Side Airbag Module Flexible Flap Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
The assembly process of a vehicle seat with a side airbag module is complicated by the need to maintain the airbag package's position relative to the frame, as the upholstery is pulled over the airbag module, which can cause the airbag to bend or twist, slowing down the mounting process.
Innovation Solution
An additional flexible flap extending from the wrapper of the side airbag module is connected to the vehicle seat frame, either directly or indirectly via the inflator's mounting studs, ensuring the airbag package remains in place by attaching to the frame opposite the airbag's connection side, preventing movement during upholstery installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the airbag package is located on the outer side of the frame, then the side airbag module can be mounted between the frame and upholstery, but the airbag package may bend or twist when upholstery is pulled over, complicating the assembly process
Solution Approach 1:
The solution divides the airbag module into distinct functional components: the airbag package (with inflator) and a separate positioning element (flap or protrusion) that interfaces with the frame. This segmentation allows the airbag package to remain on the outer side for accessibility while the positioning element prevents movement during upholstery installation, resolving the contradiction between ease of manufacture and positional stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning element (flap or protrusion) is pre-configured on the airbag module before upholstery installation. This preliminary positioning structure ensures that when upholstery is pulled over the frame, the airbag package is already secured in its correct position, preventing bending or twisting during the assembly process and eliminating the need for special care during mounting.
2Device complexity
If the airbag package is positioned without additional securing elements, then the structure is simpler, but special care must be taken during upholstery mounting to prevent bending or twisting
Solution Approach 1:
The airbag module's positioning element (flap or protrusion) automatically performs the function of securing the airbag package during upholstery installation. The element's geometry and positioning cause it to engage with the frame structure, allowing the module to self-position and self-secure without requiring additional manual alignment or securing operations by the assembler, thus reducing mounting time without significantly increasing structural complexity.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid housing is used to protect the airbag package, then the position is stable, but the weight and size increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces a rigid housing with a flexible or semi-rigid positioning element (flap or protrusion) made of thin-walled material. This element provides sufficient structural support to maintain airbag package position and prevent movement during upholstery installation, while being lightweight and flexible enough to allow easy assembly and integration with the frame structure, thus resolving the contradiction between positional stability and weight reduction.
Data Source
AI summary
A side airbag module for being attached to a seat frame (40) is described. Said airbag module has an inflator and at least one mounting stud (14) extending from said inflator. An airbag defining a gas space and being in fluid communication to said inflator is provided and is at least partially rolled and/or folded to an airbag package (20). The airbag package (20) is held by a wrapper (23) encircling at least a part of the airbag package (20). In order to simplify the mounting process of upholstery, at least one additional flexible flap (30) extends from the wrapper (23) and said additional flexible flap (30) has or carries at least one connection means for connecting the flexible flap to the frame (40) of a vehicle seat.