A gas generator is provided, the gas generator having a propellant cushion that prevents movement of propellant tablets or grains by providing a bias thereagainst. Furthermore, the cushion is formed from a desiccating material thereby removing moisture and inhibiting moisture uptake by the propellant during manufacture of the gas generator. The elastomeric cushion is also able to manage the presence of chlorine-containing products during periods of inactivation of the gas generator. Accordingly, variables such as fractured propellant and/or moisture retained within the propellant are mitigated or eliminated, thereby enhancing repeatability of inflator performance.
1. A gas generator comprising:
a housing having a first end and a second end;
a chlorine-containing composition contained within said housing, ignitable upon activation of said gas generator; and
an elastomeric retainer contained within said housing, said retainer comprised of a desiccating material.
2. A gas generating system comprising the gas generator of claim 1 .
3. A vehicle occupant protection system incorporating the gas generator of claim 1 .
4. The gas generator of claim 1 wherein said retainer is formed from silicone and the desiccating material.
5. The gas generator of claim 1 wherein said retainer is formed from silicone and the desiccating material selected from zeolites, calcium oxide, calcium sulfate, and mixtures thereof.
6. The gas generator of claim 1 wherein said retainer is formed from silicone and zeolite, said silicone and zeolite provided in weight percent ratios of 10/90 to 90/10 of silicone to zeolite.
7. The gas generator of claim 1 wherein said gas generant retainer is formed from silicone and zeolite, said silicone and zeolite provided in weight percent ratios of 20/80 to 50/50 of silicone to zeolite.
8. A gas generator comprising:
a housing having a first end and a second end;
a gas generating composition;
a chlorine-containing composition contained within said housing; and
a resilient cushion comprised of a silicon-based elastomer and molecular sieve, said cushion biased against said gas generating composition.
9. A gas generator comprising:
a housing having a first end and a second end;
a gas generant contained within said housing, ignitable upon activation of said gas generator; and
a gas generant retainer comprised of an elastomer and a desiccant, said retainer in physical contact with said gas generant for absorbing moisture contained within the housing prior to combustion of the gas generant.
10. The gas generator of claim 9 wherein said retainer is comprised of silicone and molecular sieve.