Lightweight discoidal filterless air bag inflator

摘要

A non-hybrid pyrotechnic filterless inflator, i.e., gas generator, for an automotive passive restraint air bag having a generally discoidally-shaped pressure vessel having a diameter that preferably is greater than or about equal to its height formed of a cup-shaped closure cap and a base member and having at least one exhaust nozzle for directing gaseous products out of the inflator and into the air bag. The pressure vessel contains an initiator assembly and a gas-generant cup assembly including a stamped metal cup which contains the main pyrotechnic gas-generating propellant composition positioned about and in some embodiments in contact with the initiator assembly and preferably spaced a small distance from the walls of the pressure vessel. The initiator assembly includes an initiator plug received in the opening of the base, a standard initiator which ignites the gas-generating products or ignition-enhancing materials in the inflator and the electrical connections to connect the inflator to a crash-sensing diagnostic system. An ignition-enhancer cup assembly may be provided which includes an ignition enhancing charge material placed inside a stamped metal cup containing numerous gas ports and positioned about the initiator assembly to place the ignition-enhancing generant charge about and in contact with the initiator.