PYROTECHNIC LINEAR INFLATOR

摘要

An airbag inflator (10) including an elongated outer housing (12) having an interior and one or more orifices (22) formed therealong to enable fluid communication between the outer housing interior and an exterior of the outer housing (12). The outer housing orifice(s) (22) open from the outer housing interior toward a first side (F) of the inflator. An elongated inner housing (14) is positioned in the outer housing interior. The inner housing (14) has an interior and one or more orifices (20) formed therealong to enable fluid communication between the inner housing interior and an exterior of the inner housing (14). The inner housing orifice(s) (20) open from the inner housing interior toward a second side (S) of the inflator. A quantity of a gas generant composition (16) extends along a portion of the interior of the inner housing (14). The gas generant (16) has a substantially "C"-shaped cross-section with a slot (24) extending along the length of the gas generant (16). The gas generant slot (24) is oriented facing the inner housing orifice(s) (20). A filter (15) is positioned intermediate the inner housing orifice(s) (20) and the outer housing orifice(s) (22) for filtering combustion products generated by combustion of the gas generant composition (16). An igniter (40) is operatively coupled to the gas generant composition (16) so as to enable fluid communication between the igniter (40) and the gas generant composition (16) upon activation of the inflator (10). The slotted, "C"-shaped cross section of the gas generant (16) provides a greater exposed gas generant surface area than would be achievable without the slot (24). This enhances the ignition and burning of the gas generant composition (16) upon inflator activation.