Trw Vehicle Safety Systems Inc.

Heidi M Westlake

George W Goetz

Alex G Meduvsky

Steven W Maurer

William E Gest

David L Geyer

Dennis J Fiore

Edward Q Glac

An inflator (14) for inflating an inflatable vehicle occupant restraint (12) includes a body (60) of ignitable gas generating material, an igniter (260) for igniting the body (60) of gas generating material, and a housing (50) having a tubular wall (52) surrounding the body (60) of gas generating material. The tubular wall (52) has a longitudinal central axis (40), a plurality of outlet openings (100) through which gas flows radially outward, and an open end portion (232) with the contour of a dome centered on the axis (40). The inflator (14) further includes a circular end cap (56) which is located coaxially within the tubular wall (52). The end cap (56) supports the igniter (260) on the axis (40), and has a peripheral surface portion (216) with the contour of a dome centered on the axis (40). The open end portion (232) of the tubular wall (52) closely overlies the peripheral surface portion (216) of the end cap (56).

Air bag inflator and method of assembly

Growing community of inventors

Okemos, MI, United States of America

Heidi M Westlake