Seat belt assembly including seat belt cushion

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a seat belt assembly including a seat belt cushion. A seat belt assembly includes a seat belt webbing and a cushion. The cushion is attached to the seat belt webbing. The gasket has a generally annular shape that defines a primary aperture extending through the gasket in a longitudinal direction of the gasket. A portion of the seat belt webbing extends through the main aperture. The liner includes a lattice structure and a capping layer. The lattice structure surrounds the main hole. The lattice structure is formed of an elastomeric material and defines a plurality of openings that allow airflow to pass through the lattice structure. The capping layer is disposed around the lattice structure.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a seat belt assembly, and more particularly, to a seat belt assembly including a seat belt pad. BACKGROUND

[0002] The statements in this section merely provide background information related to the present disclosure and can not constitute prior art.

[0003] Vehicles often include seat belts having seat belt webbing configured to engage a user in a seat of the vehicle. Some users can find typical seat belts uncomfortable. Additionally, some users are looking for additional features that enhance the vehicle experience. In other situations, it can be difficult for people outside of the vehicle, such as a police officer or employer, to determine whether an occupant has properly fastened their seat belt.

[0004] The teachings of the present disclosure address these and other problems with typical seat belts. SUMMARY

[0005] This section provides a general summary of the present disclosure and is not a comprehensive disclosure of its full scope or all of its features.

[0006] In one form, the present disclosure provides a seat belt assembly including a seat belt webbing and a pad. The pad is attached to the seat belt webbing. The pad has a generally annular shape defining a main aperture extending through the pad in a longitudinal direction of the pad. A portion of the seat belt webbing extends through the main aperture. The pad includes a lattice structure and a cover layer. The lattice structure surrounds the main aperture. The lattice structure is formed of an elastic material and defines a plurality of openings that allow airflow through the lattice structure. The cover layer is disposed about the lattice structure.

[0007] According to a variety of alternatives, which can be used individually or in any combination with the seat belt assembly of the above paragraph: the lattice structure has a first zone and a second zone, the first zone having a first lattice geometry and the second zone having a second lattice geometry, wherein the first lattice geometry is denser than the second lattice geometry; the seat belt webbing is disposed between the first zone and the second zone; the first zone is closer to the first end longitudinal end of the cushion than the second zone; the cover layer defines a plurality of vent holes providing fluid communication between the lattice structure and an exterior of the cushion, wherein the second zone is aligned with the vent holes; the cover layer defines a plurality of vent holes providing fluid communication between the lattice structure and an exterior of the cushion; the lattice structure is the same material as the cover layer, wherein the lattice structure and the cover layer are formed via an additive manufacturing process; the cover layer includes a plurality of flanges extending in the longitudinal direction, the flanges being directly attached to the seat belt webbing; the cushion further includes an electronic device, and the seat belt webbing includes at least two conductors in electrical communication with the electronic device and configured to provide power to the electronic device; the seat belt assembly can further include a first wire and a second wire, wherein the first wire and the second wire extend through the plurality of openings defined by the lattice structure to electrically couple the at least two conductors to the electronic device; the cushion further includes at least two conductive ink traces, wherein the at least two conductive ink traces are printed on or within the cover layer and electrically couple the at least two conductors to the electronic device; wherein the electronic device includes an electroluminescent layer disposed on or within the cover layer; the electronic device includes a speaker; the electronic device includes a sensor; the electronic device includes a fan configured to draw air through the lattice structure; the electronic device includes a resistive heating element; the cushion further includes a resonant cavity having a predetermined natural frequency configured to vibrate in response to a predetermined vehicle noise or vibration.

[0008] In another embodiment, this disclosure provides a seatbelt assembly including a seatbelt webbing and a padding. The seatbelt webbing includes at least two conductors. The padding is attached to the seatbelt webbing. The padding has a generally annular shape defining a main aperture extending through the padding in a longitudinal direction. A portion of the seatbelt webbing extends through the main aperture. The padding includes a lattice structure, a cover layer, and electronics. The lattice structure surrounds the main aperture. The lattice structure is formed of an elastic material and defines a plurality of openings allowing airflow through the lattice structure. The cover layer is disposed around the lattice structure. The cover layer defines a plurality of vents providing fluid communication between the lattice structure and the exterior of the padding. The electronics are coupled to the at least two conductors to receive power therefrom. The electronics include at least one of a speaker and an electroluminescent layer disposed above or within the cover layer.

