Twist-Proof Cable Conduit for Airbag Steering Column
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Solution Overview
Problem
The manual connection of cables to a coil spring in airbag modules is prone to twisting, which can disrupt signal transmission and complicate the assembly of steering wheel component groups, leading to potential inductive effects and assembly inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A cable conduit device with a twist-proof design, featuring a cable duct and contact plug coupled via an intermediate element, such as double-faced adhesive tape, or snap hooks/clip connectors, to ensure correct orientation and secure connection, preventing cable twisting and facilitating efficient assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual connection of contact plug to coil spring is performed, then assembly flexibility is maintained, but cable twisting occurs and signal transmission is disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The contact plug is pre-connected to the cable duct in a twist-proof manner before final assembly, ensuring correct orientation is established in advance. This preliminary action prevents cable twisting during the manual connection process while maintaining assembly flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable duct acts as an intermediary element between the contact plug and the cables, providing a structured connection path that prevents twisting. The intermediate connection structure mediates between the need for manual flexibility and the requirement for signal integrity.
2Manufacturing precision
If twist-proof coupling is implemented between contact plug and cable duct, then cable orientation is secured, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connection structure merges the cable duct and contact plug into an integrated assembly with built-in twist-proof features. By combining these elements with a unified connection mechanism, the design achieves precise orientation control without proportionally increasing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting portion of the cable duct features an asymmetric design that naturally prevents twisting through its geometric configuration. This asymmetric structure provides twist-proof coupling through shape complementarity rather than complex mechanical constraints, maintaining simplicity while ensuring precision.
3Reliability
If cable duct is used to guide cables, then cable protection is improved, but assembly time increases due to additional connection steps
Solution Approach 1:
The cable duct is merged with the connection structure between the contact plug and cables, combining cable guidance and connection functions into a single integrated component. This eliminates separate assembly steps for cable routing and connection, reducing assembly time while maintaining cable protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable duct is pre-assembled with the contact plug in a modular configuration, allowing the protected cable assembly to be installed as a complete unit. This preliminary preparation of the cable-guiding structure enables faster final assembly without compromising cable protection.
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 cable conduit device ensures correct orientation and secure connection of cables, preventing twisting and enhancing the efficiency and safety of airbag module and steering wheel assembly by maintaining signal integrity and simplifying the connection process.
Implementation Method 1
The cable conduit device includes an intermediate element (24) which is adapted to be adhesively coupled in a permanent manner to the cable duct (10) and to the contact plug (20)
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a cable conduit device for connection cables of an airbag module, comprising at least one cable duct (10) that includes retaining means (11) for at least one cable (30), and at least one contact plug (20) to be connected to a coil spring on a steering column; the contact plug (20) is or can be coupled in a twist-proof manner to the cable duct (10).