Steering Wheel Horn Actuation via Spring-Loaded Floating Airbag
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automotive vehicle steering wheels with integrated airbag modules face challenges in accurately positioning the airbag and ensuring reliable horn actuation, often resulting in uncontrolled activation due to vibrations and inadequate assembly facilitation.
Innovation Solution
A hollow cylindrical body with a bushing and positioning plate, fixed by a screw, allows vertical movement of a spring to compress and decompress, ensuring precise airbag positioning and controlled horn actuation, minimizing the gap between the airbag module and steering wheel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the airbag module is fixed rigidly to the steering wheel, then the positioning is stable, but the horn activation becomes uncontrolled due to vibrations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by introducing a spring element between the airbag module and the steering wheel framework. This spring absorbs vibrations and mechanical shocks before they can transmit to the horn activation mechanism, preventing uncontrolled horn activation while maintaining reliable positioning. The spring acts as a pre-established buffer that cushions against harmful vibrational forces.
2Ease of manufacture
If positioning elements are added to facilitate assembly, then the ease of manufacture improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing the positioning plate to serve multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support for the airbag module, enables precise positioning through the bushing-screw mechanism, facilitates assembly through the spring-loaded engagement, and ensures electrical contact for horn activation. This multi-functional design consolidates several components into one, improving ease of manufacture without significantly increasing overall device complexity.
3Manufacturing precision
If the gap between airbag module and steering wheel is reduced, then the integration precision improves, but the risk of uncontrolled horn activation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the intermediary principle by introducing a spring element as a mediator between the airbag module and the steering wheel framework. This spring allows the airbag module to be positioned closely to the steering wheel for precise integration while simultaneously acting as a buffer that prevents vibration transmission. The spring mediates between the conflicting requirements of close positioning and vibration isolation.
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 provides reliable and controlled airbag positioning and horn actuation throughout the vehicle's life, preventing uncontrolled horn activation and maintaining performance by reducing friction and ensuring precise alignment.
Implementation Method 1
the positioning plate can be fixed to the framework by means of said screw and at the same time can move vertically compressing/decompressing the spring
Data Source
Figure 1~4
Figure 2a~2b
AI summary
The invention relates to an automotive vehicle steering wheel (11) with an airbag module (21) fixed thereto through at least one intermediate device (33) comprising a spring (37), a positioning plate (35) incorporating at its upper part a hollow cylindrical body (53) surrounding a central hole and elements (55) cooperating with the snap-fitting means (57) of the airbag module (21) and at its lower part a slot for housing said spring (37) and two stops (59); a screw (41) for fixing the intermediate device (33) to the framework (17) and a bushing (39) with a hole for the passage of said screw (41); said hollow cylindrical body (53) and said bushing (39) being configured such that the latter is located inside the former and the positioning plate (35) can be fixed to the framework (17) and at the same time can move vertically compressing/decompressing the spring (37).