Currently, airbag module development methodology and prototyping heavily relies on the application of single-use pyro-technic, hybrid, or stored gas inflators. A new development test methodology using a Cold Gas System (CGS) is proposed, in which the inflator is replaced by a re-chargeable, high-pressurized, gas compartment that can be rapidly opened using an electronic valve. This new methodology overcomes the problem of variability in inflator output. In a first approach, the methodology is researched by using a single gas in the compartment, i.e. 100% Helium.At first, an inflator baseline tank test pressure-time curve is established. This can be obtained from any “off the shelf” inflator that is on the market. Once the baseline is determined, the tank test pressure curve is reproduced by the CGS in two steps: (1) the volume and the high-pressure level of the CGS gas compartment is adapted to enable similar molar output to the baseline, so that the final asymptote of the total pressure can be reached; (2) the orifice size of the compartment exit is adjusted to create a pressure rise rate that comes as close as possible to the baseline curve. Through a limited iterative process, a total pressure level and rise rate similar to the baseline can be achieved, i.e. typically in no more than five trials.The next step in the methodology is to apply this inflator-emulating CGS in the physical airbag. Airbag inflation comparisons will be made between CGS and usual inflator, by looking at pressure versus time curves.From the preliminary work it is concluded that the CGS can very well and consistently emulate traditional inflators in tank tests, whereas actual application of the CGS in physical airbags still needs further optimization by facilitating the mixing of cold gases.


    Access

    Check access

    Check availability in my library

    Order at Subito €


    Export, share and cite



    Title :

    Alternative Airbag Evaluation Methodology through Cold Gas Inflation System


    Additional title:

    Sae Technical Papers


    Contributors:

    Conference:

    SAE World Congress & Exhibition ; 2008



    Publication date :

    2008-04-14




    Type of media :

    Conference paper


    Type of material :

    Print


    Language :

    English




    Alternative Airbag Evaluation Methodology through Cold Gas Inflation System

    Slaats, P.M. / Pitonyak, A.J. / Wipasuramonton, P. et al. | British Library Conference Proceedings | 2008


    Alternative airbag evaluation methodology through cold gas inflation system

    Slaats,P.M. / Pitonyak,A.J. / Hunter,T. et al. | Automotive engineering | 2008


    2008-01-0352 Alternative Airbag Evaluation Methodology through Cold Gas Inflation System

    Slaats, P.M. / Pitonyak, A.J. / Wipasuramonton, P. et al. | British Library Conference Proceedings | 2008


    Airbag including inflation chamber

    BOSIO ALLEN CHARLES / STAINES BRAD / VAN AST PIETER CHRISTOPHER et al. | European Patent Office | 2022

    Free access

    nalysis of airbag inflation

    Omura, H. / Shimamura, M. | Tema Archive | 1989