Thomas E Funk

US Patent:

6979021, Dec 27, 2005

Filed:

Aug 7, 2003

Appl. No.:

10/636344

Inventors:

Anthony M. Young - Malad ID, US
Thomas E. Funk - Ogden UT, US

Assignee:

Autoliv ASP, Inc. - Ogden UT

International Classification:

B60R021/26

US Classification:

280737, 280741

Abstract:

An integral initiator assembly and an inflator device including the integral initiator assembly. The integral initiator assembly including a body having a first end including an opening. An initiator canister including a reactive charge and a conductive pin is joined to the body in discharge alignment with the first end opening by an injection-molded material. At least two gas exit holes are included in the body and positioned radially relative to a longitudinal axis of the initiator canister. The gas exit holes in gas flow communication with a gas flow space between an inside surface of the body and the initiator canister to allow inflation gas to exit the integral initiator assembly. A rupturable disk seals the opening of the first end. The integral initiator assembly is attached to the body at the first end over the sealed opening and filled with inflation gas to form an inflator device. Actuation of the reactive charge ruptures the rupturable disk and the pressurized inflation gas enters the gas flow space and exits through the gas exit holes.