Side Curtain Airbag Integrated Ramp Fastening
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current side curtain airbag assemblies require additional costly fixation elements and labor-intensive mounting processes, which increase production time and can interfere with handling and packaging.
Innovation Solution
The airbag module incorporates fastening flaps with integrated ramp fasteners that secure the ramp to the airbag through a relative movement, using a slot and tab mechanism, and ramp fasteners with a 'neck' design that engage with airbag flaps, allowing secure attachment without additional fixing means.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If additional fixation elements are used to combine the ramp with the airbag, then the connection stability is improved, but the manufacturing cost and labor time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the fixation function directly into the ramp structure by incorporating fastening flaps with integrated fasteners. This merging of the ramp and fixation elements into a single integrated component eliminates the need for separate fixation elements, thereby maintaining connection stability while reducing device complexity and assembly steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The ramp is designed to serve multiple functions: it guides airbag deployment and simultaneously provides fastening capabilities through integrated flaps and fasteners. This multi-functionality allows the ramp to both support the airbag and secure it to the vehicle structure without requiring additional dedicated fixation components.
2Reliability
If additional fixation elements are used to combine the ramp with the airbag, then the connection stability is improved, but the mounting time increases
Solution Approach 1:
By combining the ramp and fixation flaps into a single integrated component, the patent eliminates multiple separate fastening operations. The integrated design allows the airbag to be secured to the vehicle structure in a single mounting operation, significantly reducing mounting time while maintaining secure connection through the integrated fasteners.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixation flaps and fasteners are pre-integrated into the ramp structure during manufacturing. This preliminary action means that during mounting, no additional fixation elements need to be installed separately - the fastening capability is already prepared and integrated, allowing for rapid installation while ensuring stable connection.
3Reliability
If additional fixation elements are used to combine the ramp with the airbag, then the connection stability is improved, but the handling ease deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The integration of fixation flaps into the ramp creates a unified, streamlined component structure. This merging eliminates protruding separate fasteners that could interfere with handling, while the integrated design allows the entire assembly to be manipulated as one unit, improving ease of handling during installation and packaging.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the fixation function from separate external elements and integrates it directly into the ramp structure. This extraction and integration eliminates interference with handling operations, as the fastening mechanism becomes part of the ramp's inherent structure rather than an external addition that could complicate handling.
4Reliability
If additional fixation elements are used to combine the ramp with the airbag, then the connection stability is improved, but the production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the fixation elements with the ramp into a single integrated component, the patent reduces the total number of parts that need to be manufactured, inventoried, and assembled. This integration simplifies the supply chain and manufacturing process, reducing overall production costs while maintaining reliable connection through the integrated fastening system.
Solution Approach 2:
The ramp serves dual purposes as both a structural support/guide and a fastening mechanism. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate fixation components, reducing part count and associated manufacturing costs. The integrated design allows a single component to perform multiple functions, improving manufacturing efficiency and reducing overall production expenses.
Data Source
AI summary
A side curtain airbag module comprises an airbag having a plurality of fastening flaps that are configured to be fastened to the body of a vehicle; a ramp to guide deployment of the airbag, the ramp has at least one fastener configured to be fastened to a vehicle body; means for securing the ramp to the airbag by relative movement of airbag and ramp, whereby in a mounting condition of the airbag module the ramp fasteners are at least in part housed by the airbag flaps.