Filter with integrated baffle

摘要

An airbag assembly may include an airbag and an inflator in fluid communication with the airbag. The inflator may have a first chamber containing a first gas source and a second chamber containing a second gas source. A filter module may be positioned to filter and redirect gas flows from the first and second gas sources. The filter module may be constructed by securing a baffle within an interior cavity of a filter medium having a generally tubular shape, prior to installation of the filter module the inflator. The baffle may be supported directly by the material of the filter module, by a bracket, or by a support structure formed of wire thicker than that of the filter medium. The baffle may maintain isolation between the first and second chambers, or may help gas from the first gas source initiate gas provision from the second gas source.

主权项

1. An inflator for an airbag assembly for protecting a vehicle occupant from injury, the inflator comprising:
an exterior wall comprising an aperture; a first gas source contained within a first chamber defined within the exterior wall, wherein, in response to receipt by the inflator of a first activation signal, the first gas source provides a gas that defines a first gas flow pathway that moves through the inflator and exits the inflator via the aperture; and a filter module positioned in the first gas flow pathway, the filter module comprising: a filter medium having plurality of holes sized such that, as the gas flows through the filter medium, particulate matter entrained in the gas is trapped in the filter medium; and a baffle secured to the filter medium, the baffle comprising an impingement surface positioned such that the gas impinges against the impingement surface in a manner that causes redirection of the first gas flow pathway; wherein the baffle is positioned such that the baffle is in contact with no component of the inflator outside the filter module.