Hybrid inflator for an airbag

摘要

A hybrid inflator (10), includes a storage chamber (14) for storing a pressurized gas and a pyrotechnic heater assembly (30) which has a solid gas generating material (42) within a combustion chamber (33). A closure (62) provides a pressure seal between the storage chamber and the combustion chamber. Upon receiving a control signal, an igniter (54) ignites the solid gas generating material. The closure is ruptured, allowing a mixture of hot generated gas and stored gas to discharge through a filter (28) and openings (74) in a diffuser (70) and flow into a vehicle occupant restraint. The area of the opening sealed by the closure (62) is 40% to 60% of the cross sectional area of the chamber (14).