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) may be mounted along a wall (14, 114, 214) separating the chambers, and the apparatus 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 along the ignition apparatus (40, 140, 240) to produce sympathetic ignition of the second gas generant composition (17, 117). In one embodiment, the ignition apparatus comprises a thermally-conductive member and a beat-activated auto-ignition material (25, 125, 225) thermally coupled to the thermally conductive member. Sympathetic ignition of the second gas generant composition (17, 117) is produced by ignition of the auto-ignition material (25, 125, 225) resulting from heat from combustion of the first combustible material (16, 116) communicated along the thermally-conductive member (40a, 140a, 240a).