Design and investigation of an airbag-free buffer throttle device

This paper introduces the design of a airbag-free buffer throttle device aimed at mitigating the fatigue effects associated with airbag cushions while ensuring consistent throttling effects. The structural model of the buffer throttle device was crafted using SOLIDWORKS software and subsequently simulated and validated through FLUENT fluid simulation software. The study delves into pressure variations within the buffer throttle device under various orifice sizes, examining the impact of different structures on pressure pulsation. At a design inlet flow rate of 500 mL/min, the air pressure inside the device registers at approximately 4 KPa. Both simulation outcomes and real-world observations affirm that a throttle orifice with a side length of 0.5 mm and three layers of orifices best aligns with the design requirements. The front buffer section incorporates three buffer structures, namely S-type, cavity, and a single orifice plate. Simulation results highlight that the single orifice plate structure demonstrates the most effective pressure pulsation suppression, with this effect intensifying as the side length decreases.