Vehicle seat assembly with pretensioning integrated waste seat belt to

Abstract

A seat belt buckle pre-tensioning system is integrated in a seat assembly that includes a seat bottom and a seat back pivotally coupled with the seat bottom. When an impact event is detected (or predicted), the seatbelt assembly anchor point quickly moves forward and downward, causing the coupled waist seatbelt to be pre-tensioned and moved to a position that optimizes waist seatbelt geometry and prevents diving during the impact event. This may be accomplished using an explosive pre-tensioner, a mechanical pre-tensioner, and / or an electronic pre-tensioner with a suitable controller, and the pre-tensioner may be applied to waist belt anchoring points on one or both sides of the seat. The aim of this is to ensure that the pelvic bone of the occupant is sufficiently engaged with the waist belt of the seat assembly and does not slide out from below the waist belt during an impact event, thereby preventing diving.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] The present disclosure claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 457,818, filed on April 7, 2023, and entitled “VEHICLE SEAT ASSEMBLY WITH INTEGRATED LAP BELT PRETENSIONING FUNCTION TO OPTIMIZE LAP BELT GEOMETRY,” the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure generally relates to the automotive field. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a vehicle seat assembly with an integrated lap belt pretensioning function to optimize the lap belt geometry. The present disclosure also relates to related vehicles and lap belt pretensioning methods, and implementation of these methods via one or more memories and processors. Background Art

[0004] Conventional seat belts typically include a lap belt that, in use, passes from an anchor point on one side of a vehicle seat over the waist of a vehicle occupant to a buckle latch and associated buckle receptacle arrangement on the opposite side of the vehicle seat. The lap belt then typically continues through the buckle latch, as a shoulder belt across the chest and shoulders of the vehicle occupant, and engages a guide and / or retraction / tensioning device that is coupled to a pillar of the vehicle body (e.g., a B-pillar in an automotive context), adjacent to 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, with the shoulder belt also coupled to the buckle latch. This retraction / tensioning device may be disposed on or within the pillar, or may be disposed at an intermediate point or base of the pillar (with the guide then disposed near the headrest of the vehicle seat and the head of the vehicle occupant).

[0005] The function of the retracting / tensioning device is to pay out and reel in the seat belt material when the seat belt is fastened or removed. Optionally, the retracting / tensioning device may also include a mechanical or explosive pre-tensioning device that can tightly engage the seat belt to the torso of the vehicle occupant and tightly engage the torso of the vehicle occupant to the seat back in the event of a large acceleration / deceleration, braking and / or impact, so that the seat belt can apply a restraining force to the torso of the vehicle occupant without causing injury due to the seat belt. Finally, during the braking and / or impact event, when the retracting / tensioning device is restricted or locked, the lap belt applies a restraining force to the waist of the vehicle occupant and the shoulder belt applies a restraining force to the torso of the vehicle occupant to securely fix the vehicle occupant to the seat bottom and seat back, respectively. Although other configurations are possible, most conventional seat belts operate in a similar manner.

[0006] As vehicles become more autonomous (and otherwise), highly reclined seatback angles are becoming more common. Such highly reclined seatback angles can lead to occupant dive issues - where the occupant's pelvis fails to engage the seat's lap belt and essentially slides out from under the lap belt during an impact event. This can result in poor restraint performance and a risk of abdominal injury due to the loading of the lap belt on the abdomen. Figure 1 This dive is shown to illustrate that during an impact event, the occupant's pelvis 17 is substantially free to move forward from beneath the lap belt 12 of the seat 11. Also shown is a seat back 25 that is highly inclined relative to the seat bottom 19.

[0007] Therefore, there is a need in the art for a vehicle seat assembly and related occupant restraint system, control system, vehicle and method for a vehicle that can overcome the above limitations.

[0008] This background is provided only as an example environment. It is obvious to those skilled in the art that the systems and methods disclosed herein can also be implemented in other background environments. Summary of the invention

[0009] It is therefore an object of the present disclosure to provide a vehicle seat assembly and related occupant restraint system, control system, vehicle and method that overcome the limitations of the known art. The present disclosure provides a vehicle seat assembly with an integrated lap belt pretensioning function to optimize lap belt geometry and prevent dive during a crash event, especially when using a highly reclined seat back angle. The present disclosure also provides a related lap belt pretensioning method.

[0010] The vehicle seat assembly of the present disclosure uses a seat belt buckle pretensioning system integrated into the seat structure. When an impact event is detected (or predicted), the seat belt buckle anchor point will quickly move forward and downward so that the connected lap belt is pretensioned and moved to a position that optimizes the lap belt geometry and prevents diving during the impact event. This can be accomplished using explosive pretensioners, mechanical pretensioners and / or electronic pretensioners with appropriate controllers and the pretensioners can be applied to lap belt anchor points on one or both sides of the seat. For example, the anchor point moves forward 50 mm or more and the anchor point moves downward 50 mm or more. The purpose of this is to ensure that the pelvis of the occupant is fully engaged with the lap belt of the seat during an impact event and does not slide out from under the lap belt, thereby preventing diving.

[0011] To achieve the above and other objects and advantages, in one aspect, the present subject matter is directed to a vehicle seat assembly including a seat bottom, a seat back pivotally coupled to the seat bottom, and a buckle assembly coupled to the seat bottom at an anchor point adapted to shift forwardly and downwardly relative to the seat bottom upon detection of an impact event or an imminent impact event, thereby pretensioning a lap belt coupled to the buckle assembly.

[0012] In at least one embodiment, the vehicle seat assembly may further include a pretensioner operably coupled between the buckle assembly and the seat bottom. The pretensioner may be configured to move the anchor point forward and downward relative to the seat bottom upon detection of an impact event or an impending impact event. In additional or alternative embodiments, the pretensioner may include one or more of an explosive pretensioner, a mechanical pretensioner, or an electronic pretensioner. Additionally or alternatively, the pretensioner may also be configured to provide a variable biasing force to displace the anchor point such that the degree of pretensioning is determined by the amount / magnitude of the biasing force provided by the pretensioner. In other or alternative embodiments, the anchor point of the seat bottom may include one or more of a track structure, a slot defined in the seat bottom, or a lever.

[0013] Additionally or alternatively, the vehicle seat assembly may further include an anchor assembly coupled to the seat bottom at an additional anchor point opposite the buckle assembly. The additional anchor point is further adapted to displace forward and downward relative to the seat bottom upon detection of an impact event or an impending impact event, thereby further pretensioning the lap belt coupled to the anchor assembly. In some such embodiments or alternative embodiments, the vehicle seat assembly may further include an additional pretensioner operably coupled between the anchor assembly and the seat bottom. The additional pretensioner may be configured to displace the additional anchor point forward and downward relative to the seat bottom upon detection of an impact event or an impending impact event.

[0014] In an additional or alternative aspect, the subject matter is directed to a vehicle including two or more seat assemblies, wherein one or more of the seat assemblies are configured as tension-type seat assemblies. The tension-type seat assembly includes a seat bottom, a seat back pivotally coupled to the seat bottom, and a buckle assembly coupled to the seat bottom at an anchor point. The anchor point is adapted to displace forwardly and downwardly relative to the seat bottom upon detection of an impact event or an imminent impact event, thereby pretensioning a lap belt coupled to the buckle assembly.

[0015] In at least one embodiment, each seat assembly can be configured as a tension seat assembly. In additional or alternative embodiments, several of the seat assemblies can each be configured as a tension seat assembly. In some such embodiments or different embodiments, the vehicle can also include a controller communicatively coupled to the tension seat assemblies. The controller can be configured to cause the anchor points of one or more selected ones of the tension seat assemblies to shift forward and downward relative to the seat bottom upon detecting an impact event or an imminent impact event.

[0016] In other or alternative embodiments, the tensioning seat assembly may further include a pretensioner operably coupled between the buckle assembly and the seat bottom. The pretensioner may be configured to displace the anchor point forward and downward relative to the seat bottom upon detection of an impact event or an imminent impact event. Additionally or alternatively, the tensioning seat assembly may further include an anchor assembly coupled to the seat bottom at an additional anchor point opposite the buckle assembly. Upon detection of an impact event or an imminent impact event, the additional anchor point may also be displaced forward and downward relative to the seat bottom to further pretension the lap belt coupled to the anchor assembly.

[0017] In other or alternative aspects, the subject matter relates to a non-transitory computer-readable medium comprising instructions stored in one or more memories, which, when executed by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform steps. The steps include: determining a crash event or an impending crash event of a vehicle including one or more memories and one or more processors. The steps also include: in response to the determination of the vehicle crash event or the impending crash event, transmitting a signal to a pretensioner of a vehicle seat assembly of the vehicle. The vehicle seat assembly also includes a seat bottom, a seat back pivotally coupled to the seat bottom, and a buckle assembly coupled to the seat bottom at an anchor point. The steps also include: in response to the transmission, using the pretensioner to shift the anchor point forward and downward relative to the seat bottom, thereby pretensioning a lap belt coupled to the buckle assembly.

[0018] In at least one embodiment, the steps may further include determining a recline angle of a vehicle occupant seated in the vehicle seat assembly. Additionally or alternatively, the signal is transmitted to the pretensioner only when the determined recline angle exceeds a threshold angle. In additional or alternative embodiments, the pretensioner may be configured to displace the anchor point forward and downward by a first amount in response to a first signal, and to displace the anchor point forward and downward by a second amount different from the first amount in response to a second signal different from the first signal. In some such embodiments or other embodiments, the signal may include the first signal when the recline angle of the occupant exceeds the threshold angle and is below an additional threshold angle. Additionally or alternatively, the signal may include the second signal when the recline angle of the occupant exceeds the threshold angle and an additional threshold angle.

[0019] In an additional or alternative embodiment, the steps may further include: transmitting an additional signal to an additional pretensioner of a vehicle seat assembly of the vehicle in response to determining a crash event or an impending crash event of the vehicle. The vehicle seat assembly may further include an anchor assembly coupled to the seat bottom at an additional anchor point opposite the buckle assembly. Additional or alternative steps may include, in response to the additional signal, using the additional pretensioner to displace the additional anchor point forwardly and downwardly relative to the seat bottom, thereby further pretensioning the lap belt coupled to the anchor assembly.

[0020] In additional or alternative embodiments, the steps may include determining a severity of the impact event or the impending impact event. For some such embodiments or other embodiments, the signal is transmitted to the pretensioner only when the determined severity exceeds a threshold severity. Additionally or alternatively, the pretensioner may be further configured to displace the anchor point forward and downward by a first amount in response to the first signal, and to displace the anchor point forward and downward by a second amount different from the first amount in response to a second signal different from the first signal. In other or alternative embodiments, the signal may include the first signal when the severity of the impact event or the impending impact event exceeds the threshold severity and is less than an additional threshold severity. Additionally or alternatively, the signal may include the second signal when the severity of the impact event or the impending impact event exceeds the threshold severity and the additional threshold severity.

[0021] In additional or alternative embodiments, the steps may further include transmitting an event signal to a remote computing device. The event signal may indicate the use of the pretensioner. Additionally or alternatively, the steps may further include receiving a report signal transmitted from the remote computing device, the report signal indicating at least one of a front vehicle impact event or the use of a front vehicle pretensioner of the front vehicle at a route location shared with the vehicle. In some such embodiments or different embodiments, the impact event or impending impact event may be determined based at least in part on the report signal.

