Airbag Case Mounting Bracket Anti-Torsion Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional head-protecting airbag devices have a complex assembling structure and are prone to torsion of the folded-up airbag, which complicates the mounting process and can result in the airbag being twisted when deployed.
Innovation Solution
A head-protecting airbag device with a simplified assembly structure where the inflator and case are connected using a mounting bracket with an insert region that fits into a through slot in the case, preventing rotation and torsion, and a clamping mechanism that securely couples the inflator and airbag without additional treatment on the inflator.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a mounting bracket with insert region and through slot is used to connect the inflator and case, then the assembly structure becomes simple and easy to assemble, but the structure must be designed to prevent rotation and torsion of the airbag
Solution Approach 1:
The insert region of the mounting bracket is inserted into the through slot of the case, creating a nested structure where one component fits within another. This nesting approach simplifies the assembly process while maintaining structural integrity and preventing rotation through the fitted connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting bracket is divided into distinct functional regions: the insert region for connection to the case, the holding region for securing the inflator, and the connecting region that links these functions. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function efficiently while keeping the overall structure simple.
2Reliability
If the folded-up airbag is mounted on the window periphery, then it can be deployed to protect the head, but the airbag may twist or rotate during deployment if not properly constrained
Solution Approach 1:
The limiting plane is designed in advance to prevent rotation of the insert region relative to the case. By providing this anti-rotation feature before deployment, the airbag is ensured to remain properly oriented during the deployment process, preventing harmful torsion.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting bracket is pre-assembled with the inflator and case before installation on the vehicle. This preliminary assembly ensures that all components are properly positioned and constrained against rotation before the airbag is activated, preventing deployment issues.
3Strength
If the inflator and case are assembled with multiple components and bands, then the connection is secure, but the assembling process becomes complicated and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting bracket combines multiple functions into a single component: it holds the inflator, connects to the case through the insert region and through slot, and provides rotation prevention through the limiting plane. This merging eliminates the need for separate bands and multiple fastening components, significantly reducing assembly time while maintaining connection strength.
Data Source
AI summary
A head-protecting airbag device includes a case which houses an airbag in a folded-up configuration and a mounting bracket which is used to mount an inflator on a vehicle body structure. The case is mounted on a region of the airbag extending from one end of the inflator. The mounting bracket includes an insert region which fits in an assembling opening of the case. The assembling opening includes a receiving region which receives the insert region along an axial direction of the inflator and a limiting plane that is located in a periphery of the receiving region and holds the insert region from rotating in both directions in a circumferential direction of the inflator. The fitting of the insert region and assembling opening suppresses the airbag stored in the case in the folded-up configuration from rotating in a circumferential direction.