Steering Wheel Vibration Damping via Elastic Airbag Base
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing steering wheels fail to effectively dampen vibrations from the vehicle motor, leading to an unpleasant driving experience, and previous solutions either reduce damping mass or compromise the airbag module's functionality.
Innovation Solution
A steering wheel design where the cover element is not rigidly connected to the base, allowing the airbag module and base to move relative to the steering wheel body via elastic elements, maintaining airbag package movement and horn actuation functionality while minimizing damping mass reduction, and incorporating restraining means for airbag deployment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the cover element is rigidly connected to the base, then the airbag module structure is stable, but the damping mass is reduced and vibration damping performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The airbag module is divided into two independent parts: the base (housing with inflator and airbag package) and the cover element. The base is connected to the steering wheel body via elastic elements to provide vibration damping, while the cover element remains separately positionable on the steering wheel body for stable horn actuation. This segmentation allows each part to fulfill its specific function without compromising the other.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the cover element is separated from the base, then vibration damping performance is improved, but the positioning precision and horn actuation reliability may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting plate serves as an intermediary component between the base and the steering wheel body. It provides a stable mounting surface for the horn sensors and ensures precise positioning of the cover element relative to the steering wheel body, even though the base itself is decoupled for vibration damping purposes.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the first sub-assembly moves relative to the steering wheel body, then vibration damping is improved, but the force transmission for horn actuation may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into the movable base (first sub-assembly) for vibration damping and the stationary cover element for force transmission. The horn sensors are mounted on the cover element, which remains firmly positioned on the steering wheel body, ensuring reliable force transmission for horn actuation while the base moves independently to dampen vibrations.
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 design effectively reduces steering wheel vibrations, maintains precise positioning, and ensures the airbag module's functionality, including horn actuation, with minimal damping mass reduction and enhanced reliability during airbag deployment.
Implementation Method 1
the elastic element which connects the first sub-assembly to the steering wheel at least indirectly is resiliently deformed
Implementation Method 2
this damping mass can move relative to the steering wheel body against the restoring force of the elastic element. By this, the vibration of the steering wheel body is damped
Data Source
AI summary
A steering wheel includes a steering wheel body and a base. The base carrying an inflator and an airbag package, such that the base, the inflator and the airbag package form a first sub-assembly. The base is connected to the steering wheel body at least indirectly via at least one elastic element, such that the sub-assembly can move relative to the steering wheel body in at least one direction so that the whole sub-assembly serves as a vibration damping mass. The steering wheel also includes a cover element with a roof extending over the airbag package, and at least one horn sensor generating a signal when a pressing force exceeding a predefined value is applied to the roof. The cover element is not rigidly connected to the base, such that the sub-assembly can move relative to the steering wheel body under deformation of the elastic element while the cover element does not move relative to the steering wheel body.