Elastomeric Steering Wheel Cable Guide for Pinching Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing cabling solutions for vehicle steering wheels are prone to pinching during assembly, leading to uncertainty about airbag device functionality due to their length and rigidity, which interferes with operator handling and obstructs the airbag module coupling.
Innovation Solution
A supporting member made of plastic material with elastic arms and snap-in connectors that securely guide and protect the cabling, allowing flexible deformation to prevent pinching and facilitate easy connection to the airbag module without obstructing the assembly process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the cabling is made longer to facilitate connection to airbag module connectors, then the ease of operation is improved, but the risk of pinching the cabling during assembly increases
Solution Approach 1:
A supporting member acts as an intermediary between the cabling and the assembly environment. This supporting member guides the cabling through a defined trajectory, preventing it from being pinched by intervening structures during assembly operations while still allowing sufficient length for connector connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The supporting member is installed beforehand to establish a safe pathway for the cabling before assembly operations begin. This preliminary arrangement ensures that the cabling is protected from pinching risks throughout the subsequent assembly process.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a rigid driving element is used to protect the cabling from pinching, then the protection from pinching is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to interference with operator handling
Solution Approach 1:
The supporting member is made of elastomeric material, combining flexibility with protective function. This allows the supporting member to guide and protect the cabling from pinching while still permitting operator manipulation and handling during assembly operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The supporting member is made of elastomeric material that can change its physical state. It transitions from a flexible state during assembly operations to a rigid state when set, providing protection from pinching only when needed while maintaining ease of operation during the assembly process.
3Ease of operation
If the cabling is made longer to reach connectors, then the ease of connection is improved, but the bulkiness increases and may obstruct airbag module coupling
Solution Approach 1:
The supporting member guides the cabling along a defined three-dimensional trajectory, allowing the cabling to reach connectors by utilizing spatial dimensions rather than simply increasing linear length. This prevents the cabling from obstructing airbag module coupling while maintaining connection capability.
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
The solution ensures safe and efficient cabling management during steering wheel assembly, preventing pinching and ensuring reliable airbag module functionality by guiding the cabling through a defined trajectory, maintaining compactness and ease of use.
Implementation Method 1
The supporting member is in elastomeric material and, in use, is deformable in a controlled manner
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A supporting member (1) is foreseen to support cabling (2) having a cable (12) and at least two connectors (5,13) connected to each other through such cable (12); the supporting member (1) is provided with an attachment portion (14) with the shape and size such as to house one of the two connectors (5), and with an arm (26) having a first end portion (26) fixed with respect to the attachment portion (14) and a second end portion (28) opposite the first (27); the cable (12) is able to be attached to the arm (26), while the latter is elastically flexible.