Deformable Throttle Member for Gas Generator Pressure Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing airbag inflators face performance variability due to temperature changes, leading to inconsistent gas flow and pressure profiles, which can result in malfunctions and unreliability, particularly because previous solutions require complex structures or special materials.
Innovation Solution
A deformable throttle member with central and peripheral openings, made from materials like steel alloys, that deforms under pressure to control gas flow, reducing flow rate and pressure by blocking openings, thus maintaining consistent performance across temperature ranges without complex structures or special materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a throttle member with tabs is used to reduce gas flow area at high temperatures, then the pressure profile becomes more consistent across temperatures, but the structure becomes more complex and reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the functional element (tab) from the throttle member, eliminating the need for complex tab structures while maintaining the pressure control function through a simpler, integrated throttle design that deforms uniformly under pressure
Solution Approach 2:
The throttle member's physical state changes from rigid to deformable under pressure, allowing it to automatically adjust its flow area in response to pressure changes without requiring complex mechanical structures or tabs
2Temperature
If special materials like shape memory alloys are used to reduce flow area at high temperatures, then temperature compensation is achieved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces expensive special materials like shape memory alloys with conventional, easily manufacturable materials that achieve the same temperature compensation function through simple pressure-induced deformation rather than requiring costly proprietary materials
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of relying on special materials with unique thermal properties, the invention uses parameter changes in the throttle member's mechanical state (deformation under pressure) to achieve temperature compensation, making the system easier to manufacture
3Productivity
If rotating valves or sliding valves are used to control gas flow, then flow rate control is improved, but device complexity and potential for malfunction increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the complex rotating or sliding valve mechanisms entirely, extracting only the essential function of flow control and achieving it through a simpler deformable throttle member that modulates flow area through pressure-induced deformation
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces complex mechanical valve systems (rotating or sliding) with a pressure-responsive deformation mechanism, where the throttle member's shape changes directly in response to pressure without requiring separate actuating mechanisms
4Stress or pressure
If the gas flow area is reduced to control pressure at high temperatures, then pressure profile consistency improves, but the throttle structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The throttle member serves itself by automatically deforming in response to pressure changes, controlling its own flow area without requiring external actuation mechanisms or complex structural features like tabs
Solution Approach 2:
The throttle member's physical parameters (shape, flow area) change in direct response to pressure changes, creating a self-regulating system that controls pressure without requiring complex structural modifications
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 deformable throttle member ensures consistent gas flow and pressure profiles across temperatures, reducing stress on airbag components and improving reliability, while being economically and structurally simple to produce.
Implementation Method 1
the throttle member may be deformed from a first position in which gas can flow through said (central) opening of the member and a second position in which at least a part of said (central) opening is blocked
Data Source
AI summary
Gas generator including means to provide a pressurized gas, a gas exit portion and a throttle member located in said gas exit portion, having one or more openings for the passage of said gas and being deformable by a gas flowing through said throttle when the pressure of said gas is above a predetermined pressure, to prevent or reduce gas flow.