Airbag module with sized inflator

Claim 1

An airbag module assembly adapted to house an inflatable airbag cushion, said assembly comprising: a reaction canister adapted to house the inflatable airbag cushion in a stored condition and having a length predetermined by the size of the inflatable airbag cushion; and a generally elongated cylindrical inflator which upon actuation is adapted to provide gas used to inflate the airbag cushion said inflator having a storage volume therein containing a predetermined load of a gas generant material sufficient to result in desired inflation of the airbag cushion upon actuation of said inflator, said inflator having a generally cylindrical diameter predetermnined to permit said inflator to be housed within said reaction canister; wherein the length of said inflator is substantially less than the length of said reaction canister and is selected such that, in conjunction with the predetermined cylindrical diameter thereof, said inflator provides a storage volume corresponding to the predetermined load of the gas generant material, wherein said assembly also comprises at least one longitudinally extending spacer element adopted to be secured to one end of said inflator and to permit said inflator to be longitudinally secured within said reaction canister, and wherein said reaction canister comprises a reaction canister body having the form of an inflator holder of partial circular cross section extending less than 360°.