| 摘要 |
An inflator ( 10 ) for use in an inflatable vehicle occupant protection system. In one aspect of the invention, the inflator ( 10 ) includes a longitudinal enclosure ( 22 ) having a substantially uniform cross-sectional area along at least a portion of the enclosure, and a gas generant composition ( 24 ) positioned along the portion of the enclosure ( 22 ). The gas generant composition ( 24 ) is distributed substantially uniformly along the portion of the enclosure ( 22 ). A plurality of gas exit apertures ( 40 ) is formed along the portion of the enclosure ( 22 ) to enable fluid communication between the enclosure ( 22 ) and an exterior of the enclosure. The apertures ( 40 ) are spaced apart a distance proportional to a desired rate of propagation of a combustion reaction of gas generant positioned between the apertures ( 40 ). In another aspect of the invention, the inflator ( 10 ) includes a longitudinal enclosure ( 22 ) having a substantially uniform cross-sectional area along at least a portion of the enclosure, and a gas generant composition ( 24 ) positioned along the portion of the enclosure ( 22 ). The gas generant composition ( 24 ) is distributed substantially uniformly along the portion of the enclosure ( 22 ). A plurality of gas exit apertures ( 40 ) is formed along the portion of the enclosure ( 22 ) to enable fluid communication between the enclosure ( 22 ) and an exterior of the enclosure. The total number of apertures ( 40 ) along the enclosure ( 22 ) is inversely proportional to a desired rate of propagation of a combustion reaction of gas generant positioned between the apertures ( 40 ).
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