Inflator Modules

The inflator modules contain a housing, inflatable air bag, initiating device, canister of gas generating material and, in some cases, stored compressed gas. The initiator is part of the inflator module deployment loop. When the vehicle is involved in a collision of sufficient force, the SDM will cause current to flow through the deployment loops to the initiator. Current passing through the initiator ignites the material in the canister producing a rapid generation of gas and the release of compressed gas, if present. The gas produced from this reaction rapidly inflates the air bag. Once the air bag is inflated it quickly deflates through the air bag vent holes.

Each inflator module is equipped with a shorting bar located on the connector of the module. The shorting bar shorts the inflator module deployment loop circuitry to prevent unwanted deployment of the air bag when it is disconnected.