Airbag Cover Flap Hinge for Emblem Protection

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cover elements for driver front airbag modules often incur high manufacturing costs and risk damaging vehicle emblems during airbag expansion, especially when the emblem is large, as tear-away connections pass through the emblem area.

Innovation Solution

The cover element is designed with at least one flap configured into two parts, an outer area and an emblem area, connected by a third hinge, allowing the emblem area to swing out of the deployment path without a tear-away connection through the emblem, thus preventing damage and reducing manufacturing expenses.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a tear-away connection runs through the emblem between two adjacent flaps, then the emblem can be disposed in the central hub area, but the manufacturing expense becomes very high and the emblem may break open during airbag expansion

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveemblem placement freedomVSAvoidmanufacturing expense

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The first flap is segmented into an outer area and an emblem area that can move independently relative to each other through the third hinge, allowing the emblem area to be separated from the main flap structure during deployment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The emblem area is made dynamically movable relative to the outer area through the third hinge, enabling it to swing out of the deployment path when the airbag expands, transforming from a static emblem position to a dynamic one that adapts during deployment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If a tear-away connection runs through the emblem, then the emblem can be disposed in the central hub area, but the emblem may break open and travel uncontrolled in the vehicle interior

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveemblem placement freedomVSAvoidemblem containment

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The first flap is segmented into an outer area and an emblem area that can move independently relative to each other through the third hinge, allowing the emblem area to be separated from the main flap structure during deployment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The third hinge acts as an intermediary mechanism between the outer area and emblem area, controlling the movement of the emblem area to swing it out of the deployment path while keeping it contained, rather than allowing uncontrolled travel

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Area of stationary object

If the emblem area is large, then it provides sufficient space for the vehicle manufacturer's emblem, but it becomes more in the way of the expanding airbag

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveemblem area sizeVSAvoidinterference with airbag deployment

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The emblem area is made dynamically movable relative to the outer area through the third hinge, enabling it to swing out of the deployment path when the airbag expands, transforming from a static emblem position to a dynamic one that adapts during deployment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The first flap is segmented into an outer area and an emblem area that can move independently relative to each other through the third hinge, allowing the emblem area to be separated from the main flap structure during deployment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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

This design ensures the emblem remains intact during airbag expansion, reducing manufacturing costs and preventing uncontrolled movement of the emblem within the vehicle interior, while maintaining flexibility in emblem placement and size.

Implementation Method 1

the emblem area is connected to the outer area via a third hinge so that the emblem area can swing against the outer area when the first flap is open

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHinge mechanism: Hinge

Data Source

PatentUS10196029B2Cover element for an airbag module, and airbag module having such a cover element

Publication Date: 2019.02.05 AUTOLIV DEV AB

AI summary

A cover element (10) for an airbag unit having a stationary section, a first flap (14), and a second flap (20), wherein the first flap (14) is connected to the stationary section by at least one first hinge (31), and the second flap (20) by at least one second hinge (32). The two flaps (14, 20) are connected to each other by a tear connection (35). The first flap (14) has an outer area (16) and an emblem area (18), which protrude at least partially from the outer area (16) and extend into the second flap (20). In order that the emblem area (18) is not in the way of the expanding airbag even if the emblem area (18) is relatively large, the emblem area (18) is connected to the outer area (16) of the first flap (14) by a third hinge (33), so that the emblem area (18) can swing against the outer area (16) when the first flap (14) is open.