Steering Wheel Airbag Support Layout for Horn and Deployment Load
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing steering wheel designs face issues where the load from the airbag module during activation exceeds the prescribed limits, potentially impairing the airbag deployment performance, and adding support structures can compromise the horn function.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a support unit that allows the airbag module to move along a specific direction, coupled with a horn mechanism and a stopper on the core metal, where the stopper restricts excessive movement by the airbag module during activation, distributing the load and ensuring proper airbag deployment without affecting the horn function.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the airbag module is supported only by the support unit, then the horn function is maintained, but the airbag module may move excessively toward the core metal during airbag activation, potentially deforming the housing and impairing deployment performance
Solution Approach 1:
The support function is segmented between two components: the support unit (which allows controlled movement for horn operation) and the stopper (which prevents excessive movement during airbag activation). This segmentation enables each component to specialize in one aspect of the requirement without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The stopper is pre-positioned to provide preliminary anti-action against excessive movement of the airbag module during airbag activation. By being positioned in advance at a distance greater than the horn activation distance, it proactively prevents the harmful effect of excessive movement before it can occur, while not interfering with the intended horn activation movement.
2Reliability
If a stopper is added to restrict excessive airbag module movement, then airbag deployment performance is ensured, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The stopper is merged with the existing core metal structure, integrating the protective function into the already-present structural component. This merging approach adds the necessary restraint function without requiring a completely separate support system, thereby minimizing the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The core metal structure serves multiple functions: it provides the skeletal structure of the steering wheel, houses the horn mechanism, and now also serves as the mounting base for the stopper. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional dedicated components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
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 ensures the prescribed deployment performance of the airbag cushion while maintaining the integrity of the horn function by distributing the load and preventing excessive movement of the airbag module, thus preventing damage to the support structures.
Implementation Method 1
a support unit (4) for supporting the airbag module (3) so as to enable the airbag module (3) to move along a Z-axis direction
Implementation Method 2
a stopper (8) provided on the core metal (2) so as to enable coming into contact with the airbag module (3)... this movement is restricted by the stopper
Implementation Method 3
The movable contact (71) is provided on the airbag module (3) and the fixed contact (72) is provided on the pin (41)... the movable contact (71) comes into contact with the fixed contact (72)
Data Source
AI summary
A steering wheel enabling support of an airbag module by distributing a load when the airbag activates to ensure prescribed deployment performance of the airbag without affecting the horn function. The steering wheel includes: a support unit that supports the airbag module enabling the airbag module to move along the Z-axis direction relative to the core metal; and a horn mechanism having a movable contact provided on the airbag module and a fixed contact provided on the pin of the support unit. When in a horn non-operating state, a stopper is separated by a distance D2 in the Z-axis direction relative to the airbag module and the distance D2 is farther than the distance D1 of the movable contact and the fixed contact in the Z-axis direction.