Airbag Module Vibration Damping with Dual Members
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current airbag modules for vehicle steering wheels have limited vibration damping efficiency, as they can only effectively damp vibrations within a restricted frequency range and specific plane, failing to adequately address vibrations occurring in different directions or frequency spreads beyond 2 Hz.
Innovation Solution
The airbag module incorporates a dual damping system with a first damping member configured to damp vibrations in a plane and a second damping member, such as a damping ring, to address vibrations in different planes and frequency ranges, using axially aligned and radially aligned damping elements secured via form-closure and vulcanization to enhance damping efficiency across multiple frequency ranges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single damping member is used to damp vibrations in a predetermined plane, then the device structure remains simple, but the vibration damping efficiency is restricted to a narrow frequency range and specific excitation directions
Solution Approach 1:
The damping device is segmented into multiple damping members (first damping member and second damping member) with different orientations. The first damping member dampens vibrations in the radial direction within a predetermined plane, while the second damping member dampens vibrations in directions extending parallel to the plane. This segmentation allows the system to address multiple excitation directions and frequency ranges simultaneously, resolving the contradiction between damping efficiency and structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a single-plane damping approach to a multi-dimensional damping system. By adding the second damping member that operates in directions parallel to the predetermined plane (extending the damping capability from 2D to 3D space), the system achieves broader vibration damping coverage without excessive complexity increase.
2Reliability
If the inflator is rigidly fixed to the steering wheel, then structural simplicity is maintained, but vibration-induced damage cannot be prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The damping members are installed beforehand between the inflator and the steering wheel structure to provide cushioning against upcoming vibrations. This prior cushioning mechanism prevents direct transmission of harmful vibrations to the inflator, protecting it from damage while maintaining a relatively simple mounting structure through form-closure and vulcanization techniques.
3Reliability
If a single resonance frequency is targeted for damping, then the damping device is simple to design, but vibrations with frequency spreads beyond 2 Hz cannot be effectively damped
Solution Approach 1:
The damping device achieves multi-functionality by incorporating damping members with different orientations and resonance characteristics. The first damping member targets vibrations in the radial direction within a specific plane, while the second damping member addresses vibrations in parallel directions. This universal design allows a single damping device configuration to handle multiple frequency ranges and excitation directions, effectively damping vibrations with frequency spreads exceeding 3 Hz.
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 significantly improves vibration damping efficiency by effectively damping vibrations in various directions and frequency ranges, preventing damage to the inflator and diffusor, and allowing for a frequency spread of more than 3 Hz, thereby enhancing the overall performance of the airbag module.
Implementation Method 1
a first damping member by means of which the inflator is supported to be oscillating in a plane
Implementation Method 2
at least one further damping member configured to damp a vibration of the inflator along a straight line extending in parallel to the plane
Implementation Method 3
the inflator acting as vibration damper mass can perform a movement relative to the vehicle steering wheel and thus damp oscillations generated by the vibrations
Data Source
AI summary
In an airbag module (100) for a vehicle steering wheel comprising an inflator (110) and a device (130) for vibration damping on which the inflator (110) is mounted to be oscillating as vibration damper mass the device (130) for vibration damping is configured at least to damp a first device-specific frequency and a second device-specific frequency, wherein different excitation directions are associated with the first and second device-specific frequencies.