Pyrotechnic initiator with petal retainer structure

Details Pyrotechnic initiator with petal retainer structure Pyrotechnic initiator with petal retainer structure

1998-10-27

2001-01-02

Dickson, Paul N. (Department: 3618)

Land vehicles

Wheeled

Attachment

C280S741000

Utility Patent

active

06168202

ABSTRACT:

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a pyrotechnic initiator which is actuatable to initiate a flow of inflation fluid from an inflator to an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
An inflator for an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device, such as an air bag, may have a chamber containing pressurized inflation fluid. The chamber is closed by a rupturable closure disk. The inflator further has an electrically actuatable initiator containing a charge of pyrotechnic material. When the initiator is actuated, the pyrotechnic material generates combustion products that are spewed from the initiator to the closure disk to rupture the closure disk and thereby to open the chamber. The inflation fluid then flows outward from the chamber to inflate the protection device.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with the present invention, an apparatus comprises an initiator having a casing containing a charge of pyrotechnic material. An end wall of the casing has score lines delineating petal shaped sections of the end wall. The petal shaped sections of the end wall are configured to diverge by deflecting pivotally upon rupturing of the end wall along the score lines under the influence of the pyrotechnic material.
The apparatus further comprises a petal retainer structure having a retainer surface. The retainer surface is configured to receive the petal shaped sections of the end wall so as to limit pivotal deflection of the petal shaped sections to amounts less than 90 degrees. The petal retainer structure is thus configured to inhibit fragmentation of the end wall that might otherwise occur upon greater pivotal deflection of the petal shaped sections.


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