[0009] According to various alternative forms that can be used alone or in any combination with the seat belt assembly described above: the lattice structure has a first region and a second region, the first region having a first lattice geometry and the second region having a second lattice geometry, wherein the first lattice geometry is denser than the second lattice geometry; the padding also includes at least two conductive ink traces, wherein the at least two conductive ink traces are printed on or within the cover layer and electrically connect the at least two conductors to the electronics.

[0010] Further applicability will become apparent from the description provided herein. It should be understood that the descriptions and specific examples are intended for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0011] To better understand this disclosure, various forms of the disclosure will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0012] Figure 1 This is a schematic perspective view of the vehicle interior, showing the seat and seat belt assembly according to this disclosure;

[0013] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of a portion of a seat belt assembly, showing a seat belt pad of a seat belt assembly according to one form of the present disclosure;

[0014] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A front view of the aforementioned portion of the seat belt assembly;

[0015] Figure 4yes Figure 2 along Figure 3 The cross-sectional view of the portion of the seat belt assembly taken by plane 4-4 shown in the figure illustrates the internal structure of the seat belt liner having a first form according to the present disclosure;

[0016] Figure 5 It is similar to Figure 4 A cross-sectional view, but showing the internal structure of the seat belt liner having a second form according to this disclosure;

[0017] Figure 6 It is similar to Figure 4 A cross-sectional view, but showing the internal structure of the seat belt liner having a third form according to this disclosure;

[0018] Figure 7 yes Figure 2 along Figure 3 The cross-sectional view of the seat belt liner taken from plane 7-7 is shown in the figure.

[0019] Figure 8 yes Figure 2 A perspective cross-sectional view of a portion of the internal structure of the seat belt padding;

[0020] Figure 9 yes Figure 2 A schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of a seatbelt liner, illustrating a configuration of electronic connections for electronic devices used in the seatbelt liner according to the present disclosure;

[0021] Figure 10 yes Figure 2 A schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of a seatbelt liner, illustrating another configuration of the electronic connection for an electronic device for a seatbelt liner according to the present disclosure;

[0022] Figure 11 yes Figure 2 A schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of the seat belt liner shows yet another configuration of the electronic connection for the electronic device used in the seat belt liner according to this disclosure; and

[0023] Figure 12 yes Figure 2 along Figure 3 The cross-sectional view of a portion of the seat belt liner taken by line 12-12 shown in the figure illustrates the acoustic device of the seat belt liner according to the present disclosure.

[0024] The accompanying drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure in any way. Detailed Implementation

[0025] The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit this disclosure, its application, or its uses. It should be understood that throughout the drawings, corresponding reference numerals indicate the same or corresponding parts and features.

[0026] refer to Figure 1 Vehicle 100 includes a seat 104 and a seat belt assembly 108. Vehicle 100 can be any type of vehicle, including but not limited to automobiles, trucks, recreational vehicles, commercial vehicles, off-road vehicles, water vehicles, aircraft, military vehicles, industrial equipment, agricultural equipment, rail-mounted vehicles, and amusement rides. Seat 104 is mounted to a structural portion of vehicle 100 (not shown) and is any suitable type of seat configured to support human occupants (not shown). In the provided example, vehicle 100 is an automobile or truck, and seat 104 is mounted inside it (i.e., the passenger compartment), but other configurations may be used.

[0027] The seat belt assembly 108 includes a seat belt webbing 110, a first buckle portion 114, a second buckle portion 118, and a seat belt padding 122. Optionally, the seat belt assembly 108 may include a retractor 126. The seat belt assembly 108 may also optionally include a controller 130 and a power supply 134.

[0028] Controller 130 (also referred to as a control module) is electrically connected to seatbelt pad 122, as discussed in more detail below. In one embodiment, controller 130 is the main controller of vehicle 100, such as an electronic control unit (ECU) or electronic control module (ECM). In another embodiment, controller 130 is separate from and can communicate with the main controller of vehicle 100. In one embodiment, controller 130 may be configured to control or otherwise process signals from multiple systems of vehicle 100 in addition to seatbelt assembly 108. In another embodiment, controller 130 may be dedicated to seatbelt assembly 108. In the provided example, controller 130 is located within vehicle 100 at a location remote from seatbelt pad 122. In another embodiment not specifically shown, controller 130 may be located above or within seatbelt pad 122.

