Air Bag Door Hinge Segmentation for Stress Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air bag housing hinges experience significant stress and potential rupture during air bag deployment due to high deployment pressures, leading to undesirable plastic deformation and reduced resilience.
Innovation Solution
A hinge structure with multiple deformation areas, including bent portions and arms, is integrally formed between the chute wall and cover, allowing for flexible movement and distributing stress more evenly, reducing strain and the likelihood of plastic deformation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a hinge is integrally formed with the chute wall and door panel using flexible plastic material to enable opening motion, then the hinge can provide the desired flexibility and movement, but the hinge experiences significant stress and force during air bag deployment that can result in rupture or plastic deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge is divided into multiple segments including a first segment extending from the chute wall, a second segment extending away from the opening, and a third segment extending to the door panel. This segmentation creates multiple deformation areas that distribute stress throughout the hinge structure, preventing localized stress concentrations that would lead to rupture or plastic deformation during air bag deployment.
Solution Approach 2:
The second segment of the hinge is specifically configured to extend away from the opening, creating a localized deformation area that absorbs stress. This local structural modification allows the hinge to have different functional zones: the first and third segments provide attachment points, while the second segment serves as a stress-absorbing element that prevents rupture.
2Device complexity
If the hinge extends directly from the chute wall to the cover in a straight line, then the structure is simpler, but stress concentrates at the attachment points during deployment
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge structure is segmented into three distinct segments with the second segment extending away from the opening between the first and third segments. This segmentation transforms the stress distribution pattern, creating multiple deformation zones that prevent stress concentration at any single attachment point while maintaining overall structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge transitions from a simple linear extension to a multi-dimensional configuration by having the second segment extend away from the opening in a direction that creates additional spatial distribution of stress. This dimensional change allows the hinge to absorb deployment forces more effectively by distributing them across multiple spatial zones.
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 hinge structure effectively reduces stress concentrations and enhances resilience, preventing rupture and improving the hinge's resistance to deformation and failure, while maintaining flexibility for smooth air bag deployment.
Implementation Method 1
The hinge member extends from the first housing wall and to the cover in a direction toward the opening with at least one segment therebetween extending away from the opening
Data Source
AI summary
An automobile air bag mounting structure includes a chute defining an opening with a first wall extending from the opening, a cover fully sealing the opening, and a hinge member extending integrally between the first wall and a portion of the cover. The hinge member extends from the first housing wall and to the cover in a direction toward the opening with at least one segment therebetween extending away from the opening.