Pyrotechnic Gas Generator Compounds Using Bi-Functional Titanate Additives

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current pyrotechnic compounds used in frontal airbag systems face challenges in achieving high combustion speed, moderate combustion temperature, low pressure exponent, non-zero combustion at atmospheric pressure, and filterable combustion residues, while minimizing toxicity and solid particle generation.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a bi-functional additive, such as strontium titanate, calcium titanate, or aluminum titanate with a melting temperature greater than 2100 K, into guanidine nitrate and basic copper nitrate compositions to enhance combustion speed and agglomerate combustion residues, maintaining a moderate combustion temperature and reducing the need for extensive filtration systems.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If traditional pyrotechnic compounds (NG/BCN) are used to achieve high gas yield and low combustion temperature, then combustion temperature is reduced to around 1800 K, but combustion speed becomes insufficient (at best 20 mm/s at 20 MPa) and ignition difficulty increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecombustion temperatureVSAvoidcombustion speed
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines two previously separate additives (ballistic catalyst and caking agent) into a single bi-functional additive that performs both functions simultaneously, resolving the contradiction between maintaining low combustion temperature and achieving high combustion speed

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The bi-functional additive serves multiple purposes: it acts as a ballistic catalyst to increase combustion speed, and as a caking agent to agglomerate copper residues. This multi-functionality allows the system to achieve high combustion speed without compromising temperature control

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

2Speed

If ballistic catalyst additives (metal oxides) are incorporated to increase combustion speed, then combustion speed improves, but the rate of solid particles generated by combustion increases and filterability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecombustion speedVSAvoidsolid particle generation
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the functions of ballistic catalyst and caking agent into a single bi-functional additive, so that the same substance that increases combustion speed also promotes agglomeration of solid residues, thereby reducing harmful particle generation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The bi-functional additive converts the potentially harmful effect of increased solid particle generation into a benefit by simultaneously promoting agglomeration, which makes the particles easier to filter and reduces their harmful impact

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Object-generated harmful factors

If caking agents are added to agglomerate copper residues for better filtration, then residue filterability improves, but combustion speed decreases and gas yield is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresidue filterabilityVSAvoidcombustion speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the caking agent function with ballistic catalyst function in a single bi-functional additive, eliminating the need to add separate caking agents that would reduce combustion speed

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The bi-functional additive performs both catalysis and agglomeration functions simultaneously, so that residue filterability is improved without sacrificing combustion speed or gas yield

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

4Speed

If multiple separate additives (ballistic catalyst and caking agent) are incorporated to achieve high combustion speed and good filterability, then both combustion speed and residue agglomeration improve, but the number of components increases and device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecombustion speedVSAvoidcomposition complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges two separate additives (ballistic catalyst and caking agent) into a single bi-functional additive, thereby reducing composition complexity while maintaining both high combustion speed and good residue filterability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The bi-functional additive provides multiple functions (catalysis and agglomeration) in a single substance, simplifying the overall composition and reducing the number of components needed

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

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 achieves a high combustion speed, low pressure exponent, and filterable residues, ensuring effective airbag inflation and reducing the complexity and cost of the gas generator, while maintaining a safe and efficient combustion process.

Implementation Method 1

incorporating a bi-functional additive, such as strontium titanate, calcium titanate, or aluminum titanate with a melting temperature greater than 2100 K, into guanidine nitrate and basic copper nitrate compositions to enhance combustion speed

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCatalysis: Catalysis

Implementation Method 2

at least one inorganic titanate whose melting temperature is greater than 2100 K

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMelting: Melting

Implementation Method 3

agglomerate combustion residues, maintaining a moderate combustion temperature and reducing the need for extensive filtration systems

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAgglomeration: Coagulation

Implementation Method 4

the combustion gases of pyrotechnic compounds

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCombustion: Combustion

Implementation Method 5

a high combustion speed (equal to or greater than 20 mm/s at 20 MPa) and generating combustion residues in agglomerated form

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectExothermic Reaction: Exothermic Reaction

Data Source

PatentEP2707345B1Pyrotechnic gas generator compounds
Publication Date: 2020.07.29 ARIANEGRP SAS

AI summary

The main subject of the present invention is solid pyrotechnic gas generator compounds, the composition of which contains: guanidine nitrate, basic copper nitrate, and at least one inorganic titanate, the melting point of which is above 2100 K. Said compounds are perfectly suitable for use in frontal airbags.