[0029] Power source 134 is configured to provide power to one or more electrical components 138 of the seat belt cushion 122. In the provided example, power source 134 is located away from the seat belt cushion 122. In other words, power source 134 is not located on or within the seat belt cushion 122. In another form not specifically shown, power source 134 may be located on or within the seat belt cushion 122.

[0030] In one embodiment, the power source 134 may be in electrical communication with the controller 130, and the controller 130 may selectively provide power to one or more electrical components 138 of the seat belt liner 122. In another embodiment, the power source 134 is in direct electrical communication with the seat belt liner 122, and the controller 130 is configured to send and receive control signals to one or more electrical components 138 of the seat belt liner 122 to control the operation of one or more electrical components 138.

[0031] Power source 134 can be any suitable type of power source configured to store and release electricity, such as a battery or supercapacitor. In the provided example, power source 134 is the main battery of vehicle 100 and is configured to provide power to all systems of vehicle 100, including but not limited to engine systems, HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) systems, and / or infotainment systems, as well as seat belt pads 122. In another form, power source 134 can be dedicated to a small number of systems including seat belt pads 122. In yet another form, power source 134 can be dedicated solely to seat belt pads 122. In one form, vehicle 100 can be an electric vehicle, and power source 134 can also be configured to provide power to an electric drive motor configured to propel vehicle 100.

[0032] The seatbelt webbing 110 is a substantially flat woven fabric. In the provided example, the seatbelt webbing 110 is configured to provide a lap belt portion 142 and a chest belt portion 146, but other configurations, such as a multi-point harness, may also be used. In the provided example, the lap belt portion 142 is the portion of the seatbelt webbing 110 between the first buckle portion 114 and the end of the seatbelt webbing 110 secured to the first anchor point 152. In the provided example, the chest belt portion 146 is the portion of the seatbelt webbing 110 between the first buckle portion 114 and the second anchor point 156.

[0033] In the provided example, the second anchor point 156 includes a pulley, and the seat belt webbing 110 passes through the pulley, with a second end of the seat belt webbing 110 attached to a retractor 126. The retractor 126 is secured at the third anchor point 160 and can be configured to substantially lock the length of the seat belt webbing 110, or to retract or extend the length of the seat belt webbing 110 depending on operational conditions. In the provided example, the first buckle portion 114 is slidable along the seat belt webbing 110, such that the lengths of the lap belt portion 142 and the chest belt portion 146 can vary depending on the position of the first buckle portion 114 and how much of the seat belt webbing 110 is retracted in the retractor 126.

[0034] The first latch portion 114 is configured to removably latch to the second latch portion 118. The first latch portion 114 can be coupled to the second latch portion 118 in any suitable manner. The second latch portion 118 is secured to a fourth anchor point 164 on a laterally opposite side of the seat 104. In the provided example, when the first latch portion 114 is coupled to the second latch portion 118, the lap belt portion 142 is configured to cross the waist of an occupant (not shown) of the seat 104, and the chest belt portion 146 is configured to cross the chest of the occupant. The seat belt pad 122 is coupled to the chest belt portion 146 of the seat belt webbing 110. In the provided example, the seat belt pad 122 is fixedly attached to the seat belt webbing 110 such that the seat belt pad 122 cannot slide along the seat belt webbing 110 (e.g., sewn to the seat belt webbing 110). In another configuration, the seat belt pad 122 is not fixed to the seat belt webbing 110 and can slide along the seat belt webbing 110.

[0035] refer to Figures 2 to 4 An example of a seatbelt liner 122 is shown. The seatbelt liner 122 includes a lattice structure 210 and a cover layer 214. The seatbelt liner 122 may also optionally include one or more electrical components (in...) Figure 1 (Illustrated and schematically shown as 138). In the provided example, the seat belt liner 122 includes a plurality of electrical components 138 ( Figure 1 The plurality of electrical components are in Figures 2 to 4More specifically, they are designated as a first electrical component 138a, a second electrical component 138b, a third electrical component 138c, a fourth electrical component 138d, and a fifth electrical component 138e. In the provided example, the first electrical component 138a is a light-generating component and is also referred to herein as a first lighting component 138a, but other types of electrical components may also be used. In the provided example, the second electrical component 138b is a light-generating component and is also referred to herein as a second lighting component 138b, but other types of electrical components may also be used. In the provided example, the third electrical component 138c is a sound-generating component and is also referred to herein as a speaker 138c, but other types of electrical components may also be used. In the provided example, the fourth electrical component 138d is a sensor and is also referred to herein as a sensor 138d, but other types of electrical components may also be used. In the provided example, the fifth electrical component 138e is an electric fan and is also referred to herein as a fan 138e, but other types of electrical components may also be used. Although five electrical components 138 (i.e., 138a to 138e) are shown, the seatbelt liner 122 can be configured to have as few as no electrical components or to have any number of electrical components, including fewer than five, five or more. The electrical components used can be any of the examples provided, or can be other types of electrical components not specifically described. Some non-limiting examples of other types of electrical components include heating elements, microphones, and input devices (e.g., buttons or touch sensors).

