Claims:WE CLAIM:
1. An air bag apparatus (100) for a vehicle, comprising:
a frame member (1) comprising, a plurality of cut-outs (2) at predetermined locations,
a damping member (3) configured to at least one wall (10) of the frame member (1) around each of the plurality of cut-outs (2);
an air bag housing member (4) comprising a plurality of engaging means (5) at predetermined locations, wherein each of the plurality of engaging means (5) engages with the each of the plurality of cut-outs (2) to fasten the air bag housing member (4) to the frame member (1) such that,
the damping member (3) forms a layer between the plurality of engagement means (5) and the frame member (1) to mitigate movement of the plurality of engaging means (5) within the plurality of cut-outs (2).

2. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the frame member (1) is manufactured of a synthetic material.

3. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the air bag housing member (4) is manufactured of metallic material.

4. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the damping member (3) is manufactured of rubber material.

5. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1 comprises at least one cover member (6) provided on the frame member (1) for enclosing the air bag housing member (4).

6. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 5 comprises a plurality of fasteners (7) provided on the at least one cover member (6) for fastening to a body of the vehicle.

7. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1 comprises a seat arrangement (8) in each of the plurality of cut-outs (2) for inserting the damping member (3).

8. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1 comprises one or more brackets (9) fixed to the air bag housing member (4) for fixing to the body of the vehicle.

9. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the damping member (3) is provided on either sides of the plurality of cut-outs (2).

10. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the damping member (3) is at least one of a grommet, a washer, a flange and an insert.

11. An air bag apparatus (100) comprising a damper member (3) for a vehicle as claimed in claim 1.
, Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD

Present disclosure relates to a safety apparatus for a vehicle. Particularly, but not exclusively, the disclosure relates to an air bag apparatus for the vehicle. Further, embodiments of the disclosure, relates to a damping member used in the air bag apparatus.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE
Vehicles comprises several crucial components that are installed for various purposes. These components are fixed to the vehicle, particularly at specified locations to a body of the vehicle which serve different purposes and uses for passengers of the vehicle. Several components such as powertrains, seats, chassis are fixed to a body-in white (BIW) or exoskeleton of the vehicle. The body-in white (BIW) are usually manufactured of stress absorbing materials such as metallic long members, metal body panels, sheet metals and the like. These components are heavy and increases the overall weight of the vehicle. In order to reduce the overall weight of the vehicle, lighter materials such as plastics, synthetic materials are used.
Conventionally, crucial components used in vehicles were fastened to metallic bodies by a series of temporary or permanent fastening methods. This lead to a lot of fastened joints rusting. Over the life of the vehicle, these joints tend to deteriorate and break off due to wear and tear. Additionally, over time, metal to metal fastened parts generates noise due to rust within the cabin of the vehicle that can be unpleasant to the passengers of the vehicle. This deterioration of fastened joints increases the Buzz, Squeak and Rattle (BSR) values of the vehicle.
Modern vehicles utilize non-metallic components that are fastened to metal components thereby avoiding rust and prevents breaking of the fastened joints. However, since the non-metallic components do not have as much strength when compared to the metal components, relative motion between their fastened joints increases.
Over time and usage, the metal components tend to produce stress on the non-metallic components leading to expansion of these fastened joints. Also, this expansion causes the fastened joints to become loose and causes unpleasant noise to the passengers of the vehicle. Since the vehicles are equipped with both non-metallic and metallic components buzz, squeak, rattle (BSR) levels between these components increases. Such a manufacturing defect leads to quality problems that may lead to customers being unhappy with the quality, fit and finish of the vehicle.
In light of the foregoing discussion, there is a need to develop a damping member between metal to plastic or plastic to plastic components that are less prone to failure due to the buzz, squeak and rattle (BSR) parameters of the vehicle and to overcome the one or more limitations stated above.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

One or more shortcomings of the prior art are overcome by a mechanism and assembly as claimed and additional advantages are provided through the mechanism and assembly as claimed in the present disclosure. Additional features and advantages are realized through the techniques of the present disclosure. Other embodiments and aspects of the disclosure are described in detail herein and are considered a part of the claimed disclosure.

