Airbag Module Magnetic Attachment for Vehicle Body

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing airbag module attachment methods require additional manufacturing steps and increased costs due to the need for pre-drilled holes in the vehicle body, limiting flexibility in attachment locations and increasing assembly effort.

Innovation Solution

The airbag module incorporates a holder with a fixing point and magnetic fastening elements, such as self-adhesive magnetic tapes, to securely attach the gas bag module to the vehicle body without screws or clamps, ensuring proper inflation and deployment direction, and allowing flexible attachment locations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If screws or spring clamps are used to attach the gas bag module, then the attachment is secure, but pre-drilled holes are required which increase manufacturing steps and costs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment securityVSAvoidmanufacturing steps and costs
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical fastening system (screws, clamps requiring pre-drilled holes) with a magnetic fastening system. The magnetic fastening elements attach the gas bag module to the vehicle body through magnetic attraction without requiring any holes or mechanical penetration, thereby eliminating the harmful manufacturing steps while maintaining secure attachment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of manufacture

If pre-drilled holes are made in predefined locations, then the attachment structure is defined, but flexibility in attaching the gas bag module is severely limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment structure definitionVSAvoidflexibility in attachment locations
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces dynamic flexibility to the attachment system by using magnetic fastening elements that can be positioned at various locations on the vehicle body without requiring predefined holes. The magnetic attachment points can be adjusted and repositioned, allowing the gas bag module to be attached at optimal locations based on vehicle design variations or installation requirements, thereby significantly improving adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If magnetic fastening elements are used to reduce installation effort, then flexibility is improved, but the gas bag inflation reliability must be ensured

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation effortVSAvoidgas bag inflation reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the attachment system into two distinct functional components: magnetic fastening elements for simplified installation and positioning, and a separate fixing point mechanism (pin through opening) for securing the gas bag to the holder. This segmentation allows the magnetic elements to provide ease of installation while the dedicated fixing point ensures inflation reliability, resolving the contradiction between operational ease and system reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 reduces assembly effort and manufacturing costs by eliminating the need for pre-drilled holes, providing flexible attachment options and ensuring consistent, desired inflation of the airbag module.

Implementation Method 1

the gas bag module comprises at least one magnetic fastening element by means of which the gas bag module can be attached to a vehicle body of the motor vehicle

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic attraction: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentEP3535165B1Air bag module and vehicle body
Publication Date: 2020.08.05 DALPHI METAL ESPANA SA
  • EP3535165B1 patent drawingFigure 1

AI summary

The invention relates to an airbag model (10) for a motor vehicle and to a motor vehicle body. The object of the invention is to secure an airbag module (10) to the motor vehicle in a simple and cost-effective manner. This is achieved in that an airbag module (10) comprises a gas generator (12), a support (14) for the gas generator (12) and a folded airbag (16) which is inflated by the gas generator (12) in the event of activation such that the airbag (16) unfolds. The airbag module (10) comprises at least one magnetic securing element (24, 26) via which the airbag module (10) can be secured to the motor vehicle body.