Auto-igniting Polymeric Pad for Inflator Vibration and Weight
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current pyrotechnic gas generators for inflatable restraint systems are heavy, complex, and costly due to the need for robust structures and propellant cushions to prevent fracture and manage chlorine-containing species, while existing solutions fail to combine auto-igniting compositions with silicone in a polymeric matrix for enhanced performance.
Innovation Solution
A polymeric matrix-based auto-igniting pad is used, comprising silicone, urethanes, or cellulosic derivatives with fuels, oxidizers, and catalysts, which auto-ignites at a predetermined temperature to dampen vibrations and inhibit propellant movement, forming up to 50% gas by weight upon combustion, thereby simplifying the design and reducing weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If robust inflator structures and internal partitions are used to fluidly isolate multiple propellant beds, then safety and reliability are improved, but weight and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the partition structure with the propellant cushion function into a single integrated component. The silicone-based propellant cushion serves both as a structural element to fluidly isolate combustion chambers and as a protective cushion for propellant tablets, eliminating the need for separate robust partition structures and reducing overall inflator weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite material construction by incorporating steel reinforcement within the silicone-based propellant cushion. This composite approach provides the necessary structural strength and thermal resistance to safely isolate combustion chambers while maintaining a lighter weight compared to traditional robust metallic partition structures.
2Reliability
If propellant springs or cushions are employed to prevent fracture of propellant, then reliability is improved, but manufacturing complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the propellant cushion function with the chamber partition structure into a single silicone-based component. This integrated design eliminates the need for separate propellant springs or cushions, simplifying manufacturing while maintaining propellant protection and chamber isolation functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The silicone-based propellant cushion serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a structural partition to fluidly isolate combustion chambers, provides a cushion to prevent propellant tablet fracture, and contributes to the overall propellant system. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed.
3Strength
If thicker inflator bodies are used to withstand crimping and roll forming processes, then structural integrity is improved, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite material construction with steel reinforcement embedded within the silicone-based propellant cushion and partition structures. This composite approach provides the necessary structural strength to withstand crimping and roll forming manufacturing processes while maintaining a lighter overall weight compared to traditional thick metallic inflator bodies.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple propellant beds are selectively activated, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the propellant system into multiple separate beds or charges that can be selectively activated. Each propellant bed is contained within its own combustion chamber space, allowing independent ignition and control. This segmentation enables adaptive response to different crash scenarios while the integrated silicone partition structure keeps the overall design manageable.
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 solution reduces the weight and manufacturing complexity of gas generators while maintaining optimal performance by using a polymeric matrix-based auto-igniting pad that functions as both a vibration dampener and propellant inhibitor, enhancing gas production and burn rate control.
Implementation Method 1
dampen vibrations that may inhibit the performance of an associated gas generant
Implementation Method 2
the auto-igniting pad is made from constituents that auto-ignite as the temperature on the exterior of the inflator increases
Implementation Method 3
forming up to 50% gas by weight upon combustion
Data Source
AI summary
A gas generator contains an anti-vibration, auto-igniting pad. The pad is formed from a mixture of a known auto-igniting composition mixed with an elastomeric polymer, and then cured, thereby forming a polymer-auto-igniting composition matrix. The pad is placed in thermodynamic communication with a housing on the gas generator, thereby enhancing the safety of the gas generator while yet providing a multi-functional pad. The pad is formulated to reduce vibrations when biased against an associated gas generant, while augmenting the amount of gas produced upon gas generator activation, while yet providing an auto-igniting material that is ignited during a high heat event.