Vehicle Gas Generator Filter Support via Embossed Beads

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Solution Overview

Problem

Gas generators for vehicle protective devices require a compact, efficient design that rapidly produces a specific amount of gas without excessive heat or particles, while minimizing installation space and maintaining design specifications, such as those for the steering wheel.

Innovation Solution

A gas generator with a circumferential wall and filter support sections formed by embossed beads, a two-part filling body with recesses for stability, and a rectangular generator flange for space-saving installation, utilizing silicone for noise reduction and compatibility, and a diffuser with varying wall thickness for efficient operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the filter extends along the entire height of the gas generator, then filtration effectiveness is improved, but the installation space and fuel volume are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefiltration effectivenessVSAvoidinstallation space
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The filter extends only partially along the wall (over approximately half the height) rather than the entire height, providing sufficient filtration effectiveness while preserving installation space and fuel volume. This partial action approach optimizes the balance between filtration performance and spatial constraints.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

2Stability of the object's composition

If a separate support element for the filter is added, then filter support stability is improved, but the device complexity and installation space increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefilter support stabilityVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The support function is merged into the wall structure itself through embossed beads that form axial holders. This integration eliminates the need for separate support elements, maintaining filter stability while reducing device complexity and installation space.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The wall structure serves multiple functions: it provides structural containment and simultaneously supports the filter through integrated embossed beads. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed in the gas generator.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Length of moving object

If the sleeve protrudes into the filling body, then the axial space is reduced, but the stability of the sleeve is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaxial spaceVSAvoidsleeve stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of moving objectVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The filling body has localized recesses that provide targeted support to the sleeve at specific positions. This local quality approach allows the sleeve to protrude into the filling body for compact axial design while maintaining stability through localized structural support at the recesses.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 design achieves a compact, efficient gas generation with reduced material usage, simplified installation, and enhanced stability, ensuring effective deployment of gas bags while maintaining vehicle design integrity.

Implementation Method 1

a filter which extends at least partially along the wall

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFiltration: Filter (physical)

Implementation Method 2

a plurality of support portions are formed by embossed beads

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 3

The preferred material for the filler is silicone which is on the one hand resilient to hold the fuel to avoid noises under pressure

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVibration damping: Damping

Data Source

PatentEP3473501B1Gas generator and airbag modul
Publication Date: 2022.01.19 ZF AIRBAG GERMANY GMBH
  • EP3473501B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3473501B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3473501B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

A gas generator for a protective device in a vehicle with a circumferential wall (16, 22) which in particular surrounds a combustion chamber (44) and a filter (46) which extends at least partially along the wall (16, 22), wherein the wall (16, 22) has at least one support section (124) which forms an axial support for the filter (46).