All-Plastic Airbag Tethering Clip Assembly for Vehicle Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional airbag tethering clips are heavy, noisy, prone to rattling, difficult to remove, and can cause injury due to their metal and plastic composition, which often results in structural damage during deployment.
Innovation Solution
A lightweight, all-plastic tethering clip assembly that integrates a securing base, retainer, and tethers as a single piece, devoid of metal, with a securing pin that detaches during deployment, allowing for secure attachment and easy removal from vehicle structures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If metal and plastic tethering clips are used, then the tethering clip has sufficient strength to secure components, but the weight of the tethering clip increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from metal to plastic, specifically using polypropylene or similar plastics that provide sufficient strength while reducing weight. The plastic material is engineered to meet the structural requirements without the mass penalty of metal components.
Solution Approach 2:
The tethering clip is formed as a single-piece molded plastic component that integrates multiple functions (securing base, retainer, and tethers) into one homogeneous material structure, eliminating the need for metal-reinforced composite designs while achieving adequate strength-to-weight ratio.
2Strength
If metal and plastic tethering clips are used, then the tethering clip has sufficient strength to secure components, but the tethering clip produces noise during vehicle operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material damping parameters by using plastic instead of metal, which has superior vibration damping characteristics. The plastic material absorbs operational vibrations and prevents the rattling noise that occurs with metal components, while maintaining the necessary structural strength through optimized molding and geometry.
3Strength
If metal tethering clips are used, then the tethering clip has sufficient strength, but the tethering clip is difficult to remove from the structure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the tethering clip into modular components with distinct attachment interfaces. The securing base attaches to the first component, the retainer attaches to the second component, and the tethers connect them, allowing each segment to be independently installed and removed without requiring tools or damaging the underlying structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates dynamic attachment mechanisms including snap-fit features, elastic tethers, and reversible bonding interfaces that allow the tethering clip to be easily installed and removed. These dynamic features enable tool-free assembly and disassembly while maintaining secure attachment during vehicle operation.
4Strength
If metal tethering clips are used, then the tethering clip has sufficient strength, but multiple tools are required to remove the tethering clip which may damage the structure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the tethering system into separate attachable components with dedicated release mechanisms. This segmentation allows each component to be removed independently using simple manual operations rather than requiring multiple tools that could damage the vehicle structure during removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a disposable or easily replaceable plastic tethering clip design where the entire assembly can be quickly removed and replaced if needed, eliminating the risk of structural damage associated with removing permanent metal fasteners. The low cost of the plastic component makes replacement more economical than repair.
5Strength
If the tethering clip is large and stiff, then the tethering clip has sufficient strength, but the tethering clip is prone to fracturing during airbag deployment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces stiff metal components with flexible plastic elements including elastic tethers and compliant securing features. These flexible components can deform and absorb the extreme forces generated during airbag deployment without fracturing, while still providing sufficient holding strength during normal vehicle operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the static, rigid tethering clip into a dynamic system with movable and deformable components. The elastic tethers and compliant plastic features allow the assembly to dynamically respond to deployment forces, flexing and redistributing loads to prevent catastrophic fracture while maintaining structural integrity.
6Ease of manufacture
If the tethering clip is formed as a single piece, then the manufacturing process is simplified, but the design complexity increases to integrate multiple functions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the securing base, retainer, and tethers into a single integrated plastic component formed in one molding operation. This consolidation eliminates multiple assembly steps and fasteners, simplifying manufacturing despite the increased complexity of designing a multi-functional monolithic structure that performs securing, retaining, and tethering functions simultaneously.
Data Source
AI summary
A tethering clip assembly is configured to tether first and second components of a vehicle together before and during deployment of an airbag. The tethering clip assembly may include a securing base configured to secure to the first component, a retainer configured to secure to the second component, and one or more tethers that couple the securing base to the retainer. The securing base, the retainer, and the tether(s) are integrally formed together.