Gas Bag Module Locking Check Arrangement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing detent connections in gas bag modules can lead to incorrectly locked states, which are difficult to detect externally due to the hidden nature of the locking mechanism, increasing installation time and cost.

Innovation Solution

A locking check arrangement with a movable checking element that indicates the locking status of the detent connection externally, allowing for visual or haptic detection of correct engagement by changing its position relative to a covering part, indicating whether the gas bag module is correctly locked or not.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a detent connection is used to fasten the gas bag module to a vehicle-fixed component, then the installation time is reduced and the connection is secure, but the locking status cannot be detected from the exterior

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation timeVSAvoidlocking status detection

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

A checking element is introduced as an intermediary component that translates the internal locking status into an externally visible indicator position, allowing detection without direct access to the detent connection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The checking element provides visual feedback about the locking status by assuming different indicator positions (first indicator position for not correctly locked, second indicator position for correctly locked), enabling operators to verify proper installation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If checking of the detent connection is performed to ensure correct locking, then the safety is improved, but the installation time and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecorrect locking assuranceVSAvoidinstallation time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The checking element automatically indicates the locking status without requiring additional checking actions or tools, allowing operators to verify proper installation simply by observing the indicator position

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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

Enables quick and simple detection of correctly locked detent connections from the vehicle interior without direct access, ensuring secure fixation of the gas bag module and reducing installation costs by visually or tactily confirming the locking status.

Implementation Method 1

The second detent element 16, here a spring wire, has at least one elastically deflectable section or is arranged displaceably

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deflection: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS7597344B2Assembly with a gas bag module and a locking check arrangement

Publication Date: 2009.10.06 ZF AUTOMOTIVE SAFETY GERMANY GMBH

AI summary

In an assembly with a gas bag module and a locking check arrangement, the gas bag module has a first detent element adapted for engagement with a second detent element to form a detent connection fastening the gas bag module to a vehicle-fixed component. The gas bag module can assume a not correctly locked state, in which the first detent element and the second detent element are in contact with each other but are not in correct engagement, and a correctly locked state, in which the first detent element is in correct engagement with the second detent element. The locking check arrangement has a movably arranged checking element for checking a locking status of the detent connection and indicating whether the gas bag module is in the not correctly locked state.