[0036] refer to Figure 4 and Figure 8 The lattice structure 210 is a three-dimensional lattice defined by struts 218, which intersect at nodes 222 to define voids 226. The lattice structure 210 is a predefined structure with a predefined pattern. In other words, the lattice structure 210 is not a foam (i.e., material generated during manufacturing due to the introduction of air bubbles). The struts 218 and nodes 222 are arranged such that the voids 226 are in fluid communication with each other. The lattice structure 210 is formed of an elastic material (i.e., a material with elasticity). In the provided example, thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) is used, but other materials or composites of materials may also be used. In the provided example, the lattice structure 210 is formed via an additive manufacturing process (e.g., 3D printing).

[0037] The size and / or arrangement of the struts 218 and nodes 222 can be configured to provide desired characteristics, such as stiffness or airflow through the gaps 226. Figure 6In one embodiment shown, the size and arrangement of the entire seatbelt pad 122 may be substantially uniform. In another embodiment, the size and / or arrangement of different predetermined areas of the seatbelt pad 122 may be different to provide different characteristics to these areas. Figure 4 In the example shown, the size and / or arrangement make the stiffness of the seat belt pad 122 greater on the occupant-facing side of the seat belt webbing 110 than on the occupant-facing side. In the provided example, the size of the gap 226 is larger on the occupant-facing side of the seat belt webbing 110. Therefore, the seat belt pad 122 can have a softer feel to the occupant's body. In one form, the size and / or arrangement can make the occupant-facing side of the seat belt pad 122 have an indicated hardness of 10 to 50 on the Shore A hardness scale, while the occupant-facing side has an indicated hardness of 30 to 60 on the Shore A hardness scale. In one specific example, the indicated hardness on the occupant-facing side can be 30. In another specific example, the indicated hardness on the occupant-facing side can be 60.

[0038] The following can be adjusted to customize the stiffness and / or airflow in a predetermined area within the seatbelt pad 122: the volume density of the strut 218; the size of the void 226; the shape of the void 226; the cross-sectional thickness of the strut 218; the cross-sectional shape of the strut 218; the overall shape of the strut 218; the density of the material constituting the strut 218; the spacing of the struts 218; the angle of the struts 218; the size of the node 222; the shape of the node 222; the material type of the strut 218; and the material type of the node 222.

[0039] exist Figure 5 In the example shown, the size and / or arrangement of the lattice structure 210 results in a lower volume density of the struts 218 in the region near the vents 230 (e.g., larger voids 226), which open through the cover layer 214. This facilitates greater airflow in this region, which can help cool the occupant and / or the electrical components 138. In the provided example, the size and / or arrangement gradually changes from one size and / or arrangement to another, but other configurations, such as different adjacent regions that do not gradually transition between them, can also be used. In this example, the size and / or arrangement of the lattice structure 210 also results in a lower volume density of the struts 218 on the occupant-facing side of the seatbelt webbing 110 to provide a softer cushioning to the occupant, but other configurations can also be used.

[0040] exist Figure 6 In the example shown, the size and / or arrangement of the lattice structure 210 is uniform throughout the seat belt liner 122.

[0041] It should be noted that, in addition to the size and / or arrangement of the lattice structure 210, the stiffness of the seat belt pad 122 can also be optionally adjusted by changing other properties of the lattice structure. For example, the density or type of material used for the struts 218 and / or nodes 222 may differ in different predetermined areas, while the size and / or arrangement of the lattice structure 210 remains the same. Therefore, the size and / or arrangement of the lattice structure 210 can be selected based on desired airflow characteristics, and stiffness can be controlled via these other properties. For example, by adjusting the density or type of material constituting the struts 218 and / or nodes 222 on the passenger-facing side of the lattice structure 210, Figure 6 The form shown can optionally be made stiffer on this side of the seat belt webbing 110.

