Steering Wheel Assembly with Telescoping Airbag Reaction Surface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle steering wheel designs do not effectively integrate a deployable airbag system that can provide a stable reaction surface during vehicle impacts, limiting the control of occupant kinematics and the ability to support non-circular steering wheel configurations.
Innovation Solution
A steering wheel assembly with a first and second member, where the second member is extendable from a first position to an extended position, utilizing a pyrotechnic device, frangible member, and spring to deploy an airbag, allowing the steering wheel to be non-circular and providing a reaction surface for the airbag in the inflated position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional circular steering wheel design is used, then the structural simplicity is maintained, but the airbag cannot provide effective reaction surface and occupant kinematics control is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The steering wheel is divided into a first member (circular portion) and a second member (telescoping portion), allowing the airbag to interact with both components to provide an effective reaction surface while maintaining overall structural manageability
Solution Approach 2:
The second member is designed to telescope between a first position (retracted) and a second position (extended), dynamically adjusting the steering wheel configuration to provide optimal airbag reaction surface during deployment while allowing non-circular designs
2Reliability
If the second member is extended to provide reaction surface for airbag, then the airbag deployment effectiveness is improved, but the steering wheel configuration becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The second member is telescoped within or alongside the first member, with the telescoping portion sliding within the housing, creating a nested configuration that provides extended functionality without excessive external complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The second member serves multiple functions: it provides a reaction surface for the airbag, enables non-circular steering wheel configurations, and can be integrated with the inflation device housing, reducing the need for separate dedicated components
3Strength
If a frangible member is used to fix the first member to the second member, then the structural integrity is maintained in normal operation, but the component may fracture during airbag deployment
Solution Approach 1:
The frangible member is designed with a predetermined fracture point to fail in advance under specific conditions (during airbag deployment), preventing more severe structural damage and ensuring controlled separation when needed while maintaining strength during normal operation
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
Enables the deployment of an airbag to control occupant kinematics during impacts while allowing the steering wheel to be non-circular, enhancing safety and functionality.
Implementation Method 1
The assembly includes a pyrotechnic in communication with the cylinder. Actuation of the pyrotechnic moves the second member to the extended position.
Implementation Method 2
The assembly may include a spring supported by the first member and urging the second member away from the first member.
Implementation Method 3
The assembly includes a frangible member fixing the first member to the second member in the first position, the frangible member fractured when the second member is in the extended position.
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly includes a steering wheel having a first member and a second member supported by the first member, the second member being extendable from the first member from a first position to an extended position. The assembly includes a cylinder in the first member. The assembly includes a piston slidably supported by the cylinder. The assembly includes a pyrotechnic in communication with the cylinder.