Steering Wheel Hook Positioning for Airbag Module Downsizing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional steering wheels face challenges in reliably positioning airbag modules due to downsizing, where the existing snap lock spring mechanism fails to adequately position the module in vertical and transverse directions without additional space for positioning pins.
Innovation Solution
The steering wheel design incorporates hooks with positioning reference and adjustment portions that are biased to securely engage with hole portions on the steering wheel main body, allowing for integrated support and positioning of the module, eliminating the need for additional positioning pins by balancing biasing loads and providing elastic contact points.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the module is downsized to improve space utilization and productivity, then the available space for positioning pins is reduced, but the positioning reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the positioning function and support function into a single integrated structure. The hooks with positioning reference portions and adjustment portions directly provide positioning in vertical and transverse directions while supporting the module, eliminating the need for separate positioning pins that would consume additional space.
Solution Approach 2:
The engagement members (hooks) are designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: they provide support through engagement with the steering wheel main body, positioning in the front face to rear face direction through the snap lock mechanism, and positioning in vertical and transverse directions through the positioning reference portions and adjustment portions. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate positioning components.
2Reliability
If separate positioning pins are added to improve positioning reliability, then the device complexity increases, but the available space for downsizing is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the positioning function and support function into a single integrated structure. The hooks with positioning reference portions and adjustment portions directly provide positioning in vertical and transverse directions while supporting the module, eliminating the need for separate positioning pins that would increase device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the positioning function from a separate component (positioning pin) and integrates it into the engagement member (hook) itself. The positioning reference portions and adjustment portions are built into the hook structure, allowing the hook to perform both support and positioning functions without requiring additional separate components.
3Ease of operation
If the snap lock spring mechanism is used to simplify assembly, then the positioning accuracy in vertical and transverse directions deteriorates, but the ease of operation improves
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the positioning function and support function into a single integrated structure. The hooks with positioning reference portions and adjustment portions directly provide positioning in vertical and transverse directions while supporting the module, eliminating the need for separate positioning pins that would increase device complexity.
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 ensures reliable positioning and support of the module while accommodating downsizing, enhancing operability and reducing manufacturing complexity, allowing for efficient assembly and improved contact point operation of the horn device.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of engagement members which are disposed at the respective hole portions, which are biased in a predetermined direction crossing an insertion direction of the hooks into the hole portions, and which are engaged with the hooks that are inserted into the hole portions so as to retain the hooks
Implementation Method 2
a positioning reference portion which is protrusively provided on an outside face and which comes into contact with an inside face of one of the hole portions so as to restrain a position of one of the hooks at the one hole portion
Implementation Method 3
a plurality of adjustment portions which is protrusively provided on an outside face at a position different from the positioning reference portion and which elastically comes into contact with the inside face of the one hole portion by the positioning reference portion coming into contact with the inside face of one of the hole portions
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a steering wheel. Among respective hooks of a module, the hooks being adapted to engage with wires which are disposed in respective opening portions of a steering wheel main body, an adjustment rib which is provided so as to be protrusive to an outer circumferential face of one side hook comes into contact with an inside face of one side opening portion, and restrains a position of such one side hook in such one side opening portion. An adjustment pin which is protrusively provided at a position different from that of the adjustment rib on the outer circumferential face of such one side hook elastically comes into contact with the inside face of such one side opening portion by the adjustment rib coming into contact with the inside face of such one side opening portion.