[0042] refer to Figure 7 The seatbelt liner 122 surrounds the entire periphery of the seatbelt webbing 110, including the front side 710, rear side 714, top side 718, and bottom side 722 of the seatbelt webbing 110. In the provided example, a lattice structure 210 surrounds the entire periphery of the seatbelt webbing 110. Therefore, air can flow around the seatbelt webbing 110 through the lattice structure 210. A cover layer 214 can also surround the entire periphery of the seatbelt webbing 110 to enclose the lattice structure 210.

[0043] Return to Figure 2 The capping layer 214 can surround the lattice structure 210 ( Figure 4 For this purpose, the cover layer 214 may define the exterior of the seat belt pad 122. In the provided example, the cover layer 214 and the lattice structure 210 may be formed by additive manufacturing (e.g., 3D printing). For this purpose, the cover layer 214 may be integrally formed with the lattice structure 210. In one form, the cover layer 214 may have a generally smooth surface texture, but other configurations may also be used. In one form, the cover layer 214 is formed of the same material as the lattice structure 210. In another form, the cover layer 214 is made of a different material than the lattice structure 210.

[0044] Covering layer 214 may optionally define a plurality of holes through which air can flow between the exterior and interior (i.e., lattice structure 210) of seat belt pad 122. In the example shown, covering layer 214 defines vents 230. In the example shown, vents 230 are large holes formed by a portion of covering layer 214 on the front side 234 (i.e., the side away from the occupant) of seat belt pad 122, said large holes being inclined away from the front side 234. The holes of vents 230 are formed through a ramp-shaped leg. In the provided example, there are multiple vents 230 aligned in a row, but other configurations may also be used. The front side 234 of covering layer 214 may also define multiple other holes (referred to herein as front holes 238) at a different location from or in place of vents 230. In the provided example, front holes 238 are uniformly shaped circular holes, but other configurations may also be used, such as other shapes and / or front holes 238 being non-uniform. The portion of the cover 214 on the rear side 242 (i.e., the occupant-facing side) of the seatbelt liner 122 may optionally include a hole (referred to herein as rear hole 246; in Figure 7 (As shown in the figure), the hole can be similar to the front hole 238.

[0045] The first lighting component 138a may be disposed on the outer surface of the front side 234 of the seat belt liner 122. The first electrical component 138a may be any suitable component configured to generate light, such as a flexible display screen, and may include LEDs (light-emitting diodes) and / or LCDs (liquid crystal displays) or other types of display technologies. In the provided example, the first lighting component 138a is a flexible luminescent coating applied as a liquid to the outer surface of the cover layer 214. In the provided example, the thickness of the coating of the first lighting component 138a is less than or equal to 100 μm (i.e., 100 micrometers). Some non-limiting examples of such liquid-applied luminescent coatings and their application processes can be found in U.S. Patent Nos. 11,533,793, 9,642,212, and 8,470,388, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. One example of such a liquid-applied luminescent coating is commercially known as… However, other liquid-applied luminescent coatings can also be used.

[0046] The second lighting element 138b may be similar to the first lighting element 138a, but located at a different position on the cover layer 214. In the provided example, the second lighting element 138b is spaced apart from the first lighting element 138a. In another form not specifically shown, the second lighting element 138b may be adjacent to the first lighting element 138a. In one form, the first lighting element 138a is configured to emit light of a first color, and the second lighting element 138b is configured to emit light of a second color different from the first color.

[0047] refer to Figure 2 and Figure 12 The speaker 138c can be any suitable device configured to emit sound. In the provided example, the speaker 138c is a device configured to convert electrical signals into sound waves. In another form, the speaker 138c can be a device configured to amplify existing sound waves or physical vibrations or to convert physical vibrations into audible sound waves without electrical input, such as a resonant tube. In the provided example, the cover layer 214 may define an additional aperture (referred to herein as speaker aperture 250) aligned with the speaker 138c to allow sound waves to be emitted from the speaker 138c to the exterior of the seat belt liner 122. In the provided example, the speaker 138c is embedded in a lattice structure 210 on the occupant-facing side of the seat belt assembly 108, such as to provide an auditory experience to the occupant. In an alternative configuration, the speaker 138c may be embedded in a lattice structure 210 on the occupant-facing side of the seat belt assembly 108, such as to provide a tactile experience to the occupant.

