Inflator filter
A filter for an inflator includes a rolled sheet centered on an axis or three dimensionally printed as a whole and including a plurality of openings. A deflector is associated with each opening for directing inflation fluid in a non-radial direction relative to the axis.
1. A filter for an inflator comprising:
a sheet rolled-up about an axis to form multiple rolled layers, the sheet including a plurality of openings arranged in rows and columns, a deflector being associated with each opening for directing inflation fluid in a non-radial direction relative to the axis, wherein:
(i) each deflector defines an exit opening in fluid communication with the associated opening in the sheet; and
(ii) each deflector comprises at least one sidewall.
2. The filter recited in claim 1 , wherein the sheet is formed from expanded metal.
3. The filter recited in claim 1 , wherein each of the rolled layers has a radially outboard surface and a radially inboard surface, and wherein all of the deflectors project from the outboard surfaces, or all of the deflectors project from the inboard surfaces.
4. The filter recited in claim 1 , wherein the deflectors are arranged in a first pattern on a first one of the rolled layers and a second, different pattern on a second one of the rolled layers.
5. The filter recited in claim 4 , wherein the deflectors in the first pattern have a first shape and the deflectors in the second pattern have a second shape different from the first shape.
6. The filter recited in claim 1 , wherein the deflectors direct inflation fluid circumferentially about the axis.
7. The filter recited in claim 1 , wherein the deflectors direct inflation fluid axially in a direction substantially parallel to the axis.
8. The filter recited in claim 1 , wherein deflectors on one of the rolled layers of the filter abut an adjacent rolled layer of the filter.
9. The filter recited in claim 1 , wherein deflectors on one of the rolled layers abut an adjacent rolled layer of the rolled sheet and define a gap between said layers of the rolled sheet.
10. The filter recited in claim 1 , wherein each exit opening has one of a curved, arched, domed, triangular, rectangular, or other polygonal shape.
11. An apparatus for helping to protect an occupant of a vehicle, comprising:
an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device; and
an inflator that is actuatable to provide inflation fluid for inflating the inflatable vehicle occupant protection device, wherein the inflator comprises the filter recited in claim 1 .
12. The apparatus recited in claim 11 , wherein the inflatable vehicle occupant protection device comprises at least one of a driver side air bag, a passenger side air bag, an inflatable side curtain, an inflatable headliner, an inflatable seat belt, an inflatable knee bolster, and a knee bolster operated by an air bag.
13. The apparatus recited in claim 11 , wherein the inflator comprises one of a hybrid inflator, a two-stage pyrotechnic inflator, and a single-stage pyrotechnic inflator.
14. The apparatus recited in claim 1 , wherein all of the deflectors of the multiple rolled layers direct inflation fluid in the same circumferential direction about the axis.