SEAT BELT FEEDER MALFUNCTION INDICATOR

Abstract

Vehicle system comprising: a seatbelt buckle configured to receive a seatbelt, and wherein the seatbelt buckle is movable along a track between a first position and a second position; characterized by a timer configured to determine a period of time that the seat belt buckle is in the second position and to issue a warning signal if the seat belt buckle is in the second position for longer than a predetermined period of time.

Description

BACKGROUND

[0001] Seatbelt extenders move the seatbelt buckle to a position that makes it more accessible to an occupant. Typically, the seatbelt buckle moves along a track and is driven by an electric motor. A limit switch is located at the end of the track. When the seatbelt buckle reaches the end of the track, the limit switch is actuated to turn off the motor. The motor returns the seatbelt buckle to its original position after the seatbelt is inserted into the buckle. A limit switch is located at the beginning of the track. When the seatbelt buckle reaches the beginning of the track, the limit switch is actuated to turn off the motor. The driver must be notified of any system malfunctions affecting the safety system, which is typically achieved through the vehicle's diagnostic communications bus.Error reports on this bus are accepted by the vehicle's electronic control unit, which in turn provides an audible and / or visual warning to the driver. This requires that all safety components have their own microprocessor to communicate the system status to the vehicle via the diagnostic bus.

[0002] For example, a motor-driven security lock deliverer is disclosed in US 2003 / 0200019 A1.

[0003] In order to be able to better detect faults, the invention provides a vehicle system according to claim 1, a vehicle system according to claim 10 and a method according to claim 19. The dependent claims specify advantageous embodiments. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. 1 shows an exemplary vehicle with a seat belt presenter system. Fig.Figure 2 shows exemplary components of the seat belt presenter system with a fault indicator. Fig. 3 is a flowchart of an exemplary process performed by the seat belt presenter system of the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 can be executed. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0004] A malfunction in a seatbelt retractor system can occur if the seatbelt buckle fails to return to its original position. The vehicle occupant may not immediately detect the malfunction, which could limit the effectiveness of the seatbelt. An exemplary seatbelt retractor system that warns the occupant of the malfunction without using the vehicle diagnostic bus, and thus without a microprocessor, includes a seatbelt buckle and a timer. The seatbelt buckle is configured to receive a seatbelt and is movable between at least two positions—a first position and a second position. The timer determines the amount of time it takes for the seatbelt buckle to move from the second position back to the first position.If the seatbelt buckle fails to return to the first position for longer than a predetermined period of time, which can occur if a motor is unable to return the seatbelt buckle to the first position, the timer emits a warning signal indicating a potential malfunction. The warning signal may trigger an audible warning, a haptic warning, or a visual warning. The system then notifies the occupant of the potential malfunction.

[0005] The elements shown may take many different forms and may include multiple and / or alternating components and features. The exemplary components shown are not intended to be limiting. Indeed, additional or alternative components and / or implementations may be utilized.

[0006] As in Fig.1, the vehicle 100 includes a seatbelt presenter system 105. As discussed in more detail below, the seatbelt presenter system 105 moves a seatbelt buckle 110 (see Fig. 2) between a first position 145 and a second position 150 (see Fig.2). When in the second position 150, the seatbelt buckle 110 is more accessible to the occupant. That is, the second position 150 is a more convenient position for the occupant to fasten the seatbelt. However, during operation of the vehicle 100 and after the seatbelt has been fastened, the seatbelt buckle 110 should be moved back to the first position 145 to increase occupant protection. The seatbelt deployer system 105 is configured to determine the amount of time it takes for the seatbelt buckle 110 to move from the second position 150 to the first position 145 and to issue a warning signal if the seatbelt buckle 110 does not reach the first position 145 within a predetermined amount of time.In this way, the seat belt presenter system 105 may help notify the occupant of a potential malfunction associated with the seat belt presenter system 105.

[0007] Although depicted as a sedan, vehicle 100 may include any passenger or commercial vehicle, such as a car, a truck, an SUV, a crossover vehicle, a delivery van, a minivan, a taxi, a bus, etc. In some possible approaches, vehicle 100 is an autonomous vehicle configured to operate in an autonomous (e.g., driverless) mode, a semi-autonomous mode, and / or a non-autonomous mode.

[0008] Fig.2 illustrates exemplary components of the seat belt retractor system 105 with a fault indicator. The seat belt retractor system 105, as shown, includes a seat belt buckle 110, a motor 115, a first limit switch 120A at the first position 145, a second limit switch 120B at the second position 150, a timer 125, and an alarm module 135.

