Textile Hinge with Aramid Loops for Airbag Flap Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing textile hinges for airbag flaps face challenges in automated integration into injection molding processes and require additional fastening elements due to the release of warp or weft threads, leading to component failure and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A woven fabric hinge with a gauze of loops between parts, allowing for defined length adjustment and stress absorption without initial force, enabling automated injection molding and secure anchoring without additional elements, using aramid loops for enhanced tear resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If mesh fabrics are used for textile hinges, then flexibility and light weight are improved, but warp or weft threads can be released from injection moulded parts with low force leading to component failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining different fiber types (aramid and polyester) in a woven fabric structure. The aramid fibers provide high strength and tear resistance for reliable thread retention in injection molded parts, while polyester fibers contribute flexibility and light weight. This composite approach resolves the contradiction between weight reduction and reliability enhancement.
2Reliability
If additional fastening elements are used to strengthen mesh fabrics, then component reliability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of the textile hinge and fastening elements into a single integrated woven fabric structure. The aramid-polyester woven fabric itself provides the necessary strength and tear resistance without requiring separate fastening elements like screws or rivets. This consolidation reduces device complexity while maintaining or improving reliability.
3Reliability
If leno fabrics with additional strengthening are used, then thread release resistance is improved, but manufacturing cost increases due to expensive additional fastening elements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite materials (aramid-polyester woven fabric) to inherently provide thread release resistance through the high strength and tear resistance of aramid fibers. This eliminates the need for expensive additional fastening elements required in conventional leno fabric designs, thereby reducing manufacturing cost while maintaining reliability.
4Extent of automation
If textile hinges are designed as loops for automated injection molding, then ease of automated integration is improved, but defined length control becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the woven fabric hinge into distinct functional zones: injection molded anchoring regions at the ends and a free intermediate region with defined length. This segmentation allows automated injection molding integration while maintaining precise length control through the fabric's construction, resolving the contradiction between automation ease and manufacturing precision.
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
Facilitates secure and controlled opening of airbag flaps with defined lengthening, preventing collisions and ensuring occupant safety, while reducing material usage and eliminating the need for additional fastening elements.
Implementation Method 1
The fabric forms a base structure which absorbs a tensile stress without a force acting on the loops
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a hinge comprising a textile which connects a first part (2) and a second part (4) to one another, where the textile (3) has a gauze made of loops between the parts.