FILTERLESS AIRBAG MODULE

A filterless airbag module ( 10 ) including a structure for cooling combustion gases. The airbag module ( 10 ) includes an inflator ( 12 ) having a housing ( 18 ) and a smokeless gas generating propellant ( 20 ) contained within the housing. One or more apertures ( 24 ) are formed in the housing ( 18 ) to enable fluid communication between an interior of the housing and an exterior of the housing. An airbag ( 16 ) is arranged to fluidly communicate with the apertures ( 24 ). A combustion gas retainer ( 42 ) is positioned exterior of the housing ( 18 ) and in alignment with the apertures ( 24 ). The retainer ( 42 ) and a surface ( 72 ) of the housing ( 18 ) combine to define a cooling chamber ( 50 ) for cooling combustion gases received from the housing ( 18 ) via the apertures ( 24 ). The cooling chamber ( 50 ) is dimensioned to affect an average residence time of combustion gases received in the chamber ( 50 ) so that the gases reside in the cooling chamber ( 50 ) for a length of time sufficient to cool the gases to a temperature within a predetermined temperature range prior to the gases exiting the cooling chamber ( 50 ). A heat-absorbing material may be positioned in the cooling chamber ( 50 ) to aid in cooling combustion gases received therein.