Buckle device for occupant restraint system

Abstract

A buckle device for a vehicle seat and related systems and methods. The buckle device includes a locking mechanism and a retention mechanism disposed within a housing. The locking mechanism is configured to operably engage with a latch coupled to a seat belt webbing of the vehicle such that, in a locked mode, the latch is secured within an insertion slot defined in the housing. In the unlocked mode, the locking mechanism is configured such that the latch is removable from the insertion slot of the housing. The retaining mechanism is operable with the latch such that, in the retaining mode, the retaining mechanism is configured such that the latch is retained within the insertion slot of the housing when an exit force applied to the latch is less than a predetermined value.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to the field of transportation. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to vehicle restraint systems and associated vehicle seat belt buckle devices. Background Art

[0002] Conventional seat belts typically include a lap belt that, in use, extends across the lap of a vehicle occupant from an anchor point on one side of a vehicle seat to a buckle latch member and associated buckle receptacle device on the opposite side of the vehicle seat. The lap belt then continues through the buckle latch member as a shoulder belt that extends back across the chest and shoulder of the vehicle occupant and engages a routing device and / or retractor / tensioner device that is coupled to the vehicle body at a pillar (such as a B-pillar in an automotive context) adjacent the headrest of the vehicle seat and the head of the vehicle occupant on the same side of the vehicle seat as the anchor point. Alternatively, the lap belt terminates at the buckle latch member to which the shoulder belt is also coupled. The retractor / tensioner device can be disposed on or within the pillar, or at an intermediate point or base of the pillar (where the routing device is then disposed near the headrest of the vehicle seat and the head of the vehicle occupant). The retractor / tensioner device is used to spool out and take up seat belt material when the seat belt is fastened or removed. Optionally, the retractor / tensioner device can include a mechanical or pyrotechnic pretensioner that, in the event of a significant acceleration / deceleration, braking event, and / or collision, draws the seat belt tightly against the torso of the vehicle occupant and draws the torso of the vehicle occupant tightly against the seat back such that the seat belt can then exert a restraining force on the torso of the vehicle occupant without causing seat belt injury. Ultimately, during a braking and / or collision event, when the retractor / tensioner device is restricted or locked, the lap belt exerts a restraining force on the lap of the vehicle occupant and the shoulder belt exerts a restraining force on the torso of the vehicle occupant, thereby holding the vehicle occupant securely in the seat bottom and seat back, respectively. Although other configurations are possible, most conventional seat belts operate in a similar manner.

[0003] Many occupants can or wish to manually unreel the seat belt webbing across his / her chest from a retractor / tensioner device, insert the buckle latch into an associated buckle receptacle device, operate the buckle receptacle device to permit removal of the buckle latch, manually pull the buckle latch from the associated buckle receptacle device, and / or pull the seat belt webbing across his / her / its body to an extent sufficient to permit the seat belt webbing to retract within the retractor / tensioner device. However, many occupants find it difficult to perform some or all of these tasks as well as other tasks associated with the manual operation of a typical seat belt. For example, a minor, a pet, an incapacitated occupant, or an occupant with a physical disability may find it difficult or impossible to manually operate the buckle receptacle device of the seat belt to unlock the buckle latch, pull the buckle latch from the associated buckle receptacle device, and / or pull the seat belt webbing across his / her / its body to permit the excess seat belt material to be reeled up from the retractor / tensioner device.

[0004] While such an occupant may receive assistance from another occupant of the vehicle (e.g., an associated guardian, an associated owner, an assistant, the operator of the vehicle, etc.), an occupant who desires or requires assistance may wish to travel without the presence of an assistant. In addition, other occupants may also share some of the physical challenges of the occupant in need of assistance or may not have full use of his / her hands (e.g., parents carrying groceries in both hands). Thus, the assistant him / herself may also find it difficult to unlock and / or retract the seat belt.

[0005] Accordingly, there is a need in the art for a seat belt buckle device for a vehicle and associated occupant restraint systems, control systems, and methods that overcome the above limitations.

[0006] This background is provided only as an illustrative context. It will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that the systems and methods of the present disclosure may also be implemented in other contexts. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] Accordingly, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a seat belt buckle device for a vehicle and related occupant restraint systems, control systems, and methods that overcome the limitations of known technologies. Embodiments of a buckle device for a vehicle are disclosed, the buckle device including a locking mechanism and a retaining mechanism. As described herein, the locking mechanism may allow a latch of a seat belt assembly to be selectively locked within an associated buckle in a locked mode and selectively released from the associated buckle in an unlocked mode. As described herein, the retaining mechanism may allow the latch of the seat belt assembly to be selectively retained within the associated buckle in a retaining mode when an exit force applied to the latch is less than a predetermined value. Some embodiments of the retaining mechanism may include a release mode that allows the latch to exit the buckle device when the exit force applied to the latch is less than a predetermined value. Embodiments of a system for controlling such a buckle device, locking mechanism, and / or retaining mechanism based on the state of the vehicle (e.g., meeting one or more preconditions, as described herein) are further disclosed. For example, a control unit may provide operating control of a locking actuator and / or a retaining actuator of the locking mechanism and / or the retaining mechanism respectively based on meeting certain preconditions.

[0008] Embodiments of a system for operating a configurable buckle device based on the occupant in question are also disclosed. The system may include an occupant type identification module for identifying the state of the occupant as an assisted occupant (an occupant who needs or desires assistance in locking or unlocking the buckle device) or a non-assisted occupant (an occupant who does not need or desire assistance in locking or unlocking the buckle device) based on occupant quality data. The system for operating a configurable buckle device may further include a locking mechanism control module for operating the locking mechanism of the buckle device for an occupant determined to be an assisted occupant. In some embodiments, the locking mechanism control module may control the locking mechanism of the buckle device based on the state of the occupant as an assisted occupant and based on the state of the vehicle (e.g., meeting one or more preconditions).

[0009] In some embodiments, the occupant type identification module may further identify the state of the occupant as a retained occupant (an occupant who needs or desires assistance in retracting the seat belt latch and / or webbing from the associated buckle) or a non-retained occupant (an occupant who does not need or desire assistance in retracting the seat belt latch and / or webbing from the associated buckle) based on occupant quality data. Such a system for operating a configurable buckle device may further include a retaining mechanism control module for operating the retaining mechanism of the buckle device for an occupant determined to be a retained occupant. For example, the retaining mechanism control module may control the retaining mechanism of the buckle device based on the state of the occupant as a retained occupant and based on the state of the vehicle (e.g., meeting one or more pre-retaining conditions).

[0010] Embodiments of the occupant type recognition module may include one or more artificial intelligence algorithms for determining the status of an occupant as an assisted or non-assisted occupant and / or as a restrained or unrestrained occupant. In some embodiments, the occupant type recognition module may utilize occupant quality data to identify an associated occupant profile. The associated occupant profile may include a history of occupant behavior for determining the status of the occupant as an assisted or non-assisted occupant and / or as a restrained or unrestrained occupant.

[0011] To achieve the foregoing and other objects and advantages, in one aspect, the present subject matter relates to a buckle device for a vehicle seat. The buckle device includes a locking mechanism and a retaining mechanism disposed within a housing. The locking mechanism is configured to operably engage a latch coupled to a seat belt webbing of a vehicle such that, in a locked mode, the latch is secured within an insertion slot defined in the housing. In an unlocked mode, the locking mechanism is configured to enable the latch to be removed from the insertion slot of the housing. The retaining mechanism is operable with the latch such that, in a holding mode, the retaining mechanism is configured to hold the latch within the insertion slot of the housing when an extraction force applied to the latch is less than a predetermined value.

[0012] In at least one embodiment, when the retaining mechanism is in the holding mode and the locking mechanism is in the unlocked mode, the retaining mechanism may be configured to allow the latch to exit the insertion slot of the housing when an extraction force applied to the latch is greater than a predetermined value. In additional or alternative embodiments, the retaining mechanism may be configured to transition from the holding mode to a release mode in response to an electrical signal transmitted to the retaining mechanism. In the release mode, the retaining mechanism may be configured to allow the latch to exit the insertion slot of the housing when an extraction force applied to the latch is less than a predetermined value and the locking mechanism is in the unlocked mode. In at least some such embodiments or alternative embodiments, a release element may be at least partially disposed within the housing and mechanically coupled to each of the locking mechanism and the retaining mechanism. The release element may be selectable to transition the locking mechanism from the locked mode to the unlocked mode and the retaining mechanism from the holding mode to the release mode.

[0013] In some embodiments, the insertion of the latch within the insertion slot may transition the retaining mechanism from the release mode to the holding mode, transition the locking mechanism from the unlocked mode to the locked mode, or both. Some embodiments of the locking mechanism may include one or more protrusions configured to operably engage one or more apertures or notches defined in the latch. In the locked mode, the protrusions may be received within the apertures and / or notches and fixed relative to the housing such that the latch is secured within the insertion slot of the housing. In the unlocked mode, the protrusions may be released from the apertures and / or notches, de-fixed relative to the housing, or both, and enable the latch to be removed from the insertion slot of the housing.

[0014] In additional or alternative embodiments, the buckle device may include a retention actuator operatively coupled to a retention mechanism and configured to transition the retention mechanism from a retention mode to a release mode in response to an electrical signal transmitted to the retention mechanism. The retention actuator may also be configured to transition the retention mechanism from the release mode to the retention mode in response to a different electrical signal transmitted to the retention mechanism. In further or different embodiments, the locking mechanism may be configured to transition from a locked mode to an unlocked mode in response to an electrical signal transmitted to the locking mechanism. In some such embodiments or alternative embodiments, the buckle device may further include a locking actuator operatively coupled to the locking mechanism. The locking actuator may be configured to transition the locking mechanism from the locked mode to the unlocked mode in response to an electrical signal transmitted to the locking mechanism, to transition the locking mechanism from the unlocked mode to the locked mode in response to a different electrical signal transmitted to the locking mechanism, or both.

[0015] In additional or alternative aspects, the subject matter relates to an occupant restraint system for a vehicle that includes one or more buckle devices. Each buckle device is associated with a seat of the vehicle and includes a locking mechanism and a retention mechanism. The locking mechanism is configured to operatively engage a latch that is coupled to a seat belt webbing associated with the seat. In the locked mode of the locking mechanism, the latch is secured to the locking mechanism, and in the unlocked mode, the latch is removable from the locking mechanism. The retention mechanism is operable with the latch such that in the retention mode, the retention mechanism is configured to cause the latch to be retained by the buckle device when an extraction force applied to the latch is less than a predetermined value.

[0016] In at least one additional or alternative embodiment, when the retention mechanism is in the retention mode and the locking mechanism is in the unlocked mode, the retention mechanism may be configured to allow the latch to be removed from the buckle device when an extraction force applied to the latch is greater than a predetermined value. Additionally or alternatively, the retention mechanism may be configured to, in the release mode, allow the latch to be removed from the buckle device when an extraction force applied to the latch is less than a predetermined value and the locking mechanism is in the unlocked mode. In at least some embodiments, the occupant restraint system may further include one or more seat belt retractors, each seat belt retractor associated with one of the buckle devices and configured to apply a tension to the seat belt webbing of the associated seat. When the retention mechanism is in the release mode, the tension applied by each seat belt retractor may be adapted to remove the latch from the buckle device.

[0017] In at least one embodiment, an occupant restraint system may further include a control unit communicatively coupled to a buckle device. The control unit may be configured to transmit a signal to a locking actuator of an associated locking mechanism to cause the locking mechanism to transition from a locked mode to an unlocked mode in response to a communication indicating that one or more preconditions associated with the buckle device have been satisfied. In some embodiments, the preconditions include one or more of the following: the vehicle's transmission is shifted into a park setting, the vehicle is transitioned from an on setting to an off setting, a door associated with the vehicle's operator seat is opened, a door associated with the buckle device is opened, a door associated with the buckle device is approached by another occupant of the vehicle, a door associated with the buckle device has a disengaged child lock mode, an unlock mode is selected for the associated locking mechanism of the buckle device via an infotainment unit associated with the vehicle, or it is determined that the vehicle's occupant restraint system can be safely disengaged. Additionally or alternatively, the control unit may further be configured to transmit a different signal to the locking actuator of the associated locking mechanism in response to a communication indicating one or more of the following to cause the locking mechanism to transition from the unlocked mode to the locked mode: the vehicle's transmission is shifted into a setting other than park, a door associated with the vehicle's operator seat is closed, a door associated with one or more buckle devices is closed, a lock mode is selected for the associated locking mechanism of one or more buckle devices via an infotainment unit associated with the vehicle, or a door associated with the buckle device has an engaged child lock mode.

[0018] Additionally or alternatively, the control unit may be configured to transmit a signal to a holding actuator of an associated holding mechanism to cause the associated holding mechanism to transition from a holding mode to a released mode in response to a communication indicating that one or more pre-holding conditions associated with the buckle device have been satisfied. In some embodiments, the one or more pre-holding conditions include one or more of the following: a door associated with the vehicle's operator seat is opened, a door associated with one or more buckle devices is opened, a door associated with one or more buckle devices is approached by another occupant of the vehicle, a door associated with one or more buckle devices has a disengaged child lock mode, or a release mode is selected for the holding mechanism of one or more buckle devices via an infotainment unit associated with the vehicle. Additionally or alternatively, the control unit may further be configured to transmit a different signal to the holding actuator of the associated holding mechanism in response to a communication indicating one or more of the following to cause the associated holding mechanism to transition from the released mode to the holding mode: a holding mode is selected for the associated holding mechanism of the buckle device via an infotainment unit associated with the vehicle, the vehicle is transitioned from an off setting to an on setting, the vehicle's transmission is shifted into a setting other than park, a door associated with the buckle device is closed, or a door associated with the buckle device is in a child lock mode.

