Airbag Mounting B-Ring Consolidates Brackets
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing passenger airbag systems require multiple mounting brackets, increasing production costs and manufacturing complexity, especially in compact vehicles, due to the need for adequate support and secure attachment.
Innovation Solution
A novel airbag assembly using a B-ring with a base surface and stabilizing brackets that extend to restrict movement, allowing for secure attachment to a vehicle structure with fewer parts, reducing complexity and cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple mounting brackets are used to secure the passenger airbag system, then the airbag system is adequately supported and securely attached, but the number of parts increases, production costs increase, and manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple mounting bracket functions into a single integrated mounting bracket that includes a base portion for vehicle structure attachment and an extension portion that directly interfaces with the airbag system housing. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate mounting brackets while maintaining adequate support and secure attachment through the integrated structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting bracket is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously performs vehicle structure attachment, airbag system support, and positioning functions. The base portion attaches to the vehicle structure while the extension portion provides direct support to the airbag housing, making a single bracket capable of performing multiple functions previously requiring separate components.
2Reliability
If multiple mounting brackets are used to secure the passenger airbag system, then adequate support is provided, but the overall production costs are greatly increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent consolidates multiple mounting bracket components into a single integrated mounting bracket, reducing the total number of parts that need to be manufactured, inventoried, and assembled. This reduction in part count directly lowers production costs while the integrated design maintains adequate support functionality through the combined base and extension portions.
3Reliability
If multiple mounting brackets are used to secure the passenger airbag system, then adequate support is provided, but the complexity and difficulty of the manufacturing process increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple mounting bracket functions into a single component that can be attached to the vehicle structure in one operation. The base portion provides vehicle structure attachment while the extension portion provides direct airbag support, eliminating the need for multiple separate attachment operations and reducing manufacturing process complexity.
4Reliability
If multiple mounting brackets are used to secure the passenger airbag system, then adequate support is provided, but significant time and resources must be devoted to attaching the mounting brackets
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple mounting bracket attachment operations into a single attachment process. The integrated mounting bracket with its base portion for vehicle structure attachment and extension portion for airbag support can be installed in one operation, significantly reducing the time and resources required compared to attaching multiple separate brackets.
Data Source
AI summary
An airbag assembly is described. The airbag assembly includes an airbag housed within an airbag housing and an airbag inflator. A B-ring that engages the airbag housing is also added. The B-ring comprises a base surface, a first stabilizing bracket and a second stabilizing bracket, wherein the first and second stabilizing brackets extend away from the base surface and restrict movement of the airbag housing in a lateral and vertical direction. The airbag assembly may optionally include a vehicle bracket that is capable of being attached to a vehicle structure. The second stabilizing bracket may be secured to the vehicle bracket.