Airbag Retainer Clip Acute Angle Energy Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle airbag systems face challenges in efficiently managing the deployment and energy absorption of airbags, particularly in non-deployment scenarios where force transmission to occupants needs to be minimized, and the connection structure between the airbag retainer and chute lacks effective energy absorption characteristics.
Innovation Solution
A connection structure featuring an airbag retainer with an acute-angle clip and a tubular airbag chute, where the chute can move downward along the deployment axis relative to the retainer, allowing for increased stroke and energy absorption by the inclined surface of the clip, thereby reducing impact force on occupants during non-deployment events.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the airbag chute is rigidly connected to the airbag retainer, then the connection structure is simple and strong, but the energy absorption capability is insufficient and impact force is transmitted directly to occupants
Solution Approach 1:
The connection structure transitions from a rigid fixed connection to a dynamic movable connection. The airbag chute is designed to move downward along the deployment axis relative to the airbag retainer through a controlled path defined by the clip's inclined surface, allowing the system to adapt dynamically during non-deployment events and absorb impact energy through motion rather than rigid force transmission
Solution Approach 2:
The clip serves as an intermediary element between the airbag chute and airbag retainer. Instead of direct rigid connection, the clip with its inclined surface acts as a mediator that guides the relative motion of the chute, enabling energy absorption while maintaining structural connection and controlling the deployment path
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the airbag chute is allowed to move downward along the deployment axis, then energy absorption increases and impact force is reduced, but the connection structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The clip's inclined surface changes the geometric parameters of the connection interface. By introducing the acute angle geometry, the structure transforms vertical impact forces into controlled downward motion along the deployment axis, changing the force transmission parameters and enabling energy absorption through displacement rather than direct force resistance
Solution Approach 2:
The connection structure enables dynamic movement of the airbag chute relative to the airbag retainer. The movable connection allows the chute to travel downward along the deployment axis during non-deployment events, dynamically absorbing impact energy and reducing harmful forces transmitted to occupants
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 enhances energy absorption and reduces the force transmitted to occupants during impacts, improving the safety and effectiveness of airbag deployment by allowing greater movement of the airbag chute relative to the retainer, thus minimizing the impact force.
Implementation Method 1
the upper surface of the clip being at an acute angle with respect to the deployment axis and the acute angle upper surface extending from an interior of the air bag chute through the clip aperture and to an exterior of the air bag chute. Thus, if the air bag chute is moved downward towards the air bag retainer along the deployment axis a pre-set distance, the upper surface of the clip aperture contacts the upper surface of the at least one clip to cause the wall of the air bag chute to continue moving outward and downward along the acute angle upper surface of the at least one clip.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle air bag device can include an air bag retainer that has at least one clip located adjacent an opening at an outer periphery of the air bag retainer. An air bag chute can be located adjacent the air bag retainer and configured to guide the air bag along a deployment axis during deployment from the air bag retainer. The air bag chute can include a wall including a clip aperture opening located therein. The at least one clip can have an upper surface facing an upper surface of the clip aperture opening, and the upper surface of the at least one clip can be at an acute angle with respect to the deployment axis. The acute angle upper surface can extend from an interior of the air bag chute through the clip aperture and to an exterior of the air bag chute.