Patent ID: 8491005
Filing Date: 2013-07-23
Classification: B60R

Abstract:
1. An inflator for producing inflation gas from a propellant comprises: a housing for storing the propellant; a diffuser for attachment to the inflator housing, the diffuser having a cylindrical inlet for attachment to a discharge end of the inflator and having a cylindrical discharge portion having an opening or passageway orthogonal to an axis of the inflator for passing inflation gas upon ignition of the propellant and a plurality of sealed passages oriented opposite to the opening or passageway, the generated gases are directed into the inlet end of the diffuser along an inlet channel and turned along the passageway to inflate an airbag; a sealing member is attached internally along an internal surface of the diffuser covering the sealed passages, the sealing member being consumed when exposed to an open flame thereby opening the sealed passages to vent inflation gases opposite the opposed opening or passageway to create a thrust neutral exhaust upon an inadvertent ignition of the propellant due to exposure to fire and wherein the plurality of sealed passages have an area relative to the area of the opposed opening or passageway of the diffuser balanced in size to ensure thrust neutrality.