Gas Generator Cap Deflector for Split Axial Airbag Flow
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current tubular gas generators face challenges in directing gas flow effectively to airbags, particularly in airbag modules, as radial gas discharge impedes specific filling of individual airbags or chambers, and existing solutions like fabric layers or gas lances either fail to divide gas flows or increase module size.
Innovation Solution
An assembly group comprising a cap and a deflector element, where the deflector element is inserted into the cap's outflow opening to project laterally and direct gas flow axially, allowing for flexible gas distribution and division into multiple flows, adaptable to different geometries with minimal manufacturing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a fabric layer surrounds the outflow region to deflect gas flow axially, then gas flow direction is improved, but gas flow division into multiple flows is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The deflector element is segmented into multiple discharge portions (first discharge portion with first discharge opening, second discharge portion with second discharge opening) that divide the gas flow into separate streams. Each discharge portion can be independently configured to direct gas into different airbag chambers, enabling both axial deflection and flow division simultaneously
2Speed
If a gas lance is used to transfer gas flow over distance, then directed gas flow is achieved, but airbag module size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The deflector element is nested within the cap structure, with the cap serving as the outer housing and the deflector element positioned inside. The discharge portions extend into the cap's interior space rather than requiring external extensions, thereby achieving directed gas flow without increasing the overall module volume
3Adaptability or versatility
If different airbag modules require different gas routing, then adaptability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The deflector element is designed as a movable or adjustable component within the cap, allowing its discharge portions to be positioned or configured to match different gas routing requirements. This dynamic capability enables a single cap design to serve multiple airbag module configurations without requiring complex custom routing for each application
4Ease of manufacture
If a uniform cap is used with different deflector elements, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but assembly flexibility must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The cap is designed as a universal component with a standardized structure that can accommodate multiple types of deflector elements. The cap includes features such as a standardized opening and mounting interface that work with various deflector configurations, allowing a single cap design to serve multiple applications while maintaining assembly flexibility through the interchangeable deflector elements
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
Enables flexible and efficient gas distribution to airbags, allowing for gentle gas introduction and division of gas flows, while maintaining thrust neutrality and reducing module size, with the option to fill multiple airbag chambers simultaneously.
Implementation Method 1
the deflector element is inserted in the outflow opening so that a discharge portion protrudes laterally outwardly through the outflow opening, projects there from the cap, and an edge portion of the deflector element is adjacent to an edge of the outflow opening on an inner face of a wall of the cap
Data Source
AI summary
In an assembly group (12) consisting of a cap (14) of a diffusor of a tubular gas generator (10) and a deflector element (16), the cap (14) comprises an outflow opening for gas generated by the tubular gas generator (10) and the deflector element (16) comprises a discharge portion (34) having at least one discharge opening (42b) through which gas exits the cap (14). The deflector element (16) is inserted into the outflow opening so that the discharge portion (34) protrudes laterally outwardly through the outflow opening, projects there from the cap (14), and an edge portion of the deflector element (16) abuts on an edge of the outflow opening at an inner face of a wall of the cap (14). The discharge portion (34) of the deflector element (16) is pushed from an interior of the cap (14) through the outflow opening until the edge portion abuts on the inner face of the edge of the outflow opening, and subsequently the cap (14) is firmly fixed to the tubular gas generator (10).