ELECTRICAL INITIATOR

摘要

The invention relates to an electrical initiator (10) which can be used with an automobile air bag or seat belt pretensioner. The initiator (10) comprises a header (100), a cup (160), conducting pins (20, 21), epoxy pin seals (140), a bridge-wire (30), a primer (40), and an output charge (170). In some embodiments, the initiator (10) also includes a director can (306). The header (100) and the cup (160) are composed of an insulating dielectric material capable of being ultrasonically welded together. The header (100) secures the pins (20, 21). Each pin (20, 21) is electrically conductive and each is formed with a buttress knurl (50) to form a seal when each pin (20, 21) is inserted into the header (100). Additionally, the pins (20, 21) are further sealed to the header by an epoxy sealant (140) and the interference fit of the pin to the header. The bridgewire (30) connects the pins (20, 21) together on one side of the header (100). An electrical signal through the bridgewire (30) generates heat igniting the primer (40). Primer (40) reacts with the output charge (170) that in turn ignites a solid gas generant (305) that produces gas that fills air bags or activates the gas generator that drives seat belt pretensioners. The primer (40) contacts the bridgewire (30). The output charge (170) contacts the primer (40). The output charge (170) is in the cup (160) and the cup (160) is ultrasonically welded to the header (100) to provide, along with the pin seals (140), an environmentally secure seal. Furthermore both the primer (40) and a flash charge (1050) contain Kraton G (TM) and Kraton FG (TM) as well as Potassium perchlorate (KC10) and Zirconium (Zr).