Apparatus for reducing the magnitude of a pressure wave during deployment of an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device

摘要

An apparatus ( 10 ) provides inflation fluid to an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device ( 14 ). The apparatus ( 10 ) includes an inflator ( 24 ) actuatable to provide inflation fluid for inflating the protection device ( 14 ). A conduit ( 22 ) directs inflation fluid into the protection device ( 14 ) from the inflator ( 24 ). A deflector ( 50 ) is arranged in fluid communication with the conduit ( 22 ) and has at least a portion in fluid communication with the protection device ( 14 ). The deflector ( 50 ) is configured to direct inflation fluid into the protection device ( 14 ) in opposing directions to reduce the magnitude of pressure waves experienced by a vehicle occupant ( 28 ).