[0022] In an additional or alternative aspect, the present subject matter is directed to a vehicle seat lap belt pretensioning method, comprising: if a seat assembly includes a seat bottom, a seat back pivotally coupled to the seat bottom, and a buckle assembly coupled to the seat bottom at an anchor point, upon detecting an impact event or an imminent impact event, shifting the anchor point forward and downward relative to the seat bottom to pretension the lap belt coupled to the buckle assembly.

[0023] In at least one embodiment, the vehicle seat lap belt pre-tensioning method may further include: if the anchor assembly is connected to the seat bottom at an additional anchor point opposite to the buckle assembly, then when a crash event or an imminent crash event is detected, the additional anchor point is shifted forward and downward relative to the seat bottom to further pre-tension the lap belt connected to the anchor assembly.

[0024] Embodiments of the present invention may include one or more or any combination of the above features and configurations.

[0025] Other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will be set forth in the detailed description of exemplary embodiments below, and those skilled in the art will readily recognize these features, aspects and advantages from the description or by practicing the 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 present invention. The purpose of the accompanying drawings is to provide a further understanding of the present invention, and the accompanying drawings are incorporated into and constitute a part of this specification. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] The disclosure of the present invention including the best mode to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to fully implement the present invention is described in the specification, which refers to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0027] Figure 1 shows occupant dive due to insufficient lap belt restraint during a vehicle impact event;

[0028] Figure 2 A perspective view showing an exemplary embodiment of a seat assembly of an occupant restraint system for a vehicle according to various aspects of the present subject matter;

[0029] Figure 3 A perspective view illustrating another exemplary embodiment of a seat assembly of an occupant restraint system for a vehicle according to various aspects of the present subject matter;

[0030] Figure 4 One embodiment of the physical operation of a vehicle seat assembly having an integrated lap belt pretensioner function to optimize lap belt geometry in accordance with various aspects of the present subject matter is illustrated;

[0031] Figure 5 One embodiment of a displaceable anchor point including a track structure according to various aspects of the present subject matter is shown;

[0032] Figure 6 Another embodiment of a displaceable anchor point including a slot in accordance with various aspects of the present subject matter is shown;

[0033] Figure 7 Another embodiment including a displaceable anchor point for a lever is shown in accordance with various aspects of the present subject matter;

[0034] Figure 8 A schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary implementation of an occupant restraint system according to various aspects of the present subject matter;

[0035] Fig. 9An exemplary embodiment of a method for controlling a system for controlling one or more pretensioners of an occupant restraint system according to various aspects of the present subject matter is shown;

[0036] Fig.10 A schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary implementation of a network of cloud-based systems for implementing various cloud-based services in accordance with various aspects of the present subject matter;

[0037] Fig.11 A schematic diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a server is shown. According to various aspects of the present subject matter, the server can be Fig.10 for use in cloud-based systems or standalone; and

[0038] Fig.12 A schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a user device, according to various aspects of the present subject matter, the user device may be Fig.10 Use in a cloud-based system or standalone.

[0039] It is obvious to those skilled in the art that the various aspects of the illustrated embodiments may be used in any desired combination without limitation. Reference numerals used repeatedly in the specification and drawings are intended to represent the same or similar features or elements of the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0040] The present invention will be described more fully below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which exemplary embodiments of the present invention are shown. However, the present invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the representative embodiments set forth herein. Each example is an explanation of the present invention, not a limitation thereof. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations may be made to the present invention without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, a feature illustrated or described as part of one embodiment may be used in conjunction with another embodiment to produce a further embodiment. It is conceivable that other embodiments may 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 covered by the appended claims.

[0041] The purpose of providing exemplary embodiments is to make the disclosure of the present invention both comprehensive and complete, and to fully convey the scope of the present invention, so that those skilled in the art can make, use and practice the present invention. The word "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 embodiments.

[0042] The terms "coupled," "fixed," "attached to," "communicatively coupled to," "operably coupled to," and the like refer to directly coupled, fixed, attached, communicatively coupled, and operably coupled, as well as indirectly coupled, fixed, attached, communicatively coupled, and operably coupled through one or more intermediate components or features, unless otherwise indicated herein. "Communicatively coupled to" and "operably coupled to" may refer to physically and / or electrically related components.

[0043] The terms "first", "second" and "third" used herein may be used interchangeably to distinguish one component from another and do not indicate the position or importance of each component. The singular forms "a", "an" and "the" include plural forms unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0044] Approximate language, as used in this specification and claims, may be used to modify any quantitative expression that may be permissibly varied without resulting in a change in the basic function to which it is related. Thus, a value modified by one or more of the terms "about," "approximately," and "substantially" is not limited to the precise value specified. Approximate language may correspond to the precision of an instrument used to measure a value, or the precision of a method or machine for constructing or manufacturing a component and / or system, at least in some cases. For example, approximate language may refer to being within a 1%, 2%, 4%, 10%, 15%, or 20% difference.

[0045] Here and throughout the specification and claims, range limitations are combinable and interchangeable, and unless context or language dictates otherwise, these ranges are defined and include all subranges contained therein. For example, all ranges disclosed herein are inclusive of the endpoints, and the endpoints are independently combinable.

[0046] Likewise, the vehicle seat assembly of the present disclosure utilizes a seat belt buckle pretensioning system integrated into the seat structure. When an impact event is detected (or predicted), the seat belt buckle anchor point is rapidly moved forward and downward, causing the connected lap belt to be pretensioned and moved to a position that optimizes the lap belt geometry and prevents dive during the impact event. This can be accomplished using explosive pretensioners, mechanical pretensioners, and / or electronic pretensioners with appropriate controllers, and the pretensioners can be applied to lap belt anchor points on one or both sides of the seat. For example, the anchor point is moved forward by 50 mm or more, and the anchor point is also moved downward by 50 mm or more. The purpose of this is to ensure that the occupant's pelvis is fully engaged with the seat's lap belt during an impact event and does not slide out from under the lap belt, thereby preventing dive.

[0047] Now the overall reference Figure 2-3, showing a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of an occupant restraint system for a vehicle designed according to various aspects of the present subject matter. As shown in the figure, a vehicle 10 (see also Figure 8 ) may generally include an occupant restraint system 100 and / or one or more buckle assemblies 16, as described herein. For example, the occupant restraint system 100 may include a buckle assembly 16 for each seat belt assembly 15 provided in the vehicle 10 and a seat belt assembly 15 for each seat assembly 11.

[0048] In some embodiments, the vehicle 10 can be an electric vehicle having an electrical component (e.g., a battery) for propelling the vehicle 10. Alternatively, the vehicle 10 can be configured with a rear-mounted or front-mounted internal combustion engine. In other embodiments, the vehicle 10 can be configured as a hybrid vehicle, driven by petroleum products (e.g., gasoline, diesel, jet fuel, etc.) and electricity. It will be understood that one or more of the exemplary vehicles 10 depicted and described herein are merely examples, and in other exemplary embodiments, the vehicle 10 can have any other suitable configuration, including, for example, any other suitable number of rows of seats, number of rows of doors, etc. Additionally or alternatively, in other exemplary embodiments, any other suitable power source can also be provided. For example, the vehicle 10 can include a liquid or gaseous hydrogen-powered engine, a gas turbine engine, an inboard motor, an outboard motor, and the like.

[0049] Although embodiments of the vehicle 10 are illustrated or described herein as an automotive vehicle, 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, ships, buses, rail coaches, public transportation, amusement rides / karts, etc.) in which an occupant safety restraint system and / or buckle assembly is desired or required for occupant safety.

[0050] Regardless of the powertrain type, design, or model of the vehicle 10 , the vehicle 10 may include an occupant restraint system 100 and / or one or more buckle assemblies 16 as described herein. Figure 2-3 In some exemplary embodiments, one or more seat belt assemblies 15 are arranged around the vehicle seat assembly 11 and the waist and shoulders of an occupant seated in the seat assembly 11 when fastened, similar to conventional seat belt assemblies.

[0051] Generally speaking, the seat belt assembly 15 may include a seat belt webbing (lap belt 12 (lap belt, also known as thigh belt), one end of the seat belt webbing is coupled to the vehicle body, frame, etc. (body 29) of the vehicle 10 on one side of the seat assembly 11, and the opposite end of the seat belt webbing is coupled to a buckle latch (latch 14), which is configured to selectively engage a buckle assembly 16 disposed on the opposite side of the seat assembly 11. The latch 14 and the buckle assembly 16 form a detachable anchor point for the seat belt assembly 15 (e.g., as shown in FIG. Figure 4-7 The detachable, displaceable / translatable / transferable anchor point 31) is shown.

[0052] Now special reference Figure 2 , one end of the lap belt 12 can be coupled to a fixed and / or pivotable anchor 18 disposed along or protruding from the body 29 of the vehicle 10, adjacent to one side of the seat bottom 19 and / or seat pan 21. Alternatively, the lap belt 12 can be coupled directly or indirectly to a retraction / tensioning device at this location (described in more detail below). Alternatively, the anchor 18 can be coupled to the seat bottom 19 and / or seat pan 21, opposite / opposite the buckle assembly 16.

[0053] Now special reference Figure 3 In an additional or alternative embodiment, the seat assembly 15 may include an anchor assembly 316 that is coupled to the seat bottom 19 and / or the seat base 21 and is opposite / opposite to the buckle assembly 16. Generally speaking, as will be described in detail below, the anchor assembly 316 is configured to allow the pivot anchor 18 to be displaced / translated / shifted forward and downward relative to the seat assembly 11, the seat bottom 19 and / or the seat base 21 via the displaceable anchor point 31 (see also Figure 4-7 ).

[0054] For general reference Figure 2-3 , the end of the lap belt 12 opposite to the anchor 18 is connected to or passes through a body or slot made in the latch 14, and the latch 14 includes a tab for firmly engaging with the buckle assembly 16 by pressing a button or the like. The buckle assembly 16 is connected to the seat bottom 19 and / or the seat base 21, opposite / opposite to the anchor 18 and / or the anchor assembly 316. Likewise, the latch 14 and the buckle assembly 16 together form a separable anchor point when engaged with each other. In use, the lap belt 12 is configured to be selectively arranged across the waist of the occupant. Since the lap belt 12 passes through the latch 14 and / or is retractable, the length of the lap belt 12 can be changed to comfortably accommodate different occupants. The lap belt 12 is made of a webbing material that receives and softens the force of braking and / or impact events, such as a polyester or nylon webbing material woven from warp and weft threads.

[0055] The seat belt assembly 15 also typically includes a shoulder belt 20 (e.g., a portion of the seat belt webbing that forms the lap belt 12 or a separate seat belt webbing), one end of the shoulder belt 20 is coupled to the latch 14, and the opposite end of the shoulder belt 20 is coupled 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 be selectively arranged across the chest and shoulders of the occupant when fastened. Likewise, the shoulder belt 20 can include or be made of a webbing material that receives and softens the forces of braking and / or impact events, such as a polyester or nylon webbing material. Optionally, the lap belt 12 and the shoulder belt 20 are integrally formed, consisting of a single belt that passes through the latch 14 and is located between the anchor 18 and / or the anchor assembly 316 and the pillar 23, so that both the lap belt 12 and the shoulder belt 20 are adjustable to comfortably accommodate different occupants. In this case, the movement of the latch 14 along the single belt is generally limited to a certain range, and the latch 14 acts as a demarcation point between what is ultimately referred to as the lap belt 12 and the shoulder belt 20 .

