Quarter-Turn Fastener Verification for Curtain Airbag Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for verifying the proper installation of energy absorbing rotatable fasteners in automotive curtain airbags lack efficiency and reliability, particularly in ensuring that the fasteners are securely locked and energy-absorbing structures are correctly positioned during assembly.
Innovation Solution
A verification system utilizing image capturing technology and machine vision to compare real-time images of the assembly process with pre-defined data, ensuring that fasteners are correctly inserted and rotated to their locked, energy-absorbing positions, employing cameras, central processing units, and machine-readable media to provide real-time feedback on installation accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional manual verification methods are used for fastener installation, then the assembly process is simpler, but the verification accuracy and reliability are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual inspection with an automated optical verification system using cameras and image processing algorithms. The system captures images of the fastener installation area, automatically detects whether the fastener is properly installed and locked, and provides verification results without human intervention, thereby improving measurement precision while managing device complexity through automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a digital copy (image) of the physical fastener installation state and analyzes this copy to verify installation correctness. By working with image data rather than directly manipulating the physical fastener, the system achieves accurate verification while keeping the verification device separate from the assembly process.
2Productivity
If automated image verification system is implemented, then verification efficiency and reliability improve, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The verification system is designed to autonomously capture images, process them through algorithms, and generate verification results without requiring external operators. The system performs self-verification by comparing detected fastener states against predetermined criteria, thereby improving productivity while minimizing the need for additional human resources or complex operational procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the verification system provides immediate results about fastener installation status. This feedback loop allows for real-time quality control, enabling the assembly process to be adjusted or corrected based on verification outcomes, thereby improving overall productivity and reducing rework.
3Reliability
If comprehensive verification of fastener installation is performed, then installation quality improves, but the verification process time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent establishes predetermined verification criteria and thresholds before the actual verification process begins. By pre-programming the conditions for acceptable fastener installation (such as proper locking position, insertion depth, or visual indicators), the system can quickly compare actual installation states against these pre-set standards, ensuring comprehensive verification without requiring complex real-time decision-making, thus maintaining high reliability while minimizing verification time.
Data Source
AI summary
A system is disclosed for verification of the installation of a component such as a side curtain air bag into a vehicle passenger compartment where energy absorbing quarter-turn fasteners attached to the air bag are employed to affix hanger brackets to structural base plates in the vehicle. The system includes an image capturing camera, stored data in a machine readable form of an acceptable installation, a central processing unit to compare the captured images to the stored machine readable data and an output generator to create an output signal based on the results of the comparison.