Cold Gas Generator Valve Control via Two-Wire Interface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cold gas generators for vehicle safety devices, such as airbags, require complex ignition circuits with multiple lines to control gas flow and pressure, which complicates the adaptation of safety device performance without a multi-stage gas generator structure.
Innovation Solution
A device with a closure element and closure device that can be opened by an ignition device and actuated by a coil, allowing for controlled gas flow through a two-wire interface, enabling adaptation of safety device performance without a multi-stage gas generator by separating the functions of opening the closure element and controlling gas passage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a multi-stage gas generator structure is used to adapt safety device performance, then the filling quantity and inflation time profile can be controlled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The closure system is segmented into two distinct components: a closure element for permanent opening and a closure device for resealable control. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each component's function, enabling performance adaptation without requiring multiple gas generators.
Solution Approach 2:
The closure device is designed to be dynamically controllable through a coil actuator, allowing the gas flow passage to be adjusted between different states (fully open, partially open, closed) during operation. This dynamic control enables adaptation of filling quantity and inflation time profile without structural complexity.
2Measurement precision
If multiple connection lines are used to control the ignition device and coil separately, then the control precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical connections for the ignition device and coil are merged into a shared two-wire interface. The control unit can selectively activate either the ignition device or the coil through this shared interface, maintaining precise control while reducing the number of connection lines from four to two.
Solution Approach 2:
The two-wire interface is designed with universal functionality to control multiple components (ignition device and coil) through the same connection lines. The control unit determines which component to activate based on the operational state, making the connection lines multi-functional rather than dedicated to single components.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the closure device is designed to be resealable, then the adaptability of gas flow control is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The closure device acts as an intermediary component between the high-pressure gas container and the airbag. It provides controlled access to the gas flow through a valve mechanism that can be precisely actuated by the coil, enabling adaptable gas flow control without requiring complex multi-stage generator structures.
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 solution simplifies the control of gas flow and pressure in cold gas generators, allowing for adaptive safety device performance with reduced complexity and the ability to control filling quantity and inflation time profile without the need for multiple gas generators.
Implementation Method 1
an electrical coil (110) configured to actuate a closure device (106) for controlling a gas flow through the outlet opening in response to a coil current
Implementation Method 2
an ignition device (112) which is designed to ignite in response to an ignition current
Data Source
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AI summary
A cold-gas generator for a vehicle (100) has a container (104) for storing gas, having an outlet opening which is closed by a closure element (108). The apparatus for operating the cold-gas generator has a first connection (116) for a first connection line (120) for providing a first operating voltage potential and a second connection (118) for a second connection line (124) for providing a second operating voltage potential. Furthermore, the apparatus has an electrical coil (110) in order to operate a closure device (106) for controlling a gas flow through the outlet opening in response to a coil current, wherein the coil (110) is connected between the first connection (116) and the second connection (118). Furthermore, the apparatus has a firing device (112) in order to open the closure element (108) in response to a firing current, wherein the firing device (112) is connected between the first connection (116) and the second connection (118).