Airbag Module Damper Assembly Vibration Isolation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Steering wheel vibrations transmitted from the steering column to the driver can be uncomfortable and require effective damping, while also ensuring the airbag module can function as a horn switch without self-actuation during rough road conditions.

Innovation Solution

A damper assembly that isolates the airbag module from the steering wheel armature using a damper element, pin, and cap structure, allowing axial movement and incorporating a spring to actuate the horn switch, while maintaining vibration damping and secure connection through ribs and fasteners.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If the airbag module is rigidly coupled to the steering wheel, then the connection strength is improved, but steering wheel vibrations are transmitted to the driver

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection strengthVSAvoidsteering wheel vibrations

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A damper element is introduced as an intermediary component between the airbag module and the steering wheel armature. This damper element provides a compliant connection that maintains structural integrity while absorbing vibrations, thus resolving the contradiction between connection strength and vibration transmission.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The damper element utilizes composite material properties combining rigid portions for structural support and compliant portions for vibration absorption. This allows the connection to simultaneously provide strength and dampen vibrations, resolving the technical contradiction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the airbag module is isolated from the steering wheel using a damper element, then steering wheel vibrations are reduced, but the horn switch may self-actuate during rough road conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesteering wheel vibrationsVSAvoidhorn switch actuation reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The damper element is designed with differentiated local properties: rigid portions that provide stable mounting for the horn switch contact, and compliant portions that isolate vibrations. This local quality differentiation allows vibration isolation while maintaining reliable horn switch operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The damper element's mechanical properties are carefully controlled to provide sufficient isolation for vibration reduction while maintaining adequate stiffness to prevent unintended horn actuation. The parameter optimization resolves the contradiction between vibration reduction and operational reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If the horn contact is mounted directly to the steering wheel, then the horn actuation force is reduced, but the horn switch may self-actuate in response to driving conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehorn actuation forceVSAvoidhorn switch self-actuation prevention

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The damper element serves as an intermediary mounting structure that provides the necessary mechanical isolation. It allows sufficient movement for horn actuation while preventing excessive movement that would cause self-actuation, thus resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 damper assembly effectively reduces steering wheel vibrations, allows the airbag module to function as a horn switch, and maintains a secure connection, enhancing vibration damping characteristics and ensuring reliable operation under various driving conditions.

Implementation Method 1

The damper element isolates the airbag module, the pin, and the cap structure from the steering wheel armature

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVibration damping: Damping

Implementation Method 2

The spring can allow the airbag module to move axially relative to the steering wheel armature

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpring elasticity: Spring

Data Source

PatentUS11603066B2Vibration damper for coupling an airbag module to a vehicle steering wheel

Publication Date: 2023.03.14 ZF PASSIVE SAFETY SYST US INC

AI summary

A damper assembly configured to mount an airbag module to a steering wheel including a steering wheel armature includes a damper element configured to engage the steering wheel armature and to extend through an opening in the steering wheel armature. The damper assembly also includes a pin configured to be connected to the airbag module and a cap structure configured to extend through the opening in the steering wheel armature. The cap structure is configured to receive the pin for axial movement so that the airbag module can move axially relative to the steering wheel armature. The damper element isolates the airbag module, the pin, and the cap structure from the steering wheel armature.