3D Inflator Status Indicator for 360-Degree Visibility

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current inflator status indicators are not visibly clear from all angles, making it difficult to determine if the inflator has been previously fired and is no longer operable, particularly for heat-sealed inflators.

Innovation Solution

A green-colored indicator that fits around the inflator housing, concealing the red firing lever in the ready state and popping off to reveal the red lever when fired, ensuring visibility from all angles and preventing reuse with a fracturable bridge or snap-fit design.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a small safety clip is used to indicate firing status, then the device complexity is reduced, but the visibility of the status indicator is insufficient and can only be viewed from one direction

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveindicator structureVSAvoidvisibility of status indicator

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from a two-dimensional flat clip indicator to a three-dimensional dome-shaped indicator that wraps around the housing. This dimensional change allows the status indicator to be visible from all angles (360-degree visibility), directly resolving the limitation of one-directional visibility while maintaining relatively simple construction through the use of a molded plastic dome structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Loss of information

If the firing lever is exposed, then the status is visible, but the inflator may be inadvertently caught or snagged

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestatus visibilityVSAvoidinadvertent firing risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary concealment by covering the exposed firing lever with a colored indicator dome before any accidental snagging can occur. The dome acts as a protective cover that maintains status visibility while preventing the lever from being caught on external objects, thus eliminating the harmful effect of inadvertent firing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses color coding (green for ready, red for fired) on the indicator dome to convey status information without requiring the firing lever to be exposed. This color-based communication system allows status visibility while the lever remains concealed, preventing accidental engagement

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

3Loss of information

If a pop-off indicator is used to show fired status, then the status indication is clear, but the indicator must be securely attached to prevent premature detachment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefiring status indicationVSAvoidindicator retention

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a dome-shaped (spheroidal) indicator structure that naturally conforms to the curved surface of the cylindrical housing. This curved geometry provides continuous surface contact for attachment, enhancing retention reliability while maintaining the pop-off functionality for clear status indication

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Data Source

PatentEP3274253B1Indicator for manual inflator

Publication Date: 2019.09.11 HALKEY-ROBERTS CORP

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AI summary

An indicator to be snapped onto an inflator to indicate the "ready" operating condition of the inflator and, upon firing of the inflator by jerking the jerk handle to pivot the firing lever, the firing lever pops off the indicator from the inflator, thereby indicating the "fired" inoperable operating condition.