Air bag inflator and method of assembly

US5531475A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• TRW VEHICLE SAFETY SYSTEMS INC. · US

Inventors

• Alex Meduvsky · Romeo, US
• George W. Goetz · Rochester Hills, US
• Edward Q. Glac · Lapeer, US
• Steven W. Maurer · Clinton Township, US
• David L. Geyer · Sterling Heights, US
• Dennis J. Fiore · Chesterfield Township, US
• Heidi M. Westlake · Okemos, US
• William E. Gest · Troy, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Oct 21, 1994
• Grant date: Jul 2, 1996
• Expiry date: Oct 21, 2014

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B60R21/2644
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

An inflator (14) for inflating an inflatable vehicle occupant restraint (12) includes a body (60) of ignitable gas generating material, an igniter (260) for igniting the body (60) of gas generating material, and a housing (50) having a tubular wall (52) surrounding the body (60) of gas generating material. The tubular wall (52) has a longitudinal central axis (40), a plurality of outlet openings (100) through which gas flows radially outward, and an open end portion (232) with the contour of a dome centered on the axis (40). The inflator (14) further includes a circular end cap (56) which is located coaxially within the tubular wall (52). The end cap (56) supports the igniter (260) on the axis (40), and has a peripheral surface portion (216) with the contour of a dome centered on the axis (40). The open end portion (232) of the tubular wall (52) closely overlies the peripheral surface portion (216) of the end cap (56).