[0019] In addition or alternatively, the present disclosure relates to a non-transitory computer-readable medium including instructions stored in at least one memory, the instructions causing a processor to perform steps when executed by one or more processors. The steps include determining that one or more preconditions associated with one or more buckle devices of an occupant restraint system have been satisfied. The steps also include, in response to determining that the preconditions associated with the buckle devices have been satisfied, transmitting a signal to a locking mechanism of each of the buckle devices for which the preconditions are determined to be satisfied. The transmitted signal causes the locking mechanism to transition from a locked mode to an unlocked mode, wherein, in the locked mode, a latch coupled to a seat belt webbing associated with the buckle device is secured to the locking mechanism; in the unlocked mode, the latch is removable from the locking mechanism. Each of the buckle devices includes a retaining mechanism that can operate with the latch such that, in a retaining mode, the retaining mechanism is configured such that the latch is retained by the buckle device when an exit force applied to the latch is less than a predetermined value. When the retaining mechanism is in the retaining mode and the locking mechanism is in the unlocked mode, the retaining mechanism is configured to allow the latch to be removed from the buckle device when the exit force applied to the latch is greater than the predetermined value.

[0020] In at least one embodiment, the steps may further include receiving a communication indicating a status of a precondition associated with a buckle device of an occupant restraint system. In some embodiments, the precondition may include one or more of the following: the vehicle's transmission is shifted into a park setting, the vehicle is transitioned from an on setting to an off setting, a door associated with the vehicle's operator seat is opened, a door associated with the buckle device is opened, a door associated with the buckle device is approached by another occupant of the vehicle, a door associated with the buckle device has a disengaged child lock mode, an unlock mode is selected for the locking mechanism of one or more buckle devices via an infotainment unit associated with the vehicle, or it is determined that the occupant restraint system for the vehicle can be safely disengaged. In additional or alternative embodiments, the steps may further include: in response to a communication indicating one or more of the following, transmitting a different signal to the locking mechanism of the buckle device to cause the locking mechanism to transition from the unlocked mode to the locked mode: the vehicle's transmission is shifted into a setting other than park, a door associated with the vehicle's operator seat is closed, a door associated with the buckle device is closed, a lock mode is selected for the locking mechanism of the buckle device via an infotainment unit associated with the vehicle, or a door associated with the buckle device has an engaged child lock mode.

[0021] In some embodiments, the step may further include receiving a communication indicating a state of one or more pre-holding conditions associated with a buckle device of an occupant restraint system. In additional or alternative embodiments, the step may further include determining that a pre-holding condition associated with the buckle device has been satisfied. In response to determining that a pre-holding condition associated with the buckle device has been satisfied, the step may further include transmitting a signal to a retention mechanism of each buckle device for which the pre-holding condition is determined to be satisfied and causing the retention mechanism to transition from a retention mode to a release mode. In the release mode, the retention mechanism may be configured to allow a latch to exit the buckle device when an exit force applied to the latch is less than a predetermined value and a locking mechanism is in an unlocked mode. The pre-holding condition may include one or more of the following: a door associated with an operator seat of the vehicle is opened, a door associated with the buckle device is opened, a door associated with the buckle device is approached by another occupant of the vehicle, a door associated with the buckle device has a disengaged child lock mode, or a release mode is selected for the retention mechanism of the buckle device via an infotainment unit associated with the vehicle.

[0022] In additional or alternative embodiments, the step may further include: in response to a communication indicating one or more of the following, transmitting a different signal to the buckle device to cause the retention mechanism to transition from the release mode to the retention mode: a retention mode is selected for the retention mechanism of the buckle device via an infotainment unit associated with the vehicle, the vehicle transitions from a closed setting to an open setting, the vehicle's transmission transitions to a setting other than park, a door associated with an operator seat of the vehicle is closed, a door associated with the buckle device is closed, or a door associated with the buckle device is in a child lock mode.

[0023] In additional or alternative aspects, the present disclosure relates to a system for operating a configurable buckle device. The system includes an occupant type identification module including instructions stored in at least one memory, the instructions executable by one or more processors to cause the occupant type identification module to determine a status of an occupant as an assisted occupant or a non-assisted occupant based on data indicative of one or more occupant qualities of an occupant sitting in a seat of a vehicle. The system further includes a locking mechanism control module including instructions stored in at least one memory, the instructions executable by one or more processors to cause the locking mechanism control module to transmit a signal to a locking mechanism of the configurable buckle device in response to a determination of an assisted occupant, such that the locking mechanism transitions from a locked mode to an unlocked mode. In the locked mode, the locking mechanism is fixed to a latch coupled to a seat belt webbing associated with the seat, and in the unlocked mode of the locking mechanism, the latch is removable from the locking mechanism.

[0024] In at least one embodiment, determining an occupant status as an assisted occupant or a non-assisted occupant can include instructions stored in a memory, the instructions being executable by a processor to cause an occupant type recognition module to utilize an artificial intelligence algorithm and determine the occupant status as an assisted occupant or a non-assisted occupant based on data indicative of an occupant quality of an occupant sitting in a seat of a vehicle. Additionally or alternatively, determining a status of a passenger as an assisted occupant can include determining that the occupant is one or more of a minor, a pet, incapacitated, or has a physical disability.

[0025] In some further or alternative embodiments, determining an occupant status as an assisted occupant or a non-assisted occupant can include instructions stored in a memory, the instructions being executable by a processor to cause an occupant type recognition module to compare data indicative of an occupant quality with a plurality of occupant profiles and identify an occupant profile associated with the data indicative of the occupant quality. The instructions executable by the processor can further cause the occupant type recognition module to determine the occupant status as an assisted occupant or a non-assisted occupant based on the data indicative of the occupant quality and an occupant behavior history indicated by the associated occupant profile. In some embodiments, the occupant behavior history can include data indicative of a door associated with the occupant of the occupant profile being in a child lock mode, a frequency of the door associated with the occupant of the occupant profile being in a child lock mode, a configurable buckle device associated with the occupant of the occupant profile being set to a locked mode selectable via an infotainment unit of the vehicle, or a frequency of the configurable buckle device associated with the occupant of the occupant profile being set to a locked mode selectable via an infotainment unit of the vehicle.

[0026] In some embodiments, the locking mechanism control module may further include instructions stored in a memory and executable by a processor to cause the locking mechanism control module to determine that one or more preconditions associated with the configurable buckle device of the seat have been met before transmitting a signal to the locking mechanism of the configurable buckle device to cause the locking mechanism to transition from a locked mode to an unlocked mode. Additionally or alternatively, the preconditions may include one or more of the following: the vehicle's transmission is shifted into a park setting, the vehicle is transitioned from an on setting to an off setting, the door associated with the vehicle's operator seat is opened, the door associated with the configurable buckle device is opened, the door associated with the configurable buckle device is approached by another occupant of the vehicle, or it is determined that the occupant restraint system for the vehicle can be safely disengaged. In some such embodiments or embodiments of different configurations, the locking mechanism control module may further include instructions stored in a memory and executable by a processor to cause the locking mechanism control module to transmit a different signal to the locking mechanism of the configurable buckle device to cause the locking mechanism to transition from an unlocked mode to a locked mode in response to determining that the assisted occupant and the vehicle's transmission have been shifted into a setting other than park, the door associated with the vehicle's operator seat is closed, or the door associated with the configurable buckle device is closed.

[0027] In at least some embodiments, the configurable buckle device may further include a retention mechanism that may operate with the latch such that in a retention mode, the retention mechanism is configured to cause the latch to be retained by the buckle device when an exit force applied to the latch is less than a predetermined value. Additionally or alternatively, when the retention mechanism is in the retention mode and the locking mechanism is in the unlocked mode, the retention mechanism may be configured to allow the latch to be removed from the configurable buckle device when the exit force applied to the latch is greater than the predetermined value. Additionally or alternatively, in a release mode of the retention mechanism, the retention mechanism may be configured to allow the latch to be removed from the configurable buckle device when the exit force applied to the latch is less than the predetermined value and the locking mechanism is in the unlocked mode.

[0028] In some embodiments, the occupant type identification module may further include instructions stored in a memory and executable by a processor to cause the occupant type identification module to determine an occupant status as a retained occupant or a non-retained occupant based on data indicative of an occupant's quality. In some such embodiments, the system may further include a retention mechanism control module that includes instructions stored in a memory and executable by a processor to cause the retention mechanism control module to transmit a signal to the retention mechanism of the configurable buckle device to cause the retention mechanism to transition from a retention mode to a release mode in response to the determination of a retained occupant.

[0029] In at least some embodiments, determining the status of an occupant as a restrained or unrestrained occupant may include instructions stored in a memory, the instructions executable by a processor to cause an occupant type identification module to compare data indicative of occupant qualities to a plurality of occupant profiles and identify the occupant profile associated with the data indicative of occupant qualities. In some such embodiments or embodiments of different configurations, the occupant type identification module may also include instructions stored in a memory, the instructions executable by a processor to cause the occupant type identification module to determine the occupant status as a restrained or unrestrained occupant based on the data indicative of occupant qualities and an occupant behavior history indicated by the associated occupant profile. The occupant behavior history may include data indicative of a door associated with the occupant of the occupant profile being in a child lock mode, a frequency that a door associated with the occupant of the occupant profile is in a child lock mode, a retention mechanism of an adjustable buckle device associated with the occupant of the occupant profile being set to a retention mode selectable via an in-vehicle infotainment unit, or a frequency that a retention mechanism of an adjustable buckle device associated with the occupant of the occupant profile is set to a retention mode selectable via an in-vehicle infotainment unit.

[0030] In some further or alternative embodiments, the retention mechanism control module may also include instructions stored in a memory, the instructions executable by a processor to cause the retention mechanism control module to determine that one or more pre-retention conditions associated with an adjustable buckle device of a seat have been satisfied before transmitting a signal to the retention mechanism of the adjustable buckle device to cause the retention mechanism to transition from a retention mode to a release mode. In some such embodiments, the pre-retention conditions may include one or more of the following: a door of the vehicle's operator seat being opened, a door associated with the adjustable buckle device being opened, or a door associated with the adjustable buckle device being approached by another occupant of the vehicle. In additional or alternative embodiments, the retention mechanism control module may also include instructions stored in a memory, the instructions executable by a processor to cause the retention mechanism control module to transmit a different signal to the retention mechanism of the adjustable buckle device to cause the retention mechanism to transition from a release mode to a retention mode in response to a determination of a restrained occupant and one or more of the vehicle transitioning from a closed setting to an open setting, the vehicle's transmission transitioning to a setting other than park, a door associated with the vehicle's operator seat being closed, or a door associated with the adjustable buckle device being closed.

[0031] In addition or alternatively, the present disclosure relates to a non-transitory computer-readable medium stored in at least one memory and executable by one or more processors to perform steps. One step includes receiving data indicative of one or more occupant qualities of an occupant sitting within a seat of a vehicle. A further step includes determining, based on the received data, an occupant status as an assisted occupant or a non-assisted occupant. Another step includes, in response to the determination of the assisted occupant, transmitting a signal to a locking mechanism of a configurable buckle device to cause the locking mechanism to transition from a locked mode to an unlocked mode, wherein, in the locked mode, the locking mechanism is secured to a latch coupled to a seat belt webbing associated with the seat; and in the unlocked mode, the latch is removable from the locking mechanism.

[0032] In some embodiments, determining the occupant status as an assisted occupant can include determining, based on the received data and using an artificial intelligence algorithm, the occupant status as an assisted occupant or a non-assisted occupant. Additionally or alternatively, determining the occupant status as an assisted occupant can include determining that the occupant is one or more of a minor, a pet, incapacitated, or has a physical disability. In further or alternative embodiments, determining the occupant status as an assisted occupant can include comparing the data indicative of the occupant qualities with a plurality of occupant profiles and identifying the occupant profile associated with the data indicative of the occupant qualities. In some such embodiments, determining the occupant status as an assisted occupant or a non-assisted occupant can be based on the data indicative of the occupant qualities and the occupant behavior history indicated by the associated occupant profile.

[0033] In additional or alternative embodiments, the configurable buckle device can further include a retention mechanism operable with the latch such that, in a retention mode, the retention mechanism is configured to cause the latch to be retained by the buckle device when an extraction force applied to the latch is less than a predetermined value. Further, when the retention mechanism is in the retention mode and the locking mechanism is in the unlocked mode, the retention mechanism can be configured to allow the latch to be removed from the buckle device when the extraction force applied to the latch is greater than the predetermined value. Additionally or alternatively, the steps can further include determining, based on the data indicative of the occupant qualities, an occupant status as a retained occupant or a non-retained occupant. The steps can further include, in response to the determination of the retained occupant, transmitting a signal to the retention mechanism of the configurable buckle device to cause the retention mechanism to transition from the retention mode to a release mode. In the release mode, the retention mechanism can be configured to allow the latch to be removed from the configurable buckle device when the extraction force applied to the latch is less than the predetermined value and the locking mechanism is in the unlocked mode. In further or alternative embodiments, determining the occupant status as a retained occupant or a non-retained occupant can include comparing the data indicative of the occupant qualities with a plurality of occupant profiles and identifying the occupant profile associated with the data indicative of the occupant qualities. The occupant status as a retained occupant or a non-retained occupant can be determined based on the data indicative of the occupant qualities and the occupant behavior history indicated by the associated occupant profile.

[0034] Embodiments of the present invention can include one or more or any combination of the above features and configurations.

