Airbag inflator with snap-on mounting attachment
US5947509A · kind A · utility
Assignees
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 24, 1996 |
| Grant date | Sep 7, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 24, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T24/45885
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A snap-on mounting attachment is provided for securing an airbag inflator module having a base plate to the steering wheel of a motor vehicle. The mounting attachment includes two fastener studs extending rearwardly from the base plate, each fastener stud having a yieldable holding barb. Two capture brackets are mounted to the spokes of the steering wheel, and each capture bracket holds a snap receptor in floating encapturement therein, i.e., with a limited range of lateral and vertical movement. The snap receptors each have a metal ring embedded in a polymer shell and define a stud receiving opening therethrough with the metal ring defining a lip engaged by the holding barb of the fastener stud. Bias stops between the base plate and the steering wheel take up slack in the mounting attachment and eliminate rattles, and the polymer shell of the snap receptors also minimizes rattles. The steering wheel and airbag inflator module have complementary covers, and the floating encapturement permits alignment of the covers.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.