| 摘要 |
A mechanism (10) for releasably confining pressurized fluid in a container (18) is provided. The mechanism includes a rupturable membrane (22) in is fluid communication with an interior of the container (18), thereby exposing the membrane (22) to the fluid. The membrane (22) is configured to obstruct flow of the pressurized fluid when externally supported against pressure exerted by the fluid. The membrane (22) is also rupturable by pressure exerted by the fluid when not externally supported against the pressure exerted by the fluid. A support member (28) is provided for externally supporting the membrane (22) against pressure exerted by the fluid. The support member (28) is configured to be fracturable upon exposure to combustion products formed by activation of a gas generator (66). Upon activation of the gas generator (66), combustion products formed by the gas generator (66) contact the support member (28) to decompose and/or fracture the support member (28), thereby removing support for the membrane (22) and enabling rupture of the membrane (22) by the pressurized fluid, releasing the pressurized fluid. The mechanism (10) may be incorporated into an inflator (8) which includes a pressurized gas bottle (18) having an opening (24) which is sealed prior to activation of a gas generator (66), and a housing (12) coupled to the gas bottle (18) over the opening (24). The housing (12) defines a gas passage (11) and a longitudinal axis (L). The support member (28) is fixed within the passage (11) and is positioned over the bottle opening (24) prior to gas generator activation to prevent gas flow through the housing passage (11). A gas generator (66) is coupled to the housing (12) and is spaced apart from the longitudinal axis (L). The gas generator (66) is positioned so as to fluidly communicate with the support member (28) upon gas generator activation. |
