When it comes to the safety of the vehicles we drive, it’s important to recognise that improvements can come from even the smallest components of a vehicle. Here, Davide Meola, product development project manager at ARaymond Germany, outlines one such example – airbag fastener clips, which continue to evolve as suppliers seek innovative approaches that will increase end user safety while also improve the manufacturing process.
While easy to take for granted, these clips, which are pre-mounted into the fabric layers of an airbag before being assembled onto a car body, are an essential element of safety, and a goal of continuous improvement that must be taken seriously by suppliers. One specific area of vehicle assembly where ARaymond sees new innovations continue to arrive is in the fasteners used to secure side curtain airbags, a critical safety component in the event of an accident.
The latest generation of airbag clip solutions stand out by featuring a more ergonomic assembly surface that will result in a quicker, smoother assembly process. With OEMS and Tier 1 suppliers looking to maximise efficiency to help keep down prices on vehicle components, every change that improves this efficiency plays an important role.
The latest generation of airbag clips also offers proof of assembly, as confirmation that all retaining legs are correctly placed. This confirmation can be checked by the OEM, and proof of assembly means a higher likelihood of detecting failures at the OEM assembly line and preventing them from reaching vehicles heading out to the roadways.
The design of the clips allows for quality control and will not allow assembly to continue until the issue is resolved. Recognising that an error may occur in the assembly process, and creating a system of in-depth traceability to detect those errors, will limit the likelihood of recalls or other serious issues down the road for OEMs and suppliers.
Having spent a decade in the fastener industry experiencing every facet – from steel mills, fastener manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, as well as machinery builders and plating + coating companies, Claire has developed an in-depth knowledge of all things fasteners.
Alongside visiting numerous companies, exhibitions and conferences around the world, Claire has also interviewed high profile figures – focusing on key topics impacting the sector and making sure readers stay up to date with the latest developments within the industry.