[0048] refer to Figure 4 Sensor 138d can be any type of sensor configured to detect one or more conditions or characteristics. Some non-limiting examples include temperature sensors, heart rate sensors, pressure or force sensors, and accelerometers. In the provided example, sensor 138d is a biometric sensor configured to sense one or more biological characteristics of an occupant (e.g., heart rate, temperature, sweating), but other types of sensors may also be used.

[0049] In the provided example, sensor 138d is located on the outer surface of the rear side 242 of cover layer 214. In another form not specifically shown, sensor 138d may be located within lattice structure 210. In yet another form not specifically shown, sensor 138d may be located on the outer surface of the front side 234 or elsewhere outside cover layer 214. In another form not specifically shown, sensor 138d may be located on the inner surface of cover layer 214, between cover layer 214 and lattice structure 210. In yet another form not specifically shown, sensor 138d may be embedded in cover layer 214 such that a layer of cover layer 214 is between sensor 138d and the exterior of seat belt pad 122, and a layer of cover layer 214 is between sensor 138d and lattice structure 210.

[0050] Fan 138e is configured to use electricity to move air through seatbelt pad 122. Fan 138e may be embedded in lattice structure 210. In the provided example, fan 138e may be located near holes (e.g., vent 230, front hole 238, or rear hole 246) and configured to direct airflow through these holes.

[0051] Return to reference Figure 1 One or more electrical components 138 (e.g., Figures 2 to 4 The first electrical components 138a to the fifth electrical components 138e shown can be connected to the power supply 134 and / or the controller 130 in any suitable manner to receive power and / or electrical signals from there.

[0052] For further reference Figure 9 Multiple electrical conductors 910 (only one is shown for illustration purposes) may extend along the seat belt webbing 110 from the power supply 134 and / or controller 130 to the seat belt pad 122.

[0053] In one embodiment, the plurality of electrical conductors 910 may be cables or wires woven into, sewn onto, or otherwise attached to the seat belt webbing 110. In another embodiment, the plurality of electrical conductors 910 may be formed from conductive ink deposited on or injected into the seat belt webbing 110. A non-limiting example of such liquid-applied conductive material and its application process can be found in U.S. Patent No. 11,680,180, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. A non-limiting example of such conductive ink is commercially known as Liquid. However, other conductive liquids can also be applied to the seat belt webbing 110.

[0054] The electrical conductor 910 may optionally be encapsulated in an electrically insulating sheath 914.

[0055] The seatbelt liner 122 may include a plurality of second electrical conductors 918 (only one is shown for illustration purposes) connecting a plurality of electrical conductors 910 to electrical components 138. Figure 9 For ease of illustration and explanation, the second electrical conductor 918 is schematically shown and described herein as connecting the electrical conductor 910 to the first lighting component 138a; however, those skilled in the art will understand that any of the electrical components 138 (e.g., 138a to 138e) can be connected in a similar manner.

[0056] In the provided example, the second electrical conductor 918 is a layer of conductive ink on one or more inner surfaces 922 of the cover layer 214. In one form, the second electrical conductor 918 may be applied as a liquid and may be a material and / or process similar to that described in U.S. Patent No. 11,680,180. A non-limiting example of such conductive ink is commercially known as Liquid. However, other conductive liquids can also be applied to the cover layer 214.

[0057] One end of the second electrical conductor 918 is connected to the electrical conductor 910, and the other end of the second electrical conductor 918 is connected to the first lighting component 138a. The second electrical conductor 918 can pass through the cover layer 214 to connect to the first lighting component 138a.

[0058] In another form not specifically shown, when the lattice structure 210 is formed to create a conductive path through the lattice structure 210, the second electrical conductor 918 may be liquid-applied or 3D-printed onto the pillar 218. Figure 4 , Figure 7 and Figure 8 ) and node 222 ( Figure 4 , Figure 7 and Figure 8 On or in the selected pillars of ).

[0059] refer to Figure 10 This illustrates another form of the second electrical conductor 918, indicated by reference numeral 918b. This example can be similar to... Figure 9 Unless otherwise shown or described herein, the form will be described in detail only. In this form, a second electrical conductor 918 may be applied to one or more outer surfaces 1010 of the cover layer 214. An electrically insulating layer 1014 may then be applied over the second electrical conductor 918 to encapsulate the second electrical conductor 918. The electrically insulating layer 1014 may be a different material from or the same material as the cover layer 214. If applicable, the second electrical conductor 918 may pass through the cover layer 214.

