Airbag Module Fastening Spring Element Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional spring detent systems for fastening airbag modules require significant effort and risk of jamming during assembly, with additional checks needed to ensure correct engagement of latching hooks, and existing solutions complicate manufacturing and require large space.
Innovation Solution
A spring element with a U-shaped configuration, featuring an immovable bearing section and an elastically deflectable retaining section, is used to guide the latching hook into a retaining position, minimizing the risk of jamming and assembly errors while allowing for easy insertion and high holding force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a conventional wire spring is used for fastening, then the holding force is sufficient, but the assembly effort is high and jamming risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring element is divided into two distinct sections: a bearing section that remains fixed in the holder, and a retaining section that is elastically deflectable. This segmentation allows the bearing section to provide stable positioning and holding force, while the retaining section can deflect to accommodate the latching hook during assembly, thereby reducing assembly effort and eliminating jamming risks
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of making the entire spring movable as in conventional designs, the invention inverts the approach by making the bearing section immovable and only the retaining section deflectable. This inversion provides a stable reference point (bearing section) that eliminates positioning errors and jamming, while still allowing the necessary deflection through the retaining section
2Ease of operation
If a U-shaped spring with freedom of movement is used, then assembly effort is reduced, but play and jamming risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the spring into a fixed bearing section and a deflectable retaining section, the invention eliminates play and positioning errors associated with fully movable springs, while the retaining section still provides the necessary deflection for easy assembly without jamming
Solution Approach 2:
Different sections of the spring element have different properties: the bearing section is rigid and immovable to provide stable positioning, while the retaining section is elastically deflectable to allow easy hook engagement. This local differentiation of properties resolves the contradiction between stability and ease of assembly
3Ease of operation
If the spring is made rotatable on the plate, then assembly is facilitated, but space requirements and manufacturing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the rotational freedom from the bearing section and concentrates it only in the retaining section. This allows the spring to be pre-assembled in a fixed position on the plate, eliminating the need for rotational adjustment during assembly, thereby simplifying manufacturing and reducing space requirements while still facilitating easy hook engagement through local deflection
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 simplifies and secures the fastening of airbag modules with reduced assembly effort and minimized risk of errors, while maintaining a compact design and high holding force, meeting customer ease-of-fitting requirements.
Implementation Method 1
a spring element (18) including a bearing section (22) and an elastically deflectable retaining section (24)
Data Source
AI summary
A device for fastening an airbag module in a vehicle comprises a first part, in particular a steering wheel insert (28), with a latching hook (30), and a second part, in particular a baseplate (10) of the airbag module, with a passage opening (14) for the latching hook (30) and with a holder (16) for a spring element (18). The device furthermore comprises a spring element (18) with a bearing section (22) and an elastically deflectable retaining section (24). The spring element (18) is held in the holder (16) in such a manner that the retaining section (24) is transferable from a starting position into a deflecting position, which permits the latching hook (30) to be guided through the passage opening (14), and into a retaining position, in which the retaining section (24) presses against a retaining surface (40) of the latching hook (30). By contrast, the bearing section (22) is held substantially immovably in the holder (16).