Hybrid inflator with elongated housing and center discharge

摘要

A hybrid inflator (10) for an inflatable restraint system has a center frame (12) and two tubular end caps (14,16) forming an elongated housing (11) defining a chamber (28) storing pressurized inert gas. Units (18,20) for heating and delivering the stored gas are mounted in the center frame and positioned to deliver inflation gasses centrally with respect to the elongated housing. In a two unit embodiment, one unit (18) includes a squib (42) and a pyrotechnic gas generant (54), and the other unit (20) defines an outlet orifice (22) and baffle plate (60). In another two unit embodiment, the second unit includes an essentially non gas-producing heating composition which, when activated, heats and expands the pressurized gas. In a third embodiment, a unit includes heating material and ignition means and defines the outlet orifice. The centre frame (12) is extruded metal stock with two opposing flat surfaces adapted to mount one or more units.