Opening burst disc on pressure container for vehicle occupant restraint system involves applying arc discharge to linear interaction zone between electrode and surface of closure disc

摘要

The method involves applying a locally acting arc discharge between an electrode (20) and a closure disc (14). A linear interaction zone between the electrode and the surface of the closure disc is formed by electrical insulation (22). The arc discharge is started at a point and propagates over the length of the zone, attenuating the closure disc to enable the internal pressure to peel off a strip of material from the interaction zone and bend it outwards. An Independent claim is also included for a pressurized gas source for activating a vehicle occupant restraint system.