Hybrid Airbag Fastening Bracket Welding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing airbag fastening solutions in vehicles lack a secure and durable mechanical connection to the instrument panel, relying solely on welding, which may not provide sufficient strength and maintenance-free longevity during accidents.
Innovation Solution
A fastening device that combines a mechanical connection using fastening brackets and bores with a welded connection via welding ribs, allowing for a cohesive and stable attachment of the airbag module to the instrument panel, enabling precise positioning and easy replacement of components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If only a welded connection is used to attach the airbag module to the instrument panel, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the connection strength and reliability during accidents is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two different connection methods (mechanical fastening and welding) into a unified fastening system. The airbag module is attached to the instrument panel through both a mechanical connection via fastening brackets with fastening elements and a welded connection via welding ribs, creating a hybrid connection system that leverages the strengths of both methods to achieve superior connection strength and reliability.
2Reliability
If only a welded connection is used, then the device structure is simple, but the durability and maintenance-free longevity during accidents is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges mechanical fastening elements (fastening brackets with fastening elements engageable with fastening bores) and welded connections (welding ribs) into a single integrated fastening system. This combination provides redundancy and enhanced reliability, ensuring that the airbag module remains securely attached to the instrument panel under accident conditions while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
3Strength
If a mechanical connection with fastening brackets and bores is added to the welded connection, then the connection strength is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening brackets with fastening elements and fastening bores are pre-formed as integral parts of the airbag module and instrument panel during their respective manufacturing processes. The airbag module includes pre-formed fastening brackets that can engage with pre-formed fastening bores in the instrument panel, eliminating the need for separate mechanical fastening components and simplifying the overall manufacturing process while maintaining enhanced connection strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent integrates the mechanical fastening function and welded connection function into a unified fastening system where fastening brackets with fastening elements work together with welding ribs. This merging of functions into a single integrated system reduces the number of separate components and assembly steps, thereby improving ease of manufacture while achieving superior attachment strength.
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 combined mechanical and welded connections enhance the strength and durability of the airbag attachment, ensuring a secure and low-maintenance fastening system that maintains airbag functionality and safety during accidents.
Implementation Method 1
the instrument panel and the airbag receiving means have welding means for the welded connection between the airbag receiving means of the airbag module and the instrument panel
Data Source
AI summary
A fastening device fastens an airbag module to an airbag receiver on an instrument panel of a vehicle by forming at least one mechanical connection and at least one welded connection between the airbag module and the instrument panel. The instrument panel has at least one projection and a flange protruding from the projection to define a compartment and form a fastening bracket for the mechanical connection of the airbag module to the instrument panel. The instrument panel and the airbag receiver have welding ribs for the welded connection between the airbag receiver of the airbag module and the instrument panel. A device prepares an instrument panel and a corresponding instrument panel. A method includes steps of fastening an airbag to the instrument panel and a vehicle with a corresponding instrument panel.