Adjustable performance hybrid inflator

摘要

A hybrid inflator (170) includes a pressure bottle (174) containing compressed gas, combustible propellant (186) for augmenting the stored gas and defining an outlet for delivering inflation gas from the inflator (170) to a primary airbag cushion (14). The hybrid inflator (170) further includes a vent opening (110) defined as a second outlet from the pressure bottle (174) for releasing stored compressed gas therefrom and a rupturable diaphragm (120) positioned to prevent flow from the vent opening (110). A controller (20) provides a signal for operating a squib (238) for opening the primary outlet means and igniting the combustible propellant (186), and another signal for operating a squib (134) rupturing the diaphragm (120) covering the vent opening (110). The vent opening may be opened first to vent gas from the pressure bottle (174) in advance of opening the primary outlet (230), may be opened with or after the primary outlet, or not at all. The vented gas is variously used for a soft onset of inflation of the primary airbag cushion (14), for inflation of a supplemental airbag cushion including a knee bolster, or the gas is dispersed.