Air Bag Diffuser Assembly Using Mounting Ring for Disk Inflators
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air bag devices face difficulties in assembling the diffuser to the retainer due to complex configurations and time-consuming processes, particularly with disk-type inflators where traditional structures are not applicable.
Innovation Solution
The air bag device incorporates a diffuser with leg piece portions extending from a main surface, featuring bolt insertion holes and a flap portion that can be easily attached to the retainer after the air bag and inflator are secured, utilizing a mounting ring with bolts and a nut for assembly, and is constructed from heat-resistant coated fabrics for enhanced performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the diffuser is attached to the retainer using multiple bolt insertion holes and stud bolts like the air bag, then the diffuser can be securely fixed, but the assembly process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The diffuser attachment structure is segmented into three distinct components: the diffuser body with one central bolt insertion hole, the mounting ring with multiple bolts, and the retainer with corresponding bolt holes. This segmentation allows the diffuser to be attached using the existing mounting ring structure rather than requiring multiple separate fasteners, simplifying the assembly process while maintaining secure fixation.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting ring serves multiple functions: it attaches the air bag to the retainer and simultaneously provides the bolt insertion structure for securing the diffuser. By making the mounting ring universal for both attachment purposes, the patent eliminates the need for a separate fastening system for the diffuser, reducing assembly complexity while ensuring reliable fixation.
2Reliability
If the entire diffuser is arranged inside the air bag with multiple bolt insertion holes, then the diffuser can guide gas effectively, but the assembly time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The diffuser is pre-assembled with the mounting ring and bolts in a standardized configuration before installation. The leg piece portions of the diffuser are designed to align with the mounting ring bolts in advance, allowing for quick attachment to the retainer without requiring complex alignment procedures during assembly, thereby reducing assembly time while maintaining effective gas flow guidance.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting ring acts as an intermediary component that mediates between the diffuser and the retainer. Instead of directly attaching the diffuser to the retainer with multiple bolts, the mounting ring serves as a intermediate fastening system that simplifies the connection process, reducing assembly time while ensuring the diffuser is securely positioned for effective gas flow guidance.
3Reliability
If traditional closed cylindrical caps or dome-shaped diffusers are used, then gas flow can be directed radially, but these structures cannot be applied to disk-type inflators
Solution Approach 1:
The diffuser design transitions from rigid traditional shapes (closed cylindrical caps or dome-shaped) to a more flexible structure with leg piece portions that can adapt to different inflator types. The leg pieces can be configured to match the flange portion of disk-type inflators, allowing the same diffuser design to work with both traditional and disk-type inflators while maintaining radial gas flow direction capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The diffuser structure parameters are modified to enhance versatility: instead of fixed cylindrical or dome shapes, the diffuser incorporates adjustable leg piece portions that can be configured to match different inflator geometries. This parameter adjustment allows the diffuser to maintain effective radial gas flow direction while being compatible with both traditional and disk-type inflators.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This configuration allows for simplified assembly of the diffuser on the retainer's outer surface, facilitating quicker installation and effective gas flow direction regulation during inflator operation, enhancing the overall assembly efficiency and deployment of the air bag.
Implementation Method 1
a diffuser configured to regulate a gas flow direction from the inflator
Implementation Method 2
the mounting ring includes a plurality of bolts erected at intervals in a circumferential direction, each bolt is inserted into bolt insertion holes provided on the air bag, the retainer, and the flange of the inflator, and a nut is screwed on the bolt
Data Source
AI summary
An air bag 2, an inflator 3, and a diffuser 30 are attached to a retainer 10. The diffuser 30 has a main surface portion 31, leg piece portions 32 extending in four radiating directions, and flap portions 34. The main surface portion 31 covers a head side of the inflator 3. The leg piece portion 32 passes through a mounting ring 20 and an inflator opening 12 and passes between the retainer 10 and a flange portion 3b of the inflator 3. A bolt 21 of the mounting ring 20 is inserted through a small hole 33 of the leg piece portion 32.