Directional compressed gas inflator

摘要

A compressed gas airbag inflator (50) includes a cylindrical sidewall (54) enclosing a storage chamber (52) having a first end closed by a weld ring (59) containing a rupture disc (60). A cap (70) supporting an initiator squib (72) covers the rupture disc (60) and directs gas leaving the storage chamber (52) into an exhaust manifold chamber (62) running the length of the storage chamber (52). The manifold chamber (62) is bounded by an exterior wall (68) connected to one side of the storage chamber (52) and has a series of exhaust ports (66) which increase in diameter as their distance from the cap (70) increases. The exterior wall of the manifold chamber (62) may be integral with the side wall (54) of the storage chamber (52). The flow of gas into an associated airbag can be directed in an advantageous manner and squib ignition products can be cooled prior to entering the airbag.