The Anatomy of an Inflator for Air Cushion Occupant Systems

Many anxieties have been generated concerning the introduction of an air cushion passive restraint system in automobiles for a variety of reasons; but, one of the most prevalent anxieties stems from the common lack of understanding relative to the functioning characteristics and safety of the inflator which is to contain some quantity of pyrotechnic material - this inflator becoming a permanent fixture in the passenger compartment of the vehicle.

This presentation discusses in understandable detail the physical and functional characteristics of the basic pyrotechnically augmented inflator and how each of its major components contribute to form a controllable system which can be varied to meet various systems demands. It further discusses a proposed marriage of inflator and sensor in a system totally restricted from functioning by any other mode than the properly prescribedcrash energy signature.