초록 ▼

A gas generating system (10) including a filter assembly (36) formed from a plurality of nodules (36b) positioned and secured in relation to each other so as to form a porous structure (36a). In one embodiment, the nodules (36b) are metallic and are secured in relation to each other using either a s

A gas generating system (10) including a filter assembly (36) formed from a plurality of nodules (36b) positioned and secured in relation to each other so as to form a porous structure (36a). In one embodiment, the nodules (36b) are metallic and are secured in relation to each other using either a sintering process or a brazing process. The nodules (36b) may be bonded directly together, or the nodules may be secured within a metallic matrix material. The gas generating system may also include a first baffle plate (40) positioned between the plurality of nodules (36b) and a gas source of the gas generating system (10), and a second baffle plate (42) positioned between the plurality of nodules (36b) and a housing wall (12c) of the gas generating system (10). The baffle plates (40, 42) provide added structural integrity to the porous structure (36a) and increase the length of a tortuous flow path of gases through the filter assembly (36). Apertures (40a, 42a) and are provided in the baffle plates (40, 42) to aid in directing the flow of gases through the porous structure (36b), thereby ensuring a tortuous flow path for the gases. A vehicle occupant protection system (480) incorporating the filter assembly (36) is also described.

대표청구항 ▼

1. A gas generating system including a filter assembly comprising: a plurality of metallic nodules positioned and secured in a metallic matrix so as to form a porous filtering structure;a first baffle plate positioned between the plurality of metallic nodules and a combustible gas generant material

1. A gas generating system including a filter assembly comprising: a plurality of metallic nodules positioned and secured in a metallic matrix so as to form a porous filtering structure;a first baffle plate positioned between the plurality of metallic nodules and a combustible gas generant material of the gas generating system; anda second baffle plate positioned between the plurality of metallic nodules and a housing wall of the gas generating system,wherein said metallic matrix comprises a flowable metal filler at or above 840 F, but below the melting point of said plurality of nodules. 2. The gas generating system of claim 1 wherein the nodules are substantially spherical. 3. The gas generating system of claim 1 wherein the nodules are hollow. 4. The gas generating system of claim 1 wherein at least a portion of the nodules comprise an aluminum alloy. 5. The gas generating system of claim 1 wherein the filter assembly comprises a metallic foam material. 6. A vehicle occupant protection system including a gas generating system in accordance with claim 1.