Gas Generator Closing Member Support Structure

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing gas generators for airbag systems face challenges in ensuring reliable gas discharge performance without being affected by fragments of the closing member, which can obstruct the discharge path and reduce efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A support structure for the closing member in a gas generator, featuring a combination of a convex first support part and an annular second support part, allows the closing member to be easily ruptured, ensuring gas discharge occurs without fragment obstruction, enhancing durability and efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the closing member is made durable and strongly supported, then the reliability before actuation is improved, but the difficulty of rupture increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereliability of closing member before actuationVSAvoidease of rupture during actuation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The support structure provides localized support only at the center portion of the closing member through the convex first support part, while the peripheral portion remains unsupported and easily rupturable. This local differentiation allows the closing member to be both reliable during storage and easy to rupture during actuation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The support structure segments the closing member into a supported center portion and an unsupported peripheral portion. The convex first support part and annular second support part create distinct zones with different mechanical properties, enabling the peripheral portion to rupture easily while the center remains intact.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Duration of action of stationary object

If the closing member is fully supported across its surface, then the durability before actuation is improved, but fragment production during rupture increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedurability of closing member before actuationVSAvoidfragment obstruction of gas discharge path

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The support structure applies support locally only to the center portion through the convex first support part, leaving the peripheral portion unsupported. This ensures that during rupture, only the peripheral portion breaks into fragments while the supported center portion remains intact and does not obstruct the gas discharge path.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The support structure converts the potential harm of fragment production into a benefit by strategically positioning support only where needed. The unsupported peripheral portion is designed to rupture cleanly without producing harmful fragments, while the supported center portion maintains structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Device complexity

If the support structure is simplified to a single support part, then the device complexity is reduced, but the gas discharge performance is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomplexity of support structureVSAvoidgas discharge performance

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The support structure is segmented into two functional parts: the convex first support part for primary support and the annular second support part for additional stabilization. This segmentation provides optimal gas discharge performance while maintaining reasonable structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The support structure combines multiple functions in a compact design: the convex first support part provides primary support and positioning, while the annular second support part provides additional stabilization and alignment. Together they ensure reliable gas discharge performance without excessive complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS10308211B2Support structure of closing member for gas generator and gas generator using same

Publication Date: 2019.06.04 DAICEL CORP

AI summary

A support structure of a closing member for a gas generator including a cylindrical housing accommodating an ignition device and an inflating gas source chamber is provided. The support structure includes a combination of a closing member closing a gas discharge path and a support member supporting the closing member and is arranged inside the cylindrical housing. The support member includes a base and a convex first support part extending in one direction from a center portion of the base, and a gas passage hole in at least one of the base and the convex first support part. The closing member, having a plate shape with first and second surfaces, is supported from one surface by a distal end surface of the convex first support part abutting against a center portion of the first or second surfaces, and has an annular surface not abutted by the convex first support part.