摘要 |
A shatterproof pressure vessel for storing pressurized gas used in a hybrid-type air bag inflator until the gas is expanded for inflating an air bag, is formed of a thin wall, metal tube made by extruding a metal ring axially through a constricted die orifice to provide an elongated tube. The extrusion generally aligns the metal grain structure into a generally elongated, axially oriented fiber-like configuration. End closures are secured to the opposite ends of the tube to form the sealed pressure vessel. One end closure is openable to receive an ejection from a solid propellant means which is actuated for heating and expanding the gas within the vessel. The opposite end closure is openable to release the expanding gas into a vehicle occupant restraining air bag for inflation of the bag. In the event that the gas pressure within the tube exceed the burst strength of the tube wall, the wall will split along its axial longitudinal direction to provide an opening for relieving the excess pressure, rather than shattering into fragments.
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