[0035] Additional features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will be set forth in the detailed description of the illustrative embodiments below, and, for those skilled in the art, some of these features, aspects, and advantages will be apparent or will be recognized by practicing the present invention as described herein. It should be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description present various embodiments of the present invention and are intended to provide an overview or framework for understanding the nature and characteristics of the claimed invention. Drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the present invention, and these drawings are incorporated into the specification and form a part of this specification. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0036] A complete and enabling disclosure of the present invention, including the best mode thereof, for the ordinary skilled person in the art, is set forth in the specification with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0037] Figure 1 A perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of an occupant restraint system for a vehicle in accordance with aspects of the present subject matter is shown;

[0038] Figure 2 A perspective schematic view of an exemplary embodiment of a buckle device in accordance with aspects of the present subject matter is shown;

[0039] Figure 3 A perspective schematic view of another exemplary embodiment of a buckle device in accordance with aspects of the present subject matter is shown;

[0040] Figure 4 A perspective schematic view of another exemplary embodiment of a buckle device in accordance with aspects of the present subject matter is shown;

[0041] Figure 5 A schematic view of an exemplary embodiment of an occupant restraint system in accordance with aspects of the present subject matter is shown;

[0042] Figure 6 An exemplary embodiment of a method for controlling the operation of an occupant restraint system in accordance with aspects of the present subject matter is shown;

[0043] Figure 7 A schematic view of an exemplary embodiment of a system for operating a configurable buckle device in accordance with aspects of the present subject matter is shown;

[0044] Figure 8 An exemplary embodiment of a method for controlling a system for operating one or more configurable buckle devices for an occupant restraint system in accordance with aspects of the present subject matter is shown;

[0045] Figure 9 A schematic diagram showing an exemplary embodiment of a network of a cloud-based system for implementing various cloud-based services according to aspects of the present subject matter;

[0046] Figure 10 A schematic diagram showing an exemplary embodiment of a server according to aspects of the present subject matter, which can be used in Figure 9 a cloud-based system or used independently; and

[0047] Figure 11 A schematic diagram showing an exemplary embodiment of a user device according to aspects of the present subject matter, which can be used in Figure 9 a cloud-based system or used independently.

[0048] The repeated use of reference numerals in this specification and the drawings is intended to represent the same or similar features or elements of the present invention. Detailed Description

[0049] The present invention will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown. However, the present invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the representative embodiments set forth herein. Each example is provided for the purpose of explaining the present invention, not limiting the present invention. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, features shown or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. It is contemplated that other embodiments can perform similar functions and / or achieve similar results. Any and all such equivalent embodiments and examples are within the scope of the present invention and are intended to be covered by the appended claims.

[0050] Exemplary embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete and will fully convey the scope of the invention, enabling those of ordinary skill in the art to make, use, and practice the invention. The term "exemplary" as used herein means "serving as an example, instance, or illustration." Any embodiment described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations.

[0051] Unless otherwise specified herein, the terms "coupled," "fixed," "attached to," "communicatively coupled to," "operatively coupled to," etc. refer to direct coupling, fixing, attachment, communicative coupling, and operative coupling, as well as indirect coupling, fixing, attachment, communicative coupling, and operative coupling through one or more intermediate components or features. "Communicatively coupled to" and "operatively coupled to" can refer to physically and / or electrically related components.

[0052] As used herein, the terms "first," "second," and "third" may be used interchangeably to distinguish one component from another and are not intended to denote the position or importance of the respective components. Unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural referents.

[0053] The approximating language employed herein throughout the specification and claims is applied to modify any quantitative representation that could permit variation without resulting in a change in the basic function associated therewith. Accordingly, a value modified by one or more terms such as "about," "approximately," and "substantially" is not limited to the precise value specified. In at least some instances, the approximating language may correspond to the precision of the instrument used to measure the value, or the precision of the method or machine used to construct or manufacture the component and / or system. For example, the approximating language may refer to being within a margin of 1%, 2%, 4%, 10%, 15%, or 20%.

[0054] Herein and throughout the specification and claims, unless the context or language indicates otherwise, range limitations are combined and interchanged, and these ranges are identified and include all subranges subsumed therein. For example, all ranges disclosed herein include the endpoints, and the endpoints may be combined independently of one another.

[0055] Now specifically referring to Figure 1 , a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of an occupant restraint system for a vehicle in accordance with aspects of the present subject matter is shown. As shown, vehicle 10 (also see Figure 5 ) may generally include an occupant restraint system 100 and / or one or more buckle devices 16, as described herein. For example, the occupant restraint system 10 may include a buckle device 16 for each seat belt assembly 15 and a seat belt assembly 15 for each seat 11 disposed in the vehicle 10.

[0056] In some embodiments, the vehicle 10 may be an electric vehicle having electrical components (e.g., a battery) for propelling the vehicle 10. Alternatively, the vehicle 10 may be configured with a rear-mounted or front-mounted internal combustion engine. In other embodiments, the vehicle 10 may be configured as a hybrid vehicle driven by both gasoline and electricity. It should be understood that Figure 1 and Figure 5 the exemplary vehicle 10 depicted is merely an example, and in other exemplary embodiments, the vehicle 10 may have any other suitable configuration, including, for example, any other suitable number of seat rows, number of door rows, etc. Additionally or alternatively, in other exemplary embodiments, any other suitable power source may be provided. For example, the vehicle 10 may include a liquid hydrogen-powered engine, a gas turbine engine, an inboard motor, an outboard motor, etc.

[0057] While embodiments of vehicle 10 herein may be shown or described as motor vehicles, it should be understood that the present disclosure is equally applicable to any other form of transportation (e.g., trains, rotary-wing aircraft, fixed-wing aircraft, boats, buses, passenger rail cars, public transportation, amusement rides / carts, etc.) in which an occupant restraint system and / or buckle device is desired or required for occupant safety. In fact, aspects of the subject matter may be particularly applicable to transportation types in which a transportation assistant (e.g., a steward) is provided to assist passengers before, during, or after travel or movement in vehicle 10.

[0058] Regardless of the type, design, or model of the powertrain of vehicle 10, vehicle 10 may include an occupant restraint system 100 and / or a buckle device 16 as described herein. Now referring specifically to Figure 1 , in one exemplary embodiment, a seat belt assembly 15, when fastened, is disposed around a vehicle seat 11 and the waist, chest, and shoulders of a vehicle occupant sitting in seat 11, as is conventional for seat belt assemblies.

[0059] Generally, the seat belt assembly 15 may include a seat belt webbing (waist belt 12) that is coupled at one end to a body 13 of vehicle 10 on one side of seat 11 and at an opposite end to a buckle member latch (latch 14) configured to selectively engage a buckle device 16 disposed on the opposite side of seat 11. The latch 14 and the buckle device 16 form a detachable anchoring point for the seat belt assembly 15. At one end, the waist belt 12 is preferably coupled to a fixed or pivotable anchoring member 18 that is disposed along or projects from the floor of vehicle 10 adjacent to one side of the seat bottom 19 and / or seat base 21. Alternatively, the waist belt 12 can be directly or indirectly coupled to a retraction / tensioning device (described in more detail below) at this point. At the opposite end, the waist belt 12 is coupled to or passes through a body or slot that is formed into the latch 14, and the latch 14 includes a tab for firmly engaging the buckle device 16 by pushing a button or the like. The buckle device 16 is rigidly or pivotally disposed along or projects from the floor of vehicle 10 adjacent to the side of the seat bottom 19 and / or seat base 21 opposite the anchoring member 18. Also, the latch 14 and the buckle device 16 together form a detachable anchoring point when engaged with each other. In use, the waist belt 12 is configured to selectively span across the waist of the occupant. When the waist belt 12 passes through the latch 14 and / or is retractable, the length of the waist belt 12 can vary to comfortably accommodate different occupants. The waist belt 12 is made of a webbing material that receives and moderates the forces of braking and / or impact events, such as a polyester or nylon webbing material woven from warp and weft threads.

[0060] The seat belt assembly 15 generally also includes a shoulder belt 20 (e.g., a portion of the seat belt webbing that forms the lap belt 12 or a different seat belt webbing), the shoulder belt 20 being coupled at one end to the latch 14 and at an opposite end to the body of the vehicle 10 (e.g., a pillar 23, such as a B-pillar for a properly configured vehicle). The shoulder belt 20 can be configured to selectively span across the chest and shoulders of the occupant when fastened. Similarly, the shoulder belt 20 can include or be formed of webbing material (such as polyester or nylon webbing material) that receives and moderates the forces of a braking and / or impact event. Optionally, the lap belt 12 and the shoulder belt 20 are integrally formed and consist of a single piece of belt that passes through the latch 14 between the anchor member 18 and the pillar 23, such that both the lap belt 12 and the shoulder belt 20 can be adjusted to comfortably accommodate different occupants. In this case, the movement of the latch 14 along the single piece of belt is generally restricted to a range, and the latch 14 serves as what is ultimately referred to as the demarcation point between the lap belt 12 and the shoulder belt 20.

[0061] The opposite end of the shoulder belt 20 can be coupled to the body of the vehicle 10 (e.g., the pillar 23) via one or more of a routing device 22 and a retractor / tensioner device (seat belt retractor 24). For example, the shoulder belt 20 can first be received by the routing device 22 at a relatively high position along the pillar 23, such as adjacent the top of the seat back 25, the headrest 27, and the head of the occupant. The shoulder belt 20 can then be fed to the seat belt retractor 24 at a relatively low position along the pillar 23 or within the pillar 23 or along the body and / or floor of the vehicle 10. Alternatively, the routing device 22 and the seat belt retractor 24 can be integral or juxtaposed in an upper portion of the pillar 23. The seat belt retractor 24 is operable to unwind and wind up the seat belt webbing of the shoulder belt 20 when the seat belt assembly 15 is fastened and removed, and to restrict the unwinding (i.e., locking) of the seat belt webbing and / or the shoulder belt 20 during a braking and / or collision event. In various embodiments herein, the seat belt retractor 24 can provide tension on the seat belt webbing and / or the shoulder belt 20, the tension being sufficient to cause the seat belt webbing to retract into the seat belt retractor 24 when the latch 14 is not secured to the buckle device 16 and no other external force counteracts the tension provided by the seat belt retractor 24.

[0062] Optionally, the seat belt retractor 24 includes or is associated with a mechanical or pyrotechnic pretensioner 26 operable to remove slack from the seat belt webbing and / or shoulder belt 20 upon occurrence of a braking and / or collision event of the vehicle 10. Such pretensioners are well known to those of ordinary skill in the art. As described above, if an integral belt is used, all such pretensioners will act on both the lap belt 12 and the shoulder belt 20. Ultimately, when the seat belt retractor 24 and / or the pretensioner 26 is restricted or locked, the lap belt 12 exerts a binding force on the waist of the vehicle occupant, and the shoulder belt 20 exerts a binding force on the torso of the vehicle occupant, thereby firmly holding the vehicle occupant on the seat bottom 19 and the seat back 25, respectively.

[0063] Although the above-described seat belt assembly 15 is shown and described in the context of a three-point seat belt, it should be understood that additional or alternative configurations of the seat belt assembly 15 may be configured to include only a lap belt, only a shoulder belt, a seat center belt arrangement, a 5-point seat belt, and / or a 6-point harness. Additionally, different embodiments of the seat belt assembly may include additional or alternative buckle devices 16 and / or latches 14 suitable for the corresponding type of seat belt assembly 15.

[0064] Now referring Figures 2 - 4 to, a schematic diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a buckle device in accordance with aspects of the present subject matter is shown. One or more buckle devices 16 may be incorporated into the vehicle 10, as described above with reference to Figure 1 or alternatively may be integrated into any other suitable vehicle. For example, the buckle device 16 may be incorporated into the seat belt assembly 15 of the occupant restraint system 100 or one or more seat belt assemblies of a suitably configured occupant restraint system and / or vehicle. As shown, each buckle device 16 may include a locking mechanism 232 and a retaining mechanism 234 disposed within a housing 230 of the buckle device 16. Additionally, each buckle device 16 generally includes or defines an insertion slot 228 within the housing 230 such that the buckle device 16 can receive a latch 14 (e.g., the latch 14 or its flange, protrusion, etc.) of the associated seat belt assembly 15 within the insertion slot 228.

[0065] Still generally referring Figures 2 - 4 to, each buckle device 16 may include a locking mechanism 232 configured to operably and selectively engage with the latch 14 of the seat belt assembly 15. As described above with respect to Figure 1As explained and depicted, the latch 14 can be coupled to one or more seat belt webbings of the associated seat belt assembly 15 and / or the seat 11 (e.g., the lap belt 12 and / or the shoulder belt 20). Figures 2 - 4 The seat belt 12, 20 and the seat 11 are omitted in Figures 2 - 4 .

[0066] Various embodiments of the locking mechanism 232 can be configured to operate in at least two modes or configurations including a locking mode and / or an unlocking mode. In the locking mode of the locking mechanism 232, the latch 14 can be fixed to the locking mechanism 232, and in the unlocking mode, the latch 14 can be removed from the locking mechanism 232. More specifically, for at least some embodiments, the locking mechanism 232 can be operatively engaged with the latch 14 such that in the locking mode, the latch 14 is fixed within an insertion slot 228 defined in a housing 230 of the associated buckle device 14. In the unlocking mode, the locking mechanism 232 can allow the removal of the latch 14 from the insertion slot 228 of the housing 230 of the associated buckle device 14.

