Airbag Tensioning Holder With Movable Reinforcement for High Side Loads
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing holding devices for tensioning means in vehicle safety systems struggle to absorb high forces while reliably releasing the tensioning means when needed.
Innovation Solution
A holding device featuring a pyrotechnical actuator assembly with a plastic base, a pyrotechnical unit, and a tensioning means holder, reinforced by an axially movable reinforcing element that can absorb transverse forces greater than 2.5 kN.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a basic actuator assembly with plastic base and tensioning means holder is used, then the device complexity and manufacturing cost are reduced, but the device cannot absorb high transverse forces greater than 2.5 kN
Solution Approach 1:
The reinforcing element is designed to be axially movable between a first position (received in the tensioning means holder to reinforce it) and a second position (disengaged from the holder). This dynamic configuration allows the actuator assembly to adapt its structural strength based on operational requirements, enabling it to absorb high transverse forces when needed while maintaining simpler characteristics during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator assembly is divided into modular components: a basic actuator assembly (plastic base, pyrotechnical unit, tensioning means holder) and a separate movable reinforcing element. This segmentation allows the reinforcing element to be added only when high force absorption is required, without permanently complicating the basic structure. The modular design enables the same basic components to serve different functional requirements.
2Strength
If the reinforcing element is always engaged in the tensioning means holder, then the device can continuously absorb high forces, but the device complexity increases and manufacturing cost rises
Solution Approach 1:
The reinforcing element transitions from a static always-engaged configuration to a dynamic movable configuration. It can be positioned in the first state (engaged in the holder for high strength) or the second state (disengaged for simpler manufacturing). This dynamic capability allows manufacturers to produce the basic actuator assembly at lower cost, with the option to add reinforcing capability only when specifically required by the application.
3Strength
If the tensioning means holder is made stronger to absorb high forces, then the transverse force absorption capacity increases, but the release reliability of the tensioning means decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The structural strength function is separated from the release function. The movable reinforcing element provides the additional strength needed for high transverse forces, while the tensioning means holder maintains its original design for reliable release. When the pyrotechnical unit is activated, the reinforcing element can be disengaged or deactivated, allowing the tensioning means to be released reliably without the interference of the reinforcing structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The reinforcing element's engagement state can dynamically change during operation. During normal operation, it provides structural reinforcement. When release is required, the pyrotechnical activation causes the reinforcing element to disengage from the tensioning means holder, ensuring that the release action is not hindered by the reinforcing structure and maintaining release reliability.
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 holding device effectively absorbs high transverse forces and reliably releases the tensioning means, ensuring controlled airbag deployment in various occupant positions.
Implementation Method 1
a pyrotechnical unit (28) including a propelling charge and an igniter
Data Source
AI summary
The invention describes a holding device (12) for holding and releasing a tensioning means (14) of a vehicle safety system. The holding device (12) includes a pyrotechnical actuator assembly (24) for holding and, in terms of signals, specifically releasing the tensioning means (14), wherein the actuator assembly (24) comprises a plastic base (26) in which a pyrotechnical unit (28) including a propelling charge and an igniter (30) is accommodated and held, wherein the pyrotechnical unit (28) has a rear side (36) and an opposite front side (38), and a tensioning means holder (40) which is adjacent to the front side (38) of the pyrotechnical unit (28) and covers the same and which is detachably supported on the plastic base (26). The holding device (12) additionally includes a reinforcing element (58) which is supported to be axially movable between a first position and a second position, wherein the reinforcing element (58) in a second position is disengaged from the tensioning means holder (40) and in a first position is at least partially accommodated in the tensioning means holder (40) and mechanically reinforces the same. Furthermore, an airbag module (10) is described.