Airbag Module Coupling Mechanism for Steering Wheel Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Airbag modules coupled to steering wheels are prone to decoupling due to deployment force, making it difficult for mechanics to detach them safely and efficiently.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus featuring a coupling open area through the steering wheel, hooks with bent ends, and a fixing clip with elastic properties, along with catching protrusions and separation protrusions, ensures secure attachment and easy detachment of the airbag module from the steering wheel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a locking connection is used to fasten the airbag module to the steering wheel, then the airbag module can be easily fitted to the steering wheel without complicated screw connection, but the airbag module may be decoupled from the steering wheel under pressure generated when the airbag cushion is deployed
Solution Approach 1:
The locking connection is designed with a dynamic release mechanism that responds to deployment force. The locking protrusion and locking groove engage during normal operation but are designed to disengage when subjected to the specific force vector and magnitude generated during airbag deployment, allowing the module to safely detach
Solution Approach 2:
The connection strength is made variable through the designed interaction between the locking protrusion and locking groove. Under normal conditions, the connection maintains high strength, but under deployment force conditions, the connection parameters change to allow disengagement, achieving both ease of fitting and conditional reliability
2Ease of operation
If a locking connection is used to fasten the airbag module to the steering wheel, then the airbag module can be easily fitted to the steering wheel without complicated screw connection, but it becomes difficult for mechanics to decouple the airbag module from the steering wheel when replacement is needed
Solution Approach 1:
A deployment tool is introduced as an intermediary element to facilitate decoupling. The tool engages with the locking mechanism's release feature and applies force to disengage the locking protrusion from the locking groove, allowing mechanics to easily remove the airbag module without damaging components
Solution Approach 2:
The decoupling function is extracted as a separate operation requiring a specific tool rather than being integrated into the locking connection itself. This allows the locking mechanism to remain simple and reliable for fitting while providing a dedicated method for safe removal during maintenance
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 apparatus prevents accidental decoupling during airbag deployment and allows for convenient detachment and reattachment of the airbag module, enhancing safety and operational efficiency for mechanics.
Implementation Method 1
A central portion of the fixing clip may be bent such that one end and the other end of the fixing clip are spread in opposite directions by elasticity and coupled to the hooks, respectively
Data Source
AI summary
Proposed is an apparatus for coupling an airbag module to a steering wheel. A coupling open area extends completely through a steering wheel in a forward-backward direction. A hook extends from a rear portion of an airbag module to behind the steering wheel, and includes a bent portion provided on a distal end to be bent in a direction intersecting a longitudinal direction of the hook. A fixing clip is disposed on a rear portion of the steering wheel and fixed to the steering wheel, with an end of the fixing clip being caught by and coupled to the bent portion of the hook to stop movement of the hook forward of the steering wheel. A catching protrusion protrudes from the rear portion of the steering wheel to catch the end of the fixing clip and stop movement of the fixing clip when the hook is decoupled.