DEVICE AND METHOD FOR INFLATING INFLATABLE VEHICLE PASSENGER RESTRAINT

摘要

PURPOSE: To accurately control a flow of gas in an inflator assembly at both first and second flow rates. CONSTITUTION: An inflator assembly 10 for inflating an inflatable vehicle occupant restraint 12 includes a pressure vessel 14 with a storage chamber 18 containing a combustible mixture of gases. An ignitable material 122, when burning, increases the pressure of the mixture of gases by igniting the mixture of gases. The mixture of gases is released to exit the storage chamber 18 at a first flow rate and subsequently at a second, greater flow rate. A first gas outlet opening is provided in the pressure vessel 14 when the inflator assembly 10 is actuated, and a second gas outlet opening is subsequently provided in the pressure vessel 14 at a predetermined time. A diffuser 176 directs gas from the gas outlet openings into the inflatable vehicle occupant restraint 12.