In one non-limiting embodiment of the disclosure an air bag apparatus for a vehicle is disclosed. The air bag apparatus comprises a frame member comprising, a plurality of cut-outs at predetermined locations. A damping member configured to at least one wall of the frame member around each of the plurality of cut-outs. An air bag housing member comprising a plurality of engaging means at predetermined locations, wherein each of the plurality of engaging means engages with the each of the plurality of cut-outs to fasten the air bag housing member to the frame member. The damping member forms a layer between the plurality of engagement means and the frame member to mitigate movement of the plurality of engaging means within the plurality of cut-outs.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the frame member is manufactured of a synthetic material.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the air bag housing member is manufactured of metallic material.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the damping member is manufactured of rubber material.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, comprises at least one cover member provided on the frame member for enclosing the air bag housing member.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, comprises a plurality of fasteners provided on the at least one cover member for fastening to a body of the vehicle.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, comprises a seat arrangement in each of the plurality of cut-outs for inserting the damping member.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, comprises one or more brackets fixed to the air bag housing member for fixing to the body of the vehicle.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the damping member is provided on either sides of the plurality of cut-outs.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the damping member is at least one of a grommet, a washer, a flange and an insert.

The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS

The novel features and characteristic of the disclosure are set forth in the appended claims. The disclosure itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description of an illustrative embodiment when read in conjunction with the accompanying figures. One or more embodiments are now described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying figures wherein like reference numerals represent like elements and in which:

Figure 1 illustrates a bottom perspective view of a frame member of an air bag apparatus in accordance with some embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 2 illustrates a top perspective view of a frame member of an air bag apparatus in accordance with some embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 3 illustrates a perspective view of the air bag apparatus in accordance with some embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 4 illustrates a top perspective view of the air bag apparatus in accordance with some embodiment of the present disclosure.

The figures depict embodiments of the disclosure for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the mechanism and assembly illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

While the embodiments in the disclosure are subject to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiment thereof has been shown by way of example in the figures and will be described below. It should be understood, however that it is not intended to limit the disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternative falling within the scope of the disclosure.

The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any other variations thereof used in the disclosure, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a device, assembly, mechanism, system, method that comprises a list of components does not include only those components but may include other components not expressly listed or inherent to such system, or assembly, or device. In other words, one or more elements in a system proceeded by “comprises… a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the system or mechanism.

Embodiments of the present disclosure relates to an air bag apparatus for a vehicle. The air bag apparatus comprises a frame member comprising, a plurality of cut-outs at predetermined locations. A damping member configured to at least one wall of the frame member around each of the plurality of cut-outs. An air bag housing member comprising a plurality of engaging means at predetermined locations, wherein each of the plurality of engaging means engages with the each of the plurality of cut-outs to fasten the air bag housing member to the frame member. The damping member forms a layer between the plurality of engagement means and the frame member thereby damping the vibrations imparted from the movement of the plurality of engaging means within the plurality of cut-outs.

Embodiments of the disclosure are described in the following paragraphs with reference to Figures 1 to 4. In the figures, the same element or elements which have same functions are indicated by the same reference signs. It is to be noted that, the vehicle is not illustrated in the figures for the purpose of simplicity. One skilled in the art would appreciate that the assembly as disclosed in the present disclosure can be used in any vehicle including but not liming to passenger cars, heavy motor vehicles, light motor vehicles or any other vehicle.
Figure 1 is an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure which illustrates a perspective view of a frame member (1). The frame member (1) is constructed with at least one wall member (10) placed at adjacent angles to form an enclosure with a central cavity (11). The frame member (1) is also configured with a plurality of cut-outs (2) on each of the at least one wall member (10).

The plurality of cut-outs (2) are formed on each of the at least one wall member (10) in a spaced-out region so as to accommodate a plurality of engaging means (5). A damping member (3) is configured on each of the at least one wall member (10) of the frame member (1). In an embodiment, the damping member (3) is configured around each of the plurality of cut-outs (2) of the frame member (1). In one embodiment, the damping member (3) is substantially covering a region around the plurality of cut-outs (3). In one embodiment the damping member (3) is provided on either sides of plurality of cut-outs (2).

Referring to figure 2, which illustrates a perspective view of the frame member (1) comprising of plurality of cut-outs (2) provided on each of the at least one wall member (10). In an embodiment, the plurality of cut-outs (2) are formed on each of the at least one wall member (10) provided opposite to each other. In an embodiment, the frame member (1) is provided with at least one cover member (6). The at least one cover member (6) is provided on the frame member (1) thereby enclosing the frame member (1) on one side.

In an embodiment, a plurality of fasteners (7) are located at predetermined locations on the at least one cover member (6). The plurality of fasteners (7) engage to a body panel [not shown in figures] of the vehicle. In an embodiment, the at least one cover member (6) is fixed to a dashboard [not shown in figures] of the vehicle. The at least one cover member (6) is fitted flush to the dashboard of the vehicle.

