Airbag Emblem Assembly Segmentation for Cost Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing emblem assemblies for airbag covers are costly due to the use of high-quality materials for both decorative and fastening elements, leading to increased material costs.
Innovation Solution
The emblem assembly is designed with a multi-part structure, where the decorative element and carrier element are made from different materials, with the carrier element formed from an inexpensive material and the decorative element from a higher-quality material, such as aluminum, and are connected via clip connectors, allowing for reduced material costs while maintaining a high-quality appearance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If high-quality materials are used for both decorative elements and fastening pins, then the aesthetic appearance is improved, but the material cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The emblem is divided into two distinct parts: a decorative element and a carrier element. The decorative element is made from high-quality material (such as aluminum) to ensure aesthetic appearance, while the carrier element is made from inexpensive material (such as plastic) to reduce costs. This segmentation allows each part to be optimized for its specific function without compromising overall quality.
Solution Approach 2:
Different material qualities are applied to different parts of the emblem based on their functional requirements. The decorative element receives high-quality material treatment for visual appeal, while the carrier element uses standard-quality material for structural support and fastening functions. This local differentiation of quality resolves the contradiction between appearance and cost.
2Ease of manufacture
If the emblem is designed as a single integrated component, then the manufacturing process is simplified, but the material cost increases due to use of high-quality materials throughout
Solution Approach 1:
The emblem is segmented into a decorative element and a carrier element that can be manufactured separately using different materials and processes. The carrier element can be injection-molded from plastic, while the decorative element can be formed from metal sheets or other high-quality materials. This segmentation enables cost-effective manufacturing while maintaining aesthetic quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The separately manufactured decorative element and carrier element are combined through a connection mechanism (such as adhesive bonding, mechanical fastening, or integration of positioning pins) to form the complete emblem assembly. This merging allows the benefits of both low-cost and high-quality materials to be realized in a single functional component.
3Strength
If positioning pins are made from high-quality material, then the connection strength is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning pins are integrated into the carrier element and made from the same inexpensive material (plastic) rather than high-quality material. The connection strength is sufficient for the application requirements, and any necessary reinforcement can be achieved through geometric design (such as pin shape, size, or integration with the carrier element structure) rather than material selection.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to an emblem assembly for connection to a gasbag cover, comprising an emblem (10) and a retaining plate (20) that can be clipped together, wherein the emblem includes positioning pins (17) that can be firmly connected to positioning receptacles (23) of the retaining element. The invention is characterized in that the emblem (10) has a decorative element (12) and a carrier element (13) that are firmly connected to each other, the carrier element (13) comprising the positioning pins (17). The invention further relates to a gasbag cover, a gasbag module, and a vehicle steering wheel with such an emblem assembly, as well as a manufacturing method.