Steering Wheel Damper Unit Flange Deformation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing vibration absorbing effect using buffer members in steering wheel airbag modules is insufficient, particularly for large vibrations and swing motions around the center axis of the pin.
Innovation Solution
A damper unit is introduced with a buffer member sandwiched between upper and lower support members, where the buffer member has a laterally protruding flange part and notches formed in the support members to increase deformation freedom and enhance vibration absorption, allowing for improved damping performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a buffer member is sandwiched between upper and lower members in a damper unit, then vibration absorption is improved, but the degree of freedom for deformation is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The buffer member is segmented into multiple regions with different hardness values. The first region has a harder hardness to resist large vibrations, while the second region has a softer hardness to absorb small vibrations effectively. This segmentation allows the buffer member to handle multiple vibration types simultaneously without requiring additional components.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the buffer member are assigned different local properties (hardness values). The first region positioned at a specific location has a first hardness, while the second region at another location has a second hardness different from the first. This local quality variation enables targeted vibration absorption at different positions and intensities.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a rubber buffer member is provided in each damper unit, then some vibration absorption is achieved, but the buffer effect against large vibrations and swing is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The hardness parameter of the buffer member is varied across different regions. By changing the hardness from soft to hard in different zones, the buffer member can effectively absorb both small vibrations (using the softer region) and large vibrations (using the harder region), thereby improving overall reliability of the buffer effect.
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 enhanced damper unit effectively absorbs vibrations by increasing the degree of freedom of the buffer member's deformation, providing improved damping performance compared to previous designs.
Implementation Method 1
a buffer member (204) having elasticity
Implementation Method 2
A coil spring is provided outside the pin attached to the bottom of the airbag module so as to bias the airbag module upward
Data Source
AI summary
[Problem] To provide a steering wheel including a damper unit with an excellent vibration absorbing effect.[Resolution Means] The steering wheel according to the present invention includes: a cored bar member; an airbag module which houses an airbag cushion and an inflator and is coupled to the cored bar member; and a damper unit arranged between the cored bar member and the airbag module. Here, the damper unit includes: a buffer member including an elastic material; an upper support member supporting the buffer member from above; and a lower support member supporting the buffer member from below. Moreover, the buffer member includes a laterally protruding flange part configured so as to be sandwiched between the upper support member and the lower support member. In addition, a gap is formed between the flange and at least one of the upper support member or the lower support member.