AIR BAG INFLATOR HAVING HELICAL GAS FLOOR SPACE

摘要

An apparatus for inflating a vehicle occupant restraint such as an air bag comprises a source of gas for inflating the air bag. A filter is disposed outward of the gas source and has an outer surface. A pressure controlling member is spaced outward of the filter an encircles the gas source and the filter. A helical strand is interposed between the filter and the pressure controlling member to create a plenum between them. Gas supplied by the gas source accumulates in the gap until it builds up enough pressure to burst the pressure controlling member. The strand has a smooth cylindrical outer surface. Thus, any contact between the strand and the foil layer is line contact.