Referring to figures 3 and 4, which illustrates a perspective view of the air bag apparatus (100) of the vehicle. The air bag apparatus (100) comprises of the frame member (1) with plurality of cut-outs (2) on each of the at least one wall member (10). An air bag housing member (4) comprising a cavity [not shown in figures] to house plurality of air bag components [not shown in figures]. A plurality of engaging means (5) are configured to the air bag housing member (4) wherein the plurality of engaging means (5) engages with the plurality of cut-outs (2) of the frame member (1).

The frame member (1) and the air bag housing member (4) are configured to each other with the plurality of engaging means (5). The plurality of engaging means (5) upon engagement with the plurality of cut-outs (2) are in contact with the damping member (3). The damping member (3) forms a damping layer between the plurality of engaging means (5) and the plurality of cut-outs (2). In an embodiment, movement of the plurality of engaging means (5) within the plurality of cut-outs (2) is mitigated by the damping member (3). The damping member (3) absorbs the vibrational forces from the air bag housing member (4) and prevents relative motion between the air bag housing member (4) and the frame member (1). The damping member (3) softens the contact between the metallic components and the non-metallic components. The damping member (3) also increases the firmness of fit of the frame member (1) on the air bag housing member (4) as the tolerance between the plurality of cut-outs (2) are increased.

In one embodiment, the damping member (3) provided on the at least one wall member (10) around the plurality of cut-outs (2) may aid in reduction of the contact of the air bag housing member (4) with the at least one wall member (10). Further, the damping member (3) provided on the at least one wall member (10) substantially reduces the contact of the engaging means (5) with the at least one wall member (10). This arrangement aids in substantially reducing the noise created due to friction contact between the frame member (1) and the air bag housing member (4).

In one embodiment, the damping member (3) is provided to all of the plurality of cuts-outs (2) of the frame member (1).

In an embodiment, the frame member (1) is manufactured of a synthetic material. The synthetic material is at least one of plastic, resin, polymers, natural fibres and the like.

In an embodiment, the air bag housing member (4) is manufactured of a metallic material. The metallic material is at least one of steel, iron, aluminium, metal alloys and the like.

In an embodiment, the damping member (3) is manufactured of rubber material. The rubber material is at least one of natural rubber, ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) rubber, Polyurethane and the like.

In an embodiment, the damping member (3) is at least one of a grommet, a washer member, a flange member, an insert and the like.

In an embodiment, the plurality of cut-outs (2) are configured with seat arrangements (8) such that the damping member (3) is inserted in to the plurality of cut-outs (2) by at least one of press fit, snap fit, insert fit and the like.

In an embodiment, the plurality of engaging means (5) are at least one of a hook member, a crimp, a coupler and the like. The plurality of engaging means (5) may be removably fitted in to the plurality of cut-outs (2).

In an embodiment, the air bag housing member (4) comprises of one or more brackets (9) fixed at the bottom side of the air bag housing member (4). The one or more brackets (9) are utilised to mount the air bag apparatus (100) to the body [not shown in figures] of the vehicle. In an embodiment, upon assembly of the frame member (1) onto the air bag housing member (4), the air bag apparatus (100) is fastened to a dashboard of the vehicle. The at least one cover member (6) provided on the frame member (1) seats on to the dashboard of the vehicle.

ADVANTAGES

In an embodiment, the air bag apparatus is firmly fitted into the dashboard of the vehicle without any relative motion between mating parts.

In an embodiment, the buzz, squeak, rattle (BSR) noises from the metal to non-metal joints are mitigated by the use of damping members.

In an embodiment, the damping member absorbs the vibration forces and mitigates relative motion between the frame member and the air bag housing member.

In an embodiment, the damping member softens the contact between the metallic components with the non-metallic components.

EQUIVALENTS

With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context and/or application. The various singular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity.

It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as “open” terms (e.g., the term “including” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to,” the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes but is not limited to,” etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles “a” or “an” limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to inventions containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases “one or more” or “at least one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or “an” (e.g., “a” and/or “an” should typically be interpreted to mean “at least one” or “one or more”); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of “two recitations,” without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, and C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, and C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, or C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, or C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase “A or B” will be understood to include the possibilities of “A” or “B” or “A and B.”

In addition, where features or aspects of the disclosure are described in terms of Markush groups, those skilled in the art will recognize that the disclosure is also thereby described in terms of any individual member or subgroup of members of the Markush group.

While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.

REFERRAL NUMERALS
Particulars Numeral
Air bag apparatus 100
Frame member 1
Plurality of cut-outs 2
Damping member 3
Air bag housing member 4
Plurality of engaging means 5
At least one cover member 6
Plurality of fasteners 7
Seat arrangement 8
One or more brackets 9
At least one wall member 10
Cavity 11