Patent ID: 6189924
Filing Date: 2001-02-20
Classification: B60R

Abstract:
A plural stage inflator for use in inflating an inflatable restraint airbag cushion, said inflator comprising:a housing defining a first chamber containing a first gas generant material and a second chamber containing a second gas generant material; andigniter device comprising a dual output squib with first and second igniter chambers containing respective first and second igniter charges the first and second igniter chambers being configured in a stacked arrangement within the housing, the first and second igniter chambers being configured in a side by side arrangement within the housing wherein the dual output squib, upon activation, selectively ignites at least one of the first and second igniter charges, with the dual output squib having:a) a first stage discharge whereby the first igniter charge is ignited to produce combustion products which in turn pass to the first chamber to ignite the first gas generant material to produce inflation gas at a first output level andb) a second stage discharge whereby the second igniter charge is ignited to produce combustion products which in turn pass to the second chamber to ignite the second gas generant material to produce inflation gas at a second output level.