An inflator (10) comprising a housing (12) having an interior and a plurality of gas exit orifices (14) formed therealong. A gas
source material (20) is positioned in the housing interior and is enclosed in a pliable, rupturable substantially gas-and-
moisture-impermeable container (24). The gas source (20) is a material (for example,
hydrogen peroxide) adapted to undergo
decomposition to form at least one gaseous
decomposition product comprising an inflation gas. A reactant material (22) is also positioned in the interior of the housing (12). The reactant (22) is a material (such as a catalyst) adapted to react with the gas
source material to produce
decomposition of the gas
source material (20). An
enclosure (28) is positioned within the housing (12) to form a cavity (30) between an outer wall of the housing (12) and the
enclosure (28). The reactant material (22) is positioned in the cavity (30). A plurality of orifices (34) formed along the
enclosure (28) enables fluid communication between the interior of the enclosure (28) and the cavity (30). The container (24) is positioned in the enclosure (28). A resilient, expandable bladder (42) is also positioned in the enclosure (28). A
propellant (44) is provided within the bladder (42) for generation of
combustion gases upon ignition of the
propellant (44), to produce expansion of the bladder (42). Upon ignition of the
propellant (44),
combustion gases expand the bladder (42), forcing a portion of the container (24) into the enclosure orifices (34), thereby stressing and rupturing the portions of the container (24) in the orifices (34) and releasing the
hydrogen peroxide (20) to flow through the orifices (34) into the cavity (30), where it reacts with the catalyst (22) to produce inflation gas.