Steering Wheel Skeleton Hook and Latching Pin Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle steering wheel assemblies face challenges in achieving a compact, reliable, and easily assembled connection between the gas bag module and the steering wheel, requiring high holding forces, minimal gap dimensions, and smooth relative movement, while also allowing for axial guidance and quick disassembly.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle steering wheel design featuring a one-piece metal skeleton hook that directly latches with the gas bag module's spring element for restraint, supplemented by a slotted latching pin for fine positioning and axial guidance, allowing for a structurally simplified and compact connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a separate locking pin is used to lock with a locking spring of the gas bag module, then reliable force transmission and restraint function are achieved, but the structure becomes massive and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is divided into two functional parts: the skeleton hook provides the restraint function for force transmission, while the locking pin provides fine positioning and guidance. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, reducing the overall complexity while maintaining strength
Solution Approach 2:
The fine positioning function is extracted from the locking pin and assigned to the skeleton hook, allowing the locking pin to be simplified to only provide restraint. This extraction reduces the mass and complexity of the locking pin while maintaining reliable force transmission
2Strength
If the locking pin is designed to be massive and complex for reliable restraint, then high holding forces are transmitted, but the installation space requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The functions are segmented between the skeleton hook (restraint) and locking pin (positioning), allowing the locking pin to be much smaller and lighter while the skeleton hook handles the force transmission, reducing overall installation space
Solution Approach 2:
The restraint function is extracted from the locking pin and assigned to the skeleton hook, allowing the locking pin to be minimized in size for fine positioning only, significantly reducing installation space requirements
3Manufacturing precision
If fine adjustment of locking pins is performed to minimize gap dimensions, then minimal gap dimensions are achieved, but assembly time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The skeleton hook with its slot provides self-aligning guidance for the locking pin during assembly, enabling the locking pin to automatically position itself correctly without requiring manual fine adjustment, thus minimizing gap dimensions while reducing assembly time
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a vehicle steering wheel (10) having a steering wheel axis (A) about which the vehicle steering wheel (10) can be rotated in the installed state, a steering wheel carcass (12) which has a hub section (14) in the region of the steering wheel axis (A), and a separate latching peg (18) for latching with an airbag module (20), which extends in the axial direction (22) and can be mounted on the steering wheel carcass (12), wherein the hub section (14) of the steering wheel carcass (12) has a rigid carcass hook (24) for latching with the airbag module (20), which extends in the axial direction (22), wherein the latching peg (18) adjoins the carcass hook (24) and partially surrounds same in the circumferential direction. The invention also relates to a steering wheel assembly having a vehicle steering wheel (10) of this kind.