Hydrogen Airbag Inflation Control Using Timed Valve Opening
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Solution Overview
Problem
In safety devices that inflate and deploy airbags using hydrogen, excessive hydrogen can lead to inappropriate inflation and potential explosion, as the airbag may not receive sufficient cushioning properties due to excessive water vapor generation when the hydrogen volume exceeds the required amount.
Innovation Solution
A safety device with a first opening and closing portion that controls the flow of hydrogen to an ignition portion, mixing it with oxygen to generate water vapor only when necessary, ensuring appropriate inflation and deployment of the airbag, and utilizing an introduction section to mix atmospheric oxygen with hydrogen, preventing excessive hydrogen usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the first container is filled with excessive volume of hydrogen beyond the appropriate volume for airbag inflation, then the hydrogen supply is sufficient for inflation, but excessive water vapor is generated causing airbag explosion and loss of cushioning properties
Solution Approach 1:
The first opening and closing portion dynamically switches between closed and opened states to control hydrogen flow, transitioning from a static excessive hydrogen supply to a dynamically regulated appropriate volume supply that prevents over-inflation while ensuring sufficient cushioning
2Quantity of substance
If the first opening and closing portion is kept in the opened state to ensure sufficient hydrogen supply, then the airbag can be inflated, but excessive hydrogen is consumed and excessive water vapor is generated
Solution Approach 1:
The first opening and closing portion operates periodically by switching between closed and opened states, allowing hydrogen to flow only during the brief opened state period. This periodic action ensures the airbag receives the appropriate volume of hydrogen for inflation while preventing excessive hydrogen consumption and water vapor generation
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 solution allows for appropriate inflation and deployment of the airbag while conserving hydrogen, preventing excessive water vapor generation and ensuring the airbag provides adequate cushioning without bursting, and allowing the vehicle to continue using hydrogen as a fuel source after deployment.
Implementation Method 1
an ignition portion configured to ignite a mixed fluid of hydrogen and oxygen to generate water vapor to be supplied to the airbag
Data Source
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AI summary
The safety device includes an airbag (1), an ignition portion (3, 31), a first flow path (4) configured to guide hydrogen to the ignition portion (3, 31) from a first container (20) filled with hydrogen, a first opening and closing portion (B1) disposed in the first flow path (4) and switchable between a closed state and an opened state, an introduction section (6, 6A) introducing oxygen into the first flow path (4), and a water vapor flow path (5) configured to guide water vapor generated by the ignition portion (3, 31) to the airbag (1). Before inflating and deploying the airbag (1), the first opening and closing portion (B1) is in the closed state, and at the time of inflating and deploying the airbag (1), the first opening and closing portion (B1) is temporarily switched from the closed state to the opened state to supply an appropriate volume of hydrogen to the ignition portion (3, 31).