Steering Wheel Airbag Mounting Structure for Low-Frequency Vibration Damping

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional steering wheel devices for vehicles have complex structures and high costs due to multiple dynamic dampers, which are ineffective in efficiently damping low-frequency vibrations.

Innovation Solution

A steering wheel device with a simple structure that uses a first engagement element with a vibration damping pin and elastic member, and a second engagement element with a leaf spring or pin and bushing, positioned strategically around the steering wheel to effectively damp low-frequency vibrations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If three dynamic dampers composed of elastic members, pin holders, and damper holders are arranged around the steering wheel center, then low-frequency vibrations are damped, but the structure becomes complicated and cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelow-frequency vibrationVSAvoidstructure

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the airbag module with the vibration damping function by integrating the engagement element that attaches the airbag module to the steering wheel with the vibration damping mechanism. This merging eliminates the need for separate dynamic dampers, reducing structural complexity while maintaining vibration damping effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The engagement element serves multiple functions: it attaches the airbag module to the steering wheel and simultaneously acts as a vibration damping component. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of parts needed while achieving both airbag installation and vibration suppression goals.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If three dynamic dampers composed of elastic members, pin holders, and damper holders are arranged around the steering wheel center, then low-frequency vibrations are damped, but the cost becomes high

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelow-frequency vibrationVSAvoidcost

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the airbag module with the vibration damping function by integrating the engagement element that attaches the airbag module to the steering wheel with the vibration damping mechanism. This merging eliminates the need for separate dynamic dampers, reducing structural complexity while maintaining vibration damping effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The engagement element serves multiple functions: it attaches the airbag module to the steering wheel and simultaneously acts as a vibration damping component. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of parts needed while achieving both airbag installation and vibration suppression goals.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If multiple parts (elastic member, pin holder, damper holder) are used for each dynamic damper, then vibration damping function is achieved, but the number of parts increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovevibrationVSAvoidnumber of parts

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the airbag module with the vibration damping function by integrating the engagement element that attaches the airbag module to the steering wheel with the vibration damping mechanism. This merging eliminates the need for separate dynamic dampers, reducing structural complexity while maintaining vibration damping effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The engagement element serves multiple functions: it attaches the airbag module to the steering wheel and simultaneously acts as a vibration damping component. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of parts needed while achieving both airbag installation and vibration suppression goals.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

The device effectively suppresses low-frequency vibrations while reducing complexity and cost by using fewer parts and optimizing the placement of engagement elements.

Implementation Method 1

an elastic member for damping vibration of the steering wheel using the airbag module as a damper mass

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVibration damping: Damping

Implementation Method 2

an elastic member for damping vibration of the steering wheel using the airbag module as a damper mass

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 3

a first bushing in slidable contact with the first pin

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS11987309B2Steering wheel device for vehicle

Publication Date: 2024.05.21 AUTOLIV DEV AB

AI summary

A steering wheel device for a vehicle in which an airbag module is attached with an engagement element that engages with the steering wheel, wherethe engagement element is provided on the airbag module side and has an engaging part that releasably engages with an engaged part formed on the steering wheel side,the engagement elements include at least a first engagement element positioned below the center of steering and a second engagement element positioned above the center of steering with reference to the neutral position of the steering wheel, andthe first engagement element is a vibration damping part having an elastic member and the second engagement element includes a second bushing made of a material having a Young's modulus greater than that of the elastic member.