Abstract:
PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To design a new type of filter that is inexpensive, yet still effective in filtering gas.SOLUTION: An airbag inflator includes a pyrotechnic material capable of producing a large quantity of gas during deployment. The inflator also includes a filter, which may be an expanded metal filter that is wrapped about the pyrotechnic material. When this filter is wrapped about the pyrotechnic material, the filter forms a plurality of layers having a plurality of holes of different sizes. This filter also includes a first set of barriers, and a second set of barriers that is positioned outside the first set of barriers, the second set of barriers being offset from the first set of barriers. Gas passing through the filter collides with the first set of barriers to be re-directed, collides with the second set of barriers to be re-directed, and then flows out of the filter.