Rotatable Fastener Energy Absorption for Curtain Airbags
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fasteners for curtain airbags in vehicles lack efficient energy absorption capabilities and require complex installation processes, which can lead to increased assembly time and potential damage to the vehicle structure during airbag deployment.
Innovation Solution
A rotatable energy-absorbing fastener comprising a metal clip with inward flanges and a molded pin, pre-assembled for easy installation, which can be secured with a 45° rotation, featuring an energy absorption mechanism that dissipates deployment forces and retains the airbag structure to the vehicle frame.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If existing fasteners are used for curtain airbag installation, then the airbag can be attached to the vehicle frame, but the installation process is complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The pin and clip are pre-assembled into a integrated fastener unit before delivery to the assembly line. This preliminary assembly eliminates the need for workers to manually assemble multiple components during installation, reducing both installation time and procedural complexity while maintaining secure attachment capability.
2Reliability
If existing fasteners are used for curtain airbag installation, then the airbag can be secured to the vehicle frame, but energy absorption capability is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The fastener design converts the harmful deployment forces into beneficial energy absorption through the controlled deformation of the pin and clip structure. The inward flanges and molded pin geometry are specifically designed to deform in a controlled manner during airbag deployment, absorbing impact energy and protecting the vehicle structure from excessive forces while maintaining secure attachment.
3Reliability
If a rotatable fastener mechanism is implemented, then energy absorption capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fastener incorporates a rotatable pin mechanism that transitions from a static insertion state to a dynamic rotated locked state. This rotational movement enables the inward flanges to engage with the vehicle frame in a different orientation, activating the energy absorption capability. The dynamic transformation allows a relatively simple structural design to achieve complex functional requirements.
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 fastener minimizes forces imparted to the vehicle frame during airbag deployment, ensures secure attachment, and reduces assembly time through pre-assembly and simplified installation, enhancing both structural integrity and convenience in manufacturing and deployment.
Implementation Method 1
A molded pin includes a manipulation portion and an energy absorbing portion supported on the clip with a biasing element urging the pin outward
Implementation Method 2
The pin and clip connect an air bag tab and body plate and the pin is rotatable in an arc of 45° to lock the tab to the body plate in an energy absorbing relation between the tab and body plate. The pin and clip each provide energy absorption on air bag deployment.
Data Source
AI summary
An energy absorbing rotatable fastener to attach curtain air bags to a vehicle body includes a metal clip with a rectangular central aperture and inward flanges on opposing sides of the aperture. A molded pin includes a manipulation portion and an energy absorption portion supported on the clip with a biasing element urging the pin outward. The pin and clip connect an air bag tab and body plate and the pin is rotatable in an arc of 45° to place the energy absorption portion in an energy absorbing position between the tab and body plate. The pin and clip each provide energy absorption on air bag deployment. In one form, the manipulation portion of the pin includes a drive cap that provides ninety degrees (90°) of lost motion.