Airbag Fastening Clip Assembly for High Pull-Out Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
The installation and maintenance of curtain-type airbags in vehicles are cumbersome due to the need for manual assembly and attachment, which can be challenging given the airbag's location and the high snatch forces involved during deployment.
Innovation Solution
A fastening clip assembly that includes a fastening clip with retaining portions and an insert with verification elements, designed to securely attach a side-impact or curtain-type airbag to a vehicle structure, enhancing pull-out resistance and simplifying installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If manual assembly and attachment methods are used for curtain-type airbags, then the installation process can be performed with simple tools, but the installation and maintenance become cumbersome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening system is divided into separate components: a fastening clip with retaining portions and an insert with verification elements. This segmentation allows for pre-assembly and tool-free installation, reducing installation time while maintaining ease of manufacture.
Solution Approach 2:
The verification elements are pre-positioned on the insert, and the retaining portions are pre-formed on the fastening clip. This preliminary preparation enables quick identification of proper assembly orientation and reduces installation steps, addressing the time loss issue.
2Strength
If traditional fastening methods are used for airbags, then the attachment components can be simple in design, but they cannot provide sufficient pull-out resistance under high snatch forces during deployment
Solution Approach 1:
The insert is nested within the fastening clip, with verification elements positioned inside the clip body. This nested structure provides a compact design that achieves high pull-out resistance through the interaction between the retaining portions and verification elements without excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining portions are formed with curved geometries that engage with the verification elements through snap-fit action. The curved design provides mechanical advantage and increased pull-out resistance while maintaining relatively simple manufacturing processes.
3Reliability
If the fastening clip includes verification elements to ensure proper assembly, then assembly correctness can be confirmed, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The verification elements provide immediate feedback on proper assembly through their engagement with the retaining portions. When correctly assembled, the verification elements snap into place, providing tactile and visual confirmation. This feedback mechanism ensures reliability without requiring complex electronic or mechanical systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The verification elements are designed to automatically indicate proper assembly through their own positioning and engagement characteristics. The system performs self-verification without requiring external tools or complex inspection procedures, maintaining relatively simple device architecture.
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 fastening clip assembly provides increased pull-out resistance and simplifies the installation and maintenance of airbags by ensuring proper assembly without the need for slots or apertures, which enhances the overall safety and reliability of the airbag system.
Implementation Method 1
a pair of retaining portions (112) extending from the side walls at the second end (106) of the clip body. Each of the retaining portions (112) includes a protruding portion (113) that protrudes through the window (110) of the respective side wall and that is deflectable into the internal cavity (126) of the clip body when the fastening clip (100) is mounted through the hole (52) of the component (50)
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a fastening clip (100) for mounting in a hole of a component. The fastening clip includes a clip body (102) having a first end (104), a second end (106) and a pair of side walls (108) extending from the first end to the second end and defining an internal cavity (126) of the clip body. Each side wall is provided with a window (110). The fastening clip also includes a pair of retaining portions (112) extending from the side walls at the second end of the clip body. Each of the retaining portions includes a protruding portion (113) that protrudes through the window in the respective side wall and is deflectable into the internal cavity of the clip body when the fastening clip is mounted through the hole of the component, and an end portion (128) provided within the internal cavity of the clip body. The fastening clip (100) also includes a head portion (114) provided at the first end of the clip body and protruding from the side walls.