[0067] Exemplary configurations, components, etc. of the locking mechanism of the buckle device are described below, which can be used in association with embodiments of the buckle device 16 and / or the occupant restraint system 100 described herein. However, those skilled in the art will understand that the present disclosure is equally applicable to additional or alternative locking mechanisms 232 adapted to selectively fix the latch 14 to or within the buckle device 16. For example, some embodiments of the locking mechanism 232 can include one or more protrusions configured to operatively engage one or more apertures or notches defined in the latch 14. In the locking mode, the protrusions of the locking mechanism 232 can be received within the apertures and / or notches of the latch 14 and fixed relative to the housing 230 (e.g., a fixed position and / or orientation relative to the housing 230). Thus, when in the locking mode, the latch 14 can be fixed within the insertion slot 228 of the housing 230 of the buckle device 16. In the unlocking mode, the protrusions of the locking mechanism 232 can be released from and / or withdrawn from the apertures and / or notches of the latch 14, not fixed relative to the housing 230 of the buckle device 14 (e.g., allowing translation and / or rotation relative to the housing 230), or both. Thus, when in the unlocking mode and a sufficient withdrawal force (e.g., a withdrawal force opposite to the insertion force for inserting the latch 14 into the insertion slot 228) is applied to the latch 14, the latch 14 can be removed from the insertion slot 228 of the housing 230 of the buckle device 16.

[0068] Still referring generally to Figures 2 - 4, each buckle device 16 may include a retaining mechanism 234 configured to operably (optionally selectively) engage with the latch 14 of the seat belt assembly 15 to hold the latch 14 within the buckle device 16 when the withdrawal force is less than a predetermined value. Some embodiments of the retaining mechanism 234 may be configured to operate in at least two modes or configurations including a retaining mode and / or a release mode. Other embodiments of the retaining mechanism 234 may always operate with the latch 14 to hold the latch 14 when the latch 14 is inserted into the insertion slot 228. In other words, some embodiments of the retaining mechanism 234 may have only one mode, e.g., the retaining mode.

[0069] The retaining mechanism 234 is generally operable with the latch 14 such that in the retaining mode, the retaining mechanism 234 is configured such that when the withdrawal force applied to the latch 14 is less than a predetermined value, the latch 14 is held by the buckle device 16. For example, the retaining mechanism 234 may operate with the latch 14 such that in the retaining mode, the retaining mechanism 234 is configured such that when the withdrawal force applied to the latch 14 is less than a predetermined value, the latch 14 is held within the insertion slot 228 of the housing 230.

[0070] In some embodiments, when the retaining mechanism 234 is in the retaining mode and the locking mechanism 232 is in the unlocked mode, the retaining mechanism 234 may allow the latch 14 to be removed from the buckle device 16 when the withdrawal force applied to the latch 14 is greater than a predetermined value (or equal to the predetermined value in some embodiments). For example, when the retaining mechanism 234 is in the retaining mode and the locking mechanism 232 is in the unlocked mode, the retaining mechanism 234 may allow the latch 14 to exit from the insertion slot 228 of the housing 230 when the withdrawal force applied to the latch 14 is greater than a predetermined value. When in the retaining mode, the predetermined value of the withdrawal force sufficient to withdraw the latch 14 from the retaining mechanism 234 and / or the associated buckle device 16 may be greater than the tension provided by the seat belt retractor 24 on the seat belt webbing. Thus, when the retaining mechanism 234 is in the retaining mode, the tension provided by the seat belt retractor 24 on the seat belt webbing may be less than the withdrawal force required to remove the latch 14 from the retaining mechanism 234.

[0071] The retaining mechanism 234, in the release mode, can allow the latch 14 to be removed from the buckle device 16 when the withdrawal force applied to the latch 14 is less than a predetermined value and the locking mechanism 232 is in the unlocked mode. For example, in the release mode, when the withdrawal force applied to the latch 14 is less than a predetermined value and the locking mechanism 232 is in the unlocked mode, the retaining mechanism 234 can allow the latch 14 to exit from the insertion slot 228 of the housing 230. When the retaining mechanism 234 is in the release mode, the tension applied by the seat belt retractor 24 on the seat belt webbing can be sufficient to remove the latch 14 from the buckle device 16. Thus, when the locking mechanism 232 is in the unlocked mode and the retaining mechanism 234 is switched to the release mode, the tension provided by the seat belt retractor 24 can automatically withdraw the latch 14 from the retaining mechanism 234, the locking mechanism 232, the buckle device 16, and / or the insertion slot 228 of the housing 230. Subsequently, the tension provided by the seat belt retractor 24 on the seat belt webbing can cause the seat belt webbing to retract into the seat belt retractor 24, thereby releasing the occupant.

[0072] It should be understood that regardless of the mode of the retaining mechanism 234, when the withdrawal force applied to the latch 14 is greater than, equal to, or less than the predetermined value, the locking mechanism 232 will remain engaged, fixed, etc. with the latch 14 in the locked mode. Thus, when the locking mechanism 232 is in the locked mode, for any expected withdrawal force applied to the latch 14 (including the extreme withdrawal force associated with a collision and / or rapid deceleration of the vehicle 10), the latch 14 cannot be removed from the buckle device 16 and / or the insertion slot 228 of its housing 230.

[0073] Described below are exemplary configurations, components, etc. of the retaining mechanism of the buckle device, which can be used in association with the embodiments of the buckle device 16 and / or the occupant restraint system 100 described herein. However, those skilled in the art will understand that the present disclosure is equally applicable to additional or alternative retaining mechanisms adapted to passively or selectively retain the latch 14 within the buckle device 16 and / or its insertion slot 228 when the withdrawal force is less than the predetermined value.

[0074] In one example, the retaining mechanism 234 may also include one or more protrusions configured to operably engage one or more apertures or notches defined in the latch 14. In the retaining mode, the protrusions of the retaining mechanism 234 may be received within the apertures and / or notches of the latch 14. The protrusions of the retaining mechanism 234 may simply bias the latch 14 within the buckle device 16 and / or its insertion slot 228, rather than fixing it relative to the housing 230 when the locking mechanism 232 may be in the locked mode. In some such embodiments, the protrusions of the retaining mechanism 234 may be permitted to rotate relative to the housing 230 and include a biasing element (such as a spring) to provide a retaining force on the latch 14 that counteracts any withdrawal force and is sufficient to hold the protrusions of the retaining mechanism 234 within the apertures and / or notches of the latch 14 when the withdrawal force is less than a predetermined value. Thus, when the retaining mechanism 234 is in the retaining mode and the withdrawal force is less than the predetermined value, the latch 14 may be held within the insertion slot 228 of the housing 230 of the buckle device 16. In the release mode of such a retaining mechanism 234, the protrusions of the retaining mechanism 234 may be released / withdrawn from the apertures and / or notches of the latch 14, and the retaining force provided by the biasing element may be eliminated or reduced, or both. Thus, when a sufficient withdrawal force is applied to the latch (e.g., a withdrawal force less than the predetermined value as well as a greater withdrawal force), the retaining mechanism 234 is in the release mode, and the locking mechanism 232 is in the unlocked mode, the latch 14 may be released or withdrawn from the insertion slot 228 of the housing 230 of the buckle device 16.

[0075] In additional or alternative embodiments, the retaining mechanism 234 may include one or more retaining plates configured to operably engage the latch 14 (e.g., one or more faces or surfaces of the latch 14). In the retaining mode, the retaining plates of the retaining mechanism 234 may provide a retaining force via a friction fit with the latch 14. For example, the latch 14 may be sandwiched between two retaining plates or between a retaining plate and another face or surface of the buckle device 16. In some such embodiments, the biasing element may provide at least a portion of the retaining force and / or the friction fit with the latch 14. Thus, when the retaining mechanism 234 is in the retaining mode and the withdrawal force is less than the predetermined value, the latch 14 may be held within the insertion slot 228 of the housing 230 of the buckle device 16. In the release mode of such a retaining mechanism 234, the retaining plates of the retaining mechanism 234 may be released / withdrawn from the faces and / or surfaces of the latch 14, and the retaining force provided by the biasing element may be eliminated or reduced, or both. Thus, when a sufficient withdrawal force is applied to the latch (e.g., a withdrawal force less than the predetermined value as well as a greater withdrawal force), the retaining mechanism 234 is in the release mode, and the locking mechanism 232 is in the unlocked mode, the latch 14 may be released or withdrawn from the insertion slot 228 of the housing 230 of the buckle device 16.

[0076] In additional or alternative embodiments, the retention mechanism 234 can include one or more retention magnets (e.g., ferromagnetic materials, electromagnets, solenoids, magnets, etc.) configured to operatively engage one or more latch magnets of the latch 14. In the retention mode, the magnetic attraction between the retention magnet and the latch magnet can supply a retention force on the latch 14. Thus, when the retention mechanism 234 is in the retention mode and the egress force is less than a predetermined value, the latch 14 can be retained within the insertion slot 228 of the housing 230 of the buckle device 16. In some such embodiments, the retention magnet and the latch magnet can always supply a retention force on the latch 14 when the latch 14 is near the retention mechanism 234 and / or when the latch 14 is inserted into the insertion slot 228. Additional or alternative embodiments of the retention mechanism 234 can also include a release mode. In the release mode, the position, orientation, or magnetic field provided by the retention magnet can be changed to reduce and / or eliminate the magnetic attraction between the retention magnet and the latch magnet, thereby reducing or eliminating the retention force provided by the retention mechanism 234 on the latch 14. Thus, when a sufficient egress force (e.g., an egress force less than a predetermined value and a greater egress force) is applied to the latch, the retention mechanism 234 is in the release mode, and the locking mechanism 232 is in the unlocked mode, the latch 14 can be released or egressed from the insertion slot 228 of the housing 230 of the buckle device 16.

[0077] In additional or alternative embodiments (see, for example Figure 3 ), the retention mechanism 234 can be a component of the locking mechanism 232 or a joint locking and retention device / mechanism. In some embodiments, the retention mechanism 234 can provide a third mode, such as an unlocked and retained mode, for the locking mechanism 232 and / or the joint mechanism. In such embodiments, the locking mode of the locking mechanism 232 can operate as described above (e.g., the protrusion of the locking mechanism 232 can be received within the aperture and / or notch of the latch 14 and be fixed relative to the housing 230).

[0078] In the unlocked and retained mode, the protrusion of the locking mechanism 232 can simply bias the latch 14 within the buckle device 16 and / or its insertion slot 228. In some such embodiments, the protrusion can be permitted to rotate relative to the housing 230 and includes or is associated with a biasing element to provide a retaining force on the latch 14. Thus, when the locking mechanism 232 is in the unlocked and retained mode and the withdrawal force is less than a predetermined value, the latch 14 can be retained within the insertion slot 228 of the housing 230 of the buckle device 16. In additional or alternative such embodiments, the retaining mechanism 234 can provide a fourth mode for the locking mechanism 232 and / or the joint mechanism, such as an unlocked and released mode. In the unlocked and released mode, the protrusion of the locking mechanism 232 can release / withdraw from the aperture and / or notch of the latch 14, the retaining force provided by the biasing element can be eliminated or reduced, or both. Thus, when a sufficient withdrawal force (e.g., a withdrawal force less than a predetermined value as well as a greater withdrawal force) is applied to the latch 14 when the locking mechanism 232 and / or the joint mechanism is in the unlocked and released mode, the latch 14 is released or withdrawn from the insertion slot 228 of the housing 230 of the buckle device 16.

[0079] It should be understood that, as used herein, transitioning the retaining mechanism 234 between the retained mode and the released mode can additionally or alternatively refer to transitioning the locking mechanism 232 and / or the joint mechanism between the unlocked and retained mode and the unlocked and released mode.

[0080] Referring again generally to Figures 2 - 4 , the buckle device 16 can include a conventional release element 240. As shown, the release element 240 can be at least partially disposed within the housing 230 and is mechanically coupled to the locking mechanism 232 (see mechanical linkage 233). The release element 240 can be selectable to transition the locking mechanism 232 from the locked mode to the unlocked mode. In some embodiments and as Figure 2 and Figure 4 shown, the release element 240 can be mechanically coupled to the retaining mechanism 234 (see mechanical linkage 235) to transition the retaining mechanism 234 from the retained mode to the released mode. In some embodiments and as Figure 3 shown, the release element 240 can be mechanically coupled to the locking mechanism 232 and / or the joint mechanism (see mechanical linkage 233). In such a configuration, the release element 240 can be selectable to transition the locking mechanism 232 and / or the joint mechanism from the locked mode and / or the unlocked and retained mode to the unlocked and released mode.

[0081] In various embodiments, the buckle device 16 is operable to cause the locking mechanism 232 and / or the retaining mechanism 234 to transition between their respective operating modes in response to the insertion of the latch 14. For example, the insertion of the latch 14 within the insertion slot 228 can transition the locking mechanism 232 from an unlocked mode to a locked mode. Additionally or alternatively, the insertion of the latch 14 within the insertion slot 228 can transition the retaining mechanism 234 from a released mode to a retained mode.

[0082] As shown, the occupant restraint system 100 can further include a control unit 242 (e.g., an electronic control unit, a plurality of associated control units, and / or a combination of one or more processing devices and at least one memory or memory device as described herein), the control unit 242 being communicatively coupled to the buckle device 16 and configured to direct the operation of one or more components, mechanisms, etc. of the buckle device 16. Although a single control unit 242 is shown for simplicity in Figures 2 - 4 it should be understood that the control unit 242 can include a plurality of associated control units that together are configured to provide operable control of the buckle device 16, as described in more detail below. In some embodiments and as shown, the control unit 242 can include one or more external devices 243 (e.g., a mobile device, a cellular phone, etc.) or be communicatively coupled with one or more external devices 243 (e.g., a mobile device, a cellular phone, etc.). The mobile device 243 can transmit an input to the control unit 242 for controlling the operation of the buckle device 16.

[0083] As Figures 2 - 4 further shown, the locking mechanism 232 can transition from a locked mode to an unlocked mode in response to a signal (e.g., an electrical signal, a modulated power source, etc.) transmitted to the locking mechanism 232. For example, the buckle device 16 can further include a locking actuator 236 operably coupled to the locking mechanism 232. The locking actuator 236 can transition the locking mechanism 232 from a locked mode to an unlocked mode in response to a signal transmitted to the locking mechanism 232. Additionally or alternatively, the locking actuator 236 can transition the locking mechanism 232 from an unlocked mode to a locked mode in response to a different signal transmitted to the locking mechanism 232. The locking actuator 236 can include one or more linear actuators, rotary actuators, piezoelectric motors, amplified piezoelectric actuators, servo motors, shape memory alloy actuators, etc.

