Saddled Vehicle Airbag Retainer Assembly for Offset Inflators
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Solution Overview
Problem
The complexity of the retainer shape in airbag devices for saddled vehicles makes manufacturing challenging, especially when the inflator is positioned offset from the center, as it requires intricate design and assembly.
Innovation Solution
The airbag device features a retainer formed by assembling multiple components, with the inflator offset outward in the vehicle width direction, where the first component covers the inflator from the front, the second component is behind the head pipe, and the third component is on the passenger side, fitted to the second and first components from the back, allowing for easier manufacturing and secure gas injection pressure reception.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the inflator is disposed offset outward in the vehicle width direction relative to the head pipe, then the airbag deployment effectiveness is improved, but the retainer shape becomes more complex and manufacturing difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer is divided into multiple separate components (first component covering the inflator, second component behind the head pipe, third component on the passenger side) that are assembled together. This segmentation allows each component to have a simpler, more manufacturable shape while collectively achieving the complex offset configuration needed for effective airbag deployment.
2Reliability
If the retainer is designed as a single complex shape corresponding to the offset inflator position, then the airbag deployment effectiveness is improved, but the mold size and manufacturing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer structure is segmented into multiple components with simpler individual geometries that can be manufactured with smaller molds. These components are then assembled to form the complete offset configuration, reducing both device complexity and manufacturing difficulty while maintaining deployment effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple simpler retainer components are combined through assembly to create the functional equivalent of a single complex retainer. This merging approach achieves the desired offset inflator positioning and airbag deployment effectiveness without requiring any single component to have complex geometry.
3Ease of manufacture
If the retainer is formed by assembling multiple components, then the manufacturing process is simplified and mold size is reduced, but the number of parts and assembly steps increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer is segmented into three main components that can be manufactured separately with simpler molds, improving ease of manufacture. The segmentation is optimized so that each component serves a specific functional purpose, and the assembly process, while involving multiple parts, is streamlined through standardized joining methods.
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
This configuration simplifies the manufacturing process, reduces mold size, and ensures effective gas flow for efficient airbag deployment, while securely fastening the retainer to the vehicle body.
Implementation Method 1
an airbag (42) accommodated in the retainer (41), the airbag being configured to be expanded by gas released by the inflator (43) and deployed in front of a passenger
Implementation Method 2
the third component (53) may be provided with a guide portion (94) that guides a flow of the gas inward in the vehicle width direction with a stepped shape (93) inside the retainer (41)
Data Source
AI summary
To enable a retainer to be easily manufactured in accordance with a position where an inflator is disposed. In an airbag device for a saddled vehicle including: a retainer provided behind a head pipe; an inflator; and an airbag accommodated in the retainer, the airbag being configured to be expanded by gas released by the inflator and deployed in front of a passenger, the retainer has a box shape formed by assembling a plurality of components, the inflator is disposed to be offset outward in a vehicle width direction relative to the head pipe, the first component covers the inflator from a vehicle front side, a second component is provided behind the head pipe, and a third component is provided on a side of the passenger and is fitted to the second component and the first component from a back side.