Airbag Holding Device Internal Positioning for Compact Steering Wheel Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automotive airbag units require significant installation space and are not easily adaptable for compact configurations, such as driver airbag units in steering wheels, due to the external placement of holding devices.
Innovation Solution
The holding device is positioned inside the airbag within the gas compartment, allowing for a more compact design by having an electrical connection socket or ignition lead protrude through a hole in the airbag, with the first section of the holding device being permanently connected to the housing and the second section detachable via a pyrotechnic squib, enabling the tensioning element to influence airbag expansion and ventilation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the holding device is placed outside the airbag (on the bottom of the gas generator), then the airbag structure is simpler and easier to manufacture, but the installation space requirement increases and adaptability to compact configurations (such as steering wheel applications) is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The holding device is positioned inside the airbag's gas compartment, nesting the holding device within the airbag structure. This internal placement allows the holding device to be contained within the existing airbag volume, eliminating the need for external space and enabling compact configurations such as steering wheel applications while maintaining the functional separation between the holding device and airbag structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The holding device is repositioned from an external location (bottom of gas generator) to an internal location (inside the gas compartment). This spatial reconfiguration utilizes the three-dimensional space within the airbag, transforming the arrangement from an external attachment to an internal component, thereby reducing the overall footprint and enabling compact installations.
2Volume of moving object
If the holding device is placed inside the airbag, then the installation space is reduced and adaptability to compact configurations is improved, but the airbag structure becomes more complex and requires additional features (hole for electrical connection socket)
Solution Approach 1:
The holding device is divided into two distinct sections: a first section that is permanently connected to the airbag structure, and a second section that is detachably connected and can be separated via pyrotechnic squib. This segmentation allows the holding device to function effectively within the constrained internal space while maintaining the necessary operational capabilities. The permanent first section provides structural integration, while the detachable second section enables post-deployment separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The holding device incorporates a dynamic separation mechanism where the second section can be detached from the first section after airbag deployment using a pyrotechnic squib. This dynamic characteristic allows the holding device to transition from a fixed internal structure to a separable configuration, enabling both compact installation and functional flexibility without requiring complex permanent internal mounting structures.
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 configuration allows for a more compact airbag unit that can be effectively deployed in steering wheel applications, reducing installation space while maintaining control over airbag properties through the tensioning element, enhancing adaptability to various accident scenarios and passenger sizes.
Implementation Method 1
the second section can be split off the first section by means of a pyrotechnic squib located inside the holding device
Data Source
AI summary
An airbag unit with an airbag (10) encloses a gas compartment, an inflator, and a housing (20) containing the folded airbag. A holding device (40) having a first and a second section (42, 44) is provided, the first section (42) is connected to the housing (20), and the second section (44) can be detached from, the first section (42) upon an electrical signal. The holding device detachably fastens a tensioning element, whose first end is connected to the airbag, and its second end is connected to the housing (20) via the holding device (40) when the first and second sections (42 or 44) are connected. The holding device second section (44) is arranged inside the gas compartment, and a hole (13) is provided in the airbag (10), through which an ignition cable plug socket, an ignition lead (50) or the holding device first section (42) protrudes.