[0084] In some embodiments and as Figure 4As shown in the exemplary embodiments, the retention mechanism 234 can transition from a retention mode to a release mode in response to a signal transmitted to the retention mechanism 234. For example, the buckle device 16 can include a retention actuator 438 operatively coupled to the retention mechanism 234. The retention actuator 438 can transition the retention mechanism 234 from a retention mode to a release mode in response to a signal transmitted to the retention mechanism 234. Additionally or alternatively, the retention actuator 438 can transition the retention mechanism 234 from a release mode to a retention mode in response to a different signal transmitted to the retention mechanism 234. The retention actuator 438 can include one or more linear actuators, rotary actuators, piezoelectric motors, amplified piezoelectric actuators, servo motors, shape memory alloy actuators, and the like.

[0085] Now referring to Figure 5 , a schematic illustration of an exemplary embodiment of an occupant restraint system in accordance with aspects of the present subject matter is shown. The occupant restraint system 100 can include one or more seat belt assemblies configured to be the same as or similar to one or more of the seat belt assemblies 15 described with respect to Figures 1 - 4 or a seat belt assembly 15 that is appropriately configured. Although Figure 5 the occupant restraint system 100 shows an exemplary number of seat belt assemblies 15 and associated components (e.g., seat 11, buckle device 16), the occupant restraint system 100 can include any other suitable seat belt assemblies 15, number of seats, seat rows, seats per row, doors, rows of doors, etc. Additionally and as shown, each seat belt assembly 15 can include a buckle device 16 (e.g., any of the buckle devices 16 described with respect to Figures 2 - 4 , other appropriately configured buckle devices, the same configured buckle device 16 for each seat belt assembly 15, or different configured buckle devices 16 for at least two seat belt assemblies 15). For example, each buckle device 16 can include a locking mechanism 232 and / or a retention mechanism 234 (each is omitted for clarity from Figure 5 ).

[0086] As shown, the control unit 242 can provide operational control of the buckle devices 16 of the occupant restraint system 100 and can be communicatively coupled to various additional or alternative components of the vehicle 10, as described in more detail below. Although Figure 5 some of the communication links in

[0087] By applying appropriate algorithms in the control unit 242, the occupant restraint system 100 can be integrated with the rest of the vehicle system, having inputs / outputs to / from the vehicle transmission 544, the vehicle power supply 546, an infotainment unit or system (infotainment unit 548), one or more door mechanisms 550, and / or one or more occupant sensors 552 (e.g., an interior occupant sensor 552A and / or an exterior occupant sensor 552B), and / or one or more external devices 243 (such as a mobile phone), where one or more external devices 243 include mobile and / or cloud applications configured to provide external information to the control unit 242, such as occupant profile information and / or instructions associated with an occupant identification module / method, as described in more detail herein. In some embodiments, in addition to controlling the operation of the buckle device 16 in the occupant restraint system 100, the control unit 242 can also provide useful information to the driver, directly to the infotainment unit 548 (such as its display) or the external device 243 (such as its user interface 545). The user interface 545 of the external device 243 and / or the infotainment unit 548 can include one or more buttons, switches, touchscreen capabilities, etc., which allow a user, occupant, operator, etc. to at least partially convey an input to the control unit 242 for controlling the operation of the occupant restraint system 100 and / or the buckle device 16.

[0088] As shown, the occupant restraint system 100 can include one or more door mechanisms 550, such as one door mechanism 550 associated with each door of the vehicle 10 and / or one door mechanism 550 for each door associated with one or more seat belt assemblies 15. Some embodiments of the door mechanism 550 can include sensors, circuits, etc. adapted to convey a signal indicating whether the associated door is open or closed. Additionally or alternatively, embodiments of the door mechanism 550 can include sensors, circuits, etc. adapted to convey a signal indicating whether a child lock mode or mechanism (e.g., a manually actuated mechanical child lock or an electronically controlled child lock mechanism) of the associated door is engaged or disengaged. Some embodiments of the door mechanism 550 can include a child lock actuator that can be controlled by the control unit 242 to transition the child lock actuator between an engaged mode and a disengaged mode based on an input received by the control unit 242 (e.g., provided by the infotainment unit 548 and / or the external device 243). As shown, the occupant restraint system 100 can include one or more interior occupant sensors 552A, such as one or more interior occupant sensors 552A associated with each seat 11 of the vehicle 10 and / or one or more interior occupant sensors 552A for each seat associated with one or more seat belt assemblies 15.

[0089] The interior occupant sensor 552A can generally be configured to transmit one or more signals that indicate one or more qualities of an occupant sitting in the seat of the associated seat belt assembly 15 (e.g., height; skin color; hair color, hair length, hairstyle, or degree of baldness; clothing style; occupant voice and / or speech pattern; occupant weight or BMI estimate; occupant behavior; occupant physical challenges, disabilities, assistive technologies, injuries, etc.; the state of the occupant as injured, intoxicated, moderately to highly medicated, etc.; and / or whether one or both of the occupant's hands are free or available for interaction with the associated seat belt assembly 15); and / or the identity of the occupant. The interior occupant sensor 552A can include, but is not limited to, one or more audio sensors, optical sensors, radar sensors, LIDAR sensors, infrared sensors, other sensors adapted to transmit and / or receive suitable electromagnetic signals / waves, acoustic sensors, RFID transceivers / receivers, proximity sensors, weight sensors (e.g., weight sensors embedded or disposed in association with the seat 11), etc.

[0090] In some additional or alternative embodiments, the occupant restraint system 100 can include one or more exterior occupant sensors 552B, such as one or more exterior occupant sensors 552B associated with each door of the vehicle 10 and / or one or more exterior occupant sensors 552B for each door associated with one or more seat belt assemblies 15. The exterior occupant sensors 552B can generally be configured to transmit one or more signals indicating, but not limited to, that an occupant has approached the associated door; one or more qualities of the occupant near the door (e.g., height; skin color; hair color, hair length, hairstyle, or degree of baldness; clothing style; occupant voice and / or speech pattern; occupant weight or BMI estimate; occupant behavior; occupant physical disabilities, challenges, assistive technologies, injuries, etc.; the state of the occupant as injured, intoxicated, moderately to highly medicated, etc.; and / or whether one or both of the occupant's hands are free or available for interaction with the associated seat belt assembly 15); and / or the identity of the occupant. The exterior occupant sensors 552B can include, but are not limited to, one or more audio sensors, optical sensors, radar sensors, LIDAR sensors, infrared sensors, other sensors adapted to transmit and / or receive suitable electromagnetic signals / waves, acoustic sensors, RFID transceivers / receivers, proximity sensors, etc.

[0091] The control unit 242 can transmit a signal to the locking actuator 236 of the associated locking mechanism 232 in response to communication indicating that one or more preconditions associated with the buckle device 16 have been satisfied, to cause the locking mechanism 232 to transition from a locked mode to an unlocked mode. In some embodiments, the preconditions can include one or more of the following: the transmission 544 of the vehicle 10 is transitioned to a park setting, the vehicle 10 is transitioned from an on setting to an off setting (e.g., fully off, low power accessory mode or setting and / or high power accessory mode or setting), the door associated with the operator seat 11 of the vehicle 10 is opened, the door associated with the buckle device 16 is opened, the door associated with the buckle device 16 is approached by another occupant of the vehicle 10, the door associated with the buckle device 16 has a disengaged child lock mode, an unlock mode is selected for the seat belt assembly 15 and / or the associated locking mechanism 232 of the buckle device 16 via the infotainment unit 548 associated with the vehicle 10 and / or an external device 243, or it is determined that the occupant restraint system 100 for the vehicle 10 can be safely disengaged (e.g., the control unit 242 can determine that the vehicle 10 is not indicated to be upside down by one or more accelerometers, gyroscopes, etc. before transitioning the locking mechanism 232 from the locked mode to the unlocked mode).

[0092] Additionally or alternatively, the control unit 242 can transmit a different signal to the locking actuator 236 of the associated locking mechanism 232 in response to communication indicating one or more of the following: the transmission 544 of the vehicle 10 is transitioned to a setting other than park, the door associated with the operator seat 11 of the vehicle 10 is closed, the door associated with the buckle device 16 is closed, a lock mode is selected for the seat belt assembly 15 and / or the associated locking mechanism 232 of the buckle device 16 via the infotainment unit 548 associated with the vehicle 10 and / or an external device 243, or the door associated with the buckle device 16 has an engaged child lock mode.

[0093] Further or alternatively, the control unit 242 can transmit a signal to the holding actuator 438 of the associated holding mechanism 234 in response to communication indicating that one or more pre - holding conditions associated with the buckle device 16 have been satisfied, to cause the holding mechanism 234 to transition from a holding mode to a release mode. In some embodiments, the pre - holding conditions can include one or more of the following: the door associated with the operator seat 11 of the vehicle 10 is opened, the door associated with the buckle device 16 is opened, the door associated with the buckle device 16 is approached by another occupant of the vehicle 10, the door associated with the buckle device 16 has a disengaged child lock mode, or a release mode is selected for the seat belt assembly 15 and / or the associated holding mechanism 234 of the buckle device 16 via the infotainment unit 548 associated with the vehicle 10 and / or an external device 243.

[0094] Additionally or alternatively, in response to indicating one or more of the following: selection of a retention mode of the associated retention mechanism 234 of the seat belt assembly 15 and / or buckle device 16 via the infotainment unit 548 associated with the vehicle 10 and / or an external device 243; the vehicle 10 transitioning from a closed setting to an open setting; the transmission 544 of the vehicle 10 transitioning to a setting other than park; a door associated with the operator seat 11 of the vehicle 10 being closed; a door associated with the buckle device 16 being closed; or a door associated with the buckle device 16 being in child lock mode, the control unit 242 may transmit different signals to the retention actuator 438 of the associated retention mechanism 234 to cause the retention mechanism 234 to transition from a release mode to a retention mode.

[0095] Now referring to Figure 6 , an exemplary embodiment of a method for controlling the operation of an occupant restraint system in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure is shown. The method or process (method 654) may be implemented using or incorporating embodiments of the occupant restraint system 100, vehicle 10, and / or buckle device 16 or other similarly or appropriately configured occupant restraint systems, vehicles, and buckle devices described herein. For some embodiments, the steps and / or elements (steps) of method 654 may include receiving a communication indicating the status of a prerequisite associated with the buckle device of the occupant restraint system.

[0096] As shown and for some embodiments, these steps include determining that one or more prerequisites associated with the buckle device of the occupant restraint system have been satisfied (step 656), as described herein. The steps may further include: in response to determining that the prerequisite associated with the buckle device has been satisfied, transmitting a signal indicating that the prerequisite has been satisfied to the locking mechanism of each buckle device and causing the locking mechanism to transition from a locked mode to an unlocked mode (step 658). In additional or alternative embodiments, the steps may further include: in response to a communication indicating one or more of the following, transmitting a different signal to the locking mechanism of the buckle device to cause the locking mechanism to transition from an unlocked mode to a locked mode: the transmission of the vehicle is transitioned to a setting other than park; a door associated with the operator seat of the vehicle is closed; a door associated with the buckle device is closed; selection of a locked mode for the associated locking mechanism of the seat belt assembly and / or buckle device via the infotainment unit and / or one or more external devices associated with the vehicle, or a door associated with the buckle device has an engaged child lock mode.

[0097] In some embodiments, the step may further include receiving a communication indicating a state of one or more pre - hold conditions associated with a buckle device of an occupant restraint system. In additional or alternative embodiments, the step may further include determining that a pre - hold condition associated with the buckle device has been satisfied, as described herein. In further or alternative embodiments, the step may include, in response to determining that one or more pre - hold conditions associated with the buckle device have been satisfied, transmitting a signal determined to satisfy the one or more pre - hold conditions to a retention mechanism of the associated buckle device and causing the retention mechanism to transition from a retention mode to a release mode, as described herein. In additional or alternative embodiments, the step may further include: in response to a communication indicating one or more of the following, transmitting a different signal to the associated retention mechanism to cause the associated retention mechanism to transition from a release mode to a retention mode: selecting a retention mode for a seat belt assembly and / or an associated retention mechanism of a buckle device via an infotainment unit associated with the vehicle and / or an external device, the vehicle transitioning from a closed setting to an on setting, the vehicle's transmission transitioning to a setting other than park, a door associated with the operator's seat of the vehicle being closed, a door associated with the buckle device being closed, or a door associated with the buckle device being in a child - lock mode,

[0098] Figure 7 FIG. shows a schematic diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a system for operating a configurable buckle device and / or an occupant restraint system in accordance with aspects of the present subject matter. Now with reference to Figure 5 reference Figure 7 , system 760 can be used to control the occupant restraint system 100, vehicle 10, and / or configurable buckle device (e.g., any of the buckle devices 16 described with respect to Figures 2 - 4 the same configuration of the buckle device 16 for each seat 11 and / or seat belt assembly 15, or different configurations of the buckle device 16 for at least two seats 11 and / or seat belt assemblies 15) or other similar or suitable configured embodiments of occupant restraint systems, vehicles, and buckle devices or associated therewith. System 760 may include one or more modules that include instructions stored in at least one memory and executable by one or more processors to cause the processor to implement steps, method components, etc., as described herein.

