Gas Generator Conical Separation Chamber Residue Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gas generators for vehicle occupant protection devices face challenges in effectively separating solids and liquid combustion residues from the gas flow without using filters, which can lead to increased weight, installation space, undefined flow rates, and higher manufacturing costs.
Innovation Solution
A gas generator with a conical separation chamber that utilizes a pressure gradient to slow down the gas flow, causing solids and liquid combustion residues to be separated and cooled, eliminating the need for filters by using a conical shape with angled walls and strategically positioned gas passage and exhaust openings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If filters (wire mesh filters, expanded metal filters, sintered metal filters) are used to separate solids and liquid combustion residues from gas flow, then separation effectiveness is improved, but weight increases, installation space increases, manufacturing costs increase, and flow rates become undefined
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the harmful solids and liquid combustion residues from the gas flow through a conical separation chamber that utilizes pressure gradients and centrifugal forces to separate residues without requiring traditional filter media. This removes the need for filter components while achieving the separation function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical filter system with a conical separation chamber that uses fluid dynamics principles (pressure gradients, centrifugal separation) to achieve residue removal. This substitutes a complex mechanical filtering system with a simpler geometric structure that relies on flow characteristics.
2Reliability
If filters are used to separate combustion residues, then separation effectiveness is improved, but installation space increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the separation function from traditional filter components and implements it through a conical chamber geometry that utilizes the existing gas flow path to achieve residue separation without requiring additional filter media or complex structural elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a conical separation chamber with smooth walls that guides the gas flow through pressure gradients and centrifugal forces, eliminating the need for rigid filter structures and reducing overall system volume while maintaining separation effectiveness.
3Reliability
If filters are used to separate combustion residues, then separation effectiveness is improved, but manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive filter media (wire mesh, expanded metal, sintered metal) with a simple conical separation chamber structure that can be manufactured using conventional forming processes, significantly reducing material costs and manufacturing complexity while achieving the same separation function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a simple conical chamber structure that can be easily manufactured and potentially replaced if needed, eliminating the need for expensive, specialized filter materials and reducing overall system cost while maintaining effective separation performance.
4Reliability
If filters are used to separate combustion residues, then separation effectiveness is improved, but flow rates become undefined
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces filter-based flow restriction with a conical separation chamber that maintains defined flow characteristics through its geometric design, allowing predictable flow rates while achieving effective residue separation through pressure gradients and centrifugal forces.
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 effectively removes solids and liquid combustion residues from the gas flow, reducing the need for filters and associated drawbacks, while enhancing cooling processes and energy extraction, thereby improving the separation efficiency and reducing the risk of residues escaping into the environment.
Implementation Method 1
The conical shape of the separation chamber causes the gas flow to experience a pressure gradient as it passes through the separation chamber, reducing the velocity of the gas flow
Implementation Method 2
An enlarged surface of the filter enables good heat absorption and thus cooling of the gas flow
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a gas generator (1) for a vehicle passenger protection device, comprising a combustion chamber (2) in which a gas-generating charge (3) is arranged. A conical deposition chamber (5) is provided that has a first wall (50), within which a plurality of gas through-holes (51) are formed, and at least one second wall (110) which extends at an angle from the first wall (50) and within which at least one blow-off hole (6) is formed. Gas generated inside the combustion chamber (2) enters the deposition chamber (5) through the gas through-holes (51) and leaves the deposition chamber (5) through the at least one blow-off hole (6).