Inflator and method of assembly

Abstract

An inflator () for use in inflatable restraint systems. The inflator includes an inner body portion () defining a combustion chamber () and including one or more apertures () formed therealong to enable fluid communication between the combustion chamber () and an exterior of the combustion chamber. A filter material () is positioned along an exterior of the inner body portion (), for filtering and cooling combustion products emanating from the apertures () of the inner body portion (). An outer body wrap () is provided having a pair of opposed longitudinal edges (). The outer body wrap () is formed from a foldable sheet material and has a dimension between the opposed edges () sufficient to enable the wrap () to substantially enclose the predetermined thickness of filter material () when the wrap () is folded about the filter material (). One or more apertures () are provided along the outer body wrap () to enable fluid communication between the filter () and an exterior of the inflator (). In one embodiment, the apertures () are formed along a seam extending between the opposed edges () of the folded outer body wrap (). Alternatively, the outer body wrap () may be pierced or punched to provide apertures therealong prior to folding of the wrap () about the filter material (). The wrap () is folded about the filter material () to substantially enclose the filter material such that a predetermined thickness of the filter material is positioned intermediate the one or more inner body portion apertures () and the one or more outer body wrap apertures (). The wrap () is then secured in the folded configuration using welding or other suitable means.