Steering Wheel Pivotable Airbag Module Fastening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fastening mechanisms for airbag modules in steering wheels require additional clearance and visible access holes, which can compromise the aesthetic appearance and stability of the steering wheel assembly.
Innovation Solution
A steering wheel assembly with a latch fastener and access fastener system, where a bar member on the airbag module engages with a slot on the steering wheel hub, and a bracket system with overlapping access holes allows for pivotable attachment and secure fastening without visible access points.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If snap-in fasteners with spring members are used to attach the airbag module, then the airbag module can be securely fastened to the steering wheel, but additional clearance is required for over-travel and visible access holes are needed for installation and detachment
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening system is divided into two separate functional components: a latch fastener with a hook member and slot for secure attachment, and an access fastener with brackets and access holes for installation/removal. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally while reducing overall complexity and clearance requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The access holes are extracted and positioned at the 6-o'clock position at the rear of the steering wheel, separate from the main fastening interface. This extraction allows the primary fastening mechanism to be compact and aesthetically pleasing from the driver's perspective, while providing necessary access for service personnel.
2Strength
If bolt-in fasteners with threaded inserts are used to attach the airbag module, then the airbag module can be securely fastened to the steering wheel, but visible access holes are required and the fastening system becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The latch fastener and access fastener are merged into a single integrated system where the brackets of the access fastener are positioned to overlap, creating aligned access holes that pass through both brackets. This merging reduces the total number of separate fastening systems needed while maintaining both secure attachment and serviceability.
Solution Approach 2:
The access fastener brackets act as intermediary elements between the airbag module and the steering wheel hub. These brackets provide the necessary access holes for fastener installation while the latch fastener provides the primary secure attachment, allowing the intermediary brackets to handle the access function without compromising the main fastening strength.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the airbag module is firmly secured within the steering wheel hub, then the airbag module provides stable support during horn activation, but the airbag module cannot be easily detached for service and repair
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening system transitions from a static permanent attachment to a dynamic reversible connection. The latch fastener with hook and slot provides stable operation during use, while the access fastener with aligned access holes enables easy detachment for service. The system adapts its state between securely fastened and easily removable based on operational needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The access fastener brackets are pre-positioned and pre-aligned during manufacturing to ensure that the access holes are properly aligned before the actual fastening operation. This preliminary positioning of the brackets with overlapping configuration ensures that service personnel can easily access the fastening mechanism for installation or removal without complex alignment procedures.
4Ease of repair
If access holes are provided for fastener installation and detachment, then the airbag module can be serviced and repaired, but the access holes are visible to the driver and diminish the appearance of the steering wheel
Solution Approach 1:
The access holes are positioned in the third dimension at the rear of the steering wheel at the 6-o'clock position, below the driver's line of sight. This dimensional relocation allows the access holes to be functionally accessible while aesthetically hidden from the driver's perspective, resolving the conflict between serviceability and appearance.
Solution Approach 2:
The access holes are extracted from the visible front area of the steering wheel and relocated to the hidden rear area. This extraction separates the functional requirement for access from the aesthetic requirement for appearance, allowing the steering wheel to maintain a clean appearance from the driver's perspective while providing necessary access for service personnel.
Data Source
AI summary
A steering wheel assembly includes a steering wheel and an airbag module. The steering wheel includes a hub portion that has a hook member and a first bracket opposed to the hook member and having an access hole. The airbag module is pivotably attached to the hub portion of the steering wheel and includes a latch member and a second bracket opposed to the latch member and having an access hole. The latch member is pivotably attached to the hook member, and the first bracket and the second bracket overlap with each other such that the access holes form a port that receives a fastener.