Steering Wheel Airbag Module Hook Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing steering wheel airbag modules face challenges in accurately positioning the airbag module in the steering wheel body due to the weight of the module causing misalignment, particularly with flexible positioning pins that may be weighed down, leading to inaccuracies in top-bottom and right-left direction positioning.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of hooks with positioning reference portions and adjustment ribs on the steering wheel body and airbag module, which include hooks and openings that engage and support the airbag module, allowing for precise positioning and weight distribution to prevent misalignment, using elastic and non-deforming components to ensure accurate placement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If flexible projecting claws are used on positioning pins, then the airbag module can be easily attached to the boss, but the positioning accuracy deteriorates because the claws are weighed down by the weight of the airbag module
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning function is divided into two separate components: positioning reference portions (rigid) for accurate positioning, and engaging members (flexible) for easy attachment. This segmentation allows each component to specialize in its function without compromise.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning reference portions are extracted from the flexible claws and made as separate rigid structures on the hooks or openings. This extraction eliminates the negative effect of flexibility on positioning accuracy while preserving the ease of attachment provided by the flexible engaging members.
2Productivity
If only hooks and snap-lock springs are used for engagement, then the attachment operation is simplified to a single operation, but positioning accuracy in top-bottom and right-left directions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges multiple functions into the hook-opening engagement system: the hooks provide both engagement (holding force) and positioning (through rigid positioning reference portions). This combination maintains single-operation attachment while achieving accurate positioning in all directions.
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the hook-opening system have different properties: the engaging members are flexible for easy attachment, while the positioning reference portions are rigid for accurate positioning. This local differentiation of properties resolves the contradiction between ease of attachment and positioning accuracy.
3Extent of automation
If positioning pins with flexible claws are used, then the airbag module can be attached with a single operation, but the positioning performance deteriorates in the weighing direction due to the weight of the module
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning function is segmented from the engagement function. Rigid positioning reference portions handle positioning accurately even under weight, while flexible engaging members handle the ease of attachment. This segmentation allows single-operation attachment without compromising positioning performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The rigid positioning reference portions act as counterweights to the gravitational effect on flexible claws. By providing rigid structural support at the positioning contact points, the system counteracts the weighing down effect that would otherwise cause positioning errors.
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 solution enhances the accuracy of airbag module positioning within the steering wheel body, preventing the module from being weighed down and ensuring precise alignment in all directions, thereby improving the overall positioning performance and stability of the airbag module.
Implementation Method 1
receive a weight of the airbag module applied to the steering wheel body
Implementation Method 2
at least two engaging members engaging with and holding the hooks inserted into the openings so that the airbag module is supported by the steering wheel body
Data Source
AI summary
A steering wheel includes a steering wheel body including at least two insertion openings, and an airbag module including at least two hooks inserted into the insertion openings. The hooks are held by wires so that the airbag module is supported by the steering wheel body. Either the at least two hooks or the at least two insertion holes are provided with adjustment ribs which come into contact with the other ones of the at least two hooks and the at least two openings, thereby regulating the positions of the other ones, so as to receive the weight of the airbag module applied to the steering wheel body. Accordingly, a decrease in positioning performance of the airbag module is prevented, so as to regulate the position of the airbag module in the steering wheel body with high accuracy.