[0056] The opposite end of the shoulder belt 20 may be coupled to the body (e.g., pillar 23) of the vehicle 10 via one or more of the guide 22 and the retraction / tensioning device (seat belt retractor 24). For example, the shoulder belt 20 may first be received by the guide 22 at a relatively high position along the pillar 23, such as a position adjacent to the top of the seat back 25, the headrest 27, and the occupant's head. The shoulder belt 20 may then be delivered to the seat belt retractor 24 at a relatively low position along or within the pillar 23 or along the body and / or floor of the vehicle 10. Alternatively, the guide 22 and the seat belt retractor 24 may be integral or may be juxtaposed at the upper portion of the pillar 23. The seat belt retractor 24 is operable to release and reel in the seat belt webbing of the shoulder belt 20 when fastening and removing the seat belt assembly 15, and to limit the release (i.e., lock) of the seat belt webbing and / or the shoulder belt 20 when braking and / or impact events occur. In various embodiments herein, the seat belt retractor 24 can provide sufficient tension on the seat belt webbing and / or the shoulder belt 20 to retract the seat belt webbing into the seat belt retractor 24 when the latch 14 is not fixed to the buckle assembly 16 and there is no other external force to counteract the tension provided by the seat belt retractor 24.

[0057] Optionally, the seat belt retractor 24 includes or is associated with a mechanical or explosive pretensioner 26 that is operable to remove slack from the seat belt webbing and / or shoulder belt 20 during a braking and / or impact event of the vehicle 10. Such pretensioners are well known to those of ordinary skill in the art. As described above, if a single seat belt is used, all such pretensioners will act on both the lap belt 12 and the shoulder belt 20 simultaneously. Ultimately, the lap belt 12 applies a restraining force to the waist of the vehicle occupant. When the seat belt assembly 15 is properly positioned relative to the occupant and the seat belt retractor 24 and / or pretensioner 26 are restricted or locked, the shoulder belt 20 applies a restraining force to the occupant's torso, firmly securing the occupant to the seat bottom 19 and seat back 25, respectively. As described above, the seat belt assembly 15 and / or seat assembly 11 may additionally or alternatively be provided in a manner that is compatible with the vehicle occupant's seat belt assembly 15. Figure 2 A guide, a seat belt retractor and / or a pretensioner are included at or near the anchor 18 instead of the anchor 18 to pay out and reel in the seat belt webbing of the lap belt 12 when fastening and removing the seat belt assembly 15, and to limit the payout of the seat belt webbing and / or the lap belt 12 (i.e., lock it) in the event of braking and / or collision.

[0058] Although the seat belt assembly 15 is illustrated and described in the context of a 3-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, an in-seat belt arrangement, a 5-point seat belt, and / or a 6-point tether. Furthermore, different embodiments of the seat belt assembly may include one or more additional or alternative buckle assemblies 16, latches 14, and / or anchors 18 that are suitable for the corresponding type of seat belt assembly 15.

[0059] Reference now Figure 4-7 , according to various aspects of the present subject matter, a schematic diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a seat belt assembly including a displaceable anchor point is shown. Figure 2-3 As described, one or more displaceable anchor points 31 may be incorporated into the vehicle 10, or alternatively may be integrated into any other suitable vehicle. For example, one or more displaceable anchor points 31 may be incorporated into one or more buckle assemblies 16 and / or one or more seat belt assemblies 15 of the occupant restraint system 100, or into one or more buckle assemblies of a seat belt assembly of an appropriately configured occupant restraint system and / or vehicle. In addition, although Figure 4-7 A displaceable anchor point is shown in conjunction with one or more buckle assemblies 16 and actuated via a pretensioner 44 (see FIG. Figure 5), but the following description is equally applicable to additional or alternative displaceable anchor points 31 used in conjunction with one or more anchor assemblies 316 and / or one or more anchors 18 of the occupant restraint system 100, or in conjunction with one or more anchor assemblies and / or anchors of a seat belt assembly of an appropriately configured occupant restraint system and / or vehicle. For example, Figure 3 The combination of the displaceable anchor point 31 with the anchor 18 via the anchor assembly 316 is schematically shown.

[0060] It should be understood that the anchor assembly 316 and the associated displaceable anchor point 31 may be provided as an alternative to using a buckle assembly 16, such a buckle assembly 16 having its own corresponding displaceable anchor point 31. However, some embodiments of the seat assembly 11 disclosed herein may include both a buckle assembly 16 and an anchor assembly 316, each including its own corresponding displaceable anchor point 31 for displacing the buckle assembly 16 or the anchor assembly 316 forwardly and downwardly, respectively, to pretension the lap belt 12. For example, in some embodiments, the vehicle seat assembly 11 may also include the anchor assembly 316 (see Figure 3 ), the anchor assembly 316 is connected to the buckle assembly 16 at the additional anchor point 31 (see Figure 2-3 ) is oppositely coupled to the seat bottom 19 and / or the seat bottom 21. The additional anchor point 31 may also be displaced / translated / shifted forwardly and downwardly relative to the seat bottom 19, the seat bottom 21, and / or the seat assembly 11 upon detection of an impact event or an impending impact event, thereby further pretensioning the lap belt 12 coupled to the anchor assembly 316. In some such embodiments or alternative embodiments, the vehicle seat assembly 11 may also include an additional pretensioner 44 operably coupled between the anchor assembly 316 and the seat bottom 19 and / or the seat bottom 21. The additional pretensioner 44 may be configured to displace the additional anchor point 31 forwardly and downwardly relative to the seat bottom 19, the seat bottom 21, and / or the seat assembly 11 upon detection of an impact event or an impending impact event.

[0061] Now refer to Figure 4 , the seat assembly 11 of the present disclosure may include a seat back 25 pivotally coupled to the seat bottom 19. Optionally, the seat back 25 may be highly tilted relative to the seat bottom 19. Conventionally, a lap belt 12 and / or shoulder belt 20 are provided to secure the vehicle occupant in the seat assembly 11 when the belts are buckled. Here, the lap belt 12 is secured from a buckle assembly 16 on one side of the seat assembly 11 and an anchor assembly 316 and / or anchor 18 (see FIG. 1 ) on the other side of the seat assembly 11. Figure 3) across the thigh of the vehicle occupant. One or both of the buckle assembly 16 and the anchor assembly 316 may be pivotably or non-pivotably / fixedly coupled to the seat bottom 19 and / or the seat pan 21 at one or more displaceable anchor points 31. According to the present disclosure, one or more of these anchor points 31 may be moved via a rapid pretensioning mechanism when an impact event is detected or predicted, thereby tightly engaging the lap belt to the pelvis of the vehicle occupant when the seat assembly 11 is in a highly reclined configuration.

[0062] As shown, when a crash event is detected or predicted, one or more anchor points 31 will be displaced forward and downward, thereby displacing the buckle assembly 16 and / or the anchor assembly 316 forward and downward to pretension the lap belt 12. This forward and downward displacement can be defined generally relative to the seat assembly 11, the seat bottom 19, and / or the seat pan 21. Likewise, the forward anchor point movement can be 50 mm or more, and the downward anchor point movement can also be 50 mm or more.

[0063] Below Figure 5-7 Exemplary configurations, components, etc. of displaceable anchor points and associated pretensioners are described that may be used with the buckle assembly 16, the anchor assembly 316, the seat assembly 11, the occupant restraint system 100, and / or the vehicle 10 as described herein. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present disclosure is equally applicable to additional or alternative displaceable anchor points and associated pretensioners that are configured to displace an appropriately configured seat belt buckle, buckle assembly, anchor, and / or anchor assembly forwardly and downwardly to pretension an associated lap belt.

[0064] Now specific reference Figure 5 In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the buckle assembly 16 and / or the anchor assembly 316 can be pivotally or non-pivotally / fixedly coupled to the seat bottom 19 and / or the seat base at the anchor point 31. In some embodiments, as shown, one or more anchor points 31 can include or be defined by one or more track structures 42 coupled to the side of the seat bottom 19 and / or the seat base 21. The buckle assembly 16 and / or the anchor assembly 316 can be displaced (e.g., forwardly and downwardly relative to the vehicle 10, the seat assembly 11, the seat bottom 19 and / or the seat base 21) by quickly moving one or more anchor points 31 along the track structure 42. In the illustrated embodiment, this track structure 42 can be forwardly and downwardly from an anchor point starting position toward an anchor point stopping position.

[0065] like Figure 5As shown, actuation and / or displacement of one or more anchor points 31 may be provided by one or more pretensioners 44. Thus, embodiments of the vehicle seat assembly 11 provided herein may include one or more pretensioners 44 coupled between the buckle assembly 16 and / or the anchor assembly 316 and the seat bottom 19 and / or the seat pan 21. Generally speaking, embodiments of the pretensioner 44 disclosed herein are adapted to displace an associated anchor point 31 of the seat assembly 31 forwardly and downwardly relative to the seat bottom 19, the seat pan 21, and / or the seat assembly 11 upon detection of an impact event or an imminent impact event.

[0066] like Figure 5 As shown, in some embodiments, one or more pretensioners 44 may include one or more pyrotechnic actuators, which are well known to those of ordinary skill in the art. As described above, such actuation may also be provided by a mechanical actuator or an electronic actuator, and the actuation is triggered by a control system and algorithm. Therefore, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that embodiments of one or more pretensioners 44 may include appropriately configured explosive actuators, mechanical actuators, electronic actuators, linear actuators, rotary actuators, servomotors, etc., which are configured to bias one or more anchor points 31 of the buckle assembly 16 and / or the anchor assembly 316 downwardly and forwardly relative to the seat bottom 19, the seat base 21 and / or the seat assembly 11 when an impact event or an impending impact event is detected.

[0067] Some embodiments of the one or more pretensioners 44, such as pyrotechnic actuators, are designed to be used only once and to provide a preset biasing force on one or more anchor points 31. Other embodiments of the one or more pretensioners 44 may be configured to provide a variable biasing force to displace one or more anchor points 31 such that the degree of pretensioning is determined by the degree of displacement, which in turn is determined by the magnitude of the biasing force provided by the pretensioner 44. For example, a suitably configured controller may control the magnitude of the biasing force provided by the pretensioner 44 based on the detection or prediction of one or more inputs or preconditions, as described below. In some such embodiments, the associated controller and one or more pretensioners 44 may be configured to provide proportional control based on one or more inputs indicative of the recline angle of an occupant of the associated seat assembly 11 and / or a determined or predicted severity of an impact. Additional or alternative embodiments of one or more pretensioners 44 and / or one or more associated controllers may be configured to displace one or more anchor points 31 forward and downward by a first amount in response to a first signal, and to displace one or more anchor points 31 forward and downward by a second amount different from the first amount in response to a second signal different from the first signal. Embodiments of suitable control systems and control logic for controlling the operation of one or more pretensioners 44 are described below with reference to Figure 8 and Fig. 9 Detailed description.

