Inflator Protector Structure for Cooling Airbag Deployment Gas
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Solution Overview
Problem
Airbag cushions are susceptible to damage from high-temperature gas generated by inflators during vehicle collisions.
Innovation Solution
A protector is designed to surround the inflator with gas discharge spaces of a closed cross-sectional structure, featuring a central support, side covers, and end supports that guide gas away from direct contact with the airbag cushion, incorporating beads and arc-shaped design to minimize direct contact and cooling the gas before reaching the cushion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If gas is discharged directly from the inflator to the airbag cushion, then the deployment speed is fast, but the airbag cushion is damaged by high-temperature gas
Solution Approach 1:
A protector is introduced as an intermediary component between the inflator and the airbag cushion. The protector includes a body portion surrounding the inflator and defining a gas discharge space, with discharge openings that guide the high-temperature gas away from direct contact with the airbag cushion, thereby preventing damage while maintaining deployment effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The gas discharge path is segmented into multiple zones: the gas discharge space within the protector body, the discharge openings, and the directed flow path. This segmentation allows the high-temperature gas to be channeled through controlled pathways that prevent direct contact with the airbag cushion while maintaining deployment speed
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a protector is assembled at the connection part between inflator and airbag cushion, then the airbag cushion is protected from high-temperature gas, but the assembly structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The protector is designed to integrate multiple functions into a single component: it provides thermal protection, guides gas flow, and structurally connects the inflator to the airbag cushion. The fastening protrusions and recesses merge the mounting function with the protective function, reducing the need for separate components
Solution Approach 2:
The protector serves multiple purposes simultaneously: it acts as a thermal barrier, a gas flow guide, a structural support, and a mounting component. The discharge openings serve both to release gas and to direct it away from the airbag cushion, while the fastening features provide both attachment and positioning functions
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
Prevents airbag cushion damage by shielding it from high-temperature gas and cooling the gas before deployment, ensuring stable and effective airbag operation.
Implementation Method 1
configured to have gas discharge spaces defined therein, the gas discharge spaces being configured to include a closed cross-sectional structure to conform with the gas holes to supply gas to an airbag cushion through respective openings at both ends of the gas discharge spaces
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus including an inflator having gas holes formed therein, the gas being formed around an outer surface thereof and configured to discharge gas and a protector configured to surround the inflator and configured to have gas discharge spaces defined therein, the gas discharge spaces being configured to include a closed cross-sectional structure to conform with the gas holes to supply the gas to an airbag cushion through respective openings at both ends of the gas discharge spaces.