Airbag Joint Plug Sealing for Gastight Gas Supply
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing airbag systems face challenges in establishing a gastight connection between the outer wall layers and gas conduits, particularly when an inflator or gas lance is used, leading to gas supply inefficiencies and assembly complexities.
Innovation Solution
An airbag module with a plug having a passage that is inserted into the circumferential joint of the airbag, providing a defined cross-section for gas flow and using sealing mechanisms like sealing lips or adhesive bonding to ensure a gastight connection with the gas conduit, which can be part of the inflator or a separate element.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a hose clip is used to establish a gastight connection between the outer wall layers and the gas conduit, then the connection is sealed, but the assembly complexity and manufacturing effort increase
Solution Approach 1:
A plug is introduced as an intermediary component between the circumferential joint of the airbag and the gas conduit. The plug includes a passage through which the gas conduit passes, and its outer circumferential area is sealed against the inner edge of the opening in the circumferential joint. This intermediary plug simplifies the sealing mechanism while ensuring gastight connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing system is segmented into distinct functional parts: the circumferential joint forming the opening, the plug with its passage, and the gas conduit. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies the overall assembly process while maintaining reliability.
2Device complexity
If the gas conduit is directly inserted into the airbag without a plug, then the assembly is simpler, but the sealing reliability and defined cross-section for gas flow are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The plug serves as a mediator that provides a defined cross-section for gas flow and ensures reliable sealing. The passage through the plug creates a controlled interface between the airbag interior and the gas conduit, while the outer circumferential sealing area ensures gastight connection without complicating the assembly process.
3Volume of moving object
If the circumferential joint is made narrower to reduce airbag size, then the airbag dimensions are reduced, but the plug insertion and sealing become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The plug design incorporates local quality variations: the passage cross-section is optimized for gas flow, while the outer circumferential area is designed specifically for sealing against the circumferential joint. This allows the plug to function effectively even in compact configurations with narrower circumferential joints.
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
Facilitates efficient gas supply into the airbag with a simple, reliable, and adaptable sealing mechanism, reducing manufacturing effort and assembly complexity while ensuring a tight and gastight connection, thus improving the gas filling process.
Implementation Method 1
an outer circumferential area of the plug is sealed against an inner edge of the opening
Data Source
AI summary
An airbag module (10) comprises an airbag (12) including two outer wall layers (18) which are interconnected at a circumferential joint (22) along a circumferential edge (20) of the airbag (12) and which delimit an interior of the airbag (12) fillable with gas, wherein an opening (26) which is in fluid communication with the fillable interior of the airbag (12) is provided in the circumferential joint (22), and a plug (14) which is permanently inserted in the opening (26). The plug (14) includes a passage (16), and an outer circumferential surface (32) of the plug (14) is sealed against an inner edge (28) of the opening (26).