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.