Safe Steering Wheel Airbag Removal Using Active Disassembly
DS 30: Proceedings of DESIGN 2002, the 7th International Design Conference, Dubrovnik
Year: 2002
Editor: Marjanovic D.
Author: Jones, N.; Harrison, D.; Chiodo, J.; Billett, E.
Section: Industrial solutions
Page(s): 655-660
Abstract
Active Disassembly is a well researched technique for creating assemblies or casings that can break themselves apart for recycling using a thermal trigger. In order to remove potentially explosive airbag devices from vehicles; an active disassembly demonstrator has been produced to easily remove automotive steering wheels from vehicles at their end of life. By removing the steering wheel assembly from the car, the high-value instrument panel becomes easier to remove for recycling and recovery. The first demonstrators utilise a shape memory alloy clip and a cylindrical hot probe. Although the solution was successful, optimisation of the heating system is required.
Keywords: Active Disassembly, ADSM, Shape Memory, Airbags, SRS