AIRBAG INFLATOR WITH PRESSURE RELIEF AND INCREASED COMBUSTION EFFICIENCY

An airbag inflator (10) includes a lower pressure vessel (12) supporting an initiator assembly (14), a booster can (16) centrally mounted in the lower pressure vessel and secured to the initiator assembly, and an energetics canister (22) secured over the booster can such that the energetics canister is positioned radially between the lower pressure vessel and the booster can. An energetics cover (32) encloses a circumferential space between the booster can and the energetics canister. A flow diverter (38) closes the booster can and includes inlet vent openings (42) downstream of the energetics cover. An upper pressure vessel (44) positioned over the flow diverter and engaging the lower pressure vessel includes an exit orifice (46) sealed with a rupturable membrane (48). A manifold (50) is secured over the upper pressure vessel. The inflator increases combustion efficiency and lowers gaseous effluents.