Apparatus for inflating a vehicle occupant protection device

Abstract

An apparatus (20) for supplying inflation fluid for inflating an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device comprises an enclosure (22) having a chamber (66) partially defined by an end wall portion (28) of the enclosure. A gas generating material (80) is located within the chamber (66) and spaced a distance from the end wall portion (28). The gas generating material (80) is ignitable at a first temperature. Auto-ignition material (180) is located within the chamber (66). The auto-ignition material (180) is ignitable at a second temperature below the first temperature. The auto-ignition material (180), when ignited, ignites the gas generating material (80). A filter element (70) is disposed between the gas generating material and the inflatable vehicle occupant protection device. A resilient member (140) is located within the chamber (66). The resilient member (140) has (i) a first portion (144) between the end wall portion (28) and the gas generating material (80) for inhibiting movement of the gas generating material relative to the enclosure (22), and (ii) a second portion (146) providing a seal between the filter element (70) and the end wall portion, said first portion having a passage (176) for directing the products of combustion of the auto-ignition material (180) against the gas generating material.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.