[0068] Now refer to Figure 6 , according to various aspects of the present subject matter, additional or alternative embodiments of displaceable anchor points are shown. As shown, some embodiments of anchor point 31 include or are defined by a slot 46 defined in seat bottom 19 and / or seat base 21. Thus, buckle assembly 16 and / or anchor assembly 316 ( Figure 3 ) can be pivotably or non-pivotably / fixedly connected to the seat bottom 19 and / or the seat base 21 at the anchor point 31, and the anchor point 31 can be displaced by quickly moving the anchor point 31 along a slot 46 made in the side of the seat bottom 19 and / or the seat base 21. In the embodiment shown, this slot 46 is also from the anchor point starting position (such as Figure 6 The upper right position of the middle groove 46) is forward and downward toward the anchor point stop position (such as Figure 6 The tensioner 44 may be provided by one or more pretensioners 44 described herein, such as pyrotechnic actuators ( Figure 4 ) provides actuation. As described above, such actuation may also be provided additionally or alternatively by a mechanical actuator, an electronic actuator, a linear actuator, a rotary actuator, a servo motor, etc., with actuation triggered by a control system and an algorithm.

[0069] Now refer to Figure 7 , according to various aspects of the present subject matter, additional or alternative embodiments of the displaceable anchor point are shown. As shown, some embodiments of the anchor point 31 include or consist of a member connected to the seat bottom 19 and / or the seat base 21 and the displaceable anchor point 31, the buckle assembly 16 and / or the anchor assembly 316 ( Figure 3 ) are defined by lever 47 between the seat bottom 19 and the seat base 21. Thus, the buckle assembly 16 and / or the anchor assembly 316 can be pivotally or non-pivotally / fixedly connected to the seat bottom 19 and / or the seat base 21 at the anchor point 31, and the anchor point 31 can be displaced by quickly rotating the lever 47 relative to the seat bottom 19 and / or the seat base 21. This rotation of the lever 47 can cause the anchor point 31 to move forward and downward relative to the seat bottom 19, the seat base 21 and / or the seat assembly 11. In the illustrated embodiment, the lever 47 is positioned to define the starting position of the anchor point (e.g., so that the anchor point 31 is located at the upper right). Figure 7 As shown, the lever 47 can be rotated (e.g., Figure 7 The seat assembly 11 is configured to rotate counterclockwise) to position the lever 47 and the anchor point 31 at the anchor point stop position (e.g., so that the anchor point 31 is located at the lower left).

[0070] Actuation may be provided by one or more pretensioners 44 as described herein, such as pyrotechnic actuators ( Figure 4 As described above, such actuation may also be provided by mechanical actuators, electronic actuators, linear actuators, rotary actuators, servo motors, etc., and triggered by a control system and algorithm. For example, a rotary actuator is operably coupled between the lever 47 and the seat bottom 19 and / or the seat base 21.

[0071] Now the overall reference Figure 2-7 , the vehicle seat assembly of the present disclosure may utilize a seat belt buckle pretensioning system that is integrated into the seat structure. When an impact event is detected (or predicted), the seat belt buckle anchor point 31 will quickly move forward and downward, so that the connected lap belt 12 is pretensioned and the connected lap belt 12 is moved to a position that optimizes the lap belt geometry and prevents dive during the impact event, especially when the occupant is in a moderate or high reclined sitting position. This can be accomplished using an explosive pretensioner, a mechanical pretensioner, and / or an electronic pretensioner with an appropriate controller, and the pretensioner can be applied to one or more lap belt anchor points 31 on one or both sides of the seat assembly 11. For example, the forward movement of the anchor point can be 50 mm or more, and the downward movement of the anchor point can also be 50 mm or more. The purpose of this is to ensure that the occupant's pelvis 17 is fully engaged with the lap belt 12 of the seat assembly 11 during an impact event and does not slip out from under the lap belt 12 to prevent diving.

[0072] Reference now Figure 8 , a schematic diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a vehicle occupant restraint system is shown according to various aspects of the present subject matter. The occupant restraint system 100 may include one or more seat assemblies and associated seat belt assemblies configured to be coupled to a vehicle occupant restraint system. Figure 2-7 The one or more seat belt assemblies 15 or appropriately configured seat belt assemblies 15 are the same or similar. Figure 8 The occupant restraint system 100 of FIG. 1 shows an example number of seat belt assemblies 15 and related components (e.g., seat assemblies 11, one or more buckle assemblies 16, and / or anchor assemblies 316), but the occupant restraint system 100 may include any other number of suitable seat assemblies 11, suitable seat belt assemblies 15, number of seats, number of seat rows, number of seats per row, doors, number of door rows, etc. In addition, as shown, each seat belt assembly 15 may include a buckle assembly 16 and / or an anchor assembly 316 (e.g., regarding Figure 2-7Any of the buckle assemblies 16 and / or anchor assemblies 316 described above, other appropriately configured buckle assemblies and / or anchor assemblies, buckle assemblies 16 and / or anchor assemblies 316 configured identically for each seat belt assembly 15, or buckle assemblies 16 and / or anchor assemblies 316 configured differently for at least two seat belt assemblies 15).

[0073] For example, each buckle assembly 16 may include a displaceable anchor point 31 ( Figure 8 19 and / or the seat base 21). In some such configurations or other configurations, each anchor assembly 316 may include a displaceable anchor point 31 that connects the anchor assembly 316 to the seat bottom 19 and / or the seat base 21. In general, a seat assembly 11 that includes at least one displaceable anchor point 31 may be referred to herein as a tension-type seat assembly. Although in Figure 8 For clarity, however, each tensioning seat assembly 11 may include a pretensioner 44 (see Figure 5 ), the pretensioner 44 is operably coupled between the seat bottom 19 and / or the seat base 21 and the buckle assembly 16 and / or the anchor assembly 316 including one or more displaceable anchor points 31. As described above, the pretensioner 44 is configured to displace one or more anchor points 31 of the buckle assembly 16 and / or the anchor assembly 316 forwardly and downwardly relative to the seat bottom 19 and / or the seat base 21 upon detection of an impact event or an imminent impact event, thereby pretensioning the lap belt 12 coupled to the buckle assembly 16 and / or the anchor assembly 316. Additionally, in some embodiments, at least one seat assembly 11 may not include a displaceable anchor point 31 that allows the buckle assembly 16 or the anchor 18 to be displaced forwardly and downwardly (e.g., a non-tensioning seat assembly).

[0074] As shown, the occupant restraint system 100 may also include a control unit 836 (e.g., an electronic control unit, a plurality of related control units, and / or a combination of one or more processing devices and at least one memory or storage device, as described herein), which is communicatively coupled to each tensioning seat assembly 11, one or more buckle assemblies 16, and / or one or more anchor assemblies 316 and is configured to direct the operation of these one or more components, mechanisms, etc. Although Figure 81 and 2 to simplify the description, but it should be understood that the control unit 836 may include a plurality of related control units that are configured to collectively provide operational control of one or more buckle assemblies 16 and / or one or more anchor assemblies 316, as will be described in more detail below. Generally speaking, the control unit 836 may be configured to displace one or more anchor points 31 of one or more selected ones of the tensioning seat assemblies 15 in the tensioning seat assemblies 11 forwardly and downwardly relative to the seat bottom 19 and / or the seat pan 21 upon detecting an impact event or an imminent impact event, thereby pretensioning or further pretensioning the lap belt 12 coupled to the buckle assembly 16 and / or the anchor assembly 316.

[0075] As shown, the control unit 836 may provide operational control of one or more tensioning seat belt assemblies 15 (e.g., one or more buckle assemblies 16 and / or one or more anchor assemblies 312 thereof) of the occupant restraint system 100 and may be communicatively coupled to the vehicle 10 and various additional or alternative components associated with the vehicle 10, as described in more detail below. Figure 8 Some of the communication links in may be shown as joint communication links, but it should be understood that one or more components, such as all components, communicatively coupled to the control unit 836 may have component-specific communication links.

[0076] In some embodiments, as shown, the control unit 836 may include or be communicatively coupled to one or more external devices 843, such as mobile devices, cell phones, etc. (e.g., mobile device 845). The mobile device 843 may transmit input to the one or more control units 836 used to control the operation of one or more buckle assemblies 16 and / or one or more anchor assemblies 316. Figure 8 As shown, the one or more external devices 843 communicatively coupled to the control unit 836 may include one or more remote servers, processing units, storage devices, computing devices, etc. (eg, remote computing device 849).

[0077] By applying appropriate algorithms in the control unit 836, the occupant restraint system 100 can be integrated with other parts of the vehicle system, for example, obtaining input from / outputting to collision detection / prediction sensors and / or occupant posture detection sensors. Figure 8In the exemplary embodiment shown, the vehicle 10 and / or the occupant restraint system 100 may include a collision detection / prediction system and / or any number of accelerometers, other sensors, cameras, LIDAR sensors, RADAR sensors, and / or other perception sensors (e.g., see collision sensors 844, 846, and 848) that are configured to transmit signals / data indicating an impact event, a predicted impact event, and / or the severity of an impact event or a predicted impact event to the control unit 836.

[0078] Additionally, for the illustrated embodiment, the vehicle 10 and / or the occupant restraint system 100 may include an occupant posture detection system that may include one or more internal occupant sensors 852 (e.g., sensors, cameras, lidar sensors, radar sensors, inference sensors, optical sensors, and / or other perception sensors) that are configured to transmit signals / data indicative of the recline angle of each occupant of the tension-type seat assembly 11 to the control unit 836, as described herein. Additionally or alternatively, the vehicle 10, the occupant restraint system 100, the occupant posture detection system, and / or one or more seat assemblies 11 may include one or more seat actuators 854. The seat actuators 854 may generally be configured to change the recline angle of the seat back 25 and / or the seat bottom 19 of the corresponding seat assembly 11. Some such embodiments of the seat actuators 854 (e.g., servo motors) may be configured to provide feedback via signals and / or data communicated to the control unit 836 and indicate at least the recline angle of the seat back 25, the seat bottom 19, and / or the occupant of the corresponding seat assembly 11. Additionally or alternatively, embodiments of the seat actuator 854 and / or seat assembly 11 disclosed herein may include sensors, circuits, etc. suitable for transmitting signals indicating the orientation of the corresponding seat bottom 19 and / or seat back 25 relative to a known / starting orientation of the corresponding seat bottom 19 and / or seat back 25, which signals may be sufficient to determine the tilt angle of the seat back 25 and / or seat bottom 19, respectively, relative to the vehicle 10.

[0079] It should be understood that the tilt angle of the seat back 25 can indicate the tilt angle of the occupant (e.g., the angle of the occupant's upper body relative to the seat bottom 19). Similarly, the tilt angle of the seat bottom 19 can also indicate the tilt angle of the occupant. In an embodiment where the seat assembly 11 includes both an adjustable seat back 25 and a seat bottom 19, the tilt angles of the seat back 25 and the seat bottom 19 can together indicate the tilt angle of the occupant. Additionally or alternatively, the internal occupant sensor 852 can transmit a signal / data to the control unit 836 sufficient to determine the tilt angle of the occupant's upper body relative to the seat bottom 25 without knowing the tilt angle of the seat back 25 and / or the seat bottom 19 relative to the vehicle 10.

