Side Curtain Airbag Folding Machine with Rotational Roll Bar
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing side curtain airbag folding machines are expensive, complex, and inefficient, particularly for folding large-capacity airbag cushions, with conventional manual machines limited to folding lengths of approximately 2 m and lacking stability and quality in folding larger sizes.
Innovation Solution
A machine with a fixed rotatable roll folding bar, manual handles, mechanical tension module, and upper support fixture is used to apply a load to the airbag cushion, allowing for uniform roll folding of longer airbag cushions up to 4.0 m, with features like L-shaped folding plates, guide rails, and clamp modules to secure the cushion during folding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a fully automatic machine is used for folding side curtain airbag, then folding automation and productivity are improved, but machine cost, complexity, and maintenance cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The folding machine enables operators to perform folding operations independently through manual handling of the airbag cushion on the roll folding bar, eliminating the need for complex automated systems while maintaining effective folding capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts only the essential folding function from complex automated systems, using a simple roll folding bar with manual handles that performs the core folding task without additional automated mechanisms
2Device complexity
If a manual folding machine is used for folding side curtain airbag, then machine cost is reduced, but folding length capability and quality stability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The roll folding bar is designed to be rotatable rather than fixed, allowing dynamic adjustment during the folding process to accommodate longer airbag cushions up to 4.0 meters while maintaining simple machine structure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces vertical positioning capability through upper support fixtures that can move along the roll folding bar, adding a dimensional element that enables handling of longer cushions without increasing horizontal machine footprint
3Device complexity
If a manual folding machine is used for folding side curtain airbag, then machine cost is reduced, but folding quality stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Upper support fixtures are positioned and adjusted before the folding operation begins, pre-establishing the correct folding geometry and tension distribution to ensure consistent quality results
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical tension module provides continuous tension feedback during folding, allowing operators to adjust the folding process in real-time to maintain uniform fold quality throughout the airbag cushion
Data Source
AI summary
A machine for folding a side curtain airbag which has a simpler machine configuration and is more efficient than a fully automatic machine and that can fold a large-capacity side curtain airbag cushion of approximately 4.0 m in length to sufficiently secure quality stability, and a process for folding a side curtain airbag by using the same, are provided.