Airbag Mounting Bracket Wrapping Member Opening
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing airbag mounting assemblies require a higher number of wrapping elements due to the width limitations of the wrapping member, which restricts the packaging of inflatable airbags effectively.
Innovation Solution
An airbag mounting assembly with a mounting bracket and a wrapping member that has an opening, allowing the mounting bracket to protrude through it, enabling a more efficient packaging configuration by reducing the number of wrapping elements needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the wrapping member has a closed structure without opening, then the wrapping member can fully enclose the airbag, but the width of the wrapping member is limited and more wrapping elements are needed
Solution Approach 1:
The wrapping member is segmented by introducing an opening, transforming it from a closed continuous structure to an open discontinuous structure. This segmentation allows the wrapping member to pass through the mounting bracket aperture more easily and reduces the number of wrapping elements needed while still providing effective retention of the airbag in packaged configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The design transitions from a two-dimensional flat wrapping member to a three-dimensional structure that incorporates an opening. This dimensional change allows the wrapping member to be configured to pass through the mounting bracket aperture and retain the airbag, solving the width limitation problem while maintaining enclosure functionality.
2Device complexity
If the wrapping member width is increased to reduce the number of wrapping elements, then fewer wrapping elements are needed, but the wrapping member cannot pass through the mounting bracket aperture
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the wrapping member through the introduction of an opening, the effective width of the material is reduced, allowing it to pass through the mounting bracket aperture. The segmented structure maintains sufficient material for retention while fitting through the aperture.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of increasing the width of the wrapping member to reduce the number of elements, the design inverts the approach by creating an opening that effectively reduces the width, allowing a single wrapping member to both pass through the aperture and provide adequate retention.
3Reliability
If multiple wrapping elements are used to compensate for width limitations, then the airbag can be securely retained, but the mounting assembly becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The design merges the functions of multiple wrapping elements into a single wrapping member by incorporating an opening. This single integrated component performs both the aperture passage function and the airbag retention function, eliminating the need for multiple separate wrapping elements and simplifying the overall mounting assembly structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The wrapping member with an opening achieves multi-functionality: it can pass through the mounting bracket aperture, retain the airbag in packaged configuration, and provide secure retention all through a single component design, reducing the need for additional specialized components.
Data Source
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AI summary
Mounting assemblies can be used to retain an inflatable airbag cushion in a packaged configuration and attach the cushion to a vehicle structure. The mounting assemblies can have a mounting bracket and a wrapping member. The assemblies can also have a connecting member that connects the mounting bracket to the wrapper. The mounting bracket is attached to a vehicle structure and the wrapping member wraps and retains the cushion after it has been rolled and/or folded. During airbag deployment, the wrapping member releases the cushion so that it can be fully inflated and the mounting structure continues to anchor the cushion to the vehicle structure.