[0080] Generally, the control unit 836, the collision detection / prediction system, and / or one or more collision sensors 844, 846, 848 first detect an impact event or an impending impact event. Simultaneously or prior to this, the control unit 836, the occupant posture detection system, one or more interior occupant sensors 852, and / or one or more seat actuators 854 detect or determine the occupant / seat position (upright, slightly reclined, highly reclined, etc.). Based on these observations, one or more pretensioners 44 (see FIG. 1 ) are actuated in the event of a predetermined posture and in the event of a detected impact event or an impending impact event. Figure 5 ), so that one or more anchor points 31 are quickly displaced forward and downward, thereby pre-tensioning the lap belt 12 before a crash event occurs, for example, to provide an optimized lap belt geometry to avoid dive when the seat back 25 is in a highly reclined configuration. For example, the lap belt 12 may be pre-tensioned in any crash event or only when certain seat position / occupant posture criteria are met. In addition, the degree of lap belt pre-tensioning may be controlled based on the severity of the crash event and / or the seat position / occupant posture.

[0081] Reference now Fig. 9 , according to various aspects of the present disclosure, an exemplary embodiment of a method for controlling a system for operating a pretensioner of a seat belt assembly of an occupant restraint system to pretension a lap belt of the occupant restraint system is shown. The method or process (method 960) may be implemented using or in conjunction with an embodiment of an occupant restraint system 100 and / or a control unit 836 for operating / controlling one or more displaceable seat assemblies 15, one or more buckle assemblies 16, one or more anchor assemblies 316, and / or one or more pretensioners 44 as described herein, or other similar or appropriately configured occupant restraint systems, control units, vehicles, one or more buckle assemblies, one or more anchor assemblies, one or more pretensioners, and / or systems for operating / controlling restraint buckles and / or anchor points that may be displaced forwardly and downwardly to pretension an associated lap belt when a crash event is detected or predicted.

[0082] As shown, in some embodiments, the steps may include determining a collision event or an impending collision event of a vehicle (step 962). Figure 8As shown, the control unit 836 may determine a collision event or an impending collision event of the vehicle 10 based on one or more communications or data received from the one or more collision sensors 844, 846, 847. The method 960 may also include (step 964) transmitting a signal to a pretensioner of a vehicle seat assembly of the vehicle in response to the determination of the collision event or the impending collision event of the vehicle. For example, the control unit 836 may communicate a signal (e.g., an electrical signal, a modulated power supply, etc.) to one or more pretensioners 44, thereby causing the one or more pretensioners 44 to activate and cause one or more buckle assemblies 16 and / or one or more associated anchor points 31 of one or more anchor assemblies 316 to shift forward and downward. Thus, as shown (step 966), the method 960 may include, in response to the signal, using the pretensioner to shift the anchor point forward and downward relative to the seat bottom, thereby pretensioning the lap belt coupled to the buckle assembly. As described above, such displacement of one or more anchor points 31 of one or more buckle assemblies 16 and / or one or more anchor assemblies 316 can pre-tension or further pre-tension one or more lap belts 12 coupled thereto and / or facilitate the geometry of the belt assemblies to properly engage one or more pelvises 17 of one or more corresponding occupants to prevent diving.

[0083] In some embodiments, the method 960 may include determining a tilt angle of a vehicle occupant seated in the vehicle seat assembly. For example, the control unit 836 may determine one or more tilt angles of one or more occupants of the vehicle 10 seated in the one or more seat assemblies 11 based on one or more communications or data received from one or more occupant sensors 852 and / or one or more seat actuators 854 or related sensors, circuits, etc. In some embodiments, a signal to activate one or more pretensioners 44 is transmitted to one or more pretensioners 44 only when the tilt angle is determined to exceed a threshold angle. For example, when the determined tilt angle of one or more corresponding occupants (e.g., the tilt angle of one or more occupants' upper body and / or seat back 25 relative to one or more corresponding seat bottoms 19) is greater than a threshold angle, the control unit 836 may transmit a signal to activate the pretensioner 44. It should be understood that the threshold angle may be a preset threshold angle, wherein, at least for some crash severity levels, a tilt angle less than the threshold angle is unlikely or unlikely to cause the associated passenger to dive. Conversely, at least for some crash severity levels, a tilt angle greater than a threshold angle may or may be more likely to result in a dive of the associated occupant.

[0084] As described above, some embodiments of one or more pretensioners 44 may be configured to provide a variable biasing force to displace the anchor point 31, such that the degree of pretensioning is determined by the degree of displacement, which itself is determined by the amount / magnitude of the biasing force provided by the pretensioner 44. Thus, various embodiments of the pretensioner 44 described herein may be configured to displace the associated anchor point 31 by different amounts / degrees based on a signal transmitted to the corresponding pretensioner 44. Additionally or alternatively, one or more anchor points 31 described herein may be configured to be displaced forward and downward by two or more pretensioners 44 operating alone or in combination. For example, activating a first pretensioner 44 may displace the anchor point 31, the associated buckle assembly 16, and / or the associated anchor assembly 316 forward and downward by a first amount. Additionally or alternatively, activating a second pretensioner 44 may also displace the anchor point 31, the associated buckle assembly 16, and / or the associated anchor assembly 316 forward and downward by a second amount that is different from the first amount. Additionally or alternatively, activating both the first and second pretensioners 44 may also displace the anchor point 31 , the associated buckle assembly 16 , and / or the associated anchor assembly 316 forwardly and downwardly by a third amount that is different than both the first and second amounts.

[0085] In some embodiments, the control unit 836 may further determine whether one or more tilt angles of one or more occupants are above or below an additional threshold angle. The additional threshold angle may be another preset threshold angle, wherein, at least for some crash severity levels, a tilt angle less than the additional threshold angle (but greater than the threshold angle) is likely to cause the associated passenger to dive. Conversely, at least for some crash severity levels, a tilt angle greater than the additional threshold angle is more likely to cause the associated passenger to dive than a tilt angle less than the additional threshold angle.

[0086] Thus, in various embodiments of the method 960, the signal transmitted from the control unit 836 to the one or more pretensioners 44 may include a first signal when the angle of inclination of the corresponding occupant exceeds the threshold angle and is below the additional threshold angle. Additionally or alternatively, the signal transmitted from the control unit 836 to the one or more pretensioners 44 may include a second signal different from the first signal when the angle of inclination of the corresponding occupant exceeds the threshold angle and the additional threshold angle. In some such embodiments, the one or more pretensioners 44 may be configured to displace the one or more associated anchor points 31 forward and downward by a first amount in response to the first signal, and displace the one or more associated anchor points 31 forward and downward by a second amount different from the first amount in response to the second signal. It should be understood that embodiments of the one or more pretensioners 44 may be configured to displace the one or more associated anchor points 31 forward and downward by a third amount different from the first and second signals in response to a third signal different from the first and second signals, and so on.

[0087] As described above, some embodiments of the seat belt assembly 15 may include both a buckle assembly 16 and an anchor assembly 316, each including an anchor point 31 displaceable via one or more associated pretensioners 44. In some such embodiments, the control unit 836 may be configured to transmit a first signal (e.g., when the determined tilt angle is greater than a threshold angle) to one or more pretensioners 44 of one of the buckle assembly 16 or the anchor assembly 316 to pretension the associated lap belt 12. In this configuration and other configurations, the control unit 836 may transmit a second signal (e.g., when the determined tilt angle is above an additional threshold angle) to one or more pretensioners 44 of the other of the buckle assembly 16 and the anchor assembly 316 to further pretension the associated lap belt 12.

[0088] Some additional or alternative embodiments of method 960 may include determining the severity of an impact event or an impending impact event. For example, the impact sensors 844, 846, 848, the impact detection / prediction system, and / or the control unit 836 may be used to determine the impact severity. Additionally or alternatively, the occupant restraint system 100 and / or the control unit 836 may also be integrated with other parts of the vehicle system, obtaining inputs from / or outputs to the vehicle powertrain, vehicle motor, vehicle transmission, vehicle power supply, infotainment unit or system, etc., and these inputs may be used to determine the impact severity. The determined severity of the impending or predicted collision may be based at least in part on the speed of the vehicle 10, the relative speed of the vehicle 10 and the collision object, the actual or predicted impact location of the vehicle 10, and the actual or predicted collision geometry of the vehicle 10 and the collision object, determined characteristics of the collision object, deceleration / acceleration of the vehicle 10, jerking of the vehicle 10, traction information of the vehicle 10, and / or braking information of the vehicle 10 (e.g., activation of an anti-lock braking system, determined / effective braking force, activation of an automatic braking system, etc.).

[0089] Based on any of the above-mentioned collision characteristics and / or other suitable characteristics / input data, the control unit 836 may determine the collision severity by utilizing an appropriate algorithm. Thus, in some embodiments, a signal to activate one or more pretensioners 44 may be transmitted to one or more pretensioners 44 only when the collision severity is determined to exceed a threshold severity. It should be understood that the threshold severity may be a preset threshold severity, and at least for some occupant tilt angles, when the determined collision severity is less than the threshold severity, it is unlikely or less likely to cause the associated passenger to dive. Conversely, at least for some occupant tilt angles, it is likely or more likely that the determined collision severity is greater than the threshold severity to cause the associated passenger to dive than when the determined collision severity is less than the threshold severity.

[0090] In additional or other embodiments, the control unit 836 may further determine whether the collision severity is above or below an additional threshold severity. The additional threshold severity may be another predetermined threshold severity that, at least for some occupant tilt angles, may result in a dive of the associated passenger when the determined collision severity is less than the additional threshold severity (but greater than the threshold severity). Conversely, at least for some occupant tilt angles, a determined collision severity greater than the additional threshold severity is more likely to result in a dive of the associated passenger than a severity less than the additional threshold severity. In various embodiments of the method 960, when the severity of the impact event or the impending impact event exceeds the threshold severity and is less than the additional threshold severity, the signal to activate the one or more pretensioners 44 may include a first signal. Additionally or alternatively, when the severity of the impact event or the impending impact event exceeds the threshold severity and the additional threshold severity, the signal to activate the one or more pretensioners 44 may include a second signal. As described above, one or more pretensioners 44 may be configured to displace one or more anchor points 31 forward and downward by a first amount in response to a first signal and displace one or more anchor points 31 forward and downward by a second amount (eg, a larger amount) in response to a second signal.

[0091] In additional or alternative embodiments, the control unit 836 may determine the threshold angle and / or additional threshold angle based at least in part on the determined impact severity of the impact event or the impending impact event. Additionally or alternatively, the control unit 836 may also determine the threshold severity and / or additional threshold severity based at least in part on the determined one or more tilt angles of one or more associated occupants of the one or more tension seat assemblies 15. In other or alternative embodiments, the control unit 836 may apply an appropriate algorithm and transmit a signal, a first signal and / or a second signal, or no signal based on data transmitted to the control unit 836 indicating the tilt angle of each occupant of the tension seat assembly 11 (e.g., data transmitted from one or more occupant sensors 852 and / or one or more seat actuators 854 or associated sensors, circuits, etc.) and data transmitted to the control unit 836 indicating the impact severity of the impact event or the impending impact event (e.g., collision signature data transmitted from the collision sensors 844, 846, 848).

