Steering Device Assembly Airbag Module Detent Lever
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional steering device assemblies face challenges in achieving exact positioning and precise detent force adjustment of airbag modules on motor vehicle steering devices due to high manufacturing tolerances and the need for costly calibration, leading to difficulties in assembly and disassembly.
Innovation Solution
A steering device assembly featuring a spring-loaded detent lever with a pivoting mechanism that allows for precise alignment and adjustable detent force, independent of foam pocket geometry, using a leaf spring and detent contour for stable and efficient positioning of the airbag module relative to the steering device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If rigid detent hooks and foam pockets are used for positioning the airbag module, then the airbag module can be fastened to the steering device, but exact positioning and precise detent force adjustment become difficult due to manufacturing tolerances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state of the detent mechanism from rigid to elastic. The detent hook is replaced by an elastic detent element that can deform elastically under load, allowing automatic compensation for manufacturing tolerances. This eliminates the need for precise geometric matching between components and removes the requirement for expensive subsequent calibration, while maintaining secure fastening of the airbag module.
2Ease of manufacture
If foam pockets with high tolerances are used for detent mechanism, then assembly is simpler, but positioning precision and detent force control deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the detent mechanism from a rigid geometric fit system to an elastic deformation system. The elastic detent element can accommodate a range of positions and forces through elastic deformation, making the system tolerant to manufacturing variations while achieving precise positioning and controllable detent force without complex assembly procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic behavior to the detent mechanism through the elastic detent element. Instead of a static rigid connection, the element can dynamically adjust its position and force through elastic deformation in response to assembly variations and operational loads, achieving both ease of manufacture and high positioning precision.
3Reliability
If high assembly forces are applied to close the detent mechanism, then reliable connection is achieved, but the assembly process becomes difficult and requires excessive force
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the mechanical properties of the detent mechanism from rigid to elastic. The elastic detent element can deform during assembly to accommodate misalignments and then spring back to provide reliable connection, significantly reducing the assembly force required compared to rigid mechanisms while maintaining connection reliability.
4Strength
If rigid detent hooks are used for locking, then strong connection is achieved during activation, but positioning precision and detent force control during normal operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an elastic detent element that exhibits different mechanical behaviors under different loading conditions. During normal operation, the elastic element maintains precise positioning through controlled elastic deformation. During activation when high forces occur, the same elastic element can deform more extensively to absorb energy while maintaining connection, providing both precision and strength without requiring separate mechanisms.
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
Enables precise and reproducible positioning and detent force adjustment with minimal effort, reducing the need for high assembly forces and minimizing gap widths between the airbag module and steering device, ensuring reliable connection during high forces and efficient assembly/disassembly processes.
Implementation Method 1
a spring element (34) for loading the detent lever (26) into the final assembly position
Implementation Method 2
a detent lever (26) including a first leg (28) and a second leg (30) connected to the first leg (28), a carrier (32) on which the detent lever (26) is mounted for pivoting between an initial position and a final assembly position
Implementation Method 3
a second positioning body (14) which has a stop (44) for the free leg end (40) of the first leg (28) for pivoting the detent lever (26) from the initial position into the final assembly position
Implementation Method 4
a detent contour (46) for locking with the free leg end (40) of the second leg (30) in the final assembly position of the detent lever (26)
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure is directed to a steering device assembly for positioning and fastening an airbag module on a steering device of a motor vehicle. The steering device assembly comprises a first positioning body having a detent lever, a carrier, a spring element, and a second positioning body. The detent lever comprises a first leg and a second leg connected to the first leg at one leg end the detent lever is mounted for pivoting between an initial position and a final assembly position on the carrier. The spring element loads the detent lever into the final assembly position. Each leg extends to an opposite free leg end at a specified angle. The second positioning body has a stop for the free leg end of the first leg for pivoting the detent lever from the initial position into the final assembly position and a detent contour for locking with the free leg end of the second leg in the final assembly position of the detent lever. A method for installing an airbag module on a steering device of a motor vehicle by the steering device assembly.