Segmented Gas Flow Structure for Compact Webbing Take-Up Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing webbing take-up devices face challenges in securing a gas flow path with limited separation distance between the gas blowing section and the portion facing it, which affects the efficient operation of the switching mechanism.
Innovation Solution
A gas flow structure with a hollow casing body and segmented door portions that deploy to create a gas flow path, connected to a peripheral wall section, allowing gas to flow through even with limited separation distance, and a webbing take-up device incorporating this structure with a spool and energy absorbing member for efficient switching.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a sufficient distance is set between the gas blowing section and the portion facing it to secure a gas flow path, then the gas flow path is secured, but the installation space for the gas generator increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gas blowing section is divided into multiple door portions that can deploy independently. This segmentation allows the gas flow path to be formed through the deployed door portions rather than requiring a large fixed distance, thus reducing the overall installation space while maintaining reliable gas flow.
Solution Approach 2:
The door portions are designed to deploy dynamically when gas is generated, transforming from a closed state to an open state that creates the gas flow path. This dynamic mechanism allows the system to secure a gas flow path only when needed, reducing the permanent space requirement compared to a fixed-distance design.
2Volume of moving object
If the door portions are positioned close to the gas blowing section to reduce installation space, then the installation space is reduced, but the gas flow path may not be properly secured
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the gas blowing section into multiple door portions, the system creates multiple potential flow paths. Even when positioned close to the gas blowing section, the segmented structure ensures that gas can flow through the spaces between deployed door portions, maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The gas flow path is not merely extended in the radial direction but is also formed in the axial direction through the deployment of door portions. This dimensional transformation allows the gas flow path to be secured even with limited radial distance by utilizing the axial space created by door portion deployment.
3Device complexity
If a simple single-door configuration is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the gas flow control and switching capability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The gas blowing section is divided into multiple door portions that can deploy independently. This segmentation provides different deployment patterns and gas flow paths, enabling versatile gas flow control and switching capabilities while maintaining relatively simple individual door structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The multiple door portions serve multiple functions: they can deploy together for full gas flow, deploy individually for partial flow control, or remain closed for flow restriction. This multi-functionality provides adaptability without requiring complex control mechanisms for each door.
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
Enables secure gas flow path creation and efficient actuation of the switching section, even with limited separation distance, ensuring stable internal pressure and effective operation of the webbing take-up device.
Implementation Method 1
a gas generation section that is equipped with a hollow shaped casing body and a gas blowing section, the gas generation section generating gas inside the casing body on actuation thereof
Implementation Method 2
the gas being blown from the gas blowing section... the gas flow path section for the gas generated by the gas generation section to flow through
Data Source
AI summary
Plural door portions are formed by sectioning the gas blowing section of the gas generator with slits. In a state in which gas has been generated by the gas generator, the plural door portions part at the slits and open towards the outside of the casing body. A gas flow path section is connected to a peripheral wall section configuring an deployment space permitting opening of the door portions. The gas flow path section is provided with an upstream portion which is in communication with the deployment space and formed along a direction orthogonal to the direction of gas blowing from the gas blowing section, and an opening portion provided at the gas inflow side, which is set so as to communicate with a space which is between adjacent door portions when the door portions 56 are in a opened state.