Direct laser ignition for gas generating material.

摘要

A device is provided for ignition of a pyrotechnic or hybrid inflator (16) for use in motor vehicles by the input of energy provided by a laser source. The laser energy is conducted through an optical fibre (18) and an optical window (28) in the inflator housing (16) where the ignition of a propellant initiator (14) is triggered. This apparatus eliminates the potential for ignition of the inflator by radio frequency energy or static electricity acting on the electrical squib which- is standardly used to ignite an inflator. This design further simplifies the igniter assembly for use in an inflator.