Airbag Mounting Bracket Merging Fastening Functions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional airbag mounting systems for inflatable curtain airbags are inefficient in terms of manufacturing complexity and cost, as they require multiple fastening methods and materials, which can increase labor and material expenses.
Innovation Solution
An airbag mounting assembly comprising a mounting bracket, a wrapping member, and a connecting member that allows for a secure attachment to the vehicle's roof rail, utilizing a single manufacturing step such as sewing to couple the airbag, bracket, and wrapping member, reducing material and labor costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple fastening methods and materials are used in conventional airbag mounting systems, then the attachment reliability is improved, but the manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple fastening functions into a single integrated mounting bracket assembly. The bracket integrates a fastening member (such as a clip or snap-fit mechanism) that simultaneously performs attachment to both the roof rail and the airbag, eliminating the need for separate fastening methods and materials while maintaining secure attachment reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting bracket is designed as a universal component that performs multiple functions: it attaches to the roof rail, secures the airbag, and provides structural support. This multi-functional design reduces the number of separate components needed while ensuring reliable attachment through a single integrated structure.
2Reliability
If multiple fastening methods and materials are used in conventional airbag mounting systems, then the attachment reliability is improved, but the labor and material expenses increase
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple fastening functions into one integrated mounting bracket, the patent reduces material expenses (fewer components to purchase and inventory) and labor expenses (simpler assembly process requiring fewer steps and less skilled labor). The single bracket design maintains attachment reliability while lowering overall manufacturing costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting bracket is designed as a cost-effective, potentially disposable component that can be easily manufactured and installed. Rather than using expensive, complex fastening systems that require precise installation, the simplified bracket provides reliable attachment at lower cost, making it economically advantageous even if replaced in some scenarios.
3Productivity
If a single manufacturing step is used to couple the airbag, bracket, and wrapping member, then the manufacturing efficiency is improved, but the attachment strength may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the mounting bracket and wrapping member as pre-assembled or integrally formed components that can be coupled to the airbag in a single manufacturing step. This integrated design maintains attachment strength by ensuring proper alignment and connection geometry is built-in during manufacturing, eliminating the need for multiple assembly steps while preserving structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting bracket and wrapping member are pre-configured or pre-assembled before final installation on the airbag. This preliminary action ensures that all components are properly positioned and aligned in advance, allowing a single efficient manufacturing step to complete the coupling while maintaining full attachment strength through pre-verified connection geometry.
Data Source
AI summary
An airbag assembly, airbag mounting assembly, and method of assembling an airbag mounting assembly are disclosed. The airbag assembly comprises an airbag and an airbag mounting assembly. In one embodiment, the airbag mounting assembly comprises a mounting bracket, a connecting member, and a wrapping member.