Airbag Fastening Clip Structure for Quick Removal Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
The installation and removal of curtain-type airbags in vehicles are tedious processes due to the need for manual assembly and attachment to vehicle structures, which can be challenging given the airbags' deployment requirements and limited space.
Innovation Solution
A fastening clip with a clip body, retaining portions, and a protuberance that allows for easy insertion and removal, facilitating the attachment and detachment of airbag assemblies to vehicle structures without requiring extensive manual assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual assembly and attachment methods are used for airbags, then the airbags can be securely fastened to vehicle structures, but the installation and removal processes become tedious and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening system is divided into separate components: a fastening clip with retaining portions and a corresponding mounting structure. This segmentation allows the airbag to be quickly attached and detached without manual assembly of multiple parts, resolving the contradiction between secure attachment and quick installation/removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastening clip incorporates elastic retaining portions that can dynamically deform during insertion and removal operations. The elastic elements allow the clip to flex open for easy insertion, then spring back to lock securely, providing both quick installation and reliable retention without requiring extensive manual assembly.
2Manufacturing precision
If complex manual assembly steps are required for airbag installation, then precise positioning and secure fastening can be achieved, but the installation process becomes tedious and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening clip is designed to self-align and self-position during insertion. The elastic retaining portions automatically engage with the mounting structure features, eliminating the need for precise manual positioning while ensuring accurate and secure attachment. This self-service mechanism resolves the contradiction between positioning accuracy and ease of operation.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If traditional fastening methods are used for curtain-type airbags, then the airbags can remain securely inflated for extended periods, but the attachment and detachment processes become time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening clip is pre-configured with elastic retaining portions that are ready to engage immediately upon insertion. The mounting structure includes pre-positioned engagement features that guide the clip into place. This preliminary preparation allows for rapid attachment while maintaining secure long-term retention, resolving the contradiction between installation speed and inflation duration.
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 simplifies the installation and removal of airbags by enabling quicker and easier assembly and disassembly, reducing the time and effort required for these processes while maintaining the necessary security and stability for airbag deployment.
Implementation Method 1
each of the retaining portions comprising: a protruding portion 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
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. Each of the pair of side walls includes a protuberance (136) protruding into the internal cavity, and the protuberance maintains a separation between the end portion of the retaining portion and the side wall for insertion of a removal tool between the end portion of the retaining portion and the side wall to deflect the retaining portion inwards for removal of the fastening clip from the component.