Steering Wheel Airbag Mounting with Single-Opening Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing airbag module mounting systems on steering wheels require excessive effort to unlock and disassemble, leading to potential incorrect handling and complexity in the design.
Innovation Solution
A removable mounting device featuring hooks linked to the airbag module or steering wheel, an elastic ring with guide elements forming distinct disassembly paths, and a single disassembly opening for a tool to guide the elastic ring out of interaction zones, simplifying disassembly and reducing the required force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a spring mechanism is used for snap-fit attachment, then the airbag module is securely retained, but excessive force is required to release and improper handling may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The spring mechanism is divided into multiple independent springs, each engaging with corresponding features on the airbag module. This segmentation allows the release force to be distributed across multiple points, reducing the effort required at any single point while maintaining secure retention during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
A tool interface element is introduced as an intermediary between the user and the spring mechanism. This intermediary provides proper leverage and force distribution, enabling safe and easy release without requiring excessive manual force or risking improper handling of the springs directly.
2Ease of operation
If multiple openings are provided for tool insertion to access springs, then each spring can be accessed individually, but the steering wheel design becomes complex and aesthetic appearance is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple spring engagement points are combined into a single tool insertion opening. The tool is designed to simultaneously access and actuate multiple springs through this unified opening, simplifying the steering wheel design and maintaining aesthetic appearance while preserving ease of operation for releasing all springs.
Solution Approach 2:
The single opening serves multiple functions: it provides access to all spring mechanisms, maintains the structural integrity and appearance of the steering wheel, and allows for tool insertion at various angles to reach different springs. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for multiple separate openings.
3Device complexity
If a compact mounting device is used, then the steering wheel design is simplified, but the disassembly paths for tools become constrained
Solution Approach 1:
The tool is designed to access springs through three-dimensional movement paths from a single opening. Instead of requiring linear access from multiple openings, the tool can move in multiple dimensions (angularly and radially) within the compact space to reach all spring engagement points, maintaining ease of operation despite the compact design.
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 solution reduces the effort needed to unlock the airbag module, simplifies disassembly operations, and minimizes the impact on the steering wheel's design, making it easier to assemble and disassemble while ensuring safety and accessibility.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic rod (30) to form means for retaining the hooks on the other of the airbag module or the steering wheel in areas of interaction with the hooks
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a motor vehicle steering wheel comprising a device for removably mounting an airbag module (1) on the steering wheel (2), • – the mounting device comprising at least two hooks (11) linked to either the airbag module (1) or the steering wheel (2), • – first portions (31) extending into the interaction zones to form the means for holding the hooks (11), • – guiding elements (34) forming two distinct removal paths for guiding a removal tool, • – the steering wheel comprises a single removal opening for insertion of the removal tool along the two removal paths.