Air Bag Gas Generator Mounting With Elastic Vibration Decoupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gas generator assemblies in vehicle occupant restraint systems, particularly those with floating horn modules, face challenges in vibration decoupling due to limited space in the steering wheel, making it expensive to decouple the mass of the gas generator from the rest of the module effectively.
Innovation Solution
A gas generator assembly where the holding part is plastically deformed to permanently attach the generator bearing part to the gas generator's flange, using elastic attachment feet for vibration decoupling, and optionally acting as a vibration absorber, with a ring-shaped holding part and stop lips to limit movement and prevent direct vibration transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the gas generator is rigidly connected to the module housing, then structural stability is improved, but vibration transmission to the steering wheel increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an elastic holding part as an intermediary element between the gas generator and the module housing. This holding part comprises attachment feet made of elastic material that connect the generator bearing part to the housing, allowing vibration decoupling while maintaining structural stability during normal operation and deployment.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If elastic elements are used to decouple the gas generator mass, then vibration transmission is reduced, but manufacturing cost and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into the holding part: it serves as both the mounting structure and the vibration decoupling element. The elastic attachment feet are integrated directly into the holding part structure, eliminating the need for separate decoupling components and reducing overall complexity and space requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the elastic properties of the holding part material to achieve vibration decoupling. By selecting appropriate elastic materials and designing the attachment feet with specific geometric parameters, the system achieves effective vibration isolation without requiring additional active control mechanisms or complex structures.
3Reliability
If the holding part is plastically deformed to attach the generator bearing part, then attachment stability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates the attachment feet directly into the holding part during the molding process, creating a pre-assembled structure. The plastic deformation features are integrated into the mold design, allowing the holding part to be manufactured as a single piece with built-in attachment capabilities, thereby simplifying the overall manufacturing process.
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
This solution allows for a cost-effective, space-saving, and stable attachment of the gas generator, effectively decoupling vibrations and preventing gas leakage during activation, while allowing for adjustable movement limitations and potential vibration damping.
Implementation Method 1
These prevent direct vibration transmission from the generator mount to the gas generator
Implementation Method 2
several fastening feet (26) and a stop lip (28) made of an elastic material
Implementation Method 3
In the event of a vertical movement, ie in the event of a movement in the axial direction, the stop lip comes into contact with the generator support and limits the path of movement of the gas generator in this direction
Implementation Method 4
the holding part is preferably plastically deformed in order to permanently attach the generator bearing part to the flange of the gas generator
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
An air bag module, in particular for a motor vehicle occupant restraint system, comprises an assembly made of a gas generator (16) having a fastening flange (32) and a generator bearing part (18) for elastically mounting the gas generator (16). The generator bearing part (18) comprises a holding part (24) made of a metal sheet and at least one fastening base (26), which is attached to the holding part (24) and made of an elastic material for connecting to a generator carrier (12). The holding part (24) and the fastening flange (32) are fastened to each other by a plastic deformation of at least one of the two parts.