Steering Wheel Plate Damper for Compact Airbag Module
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing damper mechanisms for steering wheels are bulky, leading to increased size and cost of airbag modules due to the use of large unit-type dampers, which also result in larger dimensions and higher costs.
Innovation Solution
A damper mechanism using one or two plate-shaped damper units and an engaging mechanism between the steering wheel and airbag module, allowing relative displacement and vibration damping, with the plate-shaped damper being integrally formed with the airbag module housing, either made of synthetic resin or metal, and utilizing a leaf spring for elastic deformation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If three unit-type dampers are installed at every vertex of an isosceles triangle, then the damping effect is ensured, but the airbag module size increases and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple damper functions into a single integrated plate-shaped damper structure. Instead of using three separate unit-type dampers, the invention uses one or two plate-shaped dampers that perform the same vibration damping function while occupying less space, thus resolving the contradiction between ensuring damping effect and reducing airbag module size
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical form parameter of the damper from cylindrical unit-type to plate-shaped. This parameter change allows the damper to achieve the required damping effect with reduced dimensions, enabling smaller airbag module size while maintaining reliability
2Reliability
If three unit-type dampers are installed, then the damping effect is ensured, but the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges three separate damper units into a single integrated plate-shaped damper structure. This reduces the total number of parts, simplifies manufacturing processes, and lowers assembly complexity, thereby reducing cost while maintaining the required damping effect
Solution Approach 2:
The plate-shaped damper is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides vibration damping, serves as a structural component of the airbag module, and can be integrally formed with the housing. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, lowering manufacturing cost
3Reliability
If one damper is attached to the lower side of the airbag module, then the damping effect is ensured, but the airbag module dimension increases in the up-down direction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from using dampers that extend in the up-down direction to a plate-shaped damper that primarily extends in the horizontal plane. This dimensional change allows the damper to provide effective vibration damping without increasing the airbag module's height in the up-down direction
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 configuration ensures a comparable damping effect to existing systems while reducing the size of the airbag module and lowering costs by using a compact, plate-shaped damper that attenuates vibrations effectively.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing a leaf spring for elastic deformation
Implementation Method 2
The damper is configured to absorb vibration with an elastic force thereof between the boss region and the airbag module
Data Source
AI summary
Problem: To provide a damper mechanism of a steering wheel and a steering wheel apparatus for a vehicle in which it is possible to ensure a damping effect comparable to that of the known art and to decrease an airbag module in size so as to achieve a reduction in cost.Solution: A damper mechanism of a steering wheel includes: two damper units 11 that are provided between a steering wheel 1 and an airbag module 2 functioning as a damper mass and damp vibration of the steering wheel; and an engaging mechanism (hook of a plate-shaped damper 18) that is provided in parallel with the damper unit, between the steering wheel and the airbag module, and holds the steering wheel and the airbag module in a relatively displaceable manner.