Steering Wheel Horn Switch Mechanism Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional steering wheels with airbag devices have a complex configuration that includes numerous components, making them cumbersome and inefficient, as the airbag device also functions as the horn activation mechanism.
Innovation Solution
A simplified steering wheel design where the airbag device is integrated with a metal core and horn switch mechanism, using a support member, insulating portion, and urging member to selectively move the bag holder towards the metal core, allowing the horn to be activated through a movable contact, reducing the number of components and assembly steps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the airbag device and horn mechanism are integrated as in conventional designs, then the horn function is achieved, but the number of components increases and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the horn switch mechanism directly into the bag holder structure. The movable member is formed as an integral part of the bag holder, eliminating the need for separate horn switch components. When the airbag device is depressed, the bag holder moves relative to the horn plate to activate the horn switch, combining two functions into one integrated structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The bag holder serves multiple functions: it holds the airbag in a folded state, provides structural support, and acts as the movable member for the horn switch mechanism. By making the bag holder multi-functional, the patent reduces the total number of components while maintaining both airbag deployment and horn activation capabilities.
2Reliability
If multiple separate components are used for airbag device and horn mechanism, then each component can be optimized independently, but assembly complexity increases and manufacturing efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The horn switch mechanism is merged with the bag holder by forming the movable member as an integral part of the bag holder structure. This reduces assembly complexity by eliminating separate assembly steps for the horn switch components while maintaining the ability to optimize the overall structure for both airbag and horn functions.
3Reliability
If the airbag device is designed with separate horn switch mechanisms, then horn activation is reliable, but the overall device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The horn switch mechanism is combined with the bag holder structure, utilizing the same space and components. The movable member is formed as part of the bag holder, eliminating the need for additional space dedicated to separate horn switch components, thus reducing the overall device volume while maintaining reliable horn activation.
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
This design reduces the complexity and number of components, enhancing the reliability and ease of assembly while maintaining effective airbag deployment and horn activation functionality.
Implementation Method 1
The coil spring urges the movable member toward the bag holder in such a manner that the movable contact is separated from the fixed contact
Implementation Method 2
The insulating portion is arranged between the support member and the bag holder to electrically insulate the support member and the bag holder from each other
Data Source
AI summary
A horn switch mechanism 15 has a securing pin 31 serving as a support member, a movable member 32 serving as an insulating portion, a compression coil spring 35 serving as an urging member, and a contact terminal 34 serving as a movable contact. The securing pin 31 is fixed to a metal core 12 of a steering wheel body 11 and supports a bag holder 21 in such a manner that the bag holder 21 selectively proceeds toward and retreats from the metal core 12. The movable member 32 is arranged between the securing pin 31 and the bag holder 21 and electrically insulates the securing pin 31 and the bag holder 21 from each other. The coil spring 35 urges the bag holder 21 away from the metal core 12. The contact terminal 34 moves together with the bag holder 21. When the bag holder 21 moves toward the metal core 12 against the urging force of the compression coil spring 35, the contact terminal 34 contacts the securing pin 31 and permits conduction between the contact terminal 34 and the securing pin 31. This activates a horn device 40 of the vehicle.