Vehicle Instrument Panel Integrated Support Sections for Airbag Firing Channel
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing instrument panels with integrated airbag arrangements face challenges in high temperatures, where material deformation and vibration issues arise due to lack of adequate support, leading to increased component weight and complexity.
Innovation Solution
The instrument panel incorporates a framework-like base body with integrated support sections that directly support the airbag firing channel wall, eliminating the need for a fastening strap, and features a multi-layer structure with a foam carrier and decorative skin, allowing for a rattle-free and vibration-free mounting of the airbag module.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fastening strap is added to support the airbag arrangement on the module cross member, then the airbag arrangement is securely supported and material deformation is prevented, but the component weight and manufacturing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The support function is merged into the base body structure itself. The base body is designed with integrated support sections that directly support the airbag arrangement, eliminating the need for separate fastening straps. This combines the structural support function with the existing base body, reducing component quantity while maintaining support stability.
2Reliability
If a fastening strap is added to support the airbag arrangement, then material deformation at high temperatures is prevented, but the manufacturing cost and component outlay increase
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal protection function is merged into the base body structure. The integrated support sections provide both mechanical support and thermal stability without requiring additional fastening straps, thereby reducing manufacturing cost and component outlay while preventing material deformation at high temperatures.
3Device complexity
If the base body directly supports the airbag arrangement through integrated support sections, then component weight and complexity are reduced, but the mounting precision and vibration-free operation must be ensured
Solution Approach 1:
The base body is designed with specific local features - support sections with particular geometries and positions - to ensure precise mounting of the airbag arrangement. These localized structural features provide the necessary mounting precision and vibration-free operation while maintaining the overall simplicity of the integrated design.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an instrument panel for a vehicle, comprising an instrument panel upper part (11) and a frame-like basic body (5), which can be mounted on a transverse mounting bar (3) of the vehicle body, which basic body (5) has receptacles for equipping with functional elements, for instance radio, glove box, etc., and delimits at least one air channel (9) of a vehicle ventilation system, in particular a defrost channel extending in the transverse direction of the vehicle (y) along the windshield (8), wherein on the passenger side of the instrument panel (1) an airbag arrangement (13) is integrated which has a firing channel (15) reaching to the instrument panel upper part (11) and an airbag module (17) mounted on a firing channel wall (19 to 22). According to the invention the basic body (5) has at least one supporting section (36, 37, 38) on which the firing channel wall (19 to 22) is supported.