[0060] refer to Figure 11This illustrates another form of the second electrical conductor 918, indicated by reference numeral 918c. This example can be similar to... Figure 9 and Figure 10 Unless otherwise shown or described herein, the form will be as follows: In this form, the second electrical conductor 918 may be at least partially a cable or wire extending through the gaps 226 of the lattice structure 210 to connect the electrical conductor 910 to the electrical component 138a. The second electrical conductor 918 may pass through the cover layer 214, or the connector 1110 may extend through the cover layer 214 and connect the first lighting component 138a to the second electrical conductor 918.

[0061] Figures 9 to 11 The forms shown can be used together. For example, when more than one electrical component 138 is used, they can be connected via the same form of second conductor 918 or different forms of second conductor 918. Figures 2 to 7 In the example shown, the first lighting component 138a, the second lighting component 138b, and the sensor 138d use Figure 9 or Figure 10 The connection is in the form of [connection type], while the speaker 138c and fan 138e use [other connection type]. Figure 11 The connection can be in the form of a , but other configurations can also be used.

[0062] Return to reference Figure 1 The controller 130 can control one or more electrical components 138 based on any number of standards.

[0063] In one example, controller 130 may be configured to control the illumination of lighting components (e.g., first lighting component 138a and second lighting component 138b) based on the state of one or more components of vehicle 100. For example, one of the lighting components (e.g., first lighting component 138a) may be illuminated in a first color (e.g., red, orange, yellow) based on the state of seat belt assembly 108 (e.g., not fully fastened), and different lighting components (e.g., second lighting component 138b) may be illuminated in different colors (e.g., green, blue) when seat belt assembly 108 has different states (e.g., fully fastened).

[0064] In one embodiment, controller 130 may operate speaker 138c to emit sound (e.g., simulate engine noise) in response to engine conditions (e.g., revolutions per minute). In another embodiment, controller 130 may control speaker 138c to emit subsonic vibrations that will be perceived by the occupants. In yet another embodiment, controller 130 may operate speaker 138c to emit music, verbal commands, or verbal messages.

[0065] In one embodiment, the controller 130 may operate the fan 138e based on signals from the sensor 138d or another sensor (not shown) in the vehicle. For example, the controller 130 may turn on the fan 138e when the temperature of the occupant, as indicated by the sensor 138d, rises above a predetermined temperature, or if the temperature inside the vehicle 100 rises above a predetermined temperature.

[0066] In one configuration, controller 130 transmits signals from sensor 138d to a remote device (not shown), such as a mobile phone or a cloud-based server.

[0067] Unless otherwise expressly indicated herein, all numerical values ​​indicating mechanical / thermal properties, percentage of composition, dimensions and / or tolerances or other characteristics should be understood as being modified by the words “about” or “approximately” when describing the scope of this disclosure. Such modification is desired for various reasons, including: industrial practice; material, manufacturing and assembly tolerances; and testing capabilities.

[0068] As used herein, the phrases A, B, and C at least one should be interpreted as representing logic (A or B or C) using the non-exclusive logic "or", and should not be interpreted as representing "at least one of A, at least one of B, and at least one of C".

[0069] In this application, the terms “controller” and / or “module” may refer to, be part of, or include the following: application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC); digital, analog, or mixed analog / digital discrete circuit; digital, analog, or mixed analog / digital integrated circuit; composable logic circuit; field-programmable gate array (FPGA); processor circuitry (shared, dedicated, or grouped) that executes code; memory circuitry (shared, dedicated, or grouped) that stores code executed by the processor circuitry; other suitable hardware components that provide the described functionality; or combinations of some or all of the foregoing, such as in a system-on-a-chip.

[0070] The term memory is a subset of the term computer-readable medium. As used herein, the term computer-readable medium does not cover transient electrical or electromagnetic signals propagated through a medium (such as on a carrier wave); therefore, the term computer-readable medium can be considered tangible and non-transient. Non-limiting examples of non-transient tangible computer-readable media include non-volatile memory circuits (such as flash memory circuits, erasable programmable read-only memory circuits, or mask read-only circuits), volatile memory circuits (such as static random access memory circuits or dynamic random access memory circuits), magnetic storage media (such as analog magnetic tape or digital magnetic tape or hard disk drives), and optical storage media (such as CDs, DVDs, or Blu-ray discs).