[0092] In some embodiments, the method 960 may include transmitting an event / incident signal to the remote computing device 843 in response to transmitting one or more signals to one or more pretensioners 44 of the vehicle 10. Alternatively, the control unit 836 may transmit such an event signal in response to a determination that the signal, the first signal, and / or the second signal should be transmitted to one or more pretensioners 44 of the vehicle 10. Such an event signal may be used to generate, or cause the generation of, one or more notifications to first responders, medical providers, guardians of one or more occupants, family members of one or more occupants, emergency contacts of one or more occupants, and / or other vehicles 10 using the same or similar occupant restraint systems and components thereof, as described herein. Such event signals and / or notifications may indicate one or more of the following: pretensioning of one or more lap belts 12 of the vehicle 10, activation of one or more pretensioners 44, one or more tilt angles determined for one or more occupants of the vehicle 10, a determined impact severity of an impact event or an impending impact event, and / or inputs used to calculate any of the above, as described herein.

[0093] In some embodiments, the method 960 may include receiving a report signal transmitted from the remote computing device 843, the report signal indicating at least one of a leading vehicle impact event or the use of a leading vehicle pretensioner of the leading vehicle at a route location shared with the vehicle. For example, the report signal may include or be based on the event signal of the leading vehicle and / or one or more corresponding notifications. In various embodiments, such a report signal may indicate at least: a severity of an impact event or an impending impact event of the leading vehicle, or an input for determining the severity of the impact (e.g., impact signature data transmitted from a corresponding impact sensor 844, 846, 848 or other vehicle system data), and / or a travel time or travel distance between the vehicle 10 and the leading vehicle. Thus, a crash event or an impending crash event of the vehicle 10 and / or its severity may be determined based at least in part on the report signal.

[0094] In additional or alternative embodiments, method 960 may include: if the seat assembly includes a seat bottom, a seat back pivotally coupled to the seat bottom, and a buckle assembly coupled to the seat bottom at an anchor point, upon detecting a crash event or an imminent crash event, displacing the anchor point forward and downward relative to the seat bottom to pretension a lap belt coupled to the buckle assembly. Additionally or alternatively, the method may further include: if the anchor assembly is coupled to the seat bottom opposite the buckle assembly at an additional anchor point, upon detecting a crash event or an imminent crash event, displacing the additional anchor point forward and downward relative to the seat bottom to further pretension a lap belt coupled to the anchor assembly.

[0095] It should be appreciated that, according to different examples, some actions or events of any technology described herein may be performed in a different order, may be added, combined, or omitted entirely (e.g., not all described actions or events are necessary for the practice of the technology). In addition, in some examples, actions or events may be performed concurrently, such as through multithreading, interrupt processing, or multiple processors, rather than sequentially.

[0096] Fig.10 1 is a network diagram of a cloud-based system 1000 for implementing various cloud-based services of the present disclosure. The cloud-based system 1000 includes one or more cloud nodes (CNs) 1002 communicatively connected to the Internet 1004 or the like. The cloud nodes 1002 may be implemented as (e.g., Fig.111000, and can be geographically different from each other, such as data centers located in various parts of the country or the world. In addition, the cloud-based system 1000 can include one or more central authority (CA) nodes 1006, which can be similarly implemented as the server 1000 and connected to the CN 1002. For illustrative purposes, the cloud-based system 1000 can be connected to a regional office 1010, a headquarters 1020, the homes 1030 of various employees, a laptop / desktop 1040, and a mobile device 1050, each of which can be communicatively connected to one of the CNs 1002. These locations 1010, 1020, and 1030 and devices 1040 and 1050 are shown for illustrative purposes, and those skilled in the art will recognize that there are various access scenarios to the cloud-based system 1000, all of which are considered here. Devices 1040 and 1050 can be so-called road warriors, that is, users who are not on site, on the road, etc. The cloud-based system 1000 can be a private cloud, a public cloud, a combination of private and public clouds (hybrid cloud), and the like.

[0097] Likewise, the cloud-based system 1000 can provide any functionality to the locations 1010, 1020, and 1030 and the devices 1040 and 1050 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, the information technology (IT) deployment model included enterprise resources and applications stored within the enterprise network (i.e., physical devices), behind a firewall, accessed by on-site or remote employees through a virtual private network (VPN), etc. The cloud-based system 1000 is replacing the traditional deployment model. The cloud-based system 1000 can be used to implement these services in the cloud without the need for physical devices and their management by enterprise IT administrators.

[0098] Cloud computing systems and methods abstract away physical servers, storage, networks, etc., and provide them as elastic resources on demand. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) provides a concise and specific definition, pointing out that cloud computing is a model that enables convenient, on-demand network access to a shared pool of configurable computing resources (e.g., networks, servers, storage, applications, and services) that can be quickly configured and released with minimal management effort or service provider interaction. Cloud computing is different from the classic client-server model in that it provides applications from a server, which are executed and managed by the client's web browser, etc., without the need to install the client version of the application. Centralization enables cloud service providers to fully control the versions of browser-based and other applications provided to clients, thereby 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 abbreviation for the cloud computing services provided (or even the collection of all existing cloud services) is "cloud". The cloud-based system 1000 is illustrated herein as one exemplary embodiment of a cloud-based system, and one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the systems and methods described herein are not necessarily limited thereto.

[0099] Fig.11 is a block diagram of a server 1100, which may be in a cloud-based system 1000 ( Fig.10 ), in other systems or independently. For example, CNs 1002 ( Fig.10 ) and central authorization node 1006 ( Fig.10 ) can be formed into one or more servers 1100. The server 1100 can be a digital computer. In terms of hardware architecture, the digital computer generally includes a processor 1102, an input / output (I / O) interface 1104, a network interface 1106, a data storage 1108, and a memory 1110. It should be understood by those skilled in the art that Fig.11The server 1100 is depicted in an overly simplified manner, and actual implementations may include additional components and appropriately configured processing logic to support known or traditional operating features that are not described in detail herein. The components (1102, 1104, 1106, 1108, and 1110) are communicatively connected via a local interface 1112. The local interface 1112 may be, for example, but not limited to, one or more buses or other wired or wireless connections, as known in the art. The local interface 1112 may have additional elements, such as controllers, buffers (cache), drivers, repeaters, and receivers, etc., to enable communication, which are omitted for simplicity. In addition, the local interface 1112 may include address, control, and / or data connections to enable appropriate communication between the aforementioned components.

[0100] The processor 1102 is a hardware device for executing software instructions. The processor 1102 can be any custom or commercially available processor, a central processing unit (CPU), an auxiliary processor in several processors associated with the server 1100, a semiconductor-based microprocessor (in the form of a microchip or chipset), or any general device for executing software instructions. When the server 1100 is running, the processor 1102 is configured to execute the software stored in the memory 1110, transfer data to and from the memory 1110, and generally control the operation of the server 1100 according to the software instructions. The I / O interface 1104 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.

[0101] The network interface 1106 can be used to enable the server 1100 to communicate with the network over the Internet 904 ( Fig. 9) on a network. Network interface 1106 may 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). Network interface 1106 may include address, control, and / or data connections to achieve appropriate communication on the network. Data storage 1108 may be used to store data. Data storage 1108 may include any one of a volatile memory element (e.g., a random access memory (RAM, such as DRAM, SRAM, SDRAM, etc.)), a non-volatile memory element (e.g., ROM, a hard disk drive, a tape, a CDROM, etc.), and a combination thereof. In addition, data storage 1108 may be combined with electronic, magnetic, optical, and / or other types of storage media. In one example, data storage 1108 may be located inside server 1100, for example, an internal hard disk drive connected to a local interface 1112 in server 1100. Additionally, in another embodiment, the data storage 1108 may be external to the server 1100, such as an external hard drive (e.g., a SCSI or USB connection) connected to the I / O interface 1104. In further embodiments, the data storage 1108 may be connected to the server 1100 via a network, such as, for example, a network-attached file server.

[0102] The memory 1110 may include any of volatile memory elements (e.g., random access memory (RAM, such as DRAM, SRAM, SDRAM, etc.)), non-volatile memory elements (e.g., ROM, hard drive, tape, CDROM, etc.), and combinations thereof. In addition, the memory 1110 may incorporate electronic, magnetic, optical, and / or other types of storage media. Note that the memory 1110 may have a distributed architecture in which components are remote from each other but can be accessed by the processor 1102. The software in the memory 1110 may include one or more software programs, each of which includes an ordered list of executable instructions for implementing logical functions. The software in the memory 1110 includes a suitable operating system (O / S) 1114 and one or more programs 1116. The operating system 1114 substantially controls the execution of other computer programs (such as one or more programs 1116) and provides scheduling, input-output control, file and data management, memory management, and communication control and related services. The one or more programs 1116 may be configured to implement the various processes, algorithms, methods, techniques, etc. described herein.

[0103] It should be understood that some embodiments described herein may include one or more general or special processors ("one or more processors"), such as microprocessors; central processing units (CPUs); digital signal processors (DSPs); custom processors, such as network processors (NPs) or network processing units (NPUs), graphics processing units (GPUs), etc.; field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs); and unique stored program instructions (including software and firmware) for controlling them, in combination with certain non-processor circuits to implement some, most or all of the functions of the methods and / or systems described herein. Optionally, 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 circuits. Of course, a combination of the above methods may be used. For some embodiments described herein, hardware and corresponding devices optionally with software, firmware, and combinations thereof can be referred to as "circuits," "logics," etc. configured or adapted 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.

[0104] In addition, some embodiments may include a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having stored thereon computer-readable code for programming a computer, server, accessory, device, processor, circuit, etc. Each computer, server, accessory, device, processor, circuit, etc. may include a processor to perform the functions as described and claimed herein. Examples of such computer-readable storage media include, but are not limited to, hard disks, optical storage devices, magnetic storage devices, read-only memories (ROMs), programmable read-only memories (PROMs), erasable programmable read-only memories (EPROMs), electrically erasable programmable read-only memories (EEPROMs), flash memory, etc. When stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium, software can include instructions that can be executed by a processor or device (e.g., any type of programmable circuit or logic), and in response to such execution, cause the processor or device to perform a set of operations, steps, methods, processes, algorithms, functions, techniques, etc., as described herein for various embodiments.

[0105] Fig.12 is available on a cloud-based system 1000( Fig.10) is a block diagram of a user device 1200 used as part of a network or used alone. Similarly, the user device 1200 can be a vehicle (e.g., one or more control units thereof), a smartphone, a tablet, a smart watch, an Internet of Things (IoT) device, a laptop, a virtual reality (VR) headset, etc. The user device 1200 can be a digital device, which, in terms of hardware architecture, typically includes a processor 1202, an I / O interface 1204, a radio 1206, a data storage 1208, and a memory 1210. It should be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that Fig.12 User device 1200 is depicted in an oversimplified manner, and actual implementations may include additional components and appropriately configured processing logic to support known or traditional operating features not described in detail herein. Components (1202, 1204, 1206, 1208, and 1210) are connected via local interface 1212 communication. Local interface 1212 may be, for example, but not limited to, one or more buses or other wired or wireless connections, as known in the art. Local interface 1212 can have additional elements, such as controllers, buffers (cache), drivers, repeaters, and receivers, and many other elements, to enable communication, which are omitted for simplicity. In addition, local interface 1212 may include address, control, and / or data connections to enable appropriate communication between the aforementioned components.

