Airbag Module Housing Using Segmented Rigid Collar and Flexible Chute
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current airbag module assemblies face increased production costs and weight due to the use of traditional rigid materials like stamped steel or aluminum for the housing, necessitating a more cost-effective and lightweight design.
Innovation Solution
A housing for the airbag module constructed with a rigid collar and a flexible chute assembly made of fabric, which reduces material costs and weight while maintaining structural integrity and allowing for adjustable deployment angles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional rigid materials like stamped steel or aluminum are used for the housing, then structural integrity is maintained, but production costs and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is divided into two distinct segments: a rigid collar portion that provides structural integrity and mounting functionality, and a flexible chute assembly portion that reduces weight and cost. This segmentation allows each part to be optimized for its specific function rather than requiring the entire housing to be made from heavy rigid material.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the housing have different material properties tailored to their specific requirements. The collar portion uses rigid material where structural strength is needed for mounting and support, while the chute assembly uses flexible, lightweight material where weight reduction and cost reduction are priorities. This local differentiation of material quality resolves the contradiction between strength and weight.
2Strength
If traditional rigid materials like stamped steel or aluminum are used for the housing, then structural integrity is maintained, but production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is segmented into a rigid collar and a flexible chute assembly, allowing the expensive rigid material to be used only where structurally necessary (the collar), while the more economical flexible material is used for the chute assembly. This reduces overall material costs while maintaining required structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing applies different material qualities locally: rigid material where structural integrity is essential (collar for mounting and support) and flexible material where cost reduction is prioritized (chute assembly). This local quality differentiation optimizes the balance between strength and manufacturing cost.
3Weight of moving object
If a flexible material is used for the chute assembly, then weight and cost are reduced, but structural rigidity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The housing structure is segmented so that the rigid collar provides the necessary structural support and rigidity, while the flexible chute assembly provides weight reduction. The segmentation ensures that rigidity requirements are met by the collar portion without requiring the entire housing to be rigid, thus achieving weight reduction where flexibility is acceptable.
4Strength
If a rigid housing is used, then structural support is provided, but design flexibility for deployment angles is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The chute assembly is made flexible rather than rigid, enabling it to be positioned at different angles and orientations. This dynamic flexibility allows the airbag deployment angle to be adjusted according to different vehicle dashboard configurations and safety requirements, while the rigid collar maintains structural support for mounting.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing applies different rigidity qualities locally: the collar is rigid to provide structural support and mounting stability, while the chute assembly is flexible to enable deployment angle adjustment. This local differentiation of material rigidity resolves the contradiction between structural support and design flexibility.
Data Source
AI summary
A housing for an airbag module that contains an inflatable airbag cushion in a compacted configuration before being inflated by inflation gas supplied by an inflator device. The housing includes a collar for attaching the housing to a vehicle and a chute assembly formed of a flexible material and secured to the collar.