the propellant and other combustible materials with the cooler pressurized medium in the stored gas housing. The mixing of the combustion gases and the pressurized medium provides an output gas having a substantially uniform composition and temperature.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [12.] An apparatus for controlling flow of inflation gases, comprising:an inflator housing including a chamber and having a length;an initiator assembly connected to said inflator housing for use in igniting propellant;a gas generator having said propellant for generating prop

[ What is claimed is:] [12.] An apparatus for controlling flow of inflation gases, comprising:an inflator housing including a chamber and having a length;an initiator assembly connected to said inflator housing for use in igniting propellant;a gas generator having said propellant for generating propellant gas and including a gas generator housing, a first end and a second end, with said first end being relatively adjacent to said initiator assembly;stored gas contained in at least said inflator housing;outlet means associated with said inflator housing for receiving the inflation gases and having an exit from which the inflation gases escape from said inflator housing;said outlet means including an afterburner member disposed in said inflator housing having a first end and a second end, with said second end being spaced from said first end by a length of said afterburner member, said first end being adjacent to said second end of said gas generator and said afterburner member length extending towards said exit;means operatively associated with said gas generator for mixing the inflation gases, including at least one of the propellant gas and the stored gas, said means for mixing including an inner shroud located in said inflator housing outwardly of said afterburner member, wherein a passageway is disposed between said gas generator housing and said inner shroud from which at least some of the propellant gas passes into said chamber of said inflator housing and in which the propellant gas moves in a first direction outwardly of said inner shroud towards said exit and then in a second direction, opposite said first direction, between said inner shroud and said afterburner member and so that the temperature of the inflation gases adjacent said outlet means is reduced, said inner shroud having a length substantially starting at said first end of said afterburner member and extending in a direction towards said exit, said length of said inner shroud being at least 0.25 of said length of said inflator housing; andoutlet closure means for blocking passage of the inflation gases until after said initiator assembly is activated.