Airbag Cover Emblem Snap-Fitting Plate Deformation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing airbag cover designs with snap-fitting emblems made of multiple parts face issues during airbag deployment, as the rigidity of the emblem-cover assembly can cause the emblem to break, potentially injuring occupants, especially when the emblem is composed of multiple parts.
Innovation Solution
An airbag cover with an emblem formed by two or more independent parts is fixed using a snap-fitting plate with elastic bodies and rods, featuring an intermediate area of reduced thickness for deformation, allowing relative movement and preventing emblem breakage during airbag deployment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a snap-fitting plate is used to fix the emblem to the cover, then the emblem is securely fixed, but the assembly becomes too rigid and the emblem may break during airbag deployment
Solution Approach 1:
The snap-fitting plate is divided into multiple zones with different thicknesses: rigid zones for secure fixation and an intermediate zone with reduced thickness for deformation. This segmentation allows different parts of the same component to serve different functions during airbag deployment.
Solution Approach 2:
The snap-fitting plate has non-uniform thickness distribution, with the intermediate area having less thickness than the rest of the plate. This local quality change creates a specific deformation zone that absorbs energy while maintaining overall fixation security.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the emblem is made of multiple independent parts, then design flexibility and brand image are improved, but the risk of part release and injury increases during cover breaking
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple independent emblem parts are merged onto a single snap-fitting plate through the rods and elastic bodies mechanism. This combination ensures that all parts move together as a unified assembly during deployment, preventing individual part release while maintaining design flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The snap-fitting plate incorporates elastic bodies that allow dynamic movement and deformation during airbag deployment. This dynamic behavior enables the emblem assembly to flex and absorb energy, preventing rigid breakage and part 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 enables the airbag cover to bend appropriately during deployment, preventing emblem release and potential injuries to vehicle occupants, while maintaining the emblem's integrity and brand image.
Implementation Method 1
an intermediate area between them which is configured such that it can work as a bending area of the snap-fitting plate during the deployment of the airbag cushion
Implementation Method 2
the snap-fitting means of the snap-fitting plate consist of elastic bodies with central holes
Implementation Method 3
elastic bodies with central holes cooperating with rods with enlarged end parts allowing their passage through said holes but preventing movement in the opposite direction
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to an airbag cover (11) for automotive vehicles comprising means to predetermine its breaking during deployment of the airbag cushion, incorporating an emblem (13) formed by at least two independent parts (21, 23) and which is fixed to the cover (11) by means of the aid of one or more rods arranged on its inner face and comprising at least two areas (31, 35), each of which includes snap-fitting means cooperating with the rods of each of said at least two parts (21, 23) and an intermediate area (33) between them which is configured such that it can work as a bending area of the snap-fitting plate (17) during deployment of the airbag cushion, allowing relative movement between the parts (21,23) of the emblem (13).