Steering Wheel Airbag Module Mounting for False Horn Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle steering wheels with airbag modules and vibration absorbers experience issues with false horn triggering and increased actuating forces on rough roads, leading to discomfort and quality control challenges during assembly.
Innovation Solution
An airbag module assembly where the driver's airbag module is screw-connected, riveted, or welded to a steering wheel mounting plate via resilient damping elements, allowing for preassembly of the vibration absorber unit and independent testing of the vibration absorbing function before assembly with the steering wheel main part.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the vibration absorber unit is preassembled on the steering wheel main part and the airbag module is subsequently fastened via latching, then the horn function and vibration absorbing function are separated, but the vibration absorbing function cannot be checked before vehicle steering wheel assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by enabling quality control testing of the vibration absorbing function before the final assembly of the vehicle steering wheel. The airbag module assembly is tested independently on a testing device that simulates the mounting conditions, allowing vibration absorption characteristics to be verified prior to installation in the vehicle. This prevents defective assemblies from being installed and eliminates the need for disassembly and retesting.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary testing device that acts as a mediator between the airbag module assembly and the final vehicle steering wheel assembly. This testing device includes a testing mounting plate with testing fastening elements that simulate the steering wheel main part, allowing the vibration absorption function to be evaluated in an intermediate testing stage before final installation.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the airbag module is tightly connected to the steering wheel main part, then structural stability is improved, but false triggering of the horn occurs on rough roads
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the connection system into two distinct parts: a rigid connection between the steering wheel main part and the steering column for structural stability, and a resilient damping element between the airbag module assembly and the steering wheel main part that allows controlled movement. This segmentation enables the horn function to be isolated from road vibrations while maintaining overall structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient damping element serves as an intermediary component between the airbag module assembly and the steering wheel main part. This intermediary element provides mechanical isolation, absorbing vibrations from rough roads and preventing them from being transmitted to the horn contacts, thereby eliminating false triggering while maintaining stable mounting.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the airbag module is used as absorber mass for vibration reduction, then vibration absorption is improved, but the horn function is affected by vibrations on rough roads
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the vibration absorption function from the horn actuation function by introducing a resilient damping element. The airbag module assembly maintains its vibration absorption capability as absorber mass, while the resilient damping element creates a mechanical isolation that protects the horn contacts from vibration-induced false triggering.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the horn function from the vibration-prone environment by isolating it through the resilient damping element. This allows the airbag module to continue serving as absorber mass for vibration reduction while the horn contacts are protected from these vibrations, separating the two functions spatially and mechanically.
4Reliability
If larger contacting distances or higher contacting forces are required to trigger the horn, then false triggering is reduced, but actuating comfort is impaired
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient damping element acts as an intermediary that selectively filters vibrations while transmitting deliberate actuation forces. It isolates the horn contacts from small vibration-induced movements that cause false triggering, but allows full transmission of intentional horn actuation forces, maintaining actuating comfort without compromising reliability.
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 solution enables early and efficient quality control of the vibration absorbing function, reduces the risk of false horn triggering, and minimizes actuating forces, enhancing both comfort and reliability of the vehicle steering wheel.
Implementation Method 1
at least one resilient damping element (28) wherein the driver's airbag module (16) is screw-connected, riveted or welded to the steering wheel mounting plate (26) via the at least one resilient damping element (28) in a manner capable of vibrating
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an airbag module assembly (14) for mounting on a steering wheel main part (12), having a driver's airbag module (16) which comprises a folded airbag (18), a gas generator (20) for inflating the folded airbag (18) and a module housing (22) for receiving the gas generator (20) and the folded airbag (18), and a vibration absorber unit (24) which comprises a steering wheel mounting plate (26) for fastening the airbag module assembly (14) on the steering wheel main part (12) and at least one resilient damping element (28), wherein the driver's airbag module (16) is screw-connected, riveted or welded to the steering wheel mounting plate (26) via the at least one resilient damping element (28) in a manner capable of vibrating. The invention furthermore also relates to a vehicle steering wheel (10) having such an airbag module assembly (14) and to a method for producing and quality-testing such an airbag module assembly (14).