Overview
The Microsys cold gas airbag inflation system is used to
inflate airbags using compressed air. Powered by patent pending Microsys ultra fast high-throughput valve, the new Cold Gas System can generate pressure curves that replicate airbag inflator performance, from extremely fast inflators used with side and curtain airbags to high-volume inflators designed for passenger-side airbags. Pyrotechnic, hybrid and compressed gas inflators can be replaced with the Cold Gas System.
Both single-stage and even dual-stage inflators curves can be generated, using a Microsys proprietary electronic firing valve that fully opens within 2 msec of the trigger pulse. The Microsys Cold Gas System allows adjustments in gas quantity from 0.5 to 8 moles, and has a speed adjustment to cover the full range of known airbag inflators.
There
are several primary applications for the Microsys Cold Gas System:
- Airbag module research & development
- Airbag cushion fold experimentation
- Cushion & fabric development
- Research & development of seamless instrument panels, covers, seats
- Inexpensive production testing or airbag related products
Usage Example
#1: Airbag Module Development
Replacing inflators in the airbag module development process results in a faster schedule and large cost savings by eliminating the majority of prototype inflators used for design testing. Also, with the 1% repeatability of the new Microsys Cold Gas
System, airbag engineers are able to quickly ascertain the effect of design changes.
In use, the Cold Gas
System is connected to an airbag and the airbag deployed.
System settings are adjusted until the airbag deployment
performance is satisfactory. Then the Cold Gas System is
connected to a test tank and the pressure curve from that test
becomes the specifications for the airbag inflator.
Usage Example
#2: Instrument Panel (IP) or Airbag Cushion R&D
For interiors companies developing seamless instrument panels or seats, or for cushion designers, the Microsys Cold Gas
System can replace inflators for most R&D testing. This allows engineers to easily adjust the airbag speed and pressure to determine the effect on their product, which is impossible to do using live inflators. Compared to using inflators the Microsys Cold Gas System offers more than better product designs; it is also far more repeatable, allows for faster cycle times, and saves the cost of expensive live airbags. Usage is similar to example #1 above.
Usage Example
#3: To replace an inflator for Production Testing
In this mode the Microsys Cold Gas System is an inexpensive,
adjustable and repeatable substitute for an actual inflator.
Prior to use the System performance must be calibrated by
connecting the output to a test tank, typically either 60L or
28.3L. The Cold Gas System settings would be adjusted until
the test tank pressure curve is equivalent to the pressure
curve of the inflator it is replacing. At this point the Cold
Gas System may be connected to an airbag for deployment.
Cold
Gas Inflation System Performance
The
Microsys Cold Gas Inflation System has several adjustable
settings that determine system performance:
- Charge tank pressure
- Charge tank volume
- Orifice diameter
- Gas type: helium, helium/argon mix, nitrogen
The
charge tank pressure and volume determine the gas quantity in
moles, which in conjunction with the volume of the test tank
will determine the maximum steady-state pressure within the
discharge tank. Most cold gas inflators have between 1 mol and
8 mol of gas with the smallest sizes used for side airbags and
curtain airbags, and the larger sizes used for driver and
passenger airbags.
The
cold gas system contains a adjustable orifice downstream from
the valve whose function is to decrease the rise time. The
maximum diameter of this orifice is 20mm. Reducing the orifice
diameter constricts the gas flow and slows the pressure rise
time.
The
gas type also influences the pressure rise time. Lighter gases
such as helium flow very quickly resulting in faster rise
times than heavier gases such as argon or nitrogen. For
applications in which a close approximation of an inflators’
pressure curve is required, a Helium or a Helium/Argon mix may
be the best choice. If the volume of tests is very high and
the consumables cost is a factor, Nitrogen is a possible
choice if it’s performance is acceptable.
By using a specific combination of Helium and Nitrogen it's possible to reproduce the leakage effect of a hot gas pyro inflator, as well as the jetting effect.
The
rise time of the pressure curve is determined by the
combination of orifice diameter and the gas type.
The
Microsys cold gas airbag inflator can be manual
controlled, or for optimum performance, controlled by
SureFire. SureFire will measure the airbag pressures,
control high-speed video equipment, monitor all safety
hardware and ensure that test data is safely and efficiently
captured and recorded.
The Microsys Cold Gas System comes in two electronic firing variations: single-stage and dual stage. As well, an inexpensive single stage pneumatic firing version is available which is perfect for interiors companies that want to replace inflators for Conformance of Production (COP) testing of IPs and seats.
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