Quick-Release Gas Generator Joint for Fast Replacement Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing airbag gas generators with screw thread connections face issues such as time-consuming replacement, risk of loosening, and potential damage to screw threads, leading to disengagement and safety hazards.
Innovation Solution
A gas generator with a quick-release joint, featuring a socket member with a first groove and rotational groove, and a fixing ring with a second groove and rotational sliding surface, allowing for rapid assembly and disassembly through a specific rotational sequence.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If screw thread connection is used to connect gas generator to pouch, then airtight connection is achieved, but replacement time increases and risk of loosening or disengagement occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is divided into a socket member with grooves and a fixing ring with corresponding convex columns, allowing the connection to be segmented into alignment and locking phases. This segmentation enables quick reconnection by simply aligning the convex columns with the grooves and rotating, rather than threading screw threads.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection mechanism transitions from a static screw thread system to a dynamic rotational locking system. The socket member and fixing ring rotate relative to each other during assembly and disassembly, enabling quick connection and replacement without time-consuming threading operations.
2Strength
If screw thread connection is used, then gas generator can be securely connected, but screw threads may be damaged leading to disengagement
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using internal screw threads that can strip or damage, the design inverts the connection approach by using external convex columns on the fixing ring that fit into grooves on the socket member. This inversion eliminates the vulnerable threaded interfaces while maintaining strong mechanical connection through the convex-groove engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The vulnerable screw thread elements are extracted and replaced with a simpler convex column and groove system. This extraction removes the source of potential damage while preserving the essential function of mechanical interlocking and airtight sealing.
3Loss of time
If quick-release joint is used for rapid replacement, then replacement time decreases, but connection security may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The convex columns are pre-positioned on the fixing ring and the grooves are pre-formed on the socket member, so that during quick replacement, the components simply need to be aligned and rotated into engagement. This preliminary preparation of the connection geometry enables rapid reconnection without compromising security.
Solution Approach 2:
The convex-groove geometry is designed to self-align and self-lock during rotation, eliminating the need for additional fastening steps or tools. The connection secures itself through the mechanical interlocking of the convex columns with the grooves, providing both speed and reliability.
Data Source
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AI summary
A gas generator with a quick-release joint (1) and an assembly method thereof are provided. The gas generator with a quick-release joint includes a gas generator body (11) and a quick-release joint (1). One end of the gas generator body has a gas discharge part (112) and a fixed convex column (113). The quick-release joint includes a socket member (121) and a fixing ring (122). The socket member is rotatably disposed on one end of the gas generator body and has an L-shaped groove (1211, 1212). The fixing ring (122) is rotatably positioned on the socket member; the fixing ring has a groove (1221) and a sliding surface, and the groove and the sliding surface (1222) of the fixing ring form an L-shaped groove opposite to the groove of the socket member. The present disclosure may achieve the effects of quick disassembly, simple structure, and double tightening or fixing through the above configuration.