Gas Generator Control Circuit for Vehicle Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gas generators for vehicle safety devices require multiple components and connections to control gas flow and opening of the closure element, leading to complex systems and inefficiencies in adapting fill volume and inflation time of airbags.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus with a voltage-dependent resistance component in the electrical circuit allows for the use of only two connecting leads to control both the firing device and the solenoid valve, enabling the separation of opening and flow control functions, and includes a firing device and an electrical coil to actuate the closure device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple components and connections are used to control gas flow and closure element opening, then control precision and adaptability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the firing device for the closure element and the solenoid valve for gas flow control into a single integrated unit. Both the firing electrode and solenoid coil share a common first connecting lead, eliminating the need for separate wiring connections. This merging reduces the number of components and connections while maintaining the ability to independently control closure element opening and gas flow rate, thereby reducing device complexity without sacrificing adaptability.
2Reliability
If multiple connecting leads are used for controlling firing device and solenoid valve separately, then control reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the electrical connections by making the firing device and solenoid valve share a common first connecting lead. The control unit can still independently control both components by applying appropriate voltages through the shared lead and the second connecting lead, maintaining control reliability while significantly simplifying the wiring harness and improving ease of operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multi-stage construction of multiple gas generators is used to adapt fill volume, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control of gas flow rate by using the solenoid valve to continuously adjust the opening degree of the outlet. This allows the fill volume and inflation time to be dynamically adapted to different safety requirements without needing multiple discrete gas generator stages. The dynamic adjustment capability provides the same adaptability as multi-stage construction but with a single, simpler device.
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 configuration simplifies the control of gas generators by allowing adaptation of fill volume and inflation time without the need for multi-stage constructions, enabling efficient operation with fewer components and connections, thus enhancing the adaptability and efficiency of safety devices like airbags.
Implementation Method 1
a firing device that is embodied to fire in response to a firing current, in order to open the closure element
Implementation Method 2
an electrical coil that is embodied to actuate, in response to a coil current, a closure device for controlling a gas flow through the outlet opening
Implementation Method 3
an electrical component having a voltage-dependent resistance
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for operating a gas generator for a safety device for a vehicle includes: a first terminal and a second terminal for furnishing a triggering voltage for triggering the safety device; a firing device configured to fire in response to a firing current, in order to open a closure element; an electrical coil configured to actuate, in response to a coil current, a closure device for controlling a gas flow through the outlet opening, the coil being connected in series with the firing device between the first terminal and the second terminal; and an electrical component having a voltage-dependent resistance and connected in parallel with the firing device.