Steering Wheel Airbag Hook Clip Structure Against Deployment Disconnection
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing connection between a steering wheel and an airbag module often disconnects due to the deployment pressure of the airbag cushion, compromising the stability of the airbag module during deployment.
Innovation Solution
A connecting apparatus featuring coupling holes in the steering wheel, hooks with bends from the airbag module, and elastic fixing clips that secure the hooks in place, preventing disconnection by utilizing a coiled torsion spring for increased elasticity and a support rib to maintain contact with the hook, ensuring the airbag module remains attached during deployment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If locking connection is used to fasten airbag module and steering wheel, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to disconnection by deployment pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing clip is designed with elastic deformation capability, allowing it to dynamically adapt to the forces generated during airbag deployment. The elastic portion deforms under deployment pressure to absorb forces while maintaining the locked state, transforming a static connection into a dynamic one that responds to operational conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection system is divided into distinct functional segments: the hook portion for engagement, the elastic portion for force absorption, and the locked portion for maintaining connection. This segmentation allows each part to specialize in its function, with the elastic portion specifically designed to handle deployment pressures without compromising the overall connection integrity.
2Device complexity
If simple locking connection is used, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability deteriorates due to disconnection under deployment force
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing clip incorporates an elastic portion that functions as a flexible element, allowing deformation under load while maintaining structural integrity. This flexible section acts as a shock absorber during airbag deployment, preventing the rigid connection from failing under sudden forces while adding minimal complexity to the overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic portion is pre-configured to absorb and cushion the deployment forces before they can cause disconnection. By anticipating the deployment force and designing the elastic element to handle these forces in advance, the connection maintains reliability without requiring complex reinforcement structures.
3Reliability
If elastic fixing clip with torsion spring is used, then reliability is improved by preventing disconnection, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing clip merges multiple functions into a single integrated component: the hook for engagement, the elastic portion for force absorption, and the locked portion for maintaining connection. By combining these functions into one piece rather than using separate components, the design achieves high reliability while minimizing the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic fixing clip is designed to automatically lock and hold the airbag module in place without requiring additional fastening mechanisms. The elastic portion self-adjusts to maintain the locked state, and the structure itself provides the locking action through its geometry and material properties, eliminating the need for separate locking components.
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 apparatus effectively prevents the airbag module from disconnecting from the steering wheel during deployment, ensuring the module's stability and maintaining its position on the steering wheel, thereby enhancing driver safety.
Implementation Method 1
A middle portion of the fixing clip may be curved or wound such that the first end and the second end of the fixing clip are spread in opposite directions by elasticity.
Implementation Method 2
The middle portion of the fixing clip may include a coiled torsion spring to increase the elasticity by which the first and the second end of the fixing clip are spread.
Data Source
AI summary
Proposed is an apparatus for connecting a steering wheel and an airbag module. The airbag module is mounted on a front portion of the steering wheel. A coupling hole extends through the steering wheel in a front-rear direction. A hook extends from the airbag module through the coupling hole to protrude from a rear surface of the steering wheel. A bend on a distal end of the hook is bent in a direction intersecting a longitudinal direction of the hook. A fixing clip blocks the movement of the hook in a forward direction of the steering wheel, with first end being fixed to the steering wheel, and the second end being caught by the bend of the hook. A fixing recess is indented into the steering wheel, thereby allowing the second end of the fixing clip to move in the forward direction of the steering wheel.