The present invention provides a gas generator ( 10 ) that includes a housing ( 12 ) formed from coupling a cap ( 14 ) and a base ( 16 ) in nested relationship. At least one attachment member ( 20 ) is preferably formed symmetrically about and integral to a peripheral flange ( 18 ) of the cap ( 14 ). The contour of a peripheral edge ( 60 ) formed from recessed and protruding portions provides interlocking communication between the cap ( 14 ) and the base ( 16 ). A plurality of hook members ( 36 ) is symmetrically formed about the peripheral edge ( 38 ) of the base ( 16 ). Each hook member ( 36 ) corresponds to a respective protruding portion ( 30 ) of the cap ( 14 ). An arcuate groove ( 40 ) is formed by an inner wall ( 42 ) of each respective hook member ( 36 ). The groove ( 40 ) is preferably tapered whereby the arcuate length of the groove or the inner wall ( 42 ) is greater at the first end ( 44 ) than at the second end ( 46 ). As a result, the base ( 16 ) when rotatably fixed to the cap ( 14 ) provides an interference fit at the hook/cap periphery interface.
1. A gas generator comprising:
a housing comprising a base and a cap, said cap further comprising a cap peripheral edge and said base further comprising a base peripheral edge, wherein said base peripheral edge is rotatably fixed about said cap peripheral edge;
a plurality of protruding portions spaced along and integral with the cap peripheral edge wherein each of said plurality of protruding portions has a first radial length substantially equal to the radial lengths of the other protruding portions; and
a plurality of hook members spaced about end integral with the base peripheral edge, each hook member corresponding to one of said plurality of protruding portions, wherein each of said plurality of hook members has a hook radial length substantially equal to the other hook members and said hook radial length is greater than said first radial length;
a flange formed about a periphery of said cap;
a peripheral edge formed about a periphery of said base;
an interface formed between said base and said cap upon assembly thereof, said interface defined between said flange and said peripheral edge; and
an adhesive composition applied within said interface upon assembly thereof for attaching said cap to said base
wherein upon assembly of said gas generator said cap is rotatably fixed to said base by slidably engaging each of said protruding portions within a corresponding hook member thereby forming an interference fit.
2. The gas generator of claim 1 wherein said adhesive composition has a decomposition temperature less than or equal to 150° C.
3. The gas generator of claim 2 wherein said adhesive composition has a decomposition temperature from about 110° C. to 120°C.
4. The gas generator of claim 1 further comprising:
an annulus formed centrally and radially within said cap for placement of a gas generant igniter; and
a gas generant igniter adhesively fixed and sealed within said annulus.
5. The gas generator of claim 1 further comprising a bar code associated with said gas generator for identification of data.