[0106] Processor 1202 is a hardware device for executing software instructions. Processor 1202 can be any customized or commercially available processor, CPU, auxiliary processor in several processors associated with user device 1200, semiconductor-based microprocessor (in the form of microchip or chipset) or any common device for executing software instructions. When user device 1200 is running, processor 1202 is configured to execute the software stored in memory 1210, transfer data to memory 1210 and transfer data from memory 1210, and generally control the operation of user device 1200 according to software instructions. In one embodiment, processor 1202 may include a mobile optimization processor, such as a processor optimized for power consumption and mobile applications. I / O interface 1204 can be used to receive user input and / or for providing system output. User input can be provided via, for example, keyboard, touch screen, rolling ball, scroll bar, button, bar code scanner, etc. System output can be provided via display devices such as liquid crystal display (LCD), touch screen, etc.

[0107] Radio 1206 enables wireless communication with an external access device or network. Radio 1206 can support any number of suitable wireless data communication protocols, technologies or methods, including any protocol for wireless communication. Data storage 1208 can be used to store data. Data storage 1208 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 1208 can be combined with electronic, magnetic, optical and / or other types of storage media.

[0108] Likewise, the memory 1210 may include any 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, etc.), and combinations thereof. Furthermore, the memory 1210 may incorporate electronic, magnetic, optical, and / or other types of storage media. Note that the memory 1210 may have a distributed architecture in which various components are remote from one another but are accessible by the processor 1202. The software in the memory 1210 may include one or more software programs, each of which includes an ordered list of executable instructions for implementing logical functions. Fig.12 In the example of , the software in the memory 1210 includes a suitable operating system 1214 and programs 1216. The operating system 1214 basically controls the execution of other computer programs and provides scheduling, input and output control, file and data management, memory management, and communication control and related services. Programs 1216 may include various applications, add-ons, etc., which are configured to provide end-user functions to the user device 1200. For example, the example programs 1216 may include, but are not limited to, web browsers, social networking applications, streaming media applications, games, maps and location applications, email applications, financial applications, etc. In a typical example, an end user typically uses one or more programs 1216 and a system such as a cloud-based system 1000 ( Fig.10 ) and other networks.

[0109] Although the present disclosure is illustrated and described with reference to its embodiments and examples thereof, it is apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that other embodiments and examples may perform similar functions and / or achieve similar results. All such equivalent exemplary embodiments and examples are within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, are contemplated thereby, and are intended to be covered for all purposes by the following non-limiting clauses and / or claims.

[0110] Clause 1: A vehicle comprising: a plurality of seat assemblies, at least one of the plurality of seat assemblies being configured as a tensioning seat assembly, the tensioning seat assembly comprising: a seat bottom; a seat back pivotally connected to the seat bottom; and a buckle assembly connected to the seat bottom at an anchor point; wherein the anchor point is adapted to shift forward and downward relative to the seat bottom upon detection of an impact event or an imminent impact event, thereby pre-tensioning a lap belt connected to the buckle assembly.

[0111] Clause 2: The vehicle of clause 1, wherein each seat assembly of the plurality of seat assemblies is configured as a tensioned seat assembly.

[0112] Clause 3: The vehicle of any preceding clause, wherein several of the plurality of seat assemblies are configured as tension-type seat assemblies.

[0113] Clause 4: The vehicle of any preceding clause, wherein the vehicle further comprises a controller communicatively coupled to the plurality of tensioning seat assemblies.

[0114] Clause 5: The vehicle of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the controller is configured to cause an anchor point of at least one selected one of the plurality of tension seat assemblies to shift forwardly and downwardly relative to the seat bottom upon detecting an impact event or an imminent impact event.

[0115] Clause 6: The vehicle of any of the preceding clauses, further comprising a pretensioner operably coupled between the buckle assembly and the seat bottom, the pretensioner configured to displace the anchor point forwardly and downwardly relative to the seat bottom upon detecting an impact event or an imminent impact event.

[0116] Clause 7: The vehicle of any preceding clause, further comprising an anchor assembly coupled to the seat bottom at an additional anchor point opposite the buckle assembly.

[0117] Clause 8: A vehicle as in any preceding clause, wherein the additional anchor point is further adapted to be displaced forwardly and downwardly relative to the seat bottom upon detection of an impact event or an imminent impact event, thereby further pre-tensioning the lap belt coupled to the anchor assembly.

[0118] Clause 9: A vehicle seat assembly comprising: a seat bottom; a seat back pivotally connected to the seat bottom; and a buckle assembly connected to the seat bottom at an anchor point; wherein the anchor point is adapted to shift forward and downward relative to the seat bottom upon detection of an impact event or an imminent impact event, thereby pretensioning a lap belt connected to the buckle assembly.

[0119] Clause 10: The vehicle seat assembly of any preceding clause, further comprising a pretensioner operably coupled between the buckle assembly and the seat bottom.

[0120] Clause 11: The vehicle seat assembly of any preceding clause, wherein the pretensioner is configured to displace the anchor point forwardly and downwardly relative to the seat bottom upon detection of an impact event or an imminent impact event.

[0121] Clause 12: The vehicle seat assembly of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the pretensioner comprises at least one of an explosive pretensioner, a mechanical pretensioner, or an electronic pretensioner.

[0122] Clause 13: The vehicle seat assembly of any preceding clause, wherein the pretensioner is configured to provide a variable biasing force to displace the anchor point, such that the degree of pretensioning is determined by the amount of biasing force provided by the pretensioner.

[0123] Clause 14: The vehicle seat assembly of any preceding clause, wherein the anchor point of the seat bottom comprises at least one of a track structure, a slot defined in the seat bottom, or a lever.

[0124] Clause 15: The vehicle seat assembly of any of the preceding clauses, further comprising an anchor assembly coupled to the seat bottom at an additional anchor point opposite the buckle assembly.

[0125] Clause 16: The vehicle seat assembly of any preceding clause, wherein the additional anchor point is further adapted to shift forwardly and downwardly relative to the seat bottom upon detection of an impact event or an imminent impact event, thereby further pretensioning the lap belt coupled to the anchor assembly.

[0126] Clause 17: The vehicle seat assembly of any preceding clause, further comprising an additional pretensioner operably coupled between the anchor assembly and the seat bottom.

[0127] Clause 18: The vehicle seat assembly of any preceding clause, wherein the additional pretensioner is configured to displace the additional anchor point forwardly and downwardly relative to the seat bottom upon detection of an impact event or an imminent impact event.

[0128] Clause 19: A non-transitory computer-readable medium comprising instructions stored in at least one memory, which, when executed by one or more processors, causes the one or more processors to perform the following steps, including: determining a crash event or an impending crash event of a vehicle that includes the at least one memory and the one or more processors; in response to the determination of the crash event or the impending crash event of the vehicle, transmitting a signal to a pretensioner of a vehicle seat assembly of the vehicle, the vehicle seat assembly also including a seat bottom, a seat back pivotally connected to the seat bottom, and a buckle assembly connected to the seat bottom at an anchor point; and in response to the signal, using the pretensioner to shift the anchor point forward and downward relative to the seat bottom, thereby pretensioning a lap belt connected to the buckle assembly.

[0129] Clause 20: The non-transitory computer readable medium of any preceding clause, wherein the steps further comprise determining a recline angle of a vehicle occupant seated in the vehicle seat assembly.

[0130] Clause 21: The non-transitory computer readable medium of any preceding clause, wherein the signal is transmitted to the pretensioner only when the determined tilt angle exceeds a threshold angle.

[0131] Clause 22: The non-transitory computer readable medium of any preceding clause, wherein the pretensioner is configured to displace the anchor point forward and downward by a first amount in response to a first signal, and to displace the anchor point forward and downward by a second amount different from the first amount in response to a second signal different from the first signal.

[0132] Clause 23: The non-transitory computer readable medium of any preceding clause, wherein the signal comprises a first signal when the lean angle of the occupant exceeds a threshold angle and is below an additional threshold angle.

[0133] Clause 24: The non-transitory computer readable medium of any preceding clause, wherein the signal comprises a second signal when the lean angle of the occupant exceeds the threshold angle and the additional threshold angle.

[0134] Clause 25: The non-transitory computer readable medium of any preceding clause, wherein the steps further comprise determining a severity of the impact event or the impending impact event.

[0135] Clause 26: The non-transitory computer readable medium of any preceding clause, wherein the signal is transmitted to the pretensioner only if the determined severity exceeds a threshold severity.

[0136] Clause 27: The non-transitory computer readable medium of any preceding clause, wherein the pretensioner is configured to displace the anchor point forward and downward by a first amount in response to a first signal, and to displace the anchor point forward and downward by a second amount different from the first amount in response to a second signal different from the first signal.

[0137] Clause 28: The non-transitory computer-readable medium of any preceding clause, wherein the signal comprises a first signal when a severity of the impact event or the impending impact event exceeds a threshold severity and is below an additional threshold severity.

[0138] Clause 29: The non-transitory computer-readable medium of any preceding clause, wherein the signal comprises a second signal when a severity of the impact event or impending impact event exceeds a threshold severity and an additional threshold severity.

[0139] Clause 30: The non-transitory computer-readable medium of any preceding clause, wherein the steps further comprise transmitting an event signal to a remote computing device, the event signal indicating use of the pretensioner.

[0140] Clause 31: The non-transitory computer readable medium of any preceding clause, wherein transmitting the event signal is responsive to transmitting the signal to a pretensioner of the vehicle.

[0141] Clause 32: The non-transitory computer-readable medium of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the steps further include receiving a reporting signal transmitted from a remote computing device, the reporting signal indicating that at least one of a forward vehicle impact event or the use of a forward vehicle pretensioner of the forward vehicle has occurred at a route location shared with the vehicle.

[0142] Clause 33: The non-transitory computer-readable medium of any preceding clause, wherein the impact event or impending impact event is determined based at least in part on the reporting signal.

[0143] Clause 34: The non-transitory computer readable medium of any preceding clause, wherein the steps further comprise transmitting an additional signal to an additional pretensioner of a vehicle seat assembly of the vehicle in response to determining a crash event or an impending crash event of the vehicle.

[0144] Clause 35: The non-transitory computer readable medium of any preceding clause, wherein the vehicle seat assembly further comprises an anchor assembly coupled to the seat bottom at the additional anchor point opposite the buckle assembly.

[0145] Clause 36: The non-transitory computer readable medium of any preceding clause, wherein the steps further comprise, in response to an additional signal, using an additional pretensioner to displace an additional anchor point forwardly and downwardly relative to the seat bottom, thereby further pretensioning the lap belt coupled to the anchor assembly.

[0146] Clause 37: The non-transitory computer-readable medium of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the steps further include: if the seat assembly includes a seat bottom, a seat back pivotally connected to the seat bottom, and a buckle assembly connected to the seat bottom at an anchor point, then when an impact event or an imminent impact event is detected, the anchor point is shifted forward and downward relative to the seat bottom to pre-tighten the lap belt connected to the buckle assembly.

[0147] Clause 38: A non-transitory computer-readable medium of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the steps further include: if the anchor assembly is connected to the seat bottom at an additional anchor point opposite to the buckle assembly, then when an impact event or an imminent impact event is detected, the additional anchor point is shifted forward and downward relative to the seat bottom to further pre-tighten the lap belt connected to the anchor assembly.

