Steering Wheel Airbag Core Member Assembly
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing snap fit structure for assembling an elastic wire to a core member in steering wheels with airbag apparatuses is time-consuming due to the need to bypass a protrusion on the surface restraint part, prolonging the assembly process.
Innovation Solution
The elastic wire is linearly moved in the assembling direction, with the core member's axial and surface restraint parts permitting movement while restraining it from axial and parallel directions, allowing the wire to be assembled without bypassing a protrusion, and additional features like bent parts and inclined surfaces facilitate easier assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the elastic wire is assembled to the core member using the existing snap fit structure with a protrusion on the surface restraint part, then the wire can be securely engaged, but the assembly process becomes time-consuming due to the need to bypass the protrusion
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the protrusion from the surface restraint part that previously obstructed the assembly path. By extracting this harmful geometric feature, the elastic wire can be linearly moved into position without needing to bypass any obstacles, thereby reducing assembly time while maintaining secure engagement through the restraint parts
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of requiring the wire to bypass the protrusion in a complex nonlinear path, the invention inverts the approach by allowing linear movement and using the restraint parts to guide and secure the wire in the correct position. The assembly path is simplified from a bypassing motion to a direct linear insertion
2Loss of time
If the elastic wire is linearly moved in the assembling direction without bypassing a protrusion, then the assembly process is simplified and time is reduced, but additional restraint mechanisms are needed to ensure secure engagement
Solution Approach 1:
The axial restraint part and surface restraint part serve multiple functions: they guide the linear movement of the elastic wire during assembly, restrain the wire in the assembled position, and eliminate the need for separate protrusions or complex locking mechanisms. This multi-functionality reduces overall device complexity while ensuring secure engagement
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
This configuration simplifies the assembly of the elastic wire to the core member, reducing assembly time and ensuring the wire is securely engaged, thereby shortening the overall assembly process.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic wire that is linearly moved in an assembling direction parallel with an orthogonal surface perpendicular to the axial line and is thus assembled to the core member
Data Source
AI summary
An elastic wire which is linearly moved in an assembling direction parallel with an orthogonal surface perpendicular to an axial line of a steering shaft and thus assembled to a core member includes an attaching part that is attached to a core member and an engaging part that is engaged into a pin in a through-hole. The core member is provided with a surface restraint part that permits the attaching part to linearly move in the assembling direction and restrains the engaged attaching part from moving in a direction parallel with the orthogonal surface. The surface restraint part includes a restraining protrusion that permits the bent part 58 of the attaching part 56 to surmount the restraining protrusion as the elastic wire is linearly moved and restrains the bent part having surmounted the restraining protrusion from moving in an opposite direction to the assembling direction.