Airbag Module Support Using Segmented Flexible and Rigid Materials
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing airbag module supports become visible on the dashboard as the vehicle ages due to material stiffness mismatch between the support and the dashboard, leading to mechanical strength issues and potential detachment during inflation, preventing proper cushion deployment.
Innovation Solution
A modular support with a flexible upper portion made of thermoplastic elastomer to match dashboard curvature and a rigid lower portion using composite materials like polypropylene with glass fibers for secure fixation, ensuring the support remains invisible and provides sufficient mechanical strength.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If the support is made of a flexible material to match dashboard curvature, then the support remains invisible on the dashboard face, but the mechanical strength of the attachment becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The support is divided into two distinct portions: an upper portion made of flexible material (thermoplastic elastomer) that matches the dashboard curvature and remains invisible, and a lower portion made of rigid material (composite with glass fibers) that provides sufficient mechanical strength for secure attachment. This segmentation allows each portion to fulfill its specific functional requirement independently.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the support have different material properties tailored to their specific functions. The upper portion has flexible, elastic properties to match the dashboard's aesthetic and curvature, while the lower portion has rigid, high-strength properties to ensure secure module attachment. This local differentiation of material qualities resolves the contradiction between invisibility and strength.
2Strength
If the support is made of a rigid material to provide strong attachment, then the mechanical strength is sufficient, but the support becomes visible on the dashboard face during aging
Solution Approach 1:
The support is divided into two distinct portions: an upper portion made of flexible material (thermoplastic elastomer) that matches the dashboard curvature and remains invisible, and a lower portion made of rigid material (composite with glass fibers) that provides sufficient mechanical strength for secure attachment. This segmentation allows each portion to fulfill its specific functional requirement independently.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the support have different material properties tailored to their specific functions. The upper portion has flexible, elastic properties to match the dashboard's aesthetic and curvature, while the lower portion has rigid, high-strength properties to ensure secure module attachment. This local differentiation of material qualities resolves the contradiction between invisibility and strength.
3Shape
If the support material flexibility is increased to match dashboard deformation, then the support remains invisible during aging, but the reliability of module attachment decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The support is divided into two distinct portions: an upper portion made of flexible material (thermoplastic elastomer) that matches the dashboard curvature and remains invisible, and a lower portion made of rigid material (composite with glass fibers) that provides sufficient mechanical strength for secure attachment. This segmentation allows each portion to fulfill its specific functional requirement independently.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the support have different material properties tailored to their specific functions. The upper portion has flexible, elastic properties to match the dashboard's aesthetic and curvature, while the lower portion has rigid, high-strength properties to ensure secure module attachment. This local differentiation of material qualities resolves the contradiction between invisibility and strength.
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 modular support design maintains invisibility and ensures robust fixation, allowing the airbag to deploy effectively by deforming with the dashboard while withstanding deployment forces, ensuring the airbag module remains securely attached and functional over time.
Implementation Method 1
the material of the upper portion is a material of the thermoplastic elastomer type
Implementation Method 2
the material of the lower portion is a composite material comprising polypropylene incorporating glass fibers
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The invention relates to a mounting (4) for an inflatable airbag (6) module intended to be fitted on a lower face (3) of a motor vehicle dashboard (2). This mounting forms a firing channel in which the airbag is guided in order to be deployed towards the passenger compartment through the dashboard (2). It comprises an upper wall (9) intended to be fixed to the lower face (3) of the dashboard (2) and an upper face (18) to which the module (6) is intended to be fixed. This mounting (4) has a top portion (7) and a bottom portion (8) which are secured rigidly to one another and are produced from two different materials, with the material of the top portion (7) being more flexible than the material of the bottom portion (8). The invention applies to motor vehicle safety.