[0148] Clause 39: A non-transitory computer-readable medium comprising instructions stored in at least one memory, which, when executed by one or more processors, causes the one or more processors to perform the following steps, including: if the anchor assembly is connected to the seat bottom at an additional anchor point opposite to the buckle assembly, then when an impact event or an imminent impact event is detected, the additional anchor point is shifted forward and downward relative to the seat bottom to further pre-tension the lap seat belt connected to the anchor assembly.

[0149] Clause 40: A method for pretensioning a lap belt of a vehicle seat assembly. The method has several steps, including: determining a crash event or an impending crash event of a vehicle including the at least one memory and the one or more processors; in response to the determination of the crash event or the impending crash event of the vehicle, transmitting a signal to a pretensioner of a vehicle seat assembly of the vehicle, the vehicle seat assembly also including a seat bottom, a seat back pivotally coupled to the seat bottom, and a buckle assembly coupled to the seat bottom at an anchor point; and in response to the signal, using the pretensioner to shift the anchor point forward and downward relative to the seat bottom, thereby pretensioning the lap belt coupled to the buckle assembly.

[0150] Clause 41: The method of any preceding clause, wherein the step further comprises determining a recline angle of a vehicle occupant seated in the vehicle seat assembly.

[0151] Clause 42: The method of any preceding clause, wherein the signal is transmitted to the pretensioner only when the determined tilt angle exceeds a threshold angle.

[0152] Clause 43: The method of any preceding clause, wherein the pretensioner is configured to displace the anchor point forwardly and downwardly by a first amount in response to a first signal, and to displace the anchor point forwardly and downwardly by a second amount different from the first amount in response to a second signal different from the first signal.

[0153] Clause 44: The method of any preceding clause, wherein the signal comprises a first signal when the occupant's lean angle exceeds a threshold angle and is below an additional threshold angle.

[0154] Clause 45: The method of any preceding clause, wherein the signal comprises a second signal when the occupant's lean angle exceeds a threshold angle and an additional threshold angle.

[0155] Clause 46: The method of any preceding clause, wherein the step further comprises determining the severity of the impact event or the impending impact event.

[0156] Clause 47: The method of any preceding clause, wherein the signal is transmitted to the pretensioner only if the determined severity exceeds a threshold severity.

[0157] Clause 48: The method of any preceding clause, wherein the pretensioner is configured to displace the anchor point forward and downward by a first amount in response to a first signal, and to displace the anchor point forward and downward by a second amount different from the first amount in response to a second signal different from the first signal.

[0158] Clause 49: The method of any preceding clause, wherein the signal comprises a first signal when a severity of the impact event or impending impact event exceeds a threshold severity and is below an additional threshold severity.

[0159] Clause 50: The method of any preceding clause, wherein the signal comprises a second signal when the severity of the impact event or impending impact event exceeds the threshold severity and the additional threshold severity.

[0160] Clause 51: The method of any preceding clause, wherein the steps further comprise transmitting an event signal to a remote computing device, the event signal indicating use of the pretensioner.

[0161] Clause 52: The method of any preceding clause, wherein transmitting an event signal is responsive to transmitting the signal to a pretensioner of the vehicle.

[0162] Clause 53: The method of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the step further comprises receiving a reporting signal transmitted from a remote computing device, the reporting signal indicating that at least one of a forward vehicle impact event or the use of a forward vehicle pretensioner of the forward vehicle has occurred at a route location shared with the vehicle.

[0163] Clause 54: The method of any preceding clause, wherein the impact event or impending impact event is determined based at least in part on the reporting signal.

[0164] Clause 55: The method of any preceding clause, wherein the step further comprises: transmitting an additional signal to an additional pretensioner of a vehicle seat assembly of the vehicle in response to a determination of a crash event or an impending crash event of the vehicle.

[0165] Clause 56: The method of any preceding clause, wherein the vehicle seat assembly further comprises an anchor assembly coupled to the seat bottom at an additional anchor point opposite the buckle assembly.

[0166] Clause 57: The method of any preceding clause, wherein the step further comprises, in response to an additional signal, using an additional pretensioner to displace an additional anchor point forwardly and downwardly relative to the seat bottom, thereby further pretensioning the lap belt coupled to the anchor assembly.

[0167] Clause 58: The method of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the step further includes: if the seat assembly includes a seat bottom, a seat back pivotally connected to the seat bottom, and a buckle assembly connected to the seat bottom at an anchor point, then when an impact event or an imminent impact event is detected, the anchor point is shifted forward and downward relative to the seat bottom to pre-tighten the lap belt connected to the buckle assembly.

[0168] Clause 59: A method for pretensioning a lap belt of a vehicle seat assembly, the method having several steps, including: if the seat assembly includes a seat bottom, a seat back pivotally coupled to the seat bottom, and a buckle assembly coupled to the seat bottom at an anchor point, upon detecting an impact event or an imminent impact event, displacing the anchor point forward and downward relative to the seat bottom to pretension the lap belt coupled to the buckle assembly.

[0169] Clause 60: The method of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the step further includes: if the anchor assembly is connected to the seat bottom at the additional anchor point opposite to the buckle assembly, then when an impact event or an imminent impact event is detected, the additional anchor point is shifted forward and downward relative to the seat bottom to further pre-tighten the lap belt connected to the anchor assembly.

Claims

1. A vehicle seat assembly, comprising: Seat bottom; a seat back pivotally coupled to the seat bottom; as well as a buckle assembly coupled to the seat bottom at an anchor point; Therein, the anchor point is adapted to be displaced forwardly and downwardly relative to the seat bottom upon detection of an impact event or an imminent impact event, thereby pretensioning a lap belt coupled to the buckle assembly.

2. The vehicle seat assembly of claim 1, further comprising: A pretensioner is operably coupled between the buckle assembly and the seat bottom, the pretensioner being configured to displace the anchor point forwardly and downwardly relative to the seat bottom upon detecting an impact event or an imminent impact event.

3. The vehicle seat assembly of claim 2, wherein: The pretensioner includes at least one of an explosive pretensioner, a mechanical pretensioner or an electronic pretensioner.

4. The vehicle seat assembly of claim 2, wherein: The pretensioner is configured to provide a variable biasing force to displace the anchor point, such that the degree of pretensioning is determined by the amount of biasing force provided by the pretensioner.

5. The vehicle seat assembly of claim 1, wherein: The anchor point of the seat bottom includes at least one of a track structure, a slot defined in the seat bottom, or a lever.

6. The vehicle seat assembly of claim 1 further comprising: an anchor assembly coupled to the seat bottom at an additional anchor point opposite the buckle assembly; Therein, the additional anchor point is further adapted to be displaced forwardly and downwardly relative to the seat bottom upon detection of an impact event or an imminent impact event, thereby further pre-tensioning the lap belt coupled to the anchor assembly.

7. The vehicle seat assembly of claim 6, further comprising: An additional pretensioner is operably coupled between the anchor assembly and the seat bottom, the additional pretensioner being configured to displace the additional anchor point forwardly and downwardly relative to the seat bottom upon detection of an impact event or an imminent impact event.

8. A means of transport, comprising: A plurality of seat assemblies, at least one of the plurality of seat assemblies being configured as a tensioned seat assembly, the tensioned seat assembly comprising: Seat bottom; a seat back pivotally coupled to the seat bottom; and a buckle assembly coupled to the seat bottom at an anchor point; Therein, the anchor point is adapted to be displaced forwardly and downwardly relative to the seat bottom upon detection of an impact event or an imminent impact event, thereby pretensioning a lap belt coupled to the buckle assembly.

9. The vehicle according to claim 8, wherein: Each seat assembly of the plurality of seat assemblies is configured as a tensioned seat assembly.

10. The vehicle according to claim 8, wherein: Several of the plurality of seat assemblies are configured as tension-type seat assemblies, and wherein the vehicle further comprises: A controller is communicatively coupled to the plurality of tension seat assemblies, the controller being configured to displace an anchor point of at least one selected one of the plurality of tension seat assemblies forwardly and downwardly relative to the seat bottom upon detecting an impact event or an imminent impact event.

11. The vehicle according to claim 8, the tensioned seat assembly further comprising: A pretensioner is operably coupled between the buckle assembly and the seat bottom, the pretensioner being configured to displace the anchor point forwardly and downwardly relative to the seat bottom upon detection of an impact event or an imminent impact event.

12. The vehicle according to claim 8, the tensioned seat assembly further comprising: an anchor assembly coupled to the seat bottom at an additional anchor point opposite the buckle assembly; Therein, the additional anchor point is further adapted to be displaced forwardly and downwardly relative to the seat bottom upon detection of an impact event or an imminent impact event, thereby further pre-tensioning the lap belt coupled to the anchor assembly.

13. 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 a crash event or an impending crash event of a vehicle including the at least one memory and the one or more processors; responsive to a determination of an impact event or an impending impact event of the vehicle, transmitting a signal to a pretensioner of a vehicle seat assembly of the vehicle, the vehicle seat assembly also including a seat bottom, a seat back pivotally coupled to the seat bottom, and a buckle assembly coupled to the seat bottom at an anchor point; as well as In response to the transmission, a pretensioning device is used to displace the anchor point forwardly and downwardly relative to the seat bottom, thereby pretensioning the lap belt coupled to the buckle assembly.

14. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 13, wherein: The steps also include: determining a recline angle of a vehicle occupant seated in a vehicle seat assembly, Therein, the signal is transmitted to the pretensioner only when the determined tilt angle exceeds a threshold angle.

15. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 14, wherein: The pretensioner is configured to displace the anchor point forward and downward by a first amount in response to a first signal, and to displace the anchor point forward and downward by a second amount different from the first amount in response to a second signal different from the first signal, wherein when the tilt angle of the occupant exceeds a threshold angle and is lower than an additional threshold angle, the signal comprises a first signal, and Wherein, when the tilt angle of the occupant exceeds a threshold angle and an additional threshold angle, the signal includes a second signal.

16. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 13, wherein: The steps also include: Determine the severity of an impact event or impending impact event, Therein, the signal is transmitted to the pretensioner only when the determined severity exceeds a threshold severity.

17. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 16, wherein: The pretensioner is configured to displace the anchor point forward and downward by a first amount in response to a first signal, and to displace the anchor point forward and downward by a second amount different from the first amount in response to a second signal different from the first signal, wherein when the severity of the impact event or the impending impact event exceeds a threshold severity and is below an additional threshold severity, the signal comprises a first signal, and Wherein, when the severity of the impact event or the impending impact event exceeds the threshold severity and the additional threshold severity, the signal includes a second signal.

18. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 13, wherein: The steps also include: An event signal is transmitted to a remote computing device, the event signal indicating use of the pretensioner.

19. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 13, wherein: The steps also include: receiving a report signal transmitted from a remote computing device, the report signal indicating at least one of a forward vehicle impact event or a use of a forward vehicle pretensioner of a forward vehicle occurring at a route location shared with the vehicle, Therein, a crash event or an impending crash event is determined based at least in part on the reporting signal.

20. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 13, wherein: The steps also include: responsive to a determination of a crash event or an impending crash event of the vehicle, transmitting an additional signal to an additional pretensioner of a vehicle seat assembly of the vehicle, the vehicle seat assembly further comprising an anchor assembly coupled to the seat bottom at an additional anchor point opposite the buckle assembly; and In response to the additional signal, the additional anchor point is displaced forward and downward relative to the seat bottom using the additional pretensioner to further pretension the lap belt coupled to the anchor assembly.

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