[0099] As shown, system 760 may include an occupant type identification module and / or method (occupant type identification module 762) configured to be based on one or more occupant qualities indicating an occupant sitting in, about to sit in, a seat 11 of the vehicle 10 and / or an occupant associated with the seat 11 of the vehicle 10 (e.g., Figure 7The occupant quality input 764) is used to determine the corresponding occupant status as an assisted occupant or a non-assisted occupant. Additionally or alternatively, determining the status of an occupant as an assisted occupant may include determining that the occupant is one or more of a minor, a pet, incapacitated, or has a physical defect. Generally, the assisted occupant status indicates that the corresponding occupant may have difficulty or be unable to reach or manually operate the buckle device 16. In some embodiments, the assisted occupant status may indicate that the corresponding occupant may attempt to escape the vehicle 10 without the permission of an associated guardian (e.g., for a noisy child), owner (e.g., for a pet), assistant, the operator of the vehicle 10, and / or other occupants of the vehicle 10. In additional or alternative embodiments, the assisted occupant status may indicate that an associated guardian, owner, assistant, the operator of the vehicle 10, and / or other occupants of the vehicle 10 may have difficulty or be unable to reach or manually operate the buckle device 16. For example, a parent or guardian suffering from a permanent or temporary injury and / or defect may find it extremely challenging or impossible to reach across the child in the seat 11 to manually unlock the associated buckle device 16.

[0100] In some alternative or additional embodiments, the occupant type identification module 762 may be configured to determine the status of an occupant sitting in, about to sit in, and / or associated with the seat 11 of the vehicle 10 as a restrained occupant or a non-restrained occupant based on the data 764 indicative of the occupant quality. Additionally or alternatively, determining the status of an occupant as a restrained occupant may include determining that the occupant is one or more of a minor, a pet, incapacitated, or has a physical defect. Generally, the restrained occupant status indicates that the corresponding occupant may have difficulty or be unable to manually pull the associated latch 14 from the associated buckle device 16 and / or pull the seat belt webbing across his / her / its body to an extent sufficient to allow the seat belt webbing to be tightened within the seat belt retractor 24.

[0101] In some embodiments, the restrained occupant status may indicate that the corresponding occupant may have difficulty or be unable to pull the seat belt webbing from the seat belt retractor 24, pull the seat belt webbing across his / her / its body to an extent sufficient to allow the latch 14 to be inserted into the associated buckle device 16, and / or insert the latch 14 into the insertion slot 228 of the buckle device 16. Thus and in some embodiments, the restrained occupant status may indicate that the corresponding occupant, the associated guardian, assistant, the operator of the vehicle 10, and / or other occupants of the vehicle 10 desire or require the corresponding occupant to remain seated in the seat 11 and the associated latch 14 to remain in the insertion slot 228 of the associated buckle device 16. Accordingly, the locking mechanism 232 of the associated buckle device 16 does not have to manually reinsert or reposition the associated latch 14 in the buckle device 16 and / or its insertion slot 228 to transition from the unlocked mode to the locked mode. It should be understood that parents, guardians, etc. suffering from permanent or temporary injuries and / or disabilities may find it extremely challenging or impossible to pull the latch 14 and the associated seat belt webbing across the occupant in the seat 11 to manually reinsert the latch 14 into the associated buckle device 16.

[0102] As shown, data 764 indicative of occupant quality may be transmitted to the occupant type identification module 762. As described above with respect to Figure 5 that, the data 764 may be transmitted from one or more of the occupant sensors 552 (e.g., one or more interior occupant sensors 552A and / or exterior occupant sensors 552B), one or more of the door mechanisms 550 (e.g., sensors or circuits indicative of the mode of the associated child lock), the infotainment unit 548, and / or one or more of the (multiple) external devices 243. In at least one embodiment, the occupant identification module may include or be associated with one or more artificial intelligence programs. For example, determining the occupant status as an assisted occupant or a non-assisted occupant may include using an artificial intelligence algorithm and determining the occupant status as an assisted occupant or a non-assisted occupant based on the data 764 indicative of the occupant quality of the occupant sitting in the seat 11 of the vehicle 10. Additionally or alternatively, determining the occupant status as a restrained occupant or a non-restrained occupant may include using an artificial intelligence algorithm and determining the occupant status as a restrained occupant or a non-restrained occupant based on the data 764 indicative of the occupant quality of the occupant sitting in the seat 11 of the vehicle 10.

[0103] Artificial intelligence algorithms can include one or more algorithms, programs, modules, etc. suitable for simulating intelligent human behavior or performing tasks that have historically required human implementation. For example, artificial intelligence algorithms can include, but are not limited to, one or more of machine learning algorithms, artificial neural networks, recurrent artificial neural networks, feedforward neural networks, convolutional neural networks, recurrent neural networks, deep neural networks, long short-term memory networks, inductive logic programming algorithms, support vector machines, clustering algorithms, Bayesian networks, reinforcement learning algorithms, representation learning algorithms, similarity and metric learning algorithms, sparse dictionary learning algorithms, genetic algorithms, k-nearest neighbor (KNN) algorithms, decision tree learning algorithms, association rule learning algorithms, etc. Some of the artificial intelligence algorithms described herein can be trained (via supervised or unsupervised training processes) based on training data provided to the artificial intelligence algorithm. Thus, artificial intelligence algorithms can generally be used to determine the occupant status as an assisted or non-assisted occupant and / or the status of the occupant as held or not held at least in part based on data 764 indicative of occupant quality.

[0104] As Figure 7 shown and for some embodiments, the occupant type recognition module 762 can be communicatively coupled to an occupant profile repository 763 (e.g., stored in one or more memories, memory devices, etc. as described herein). The occupant profile repository 763 can include data associated with a plurality of occupant profiles 765. Although for illustrative purposes, three occupant profiles 765 are included in Figure 7 it should be understood that the occupant profile repository 763 can include data associated with many additional occupant profiles 765 or fewer occupant profiles 765. In some embodiments, the occupant profile repository 763 can include only data of occupant profiles 765 associated with the vehicle 10 and / or with the operator, owner, etc. of the vehicle 10. However, the occupant repository 763 can include occupant profiles 765 associated with different vehicles 10 and / or different operators, owners, etc. For example, some embodiments of the system 760 can allow access to the occupant quality of guest occupants of different vehicles indicated by the occupant profiles 765 of the guest occupants and stored in a combined or master occupant profile repository 763. In some additional or alternative embodiments, the occupant quality data and / or the occupant quality data associated with the occupant profiles 765 stored in the occupant profile repository 763 can be used to train a suitable artificial intelligence algorithm of the occupant recognition module 762.

[0105] In some embodiments, the occupant type recognition module 762 may compare data 764 indicative of occupant quality with a plurality of occupant profiles 765 and identify the occupant profile 765 associated with the data 764 indicative of occupant quality to determine whether the occupant status is an assisted occupant or a non-assisted occupant. For example, the occupant type recognition module 762 may determine whether the occupant status is an assisted occupant or a non-assisted occupant based on the data 764 indicative of occupant quality and the occupant behavior history indicated by the occupant profile 765 identified as being associated with the corresponding occupant. In some further or alternative configurations, the occupant type recognition module 762 may utilize the identified occupant profile 765 to determine whether the occupant status is a retained occupant or a non-retained occupant. For example, the occupant type recognition module 762 may determine whether the occupant status is a retained occupant or a non-retained occupant based on the data 764 indicative of occupant quality and the occupant behavior history indicated by the occupant profile 765 identified as being associated with the corresponding occupant.

[0106] In some embodiments, the data of the occupant behavior history indicated by the occupant profile 765 may include data indicative of: the door associated with the occupant of the occupant profile 765 being in a child lock mode, the frequency of the door associated with the occupant of the occupant profile 765 being in a child lock mode, the buckle device 16 associated with the occupant of the occupant profile 765 being set to a locked mode selectable via the infotainment unit 548 of the vehicle 10 and / or an external device 243, the frequency of the buckle device 16 associated with the occupant of the occupant profile 765 being set to a locked mode selectable via the infotainment unit 548 of the vehicle 10 and / or an external device 243, the retaining mechanism 234 of the buckle device 16 associated with the occupant of the occupant profile 765 being set to a retaining mode selectable via the infotainment unit 548 of the vehicle 10 and / or an external device 243, the frequency of the retaining mechanism 234 of the buckle device 16 associated with the occupant of the occupant profile 765 being set to a retaining mode selectable via the infotainment unit 548 of the vehicle 10 and / or an external device 243, or the previously determined occupant quality of the occupant associated with the occupant profile 765.

[0107] However, it should be understood that one or more of the occupant profiles 765 may indicate a previously determined or designated status of the associated occupant as an assisted occupant, a non-assisted occupant, a retained occupant, and / or a non-retained occupant. Thus, and in some embodiments, the identification of the occupant profile 765 associated with a particular occupant may be sufficient to determine the status of the particular occupant as an assisted or non-assisted occupant and / or as a retained or non-retained occupant.

[0108] Now refer to Figure 5 and Figure 7 , in conjunction with Figures 2 - 4For any buckle device 16 or similarly or suitably configured buckle device, the system 760 may also include a locking mechanism control module and / or method (locking mechanism control module 766), which is configured to, in response to the determination of an assisted occupant, transmit a signal (see, for example Figure 7 the locking output 768) to the locking mechanism 232 of the buckle device 16 to cause the locking mechanism 232 to transition from a locked mode to an unlocked mode, as described herein.

[0109] In some embodiments, the locking mechanism control module 766 may also be configured to determine that one or more preconditions associated with the buckle device 16 of the seat 11 and / or the seat belt assembly 15 have been met (as indicated by the locking precondition input 770) before transmitting a signal (e.g., the locking output 768) to the locking mechanism 232 of the buckle device 16 to cause the locking mechanism 232 to transition from a locked mode to an unlocked mode, as described herein. As described above with respect to Figure 5 described, the data 770 may be transmitted from one or more of the occupant sensors 552 (e.g., one or more internal occupant sensors 552A and / or external occupant sensors 552B), one or more of the door mechanisms 550, the infotainment unit 548, the external device 243, the vehicle power supply 546, and / or the vehicle transmission 544. In some embodiments, the preconditions may include one or more of the following: the transmission 544 of the vehicle 10 is shifted into a park setting, the vehicle 10 is transitioned from an on setting to an off setting, the door associated with the operator seat 11 of the vehicle 10 is opened, the door associated with the buckle device 16 is opened, the door associated with the buckle device 16 is approached by another occupant of the vehicle 10, or it is determined that the occupant restraint system 100 for the vehicle 10 can be safely disengaged (e.g., before transitioning the locking mechanism 232 from a locked mode to an unlocked mode, the control unit 242 may determine that the vehicle is not inverted as indicated by one or more accelerometers, gyroscopes, etc.).

[0110] In some such embodiments or embodiments of different configurations, the locking mechanism control module 766 may transmit one or more different signals (also as indicated, for example, by Figure 7 the locking output 768) to the locking mechanism 232 of the buckle device 16 in response to determining that one or more of the assisted occupant and the transmission 544 of the vehicle 10 have been shifted into a setting other than park, the door associated with the operator seat 11 of the vehicle 10 is closed, or the door associated with the buckle device 16 is closed, to cause the locking mechanism 232 to transition from an unlocked mode to a locked mode.

[0111] Referring again to Figure 5 and Figure 7 in combination with Figures 2 - 4For any of the buckle devices 16 or similarly or suitably configured buckle devices, the system 760 may also include a retention mechanism control module and / or method (retention mechanism control module 772), the retention mechanism control module and / or method being configured to transmit a signal (see, e.g., Figure 7 the retention output 774) to the retention mechanism 234 of the buckle device 16 to cause the retention mechanism 234 to transition from a retention mode to a release mode, as described herein.

[0112] In some further or alternative embodiments, the retention mechanism control module 772 may be configured to determine that one or more pre-retention conditions associated with the buckle device 16 of the seat 11 and / or the seat belt assembly 15 have been satisfied (as indicated by the pre-retention condition input 776) before transmitting a signal (e.g., the retention output 774) to the retention mechanism 234 of the buckle device 16 to cause the retention mechanism 234 to transition from a retention mode to a release mode, as described herein. As described above with respect to Figure 5 described, the data 776 may be transmitted from one or more of the occupant sensors 552 (e.g., one or more interior occupant sensors 552A and / or exterior occupant sensors 552B), one or more of the door mechanisms 550, the infotainment unit 548, the external device 243, the vehicle power supply 546, and / or the vehicle transmission 544. In some such embodiments, the pre-retention conditions may include one or more of the following: the door associated with the operator seat 11 of the vehicle 10 is opened, the door associated with the buckle device 16 is opened, or the door associated with the buckle device 16 is approached by another occupant of the vehicle 10.

[0113] In additional or alternative embodiments, the retention mechanism control module 772 may be configured to transmit one or more different signals (also as represented, e.g., Figure 7 by the retention output 774) to the retention mechanism 234 of the buckle device 16 in response to the determination of the retained occupant and one or more of the vehicle 10 transitioning from a closed setting to an open setting, the transmission 544 of the vehicle 10 transitioning to a setting other than park, the door associated with the operator seat 11 of the vehicle 10 being closed, or the door associated with the buckle device 16 being closed, to cause the retention mechanism 234 to transition from a release mode to a retention mode.

[0114] Now referring to Figure 8, which shows an exemplary embodiment of a method for a system that controls one or more configurable buckle devices used to operate an occupant restraint system. The method or process (Method 878) may be implemented using or incorporating embodiments of the systems for operating / controlling configurable buckle devices or occupant restraint systems, occupant restraint system 100, vehicle 10, and / or buckle device 16, or other similarly or appropriately configured occupant restraint systems, vehicles, buckle devices, and / or systems for operating / controlling them as described herein. For some embodiments and as shown, the steps and / or elements (steps) of Method 878 may include receiving data indicative of one or more occupant qualities of an occupant sitting in a vehicle seat (Step 880), as described herein.

