HYBRID AIRBAG INFLATOR

A hybrid airbag inflator () has a disk-shaped pressure vessel having a central axis with a domed upper housing portion () with a sealed exhaust port () for releasing inflation gases and a domed lower body portion () welded to the domed upper housing portion (). The domed lower body portion () has one or more protrusions () extending from an outer or exterior surface positioned offset from the center axis. At least one of the protrusions () houses an igniter assembly () with accessible electrical connections (). The disk-shaped pressure vessel inflator () contains gas generant pellets () and a quantity of pressurized inert gas () for inflating an airbag. The combination of the protrusions () and domed lower body portion () has a unique profile of a petaloid shape. Optionally, the domed upper housing portion () can also have the petaloid shape.