Driver Seat Airbag Coupling Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional driver seat airbag apparatuses have a complex structure that complicates the coupling between the mounting plate and the cover, leading to potential separation during airbag deployment, which compromises the safety and installation efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A simplified driver seat airbag apparatus design featuring a coupling part with a locking hole and protrusion system, deformable bending parts, and auxiliary coupling features that enhance the locking mechanism between the mounting plate and the cover, reducing the number of parts and volume while improving coupling force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a conventional coupling structure is used between the mounting plate and the cover, then the assembly can be manufactured, but the coupling force is insufficient and the structure becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple coupling functions into a single integrated coupling part that includes both the locking protrusion and locking hole features. This merging of functions into one component simultaneously achieves strong coupling force while reducing structural complexity by eliminating the need for separate coupling mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling part is segmented into distinct functional elements (locking protrusion, locking hole, bending part) that work together. The locking protrusion provides primary mechanical interlocking, while the bending part provides secondary elastic retention, creating a multi-stage coupling system that achieves high strength without overall complexity
2Reliability
If multiple coupling components are used to ensure secure connection, then the coupling force is improved, but the number of parts increases and volume expands
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of multiple separate coupling components into a single integrated coupling part. This one-component solution provides both the locking protrusion for primary connection and the bending part for secondary retention, achieving high reliability while reducing the number of parts from multiple components to just one
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling part is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously performs locking, retaining, and positioning functions. The locking protrusion provides mechanical interlocking while the bending part provides elastic retention, making this single component universally capable of ensuring secure connection without requiring multiple specialized parts
3Reliability
If a complex coupling structure is implemented, then connection security is improved, but the installation space requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple coupling functions into a single compact coupling part, the patent achieves high connection security within a reduced volume. The integrated design eliminates the space required for multiple separate components and their associated mounting features, consolidating all coupling functions into one space-efficient element
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling part employs a nested structure where the bending part is positioned within or adjacent to the locking protrusion features. This nesting arrangement allows multiple functional elements to occupy overlapping or adjacent spaces, maximizing the use of available volume and minimizing the overall installation space requirement while maintaining connection security
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 strengthens the coupling force between the mounting plate and the cover, simplifies the structure, and reduces the overall volume, facilitating easier installation and enhancing safety by preventing separation during airbag deployment.
Implementation Method 1
a locking protrusion protruding from an outer surface of the cover, and inserted into the corresponding locking hole when the insertion part is inserted into the housing space
Implementation Method 2
a deformable bending part formed through the mounting plate from an outer surface to an inner surface of the mounting plate, and the bending part may be bent and pressed against the outer surface of the cover
Data Source
AI summary
A driver seat airbag apparatus may include: a mounting plate having a housing space formed at the front thereof; a cover having an insertion part and a pressing part, wherein the insertion part is formed at the rear of the cover and inserted into the housing space, and the pressing part is formed at the front of the insertion part; and a coupling part formed at each of the mounting plate and the outer surface of the insertion part, and comprising a male portion and a female portion that are locked to each other when the insertion part is inserted into the housing space.