Integrated Locking Tool Structure for Smooth Pin Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing locking tools for airbag devices are large in size and have a high number of parts, which increases manufacturing costs and can lead to difficulties in smooth detachment of the locked object during activation.
Innovation Solution
A locking tool design featuring an igniter, a cup-shaped member with a cylindrical portion and actuation pin, and a holder, where a weak portion is formed at the bottom of the cup-shaped member to break upon igniter activation, allowing the actuation pin to move smoothly and reducing the number of parts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional locking tool design with separate holder, cup, and pin components is used, then the structural integrity and reliability are maintained, but the device size and number of parts increase
Solution Approach 1:
The holder and cup are merged into a single integrated component in the present invention. The holder includes both the holding structure for the actuation pin and the cup structure that guides the pin, eliminating the need for a separate cup component. This merging reduces the total number of parts while maintaining the functional integrity and reliability of the locking tool through proper structural design of the integrated component.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple separate components are used in the locking tool, then the manufacturing precision and assembly reliability are improved, but the manufacturing cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the holder and cup into one component, the invention reduces the number of manufacturing steps and assembly operations required. Instead of manufacturing separate holder and cup components with precise fitting interfaces, the integrated design allows for single-component manufacturing, reducing both cost and complexity while maintaining assembly reliability through monolithic construction.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated holder-cup component performs multiple functions: it holds the actuation pin, guides the pin movement, and provides structural support. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate specialized components, reducing manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining the precision required for reliable operation.
3Reliability
If the actuation pin has a large diameter for strength, then the locking reliability is improved, but the detachment smoothness and responsiveness deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The actuation pin is designed with varying cross-sectional dimensions along its length. The pin has a larger diameter at the holding portion for secure retention and reliability, while the tip portion has a reduced diameter that allows for smooth detachment from the locked object. This local variation in quality enables the pin to provide both strong locking capability and smooth release operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuation pin incorporates a flexible or elastically deformable section that allows dynamic behavior during operation. When force is applied during detachment, the pin can flex or deform locally to facilitate smooth passage through the locked object, then return to its original shape, maintaining locking reliability while enabling easy release.
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 design reduces the size and number of parts, lowers manufacturing costs, and ensures smooth detachment of the locked object, enhancing operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a locking tool capable of instantaneously releasing locking by an actuation pin to an object to be locked by instantaneously separating the actuation pin locked to the object to be locked from a housing using an igniter
Data Source
AI summary
A locking tool includes an igniter, a cup-shaped member, a holder and a weak portion. The cup-shaped member includes a cylindrical portion fitted into a tip portion of the igniter, a bottom portion positioned on a side of the tip portion of the igniter, and an actuation pin that is formed outside the bottom portion and configured to lock an object. The holder holds the igniter and the cup-shaped member. The weak portion is formed at a position facing an outer peripheral portion of the actuation pin inside the bottom portion of the cup-shaped member.