[0115] As shown in Step 882, Method 878 may include determining whether the occupant status is an assisted occupant or a non-assisted occupant based on the received data, as described herein. Additionally or alternatively, determining the occupant status as an assisted occupant may include determining that the occupant is one or more of a minor, a pet, incapacitated, or has a physical defect / injury, as described herein. In some such embodiments or alternative embodiments, determining the occupant status as an assisted occupant may include determining whether the occupant status is an assisted occupant or a non-assisted occupant based on the received data and using an artificial intelligence algorithm, as described herein. In some embodiments, determining the occupant status as an assisted occupant may include comparing the data indicative of the occupant qualities with a plurality of occupant profiles and identifying the occupant profile associated with the data indicative of the occupant qualities. Additionally, determining whether the occupant status is an assisted occupant or a non-assisted occupant may be based on the data indicative of the occupant qualities and the occupant behavior history indicated by the associated occupant profile.

[0116] As Figure 8 further shown, and for some embodiments, Method 878 may include, in response to the determination of an assisted occupant, transmitting a signal to the locking mechanism of the configurable buckle device to cause the locking mechanism to transition from a locked mode to an unlocked mode (Step 884), as described herein.

[0117] Some embodiments of method 878 may additionally or alternatively include determining an occupant status as a restrained occupant or an unrestrained occupant based on data indicative of an occupant quality of an occupant sitting in a vehicle. For example, determining the occupant status as a restrained occupant or an unrestrained occupant may include comparing the data indicative of the occupant quality with a plurality of occupant profiles and identifying the occupant profile associated with the data indicative of the occupant quality. The status of the occupant as a restrained occupant or an unrestrained occupant may be determined based on the data indicative of the occupant quality and an occupant behavior history indicated by the associated occupant profile. Additionally or alternatively, the method may include, in response to the determination of a restrained occupant, transmitting a signal to a retention mechanism of a configurable buckle device to cause the retention mechanism to transition from a retention mode to a release mode, as described herein.

[0118] It should be recognized that, depending on the example, certain actions or events of any of the techniques described herein can be performed in a different order, can be added, combined, or entirely omitted (e.g., not all described actions or events are necessary for practicing the techniques). Additionally, in certain examples, the actions or events can be performed simultaneously, such as via multithreading, interrupt processing, or multiple processors, rather than sequentially.

[0119] Figure 9 is a network diagram of a cloud-based system 900 for implementing various cloud-based services of the present disclosure. The cloud-based system 900 includes one or more cloud nodes (CN) 902 communicatively coupled to the Internet 904 and the like. The cloud nodes 902 can be implemented as servers 1000 (as Figure 10 shown) and the like, and can be geographically different from each other, such as various data centers located throughout the country or the world. Additionally, the cloud-based system 900 can include one or more central authority (CA) nodes 906 that can similarly be implemented as servers 1000 and are connected to the cloud nodes 902. For illustrative purposes, the cloud-based system 900 can be connected to a regional office 910, a headquarters 920, the homes 930 of various employees, laptop / desktop computers 940, and mobile devices 950, each of which can be communicatively coupled to one of the cloud nodes 902. These locations 910, 920, and 930 and the devices 940 and 950 are shown for illustrative purposes, and those skilled in the art will recognize that there are various access scenarios to the cloud-based system 900, all of which are contemplated herein. The devices 940 and 950 can be so-called road warriors, i.e., users off-site, on the road, etc. The cloud-based system 900 can be a private cloud, a public cloud, a combination of a private cloud and a public cloud (hybrid cloud), etc.

[0120] Similarly, cloud-based system 900 can provide any functionality to locations 910, 920, and 930, as well as devices 940 and 950, through services such as software as a service (SaaS), platform as a service, infrastructure as a service, security as a service, virtual network functions (VNFs) in a network function virtualization (NFV) infrastructure (NFVI). Previously, information technology (IT) deployment models included enterprise resources and applications within an enterprise network (i.e., physical devices) stored behind a firewall and accessible on-site or remotely by employees via a virtual private network (VPN) or the like. Cloud-based system 900 is replacing traditional deployment models. Cloud-based system 900 can be used to implement these services in the cloud without the need for physical devices and their management by enterprise IT administrators.

[0121] Cloud computing systems and methods abstract physical servers, storage, networks, etc., and provide them as on-demand and elastic resources. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) provides a concise and specific definition that states cloud computing is a model for convenient, on-demand network access to a shared pool of configurable computing resources (e.g., networks, servers, memory, applications, and services) that can be rapidly provisioned and released with minimal management effort or service provider interaction. Cloud computing differs from the classical client-server model in that it provides applications executed and managed by a client's web browser or the like from a server without the need to install a client version of the application. Centralization enables cloud service providers to have complete control over the versions of browser-based and other applications provided to clients, eliminating the need for version upgrades or license management on individual client computing devices. The phrase "software as a service" (SaaS) is sometimes used to describe applications provided through cloud computing. A common shorthand for the cloud computing services provided (or even the aggregation of all existing cloud services) is "the cloud". Cloud-based system 900 is shown herein as an exemplary embodiment of a cloud-based system, and those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the systems and methods described herein are not necessarily limited thereto.

[0122] Figure 10 is a block diagram of server 1000, which can be used in cloud-based system 900 ( Figure 9 ) or in other systems or used independently. For example, node 902 ( Figure 9 ) and central authority node 906 ( Figure 9 ) can be formed as one or more of server 1000. Server 1000 can be a digital computer, and in terms of its hardware architecture, it generally includes a processor 1002, an input / output (I / O) interface 1004, a network interface 1006, a data store 1008, and a memory 1010. Those of ordinary skill in the art should understand thatFigure 10 Server 1000 is depicted in an overly simplified manner, and actual embodiments may include additional components and appropriately configured processing logic to support known or conventional operating features not detailed herein. The components (1002, 1004, 1006, 1008, and 1010) are communicatively coupled via local interface 1012. Local interface 1012 can be, for example but not limited to, one or more busses or other wired or wireless connections known in the art. Local interface 1012 may have additional elements, such as controllers, buffers (caches), drivers, repeaters, and receivers, etc., which are omitted for simplicity, to enable communication. Additionally, local interface 1012 may include address, control, and / or data connections to enable proper communication between the aforementioned components.

[0123] Processor 1002 is a hardware device for executing software instructions. Processor 1002 can be any custom or commercially available processor, a central processing unit (CPU), an auxiliary processor among several processors associated with server 1000, a semiconductor-based microprocessor (in the form of a microchip or chipset), or any device commonly used to execute software instructions. When server 1000 is in operation, processor 1002 is configured to execute software stored in memory 1010, transfer data to and from memory 1010, and generally control the operation of server 1000 according to the software instructions. I / O interface 1004 can be used to receive user input from one or more devices or components and / or to provide system output to one or more devices or components.

[0124] Network interface 1006 can be used to enable server 1000 to communicate on a network such as the Internet 904 ( Figure 9) communicate on the network. The network interface 1006 can include, for example, an Ethernet card or adapter (e.g., 10BaseT, Fast Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet, or 10GbE) or a wireless local area network (WLAN) card or adapter (e.g., 802.11a / b / g / n / ac). The network interface 1006 can include addresses, controls, and / or data connections to enable proper communication on the network. The data storage 1008 can be used to store data. The data storage 1008 can include any one of volatile memory elements (e.g., random access memory (RAM), such as DRAM, SRAM, SDRAM, etc.), non-volatile memory elements (e.g., ROM, hard disk drive, magnetic tape, CDROM, etc.), and combinations thereof. In addition, the data storage 1008 can incorporate electronic, magnetic, optical, and / or other types of storage media. In one example, the data storage 1008 can be located inside the server 1000, such as an internal hard disk drive connected to the local interface 1012 in the server 1000. Additionally, in another embodiment, the data storage 1008 can be located outside the server 1000, such as an external hard disk drive connected to the I / O interface 1004 (e.g., SCSI or USB connection). In another embodiment, the data storage 1008 can be connected to the server 1000 via a network, for example, a network-connected file server.

[0125] The memory 1010 can include any one of volatile memory elements (e.g., random access memory (RAM), such as DRAM, SRAM, SDRAM, etc.), non-volatile memory elements (e.g., ROM, hard disk drive, magnetic tape, CDROM, etc.), and combinations thereof. In addition, the memory 1010 can incorporate electronic, magnetic, optical, and / or other types of storage media. Note that the memory 1010 can have a distributed architecture where various components are located far from each other but are accessible by the processor 1002. The software in the memory 1010 can include one or more software programs, each software program including an ordered list of executable instructions for implementing logical functions. The software in the memory 1010 includes a suitable operating system (O / S) 1014 and one or more programs 1016. The operating system 1014 basically controls the execution of other computer programs (such as one or more programs 1016) and provides scheduling, input / output control, file and data management, memory management, and communication control and related services. One or more programs 1016 can be configured to implement the various processes, algorithms, methods, techniques, etc. described herein.

[0126] It should be understood that some embodiments described herein may include one or more general-purpose or special-purpose processors (“one or more processors”), such as a microprocessor; a central processing unit; a digital signal processor; a custom processor, such as a network processor (NP) or a network processing unit (NPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), etc.; a field programmable gate array (FPGA); and program instructions stored uniquely for controlling them (including both software and firmware) to implement some, most, or all of the functions of the methods and / or systems described herein in combination with certain non-processor circuits. Alternatively, some or all of the functions may be implemented by a state machine without stored program instructions, or in one or more application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), where each function or some combination of certain functions is implemented as custom logic or circuitry. Of course, combinations of the above methods may be used. For some embodiments described herein, the corresponding devices in hardware and optionally the corresponding devices with software, firmware, and their combinations can be referred to as “circuits configured or adapted to”, “logic configured or adapted to”, etc. to perform a set of operations, steps, methods, processes, algorithms, functions, techniques, etc. on digital and / or analog signals, as described herein for various embodiments.

[0127] In addition, some embodiments may include a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having stored thereon computer-readable code for programming a computer, server, apparatus, device, processor, circuit, etc., each of which may include a processor to perform the functions described and claimed herein. Examples of such computer-readable storage medium include, but are not limited to, hard disks, optical storage devices, magnetic storage devices, read-only memory (ROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), flash memory, etc. When stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium, software can include instructions executable by a processor or device (e.g., any type of programmable circuit or logic), which, in response to such execution, cause the processor or device to perform a set of operations, steps, methods, processes, algorithms, functions, techniques, etc. described herein for various embodiments.

[0128] Figure 11 is a block diagram of user equipment 1100, which may be in a cloud-based system 900( Figure 9)be used as part of a network or independently. Similarly, the user device 1100 can be a vehicle (e.g., one or more of its control units), a smart phone, a tablet, a smart watch, an Internet of Things (IoT) device, a laptop computer, a virtual reality (VR) headset, etc. The user device 1100 can be a digital device that generally includes a processor 1102, an I / O interface 1104, a radio 1106, a data repository 1108, and a memory 1110 in terms of its hardware architecture. Those of ordinary skill in the art should understand that Figure 11 depicts the user device 1100 in an overly simplified manner, and actual embodiments may include additional components and appropriately configured processing logic to support known or conventional operating features not described in detail herein. The components (1102, 1104, 1106, 1108, and 1110) are communicatively coupled via a local interface 1112. The local interface 1112 can be, for example but not limited to, one or more buses or other wired or wireless connections known in the art. The local interface 1112 can have additional elements, such as controllers, buffers (caches), drivers, repeaters, and receivers, etc., which are omitted for simplicity, to enable communication. Additionally, the local interface 1112 can include address, control, and / or data connections to enable proper communication among the aforementioned components.

[0129] The processor 1102 is a hardware device for executing software instructions. The processor 1102 can be any custom or commercially available processor, a CPU, an auxiliary processor among several processors associated with the user device 1100, a semiconductor-based microprocessor (in the form of a microchip or chipset), or any device generally used for executing software instructions. When the user device 1100 is in operation, the processor 1102 is configured to execute software stored in the memory 1110 to transfer data to and from the memory 1110 and generally control the operation of the user device 1100 according to the software instructions. In one embodiment, the processor 1102 can include a mobile-optimized processor, such as a processor optimized for power consumption and mobile applications. The I / O interface 1104 can be used to receive user input from the system output and / or to provide system output. User input can be provided via, for example, a keyboard, a touch screen, a trackball, a scroll bar, a button, a barcode scanner, etc. System output can be provided via a display device such as a liquid crystal display (LCD), a touch screen, etc.

[0130] Radio 1106 enables wireless communication with an external access device or network. Radio 1106 is capable of supporting any number of suitable wireless data communication protocols, technologies, or methods, including any protocol for wireless communication. Data storage 1108 can be used to store data. Data storage 1108 can include any one of volatile memory elements (e.g., random access memory (RAM), such as DRAM, SRAM, SDRAM, etc.), non-volatile memory elements (e.g., ROM, hard disk drive, magnetic tape, CDROM, etc.), and combinations thereof. In addition, data storage 1108 can incorporate electronic, magnetic, optical, and / or other types of storage media.

[0131] Similarly, memory 1110 can include any memory in volatile memory elements (e.g., random access memory (RAM), such as DRAM, SRAM, SDRAM, etc.), non-volatile memory elements (e.g., ROM, hard disk drive, etc.), and combinations thereof. In addition, memory 1110 can incorporate electronic, magnetic, optical, and / or other types of storage media. Note that memory 1110 can have a distributed architecture where various components are located far from each other but are accessible by processor 1102. The software in memory 1110 can include one or more software programs, each software program including an ordered list of executable instructions for implementing logical functions. In Figure 11 the example, the software in memory 1110 includes a suitable operating system 1114 and programs 1116. The operating system 1114 basically controls the execution of other computer programs and provides scheduling, input / output control, file and data management, memory management, communication control, and related services. Programs 1116 can include various applications, add-ons, etc. configured to provide end-user functions to user device 1100. For example, the exemplary programs 1116 can include, but are not limited to, a web browser, a social networking application, a streaming media application, games, a map and location application, an email application, a financial application, etc. In a typical example, an end user generally uses one or more of programs 1116 and a network, such as a cloud-based system 900 ( Figure 9 ).

