Head-Protecting Airbag Case Mounting Bracket Inversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
The coupling process of the mounting bracket and case in conventional head-protecting airbag devices is complex, requiring the mounting bracket to be inserted and turned in a specific manner, which complicates the deployment and storage of the airbag.
Innovation Solution
The head-protecting airbag device features a mounting bracket with a joint plate section that slides into an insert slot of the case, secured by a retaining pawl that engages with a retaining hole, allowing easy coupling and preventing dislocation, facilitated by additional pressing surfaces and auxiliary holding surfaces for stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the mounting bracket is coupled to the case using the conventional structure with the joint plate section disposed along the up and down direction, then the mounting bracket can be secured to the vehicle body structure, but the coupling work between the mounting bracket and the case becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The joint plate section is inverted from the conventional configuration where it extended along the up-down direction to a new configuration where it extends along the front-rear direction. This inversion allows the mounting bracket to be coupled to the case by simply inserting the joint plate section into a slot formed in the case, eliminating the need for complex insertion and turning operations required in the conventional structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling structure is segmented into distinct functional elements: the joint plate section of the mounting bracket and the corresponding slot in the case. This segmentation allows for simplified assembly where the joint plate section can be independently inserted into the slot without requiring complex coordination of multiple components or operations.
2Reliability
If the case has an opening for receiving the mounting bracket only at the inboard side, then the mounting bracket can be secured, but the mounting bracket needs to be inserted in a lying posture and then turned to upright posture which complicates the coupling work
Solution Approach 1:
The opening position in the case is inverted from the conventional inboard-side-only configuration to a new configuration where the opening is provided at the front or rear side of the case. This inversion allows the joint plate section to be inserted directly into the slot in a simple linear motion without requiring the complex sequence of inserting in lying posture and then turning to upright posture.
Solution Approach 2:
The joint plate section is pre-configured to extend along the front-rear direction, which is the same direction as the insertion path into the slot. This preliminary configuration ensures that the mounting bracket can be coupled to the case in a single straightforward insertion action, eliminating the need for multiple steps including posture changes.
3Strength
If the joint plate section is disposed generally along the up and down direction, then the mounting bracket can be secured to the vehicle body structure, but the coupling work requires insertion through opening and turning which increases the time and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The orientation of the joint plate section is inverted from extending along the up-down direction to extending along the front-rear direction. This inversion aligns the joint plate section with the insertion direction into the slot, allowing the mounting bracket to be coupled in a single linear insertion motion rather than requiring insertion followed by turning, thereby significantly reducing coupling time.
Solution Approach 2:
The joint plate section is pre-configured in the front-rear direction to match the insertion path. This preliminary alignment ensures that the entire coupling operation can be completed in one continuous motion without pausing for reorientation, minimizing the time required for coupling while maintaining secure mounting.
Data Source
AI summary
A case includes an opening at least at the lower region for receiving an airbag, and an engaging region engageable with a mounting bracket. The mounting bracket includes a mounting section which protrudes out of the case and a joint plate which is formed generally into a plate extending generally along an up and down direction and is disposed at a root region of the mounting section for engagement with the case. The engaging region of the case includes an insert slot which allows the joint plate to slide therein generally in an up and down direction, a retaining pawl which protrudes generally in an inboard-outboard direction and is inserted into a retaining hole of the joint plate and retains the joint plate, and an inboard side pressing surface and an outboard side pressing surface which press the joint plate retained by the retaining pawl on the inboard and outboard sides.