Knee Airbag Bracket Retaining Lug for Mounting Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing knee-protecting airbag apparatus requires manual support during mounting due to the location of the mounting hole above and rearward of the airbag module's gravity point, making the assembly process cumbersome.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a retaining lug below the mounting hole of the mounting bracket, which projects toward the vehicle body structure and bends to engage with a retaining hole, generating a rearward rotation moment to stabilize the airbag module, allowing it to be fixed tentatively and ensuring accurate positioning of the mounting hole relative to the vehicle body structure without manual support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the mounting hole is formed above and rearward of the gravity point of the airbag module, then the mounting bracket can be secured to the vehicle body structure, but the airbag module requires manual support during mounting due to rotation moment
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting function is divided into two separate components: a retaining lug for tentative fixation and a mounting hole for final securing. The retaining lug is positioned below the gravity point to provide stable tentative fixation, while the mounting hole is positioned above and rearward for final mounting. This segmentation allows each component to fulfill its specific function without compromise.
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining lug performs preliminary action by tentatively fixing the airbag module to the vehicle body structure before the final mounting operation. This preliminary fixation stabilizes the module during the mounting process, eliminating the need for manual support and enabling workers to proceed with confidence.
2Manufacturing precision
If the mounting hole is positioned above the gravity point, then the mounting bracket can be fastened to the vehicle body, but the airbag module rotates and requires hand support during mounting work
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting process is segmented into two stages: tentative fixation using the retaining lug and final mounting using the mounting hole. This segmentation allows the mounting hole to be positioned for optimal final alignment while the retaining lug handles the positioning and stabilization during the process, reducing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining lug acts as an intermediary element that facilitates the mounting process. It provides tentative fixation and stabilizes the airbag module during the mounting operation, serving as a mediator between the gravity point and the mounting hole to eliminate the need for manual support.
3Measurement precision
If the retaining lug is configured to generate rearward rotation moment, then the airbag module rotates to position the mounting hole accurately, but the lug must be positioned below the mounting hole
Solution Approach 1:
The solution transitions from a vertical arrangement to a diagonal arrangement of the retaining lug and mounting hole. By positioning the retaining lug below and forward of the mounting hole, the design utilizes both vertical and horizontal dimensions to create an effective lever arm for rotation while maintaining compact overall dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining lug and mounting hole are positioned asymmetrically relative to the gravity point and to each other. The retaining lug is placed below and forward, while the mounting hole is positioned above and rearward, creating an asymmetric configuration that optimizes both the rotation moment and the final mounting alignment.
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
Facilitates easier and more accurate mounting of the airbag module on the vehicle body structure by stabilizing the mounting bracket's position using the retaining lug, reducing the need for manual support and improving manufacturing efficiency by integrating the lug with the mounting bracket.
Implementation Method 1
a rearward rotation moment is generated to rotate the airbag module about an engaging point of the retaining lug and the periphery of the retaining hole
Implementation Method 2
the pressing plane of the airbag module disposed above the retaining lug abuts on and gets supported by the receiving plane formed on the vehicle body structure
Data Source
AI summary
The knee-protecting airbag apparatus includes an airbag module and a mounting bracket for fixing the airbag module on a vehicle body. The mounting bracket is provided with a mounting hole that is adapted to be fastened to a mounting seat of the vehicle body. The airbag module includes a retaining lug for fixing the airbag module tentatively on the vehicle body. When the retaining lug is engaged with a periphery of a retaining hole of the vehicle body, a rearward rotation moment is generated to rotate the airbag module about the engaging point of the retaining lug and periphery of the retaining hole, so that a pressing plane of the airbag module formed above the retaining lug abuts on and gets supported by a receiving plane formed on the vehicle body such that the mounting hole of the mounting bracket is positioned on a fastening location of the mounting seat of the vehicle body.