Multi-stage inflator with sympathetic ignition enhancement device

摘要

An airbag inflator (10, 110, 210) is provided which includes a first chamber (20, 120, 220) containing a quantity of a first gas generant composition (16, 116), a second chamber (30, 130, 230) containing a quantity of a second gas generant composition (17, 117), and a sympathetic ignition enhancement apparatus (40, 140, 240) for sympathetically igniting the second gas generant composition (17, 117) in response to combustion of the first gas generant composition (16, 116). The ignition apparatus (40, 140, 240) is in thermal communication with both the first gas generant composition (16, 116) and the second gas generant composition (17, 117). Heat from combustion of the first gas generant composition (16, 116) is communicated through conduction along the ignition apparatus (40, 140, 240) to produce sympathetic ignition of the second gas generant composition (17, 117).