Conductive Spring Horn Circuit for Airbag Module Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional horn circuits for vehicles require significant space and have complex, costly structures due to multiple moving parts, making them unsuitable for modern miniaturization trends, especially when integrated with airbag modules in steering wheels.
Innovation Solution
A compact horn circuit using conductive spring elements to electrically connect adjacent contact elements, eliminating the need for additional space and reducing component complexity by utilizing existing attachment mechanisms between the airbag module and steering wheel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional horn circuits use separate fixed and moveable contact elements with sufficient distance between them, then reliable electrical contact is achieved, but large space is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the fixed contact element and moveable contact element into a single integrated contact element with two contact surfaces. This merging eliminates the need for separate contact elements and reduces the space between them while maintaining reliable electrical contact when the airbag module is pressed against the steering wheel.
Solution Approach 2:
The conductive spring element serves multiple functions: it provides mechanical attachment of the airbag module to the steering wheel, acts as a moveable contact element for the horn circuit, and ensures electrical conductivity. This multi-functionality reduces the overall component count and space requirement.
2Reliability
If conventional horn circuits use multiple movably and fixedly arranged parts, then horn function is achieved, but high cost and assembly effort result
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the horn circuit contact elements with the airbag module attachment mechanism. The conductive spring element that attaches the airbag module also serves as the moveable contact element, eliminating the need for separate horn circuit components and reducing assembly complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The conductive spring element performs multiple functions simultaneously: mechanical attachment of the airbag module, providing moveable contact for the horn circuit, and ensuring electrical conductivity. This multi-functionality significantly reduces the number of parts required.
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 simplifies assembly, reduces weight and cost, and allows for integration within existing vehicle space without additional components, enabling versatile use across different vehicle designs.
Implementation Method 1
at least one conductive spring element for fixing an airbag module to a steering wheel
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
Figure 6
AI summary
The present invention provides a horn circuit (15) for activating a horn of a vehicle which is adapted to be integrated in an airbag module (3) of a vehicle or in an attachment member (5) for connecting the airbag module (3) to the steering wheel, comprising at least two contact elements (17, 19), wherein a horn signal is produced when the at least two contact elements (17, 19) electrically contact with each other. The horn circuit (15) according to the present invention is characterised in that the at least two contact elements (17, 19) are adapted to electrically connect with each other by means of at least one conductive spring element (9) for fixing an airbag module (3) to a steering wheel.