Curtain Airbag Bracket and Strap Coupling for Reliable Deployment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing method of coupling a curtain airbag to a vehicle body using a fabric connection tab is prone to damage under the weight of the airbag, leading to improper deployment.
Innovation Solution
A metallic bracket is coupled to the vehicle roof, with a fabric connection tab attaching the curtain airbag, supported by a strap that surrounds the airbag and is secured through a strap hole and protrusion mechanism, allowing the airbag to deploy quickly by cutting the strap under deployment pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a fabric connection tab is used to couple the curtain airbag to the vehicle body, then the installation process is simple, but the connection tab is damaged by the weight of the airbag leading to improper deployment
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling system is divided into three functional segments: a metallic bracket fixed to the vehicle body, a fabric connection tab attached to the airbag, and a strap connecting the tab to the bracket. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specialized function - the bracket provides structural support, the tab enables simple attachment, and the strap transmits force during deployment.
Solution Approach 2:
The metallic bracket acts as an intermediary between the vehicle body and the fabric connection tab. It transfers the load from the airbag weight to the vehicle body structure, preventing the fabric tab from bearing the full weight and failing. The bracket mediates the mechanical stress that would otherwise damage the tab.
2Reliability
If a metallic bracket is introduced to support the airbag weight, then the deployment reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The metallic bracket is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it serves as a mounting point for the vehicle body, a load-bearing support for the airbag weight, and an anchor point for the deployment strap. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The fabric connection tab uses flexible fabric material that can be easily sewn to the airbag and the bracket, providing a simple flexible connection that accommodates movement and deployment while maintaining structural integrity. The fabric's flexibility compensates for the added rigidity of the metallic bracket.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a strap is added to surround the airbag and connect to the bracket, then the airbag remains securely attached during normal conditions, but the strap must be cut during deployment requiring additional design considerations
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling system transitions from a static attached state to a dynamic deployment state. During normal conditions, the strap maintains stable attachment by surrounding and securing the airbag to the bracket. During deployment, the system dynamically changes as the strap is cut, allowing the airbag to inflate and deploy freely.
Solution Approach 2:
The strap is designed to be temporarily discarded during deployment by cutting it, allowing the airbag to deploy. After deployment, the strap serves no further function and is discarded. This principle allows the system to transition from a constrained state to an unconstrained deployment state.
Data Source
AI summary
A device for coupling a curtain airbag to a vehicle body, the device including a bracket made of a metallic material and having an upper end installed on a vehicle body and disposed adjacent to a roof of a vehicle, and a lower end extending downward and having a through-hole, and a connection tab having a lower end coupled to a curtain airbag, having a main body extending upward, and having an upper end extending upward, penetrating the through-hole of the bracket, and coupled to the main body.