Trw Limited

Trw Vehicle Safety Systems Inc.

Bruce A Stevens

Michael C Riley

An apparatus (,) includes 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 includes 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 (,).

Pyrotechnic initiator with petal retainer structure

An inflator (10) includes a housing (12) containing a body (60) of ignitable gas generating material, a body (48) of pyrotechnic material, and an electrically conductive structure (40,44,46) for igniting the body (48) of pyrotechnic material. A closure cap (28) closes the housing (12), and has a passage (190) extending along an axis (18). A tubular structure (220) directs combustion products from the body (48) of pyrotechnic material toward the body (60) of gas generating material, and has an installed position extending axially in the passage (190). The tubular structure (220) and the closure cap (28) have interlocking structures (198,232) for interlocking the tubular structure (220) with the closure cap (28) upon movement of the tubular structure (220) to its installed position in the passage (190).

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Mesa, AZ, United States of America

Bruce A Stevens