Airbag Mounting Locking Protrusion Slip-Off Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing airbag mounting technology to a steering wheel is prone to losing the engaged state between the lock grooves and switch wire when forces act to separate the base plate and steering wheel, leading to a risk of the airbag device becoming dismounted.
Innovation Solution
A mounting part structure for an airbag device that includes a locking body with a slip-off prevention protrusion, a metal wire locking body, and a cap member formed of non-conductive material, which securely locks the airbag device to the steering wheel by engaging the locking protrusion and preventing slippage, while providing insulation and easy mounting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a lock groove with an opening width that gradually increases toward the opening direction is formed in the pin, then the switch wire can be easily engaged with the lock grooves, but the engaged state may be lost when force acts to separate the base plate and steering wheel
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a conventional lock groove with an opening that gradually increases (which allows easy engagement but poor retention), the patent inverts the geometry by providing a locking protrusion that engages with an inner corner portion of the mounting member. The locking abutment surface with slip-off prevention protrusion prevents the locking body from moving in the engagement direction, thereby achieving both easy engagement and reliable retention by reversing the traditional groove design.
2Reliability
If a locking protrusion is provided at the distal end of the column part, then the locking body can be securely engaged, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting member integrates multiple functions into a single component: the column part provides structural support and positioning, the locking protrusion provides the locking engagement, and the locking abutment surface with slip-off prevention protrusion provides retention. By merging these functions into one integrated mounting member rather than using separate components, the patent achieves reliable locking while minimizing structural complexity.
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 solution ensures a more reliable locking state between the locking body and mounting member, maintaining the airbag device's mounted position effectively and providing adequate rigidity and insulation, while allowing for easy assembly and reduced part count.
Implementation Method 1
a locking abutment surface of the locking protrusion includes a slip-off prevention protrusion holding the locking body on a proximal-end-portion side of the locking protrusion
Implementation Method 2
the locking body is formed of a metal wire configured to be elastically deformed, and is held on the mounting plate or the central member so as to exert a biasing force on the proximal-end-portion side of the locking protrusion
Data Source
AI summary
An airbag device includes an airbag, an inflator, and a mounting plate. A steering wheel includes a wheel main body and a core member as a central member. A mounting member is provided to any one of the mounting plate side and the core member side, and a locking body is provided to the other thereof. The mounting member includes a column part and a locking protrusion provided in a protruding manner to a distal end portion of the column part. The locking body is locked with an inner corner portion between the column part and the locking protrusion, whereby the airbag device is mounted to the steering wheel. A locking abutment surface of the locking protrusion, which faces a proximal end portion of the column part, includes a slip-off prevention protrusion that holds the locking body on the proximal-end-portion side of the locking protrusion.