[0071] The apparatus and methods described in this application can be implemented, in part or in whole, by a dedicated computer created by configuring a general-purpose computer to perform one or more specific functions embodied in a computer program. Function blocks, flowchart components, and other elements described above serve as software specifications that can be translated into computer programs through the routine work of a technician or programmer.

[0072] The description in this disclosure is merely exemplary in nature, and therefore, variations without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure are intended to be made within its scope. Such variations should not be considered as departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure.

[0073] According to the present invention, a seat belt assembly is provided, comprising: a seat belt webbing including at least two conductors; and a liner attached to the seat belt webbing, the liner having a generally annular shape defining a main aperture extending through the liner in a longitudinal direction, wherein a portion of the seat belt webbing extends through the main aperture, wherein the liner includes: a lattice structure surrounding the main aperture, wherein the lattice structure is formed of an elastic material and defines a plurality of openings allowing airflow through the lattice structure; a cover layer disposed around the lattice structure, the cover layer defining a plurality of vents providing fluid communication between the lattice structure and the exterior of the liner; and an electronic device coupled to the at least two conductors to receive power therefrom, the electronic device including at least one of a speaker and an electroluminescent layer disposed on or within the cover layer.

[0074] According to an embodiment, the lattice structure has a first region and a second region, the first region having a first lattice geometry and the second region having a second lattice geometry, wherein the first lattice geometry is more dense than the second lattice geometry.

[0075] According to an embodiment, the pad further includes at least two conductive ink traces, wherein the at least two conductive ink traces are printed on or within the overlay and electrically connect the at least two conductors to the electronic device.

Claims

1. A seat belt assembly, comprising: Seat belt webbing; as well as A padding liner attached to the seatbelt webbing, the padding liner having a generally annular shape defining a main hole extending through the padding in a longitudinal direction, wherein a portion of the seatbelt webbing extends through the main hole, wherein the padding comprises: A lattice structure surrounding the main aperture, wherein the lattice structure is formed of an elastic material and defines a plurality of openings that allow airflow through the lattice structure; as well as A capping layer is disposed around the crystal structure.

2. The seat belt assembly of claim 1, wherein the lattice structure has a first region and a second region, the first region having a first lattice geometry and the second region having a second lattice geometry, wherein the first lattice geometry is denser than the second lattice geometry.

3. The seat belt assembly as claimed in claim 2, wherein the seat belt webbing is disposed between the first area and the second area.

4. The seat belt assembly of claim 2, wherein the first zone is closer to the first longitudinal end of the padding than the second zone.

5. The seat belt assembly of claim 2, wherein the cover defines a plurality of vents that provide fluid communication between the lattice structure and the exterior of the padding, wherein the second region is aligned with the plurality of vents.

6. The seat belt assembly of claim 1, wherein the cover defines a plurality of vents that provide fluid communication between the lattice structure and the exterior of the padding.

7. The seat belt assembly of claim 1, wherein the lattice structure is made of the same material as the cover layer, and wherein the lattice structure and the cover layer are formed via an additive manufacturing process.

8. The seat belt assembly of claim 1, wherein the cover layer includes a plurality of flanges extending in the longitudinal direction, the plurality of flanges being directly attached to the seat belt webbing.

9. The seat belt assembly of claim 1, wherein the padding further includes electronics, and the seat belt webbing includes at least two conductors electrically connected to and configured to provide power to the electronics.

10. The seatbelt assembly of claim 9, further comprising a first wire and a second wire, wherein the first wire and the second wire extend through the plurality of openings defined by the lattice structure to electrically connect the at least two conductors to the electronic device.

11. The seat belt assembly of claim 9, wherein the padding further comprises at least two conductive ink traces, wherein the at least two conductive ink traces are printed on or within the cover layer and electrically connect the at least two conductors to the electronic device.

12. The seat belt assembly of claim 9, wherein the electronic device includes an electroluminescent layer disposed on or within the cover layer.

13. The seat belt assembly of claim 9, wherein the electronics include at least one of a speaker, a sensor, or a fan, the fan being configured to draw air through the lattice structure.

14. The seat belt assembly of claim 9, wherein the electronics include a resistance heating element.

15. The seat belt assembly of claim 1, wherein the padding further comprises a resonant cavity having a predetermined natural frequency configured to vibrate in response to predetermined vehicle noise or vibration.

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