The horn operation function may be achieved by using the entire airbag module as a horn push. The module is mounted on springs against which the driver pushes when operating the horn, moving the module so that electrical contacts located between it and the steering wheel are closed. To ensure that the module does not vibrate when the steering column is subject to accelerations the springs are stiffer than would be ideal for optimal horn push efforts. This project aims to increase customer satisfaction by reducing the horn push efforts without compromising the module's resistance to vibration. The geometry and dynamics of the module have been investigated experimentally, and compared with classical theory and numerical computation. The following measures have proven to be efficient both in theoretical and experimental studies in order to improve the initial problem: (1) alignment of the centre of mass with the centre of the stiffness in both x- and z-direction (2) optimisation of the spring positions (3) an optimized three mount arrangement instead of four mounts. The report concludes with a number of recommendations for further development.
Floating horn airbag module optimization
Schwingungstechnische Optimierung eines Hupe-Airbag-Moduls unter Berücksichtigung des Fahrkomforts
1997
10 Seiten, 9 Bilder, 5 Tabellen, 1 Quelle
Aufsatz (Konferenz)
Englisch
Floating horn airbag module optimization
British Library Conference Proceedings | 1997
|Floating horn airbag module optimisation
Kraftfahrwesen | 1997
|