[0132] As described above, past seat belt assemblies and associated buckles may pose challenges to an occupant reaching or manually operating the buckle. For example, an occupant who is a minor, a pet, incapacitated, or has one or more physical disabilities may find it difficult or impossible to manually operate the seat belt buckle to unlock the latch and associated seat belt webbing from the buckle. While such an occupant may obtain assistance from another occupant of the vehicle (e.g., an operator, guardian, owner, etc.) in unlocking the seat belt buckle, the other operator may also have difficulty manually unlocking the associated buckle over the occupant in question (e.g., a pet, minor, etc.) in the seat. These challenges may be particularly applicable if the other occupant assisting the occupant in question also suffers from temporary and / or permanent conditions that increase the difficulty of assisting the occupant in question in operating his / her / its seat belt buckle. For example, a parent or guardian suffering from a permanent or temporary injury and / or disability may find it extremely challenging or impossible to reach over a child in the seat to manually unlock the associated buckle.

[0133] Additionally or alternatively, such an occupant may have difficulty or be unable to manually pull the latch from the associated buckle and / or pull the seat belt webbing across his / her / its body to an extent sufficient to allow the seat belt webbing to retract into the seat belt retractor. Similarly, such an occupant may also or alternatively find it difficult or impossible to pull the seat belt webbing from the seat belt retractor and pull the seat belt webbing across his / her / its body to an extent sufficient to allow the latch to be inserted into the associated buckle. Further, other occupants assisting the occupant may also find it difficult or impossible to assist in extending and retracting the seat belt webbing and latch.

[0134] As described above, an occupant of a vehicle and / or other occupants, assistants, etc. may find it difficult to lock and unlock the buckle of a seat belt assembly and to retract the associated seat belt webbing and latch from an occupant who requires or desires assistance therewith. Accordingly, aspects of the present disclosure relate to configurable buckle devices including associated locking mechanisms and / or retention mechanisms. As described herein, a buckle device including a locking mechanism may allow the latch of a seat belt assembly to be selectively locked within the associated buckle. As described herein, some such buckle devices or alternative configurations of buckle devices including a retention mechanism may allow the latch of a seat belt assembly to be selectively retained within the associated buckle. Additionally, aspects of the subject matter relate to systems for controlling such buckle devices, locking mechanisms, and / or retention mechanisms based on the state of the vehicle (e.g., meeting one or more preconditions), as described herein.

[0135] Aspects of the present subject matter further or alternatively relate to a system for operating a configurable buckle device based on the occupant being discussed. For example, such a system may include an occupant type identification module for identifying the status of the occupant as an assisted occupant (an occupant who needs or desires assistance in locking or unlocking the buckle device) or a non-assisted occupant (an occupant who does not need or desire assistance in locking or unlocking the buckle device). Such a system for operating a configurable buckle device may also include a locking mechanism control module for operating the locking mechanism of the buckle device for an occupant determined to be an assisted occupant. For example, the locking mechanism control module may control the locking mechanism of the buckle device based on the status of the occupant as an assisted occupant and based on the status of the vehicle (e.g., meeting one or more preconditions), as described herein.

[0136] In some such systems, the occupant type identification module may also identify the status of the occupant as a retained occupant (an occupant who needs or desires assistance in retracting the seat belt latch and / or webbing from the associated buckle) or a non-retained occupant (an occupant who does not need or desire assistance in retracting the seat belt latch and / or webbing from the associated buckle). Such a system for operating a configurable buckle device may also include a retention mechanism control module for operating the retention mechanism of the buckle device for an occupant determined to be a retained occupant. For example, the retention mechanism control module may control the retention mechanism of the buckle device based on the status of the occupant as a retained occupant and based on the status of the vehicle (e.g., meeting one or more prerequisites for retention), as described herein.

[0137] Although the present disclosure has been illustrated and described herein with reference to illustrative embodiments and specific examples thereof, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that other embodiments and examples may perform similar functions and / or achieve similar results. All such equivalent embodiments and examples are within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, and are thus contemplated and intended to be covered by the following non-limiting claims.

Claims

1. A belt buckle device for a vehicle seat, the belt buckle device comprising: a locking mechanism disposed within the housing and configured to operably engage a latch coupled to a seat belt webbing of the vehicle such that in a locked mode the latch is secured within an insertion slot defined in the housing and in an unlocked mode the latch is removable from the insertion slot of the housing; and A retaining mechanism is arranged in the housing and can operate with the latch, so that in a retaining mode, the retaining mechanism is configured so that when the withdrawal force applied to the latch is less than a predetermined value, the latch is retained in the insertion slot of the housing.

2. The buckle device according to claim 1, wherein: When the retaining mechanism is in the retaining mode and the locking mechanism is in the unlocking mode, the retaining mechanism is configured to allow the latch to be withdrawn from the insertion slot of the housing when a withdrawal force applied to the latch is greater than the predetermined value.

3. The buckle device according to claim 1, wherein: The holding mechanism is configured to transition from the holding mode to a release mode in response to an electrical signal transmitted to the holding mechanism, wherein the holding mechanism is configured to allow the latch to be withdrawn from the insertion slot of the housing when the withdrawal force applied to the latch is less than the predetermined value and the locking mechanism is in the unlocking mode.

4. The buckle device according to claim 3, further comprising: A release element is at least partially disposed within the housing and mechanically coupled to each of the locking mechanism and the retaining mechanism, wherein the release element is selectable to transition the locking mechanism from the locking mode to the unlocking mode and the retaining mechanism from the retaining mode to the releasing mode.

5. The buckle device according to claim 3, further comprising: A holding actuator operably coupled to the holding mechanism and configured to transition the holding mechanism from the holding mode to the release mode in response to an electrical signal transmitted to the holding mechanism, and wherein the holding actuator is further configured to transition the holding mechanism from the release mode to the holding mode in response to a different electrical signal transmitted to the holding mechanism.

6. The buckle device according to claim 1, wherein: The locking mechanism is configured to transition from the locked mode to the unlocked mode in response to an electrical signal transmitted to the locking mechanism.

7. The buckle device according to claim 6, further comprising: A locking actuator is operably coupled to the locking mechanism and configured to transition the locking mechanism from the locking mode to the unlocking mode in response to an electrical signal transmitted to the locking mechanism, and wherein the locking actuator is further configured to transition the locking mechanism from the unlocking mode to the locking mode in response to a different electrical signal transmitted to the locking mechanism.

8. An occupant restraint system for a vehicle, the occupant restraint system comprising: at least one buckle device, each of the at least one buckle device being associated with a seat of the vehicle and comprising: a locking mechanism configured to operably engage a latch coupled to a seat belt webbing associated with the seat and such that in a locked mode the latch is secured to the locking mechanism and in an unlocked mode the latch is removable from the locking mechanism, and A retention mechanism is operable with the latch such that in a retention mode, the retention mechanism is configured such that the latch is retained by the buckle device when a withdrawal force applied to the latch is less than a predetermined value.

9. The occupant restraint system of claim 8, wherein: When the retaining mechanism is in the retaining mode and the locking mechanism is in the unlocking mode, the retaining mechanism is configured to allow the latch to be removed from the buckle device when the withdrawal force applied to the latch is greater than the predetermined value.

10. The occupant restraint system of claim 8, further comprising: a control unit communicatively coupled to the at least one buckle device, the control unit configured to transmit a signal to a lock actuator of an associated locking mechanism to cause the associated locking mechanism to transition from the locked mode to the unlocked mode in response to a communication indicating that at least one prerequisite associated with the at least one buckle device has been satisfied.

11. The occupant restraint system according to claim 10, wherein: The at least one prerequisite includes at least one of: a transmission of the vehicle being shifted into a park setting, the vehicle being shifted from an open setting to a closed setting, a door associated with an operator seat of the vehicle being opened, a door associated with the at least one buckle device being opened, a door associated with the at least one buckle device being approached by another occupant of the vehicle, a door associated with the at least one buckle device having a disengaged child lock mode, an unlocked mode being selected for a locking mechanism associated with the at least one buckle device via an infotainment unit associated with the vehicle, or a determination that the occupant restraint system for the vehicle can be safely disengaged.

12. The occupant restraint system of claim 10, wherein: The control unit is further configured to transmit a different signal to the lock actuator of the associated lock mechanism to cause the lock mechanism to transition from the unlocked mode to the locked mode in response to a communication indicating at least one of the following: a transmission of the vehicle is shifted to a setting other than park, a door associated with an operator seat of the vehicle is closed, a door associated with the at least one buckle device is closed, the lock mode is selected for the associated lock mechanism of the at least one buckle device via an infotainment unit associated with the vehicle, or a door associated with the at least one buckle device has a child lock mode engaged.

13. The occupant restraint system of claim 10, wherein: The retaining mechanism is configured to allow the latch to be removed from the buckle device in the release mode when the withdrawal force applied to the latch is less than the predetermined value and the locking mechanism is in the unlocking mode, and wherein the control unit is further configured to transmit a signal to a retaining actuator of an associated retaining mechanism in response to a communication indicating that at least one prerequisite retaining condition associated with the at least one buckle device has been satisfied to cause the associated retaining mechanism to transition from the retaining mode to the release mode.

14. The occupant restraint system of claim 13, wherein: The at least one prerequisite retention condition includes at least one of: a door associated with an operator seat of the vehicle being opened, a door associated with the at least one buckle device being opened, a door associated with the at least one buckle device being approached by another occupant of the vehicle, a door associated with the at least one buckle device having a disengaged child lock mode, or a release mode being selected for a retention mechanism associated with the at least one buckle device via an infotainment unit associated with the vehicle.

15. The occupant restraint system of claim 13, wherein: The control unit is further configured to transmit a different signal to the retaining actuator of the associated retaining mechanism to cause the associated retaining mechanism to transition from the release mode to the retaining mode in response to a communication indicating at least one of the following: the retaining mode is selected for the associated retaining mechanism of the at least one buckle device via an infotainment unit associated with the vehicle, the vehicle is transitioned from a closed setting to an open setting, a transmission of the vehicle is transitioned to a setting other than park, a door associated with an operator seat of the vehicle is closed, a door associated with the at least one buckle device is closed, or a door associated with the at least one buckle device is in a child lock mode.

16. The occupant restraint system of claim 13, further comprising: at least one seat belt retractor, each seat belt retractor being associated with one of the at least one buckle device and being configured to apply tension to the seat belt webbing of the associated seat when the associated retaining mechanism is in the release mode, the tension applied by each seat belt retractor being suitable for removing the associated latch from the associated buckle device.

17. A non-transitory computer readable medium comprising instructions stored in at least one memory, the instructions, when executed by one or more processors, causing the one or more processors to perform the following steps, comprising: determining that at least one prerequisite associated with at least one buckle device of the occupant restraint system has been satisfied; and In response to determining that at least one prerequisite associated with the at least one buckle device has been satisfied, transmitting a signal to a locking mechanism of each of the at least one buckle device determined to satisfy the at least one prerequisite, and causing the locking mechanism to transition from a locked mode to an unlocked mode, wherein a latch coupled to a seat belt webbing associated with the buckle device is secured to the locking mechanism and the latch is removable from the locking mechanism in the unlocked mode, Each of the at least one buckle device includes a retaining mechanism operable with the latch such that in a retaining mode, the retaining mechanism is configured such that the latch is retained by the buckle device when an exit force applied to the latch is less than a predetermined value, and wherein, when the retaining mechanism is in the retaining mode and the locking mechanism is in the unlocking mode, the retaining mechanism is configured to allow the latch to be removed from the buckle device when an exit force applied to the latch is greater than the predetermined value.

18. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 17, wherein: The steps also include: transmitting a different signal to the locking mechanism of the at least one buckle device to transition the locking mechanism from the unlocked mode to the locked mode in response to a communication indicating at least one of the following: a transmission of the vehicle being shifted to a setting other than park, a door associated with an operator seat of the vehicle being closed, a door associated with the at least one buckle device being closed, the locked mode being selected for the locking mechanism of the at least one buckle device via an infotainment unit associated with the vehicle, or a door associated with the at least one buckle device having a child lock mode engaged.

19. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 17, wherein: The steps also include: determining that at least one prerequisite retention condition associated with the at least one buckle device has been satisfied; and In response to determining that at least one prerequisite retention condition associated with the at least one buckle device has been satisfied, transmitting a signal to the retention mechanism of each of the at least one buckle device determined to satisfy the at least one prerequisite retention condition, and causing the retention mechanism to transition from the retention mode to a release mode, wherein in the release mode, the retention mechanism is configured to allow the latch to be withdrawn from the buckle device when the withdrawal force applied to the latch is less than the predetermined value and the locking mechanism is in the unlocking mode.

20. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 19, wherein: The steps also include: A different signal is transmitted to the retaining mechanism of the at least one buckle device to cause the retaining mechanism to transition from the release mode to the retaining mode in response to a communication indicating one or more of the following: the retaining mode is selected for the retaining mechanism of the at least one buckle device via an infotainment unit associated with the vehicle, the vehicle is transitioned from a closed setting to an open setting, a transmission of the vehicle is transitioned to a setting other than park, a door associated with an operator seat of the vehicle is closed, a door associated with the at least one buckle device is closed, or a door associated with the at least one buckle device has a child lock mode engaged.

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