Airbag Cover Hinge Using Partially Embedded Textile Element
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing airbag cover hinges are resource-intensive to manufacture and prone to malpositioning, leading to potential uncontrolled detachment during airbag release, posing a risk to vehicle occupants.
Innovation Solution
A two-dimensional textile element is partially embedded into the airbag cover carrier, allowing it to absorb forces during deployment by loosening and expanding, with a coating controlling the penetration of molten material to ensure safe and controlled opening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a two-dimensional textile element is used as a hinge, then manufacturing cost is reduced and resource consumption is lowered, but the hinge may detach uncontrollably during airbag release
Solution Approach 1:
The two-dimensional textile element is embedded within a matrix structure, creating a nested configuration where the textile hinge is integrated into the carrier component. This nesting provides structural support and controlled detachment characteristics while maintaining the cost advantages of the textile material.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge consists of a composite structure combining a two-dimensional textile element with a matrix material. The textile provides flexibility and cost-effectiveness, while the matrix embedding provides structural integrity and controlled detachment behavior during airbag release.
2Reliability
If a loop structure is formed from the two-dimensional textile element, then the airbag cover is prevented from detaching completely, but the hinge becomes resource-intensive to manufacture and difficult to position precisely
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the essential function of the loop structure (preventing complete detachment) while removing the problematic loop configuration itself. Instead of forming a closed loop, the textile element is embedded in a matrix, achieving detachment prevention through integration rather than looping.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge structure is segmented into two distinct parts: the two-dimensional textile element and the matrix embedding. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the textile for cost and flexibility, the matrix for structural support and precise positioning.
3Strength
If the two-dimensional textile element is fully embedded in the matrix, then structural integrity is improved, but the ability to absorb forces and expand during airbag release is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The textile element is partially embedded in the matrix rather than fully embedded. This partial embedding provides sufficient structural integrity through the matrix connection while leaving enough of the textile element exposed to maintain its force absorption and expansion capabilities during airbag release.
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 solution provides a cost-effective, safe, and controlled airbag cover hinge that minimizes the risk of detachment, absorbing forces effectively and ensuring the airbag opens without putting occupants at risk.
Implementation Method 1
the two-dimensional textile element at least partially, and possibly also fully, loosens or detaches from the matrix, for example, of the airbag-cover carrier, and in so doing, absorbs forces pressing against the airbag cover. As the cover continues to swing open, remaining forces are absorbed over the surface of the two-dimensional textile element, due to its ability to expand or stretch.
Implementation Method 2
By coating the two-dimensional textile element, for example, one can intentionally prevent or control the depth of penetrating flow of the molten material forming the carrier through the two-dimensional textile element.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a hinge for an airbag cover, having a planar textile element as a hinge between the cover of the airbag and an adjacent airbag cover region, for example in the interior of a motor vehicle, and to a region of the planar textile element which faces a carrier of the airbag cover and is embedded in a matrix which is connected to the cover, and a region of the planar textile element which is not embedded in the matrix.