Bushing Vent Channel for Inflatable Protection Deflation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing personal protection devices with inflatable elements require an additional production step to integrate a venting device, which reduces constructional and structural efficiency without affecting inflation capacity.
Innovation Solution
A personal protection device with an integrated bushing connection device that serves both to connect the gas generator to the inflatable element and to facilitate deflation by acting as a venting device, eliminating the need for a separate venting device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a separate venting device is added to the inflatable element, then deflation capability is improved, but device complexity and production steps increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the venting device with the bushing connection device into a single integrated component. The bushing serves dual functions: connecting the gas generator to the inflatable element and providing a vent channel for deflation. This merging eliminates the need for separate venting components and reduces production steps while maintaining effective deflation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The bushing connection device is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both a connection element between the gas generator and inflatable element, and as a venting device with an integrated vent channel. This multi-functionality reduces overall device complexity while achieving the required deflation capability.
2Ease of operation
If a separate venting device is added to the inflatable element, then deflation capability is improved, but manufacturing efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The venting function is merged into the bushing connection device, eliminating the need for separate assembly steps for installing a venting device. The integrated design allows the bushing to be installed in a single operation that simultaneously provides both connection and venting functionality, thereby improving manufacturing efficiency.
3Ease of operation
If the vent channel cross-section is smaller than the second mouth, then deflation control is improved, but fluid flow capacity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The vent channel is designed with a smaller cross-section than the second mouth to provide controlled deflation. This local quality differentiation allows the system to maintain high fluid flow capacity through the larger second mouth during inflation while achieving controlled, gradual deflation through the smaller vent channel, balancing both requirements effectively.
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 integrated bushing connection device enhances deflation efficiency and reduces production steps, improving the overall constructional and structural efficiency of the personal protection device without compromising inflation capacity.
Implementation Method 1
a gas generator (15) configured to allow inflation of the inflatable element (12) from the deflated configuration into the inflated configuration
Implementation Method 2
a vent channel (120) which extends along at least a portion of the tubular body (100) so as to vent a fluid of the inflatable element (12)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a personal protection device (200) comprising an inflatable element (12) and an inflation device, wherein the inflation device comprises a gas generator (15) and a bushing connection device (10) configured to connect said gas generator (15) together with said inflatable element (12), wherein the bushing connection device (10) comprises a tubular body (100) extending between a first mouth (110a) and a second mouth (110b) and defining an internal cavity (105) able to house a portion (15a) of the gas generator (15) intended for the outflow of the gas. A first end region (101a) of the tubular body defines the first mouth (110a) and second end region (101b) of the tubular body (100) defines the second mouth (110b). In particular, the bushing connection device (10) further comprises a vent channel (120) extending along at least a portion of the tubular body (100) for venting a fluid of the inflatable element (12). Furthermore, the vent channel (120) has a cross-section with a smaller area than the second mouth (110b). The present disclosure also relates to a personal protection device (200) comprising the bushing connection device (10), a gas generator (15) and an inflatable element (12). The present disclosure relates, finally, to a connection method for connecting a gas generator (15) to an inflatable element (12). Furthermore, the gas generator (15) is configured to allow inflation of the inflatable element (12), wherein the portion (15a) of the gas generator (15) is inserted into the internal cavity (105) from the side of the first mouth (110a), and the portion (15a) of the gas generator (15) leaves the vent channel (120) free to vent an inflation fluid. Furthermore, the inflatable element (12) is configured to be able to assume a deflated or rest configuration and an inflated or active configuration, wherein the gas generator (15) is configured to allow inflation of the inflatable element (12) from the deflated configuration into the inflated configuration, wherein the second mouth (110b) opens out into the inner chamber of the inflatable element (12).