Airbag Cover Engaging Hook Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing airbag devices have exposed engaging hooks that pose a risk of improper contact with occupants, increasing the number of components and installation complexity, and reducing the freedom in installing the device due to the need for additional covers or extensions to protect these hooks.
Innovation Solution
The airbag device incorporates a design where the engaging hooks are inverted and covered by ribs at the peripheral edges of the engaging holes, ensuring the hooks are hidden from the cabin interior, preventing accidental contact and simplifying the installation process by eliminating the need for additional covers or extensions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a lower cover separated from the airbag cover is used to cover the tip end sections of the engaging hooks, then the safety against improper contact is improved, but the number of components and assembly processes increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the lower cover function with the airbag cover by integrating the engaging hole formation directly into the airbag cover structure. The engaging holes are formed by punching the airbag cover itself, eliminating the need for a separate lower cover component while still covering the tip end sections of the engaging hooks.
Solution Approach 2:
The airbag cover is given multiple functions: it covers the protruding opening, provides the door sections for airbag deployment, and simultaneously covers the tip end sections of the engaging hooks through the integrated engaging hole design. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate protective components.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If an extension section bent from the rear side to the lower front side is provided on the airbag cover, then the safety against improper contact is improved, but the space requirement and installation freedom are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of extending the airbag cover forward to cover the engaging hooks, the patent inverts the approach by forming engaging holes that allow the hooks to pass through and be covered from the rear side. This inverted design eliminates the need for forward extension while achieving the same protective effect.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the protective approach from a horizontal extension (forward bending) to a vertical integration (engaging holes formed in the airbag cover). This dimensional change allows the engaging hooks to be covered without requiring additional horizontal space, maintaining installation freedom.
3Device complexity
If no lower cover or extension section is provided, then the device complexity is reduced, but the tip end sections of the engaging hooks are exposed to the cabin interior creating safety risks
Solution Approach 1:
The airbag cover serves itself by incorporating the engaging hole formation directly into its structure. The punching of engaging holes in the airbag cover creates the necessary coverage for the engaging hooks without requiring external protective components, achieving both simplicity and safety.
Data Source
AI summary
An airbag device includes: a case which stores an inflatable airbag, which includes a peripheral wall section around a protruding opening; an airbag cover which covers the protruding opening, and which includes a side wall section connected to the peripheral wall section; and an exposed connection portion which serves as a connection portion between the side wall section and the peripheral wall section. At the exposed connection portion, the peripheral wall section includes an engaging hook, and the side wall section includes an engaging hole. At the peripheral edge of the engaging hole, a first rib capable of covering the tip end section of the engaging hook protrudes so as to have a height dimension nearly equal to or more than a height dimension of the tip end section of the engaging hook which protrudes from the engaging hole.