Airbag Package Thermal Compression for Shape Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Airbag packages are unstable and tend to unfold, leading to inconsistent shape and pressure on the cover cap, which affects visual appearance and manufacturing efficiency, with existing methods failing to maintain dimensional stability and resulting in larger package volumes than theoretical airbag volumes.
Innovation Solution
A method involving simultaneous pressing and heating of a folded gas bag within a molded element until dimensionally stable, followed by cooling to a process end temperature of at least 100 °C, reduces internal stresses and maintains the airbag package's shape without volume change, allowing for easier production and smaller package volumes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the airbag package is compressed to reduce package volume, then the package volume is reduced, but the shape becomes unstable and the airbag package unfolds over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies thermal energy (temperature parameter change) to the airbag package material during compression. The material is heated to a temperature range where it becomes more pliable and can be compressed into a stable folded configuration. This thermal parameter change allows the material to maintain its compressed shape without unfolding, resolving the contradiction between volume reduction and shape stability.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the airbag package is heated and pressed to achieve dimensional stability, then the shape stability is improved, but the production time and process complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes a phase transition or rheological change in the airbag package material by heating it to a specific temperature range. This thermal treatment causes the material to transition to a more pliable state that allows for stable compression and folding. The phase transition enables rapid achievement of dimensional stability without requiring extended production time, as the material naturally sets in its compressed form once cooled.
3Ease of manufacture
If the airbag package is compressed without thermal treatment, then the production process is simpler and faster, but the package volume is larger and shape stability is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces thermal energy as a controllable parameter that enables effective compression of the airbag package. By heating the material to an appropriate temperature, the compression process becomes more efficient and achieves smaller package volumes. The thermal parameter change simplifies the overall manufacturing process by enabling stable folding in a single compression step, rather than requiring multiple mechanical adjustments.
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
The method produces a compact, permanently stable airbag package that maintains its shape and reduces pressure on the cover cap, enabling efficient production with minimal volume expansion, achieving a compression factor of up to 1.8 times the theoretical airbag volume.
Implementation Method 1
the gas bag is inserted into a molded element and is then pressed and simultaneously heated, the pressing and heating of the gas bag being carried out at least until the airbag package is permanently dimensionally stable
Implementation Method 2
after the step of heating, a step of cooling the airbag to a process end temperature of at least 100 °C. is provided
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an airbag package (1) for an occupant restraining system of a motor vehicle, comprising a folded airbag (2) and free spaces formed between the material of the airbag. The airbag package (1) has an actual package volume Vreal which is composed of the airbag volume Vbag of the airbag (2) and the free space volume Vfree of the free spaces. The invention is characterized in that the ratio Vreal/Vbag between the package volume Vreal and the airbag volume Vbag is 3.2 at most. The invention further relates to an occupant restraining system with such an airbag package and to a method for producing an airbag package.