[0009] The seatbelt buckle 110 may be configured to receive a seatbelt tongue (not shown). In some cases, the seatbelt buckle 110 may include a button for releasing the tongue. One end of the seatbelt buckle 110 may be attached to a seat or other structure within the vehicle 100. The seatbelt buckle 110 is configured to move along a track 140. Movement of the seatbelt buckle 110 may be facilitated by the motor 115.

[0010] The motor 115 may be configured to convert electrical energy from, for example, a power source into rotational motion. The motor 115 may include an output shaft configured to move the seatbelt buckle 110 along the track 140 from the first position 145 to the second position 150 and from the second position 150 back to the first position 145. The motor 115 may be configured to move the seatbelt buckle 110 from the first position 145 to the second position 150, for example, when the occupant opens a door to the vehicle 100 or when the vehicle 100 is started. The motor 115 may be configured to move the seatbelt buckle 110 back to the first position 145 after the seatbelt buckle 110 has received the seatbelt tongue.

[0011] The limit switches 120A and 120B (collectively 120) may be disposed at different ends of the track 140 near, for example, the first position 145 and the second position 150. The limit switches 120 may be configured to detect when the seat belt buckle 110 is in the first position 145 or the second position 150. When the seat belt buckle 110 is in the first position 145, the seat belt buckle 110 may physically engage the first limit switch 120A, causing the first limit switch 120A to output a signal indicating the presence of the seat belt buckle 110 in the first position 145.When the seat belt buckle 110 is in the second position 150, the seat belt buckle 110 may physically engage the second limit switch 120B, causing the second limit switch 120B to output a signal indicating the presence of the seat belt buckle 110 in the second position 150. In implementations where the seat belt buckle 110 only moves between the first and second positions 145, 150—that is, the seat belt buckle 110 is not configured to stop at any intermediate positions—a single limit switch 120 may be used to determine whether the seat belt buckle 110 has left the first position 145 or the second position 150.In other words, the absence of the signal indicating the presence of the seat belt buckle 110 in the first position 145 may indicate that the seat belt is in the second position 150 or is moving between the first and second positions 145, 150.

[0012] The timer 125 may include an electronic device, such as an integrated circuit, configured to determine the amount of time it takes for the seat belt buckle 110 to move to the first position 145. If the seat belt buckle 110 is not in the first position 145 after leaving the second position 150 for longer than a predetermined amount of time, the timer 125 may issue a warning signal. To determine the amount of time it takes for the seat belt buckle 110 to move to the first position 145, the timer 125 may include a counter 130. The counter 130 may be configured to begin a count that is incremented at regular intervals. The count may begin when the seat belt buckle 110 first begins to move from the second position 150 to the first position 145.For example, the absence of signal output from limit switch 120 may cause timer 125 to begin counting. Timer 125 may stop counting when seat belt buckle 110 returns to first position 145 from second position 150. That is, timer 125 may stop counting when limit switch 120 is activated.

[0013] As discussed above, the timer 125 may be configured to compare the count to a predetermined time period. The predetermined time period may be based on a time sufficient for the seatbelt buckle 110 to move from the second position 150 to the first position 145. This time may be determined from the power to the motor, the gearing of the motor shaft with the buckle 110, and the distance of the track 140. If the elapsed time, as determined from the count, exceeds the predetermined time period, the timer 125 may issue the warning signal. The warning signal may be transmitted to the alarm module 135.

[0014] The alarm module 135 may be integrated into the buckle system to avoid adding a microprocessor to the seat belt retractor system 105. The alarm module 135 may include an audio module 155, a light module 160, or both configured to receive the warning signal. In response to receiving the warning signal, the audio module 155 may emit an audible tone to alert the occupant of the potential malfunction in the seat belt retractor system 105. Accordingly, the audio module 155 may include, for example, a piezoelectric buzzer or other sound generating device. Some audio modules 155 may further be configured to provide a haptic warning to the occupant. For example, a piezoelectric buzzer may vibrate. The occupant may feel such a vibration at their hip or leg, alerting the occupant of the potential malfunction.Additionally or alternatively, the light module 160 may illuminate in response to receiving the warning signal. The occupant may thus be provided with a visual warning indicating the potential malfunction. The light module 160 may thus include one or more light-emitting diodes.

[0015] Fig. 3 is a flowchart of an exemplary process 300 that may be performed by the seatbelt deployment system 105. The process 300 may be initiated, for example, when a door is opened or whenever a passenger is likely to enter or exit the vehicle 100.

[0016] At block 305, the system 105 may apply power to the motor 115 to move the seatbelt buckle 110 from a first position 145 to a second position 150. The first position 145 may include the position of the seatbelt buckle 110 during normal operation of the vehicle 100. The first position 145 may include, for example, a position near a rear of the seat. The second position 150 may include a position that allows a passenger to easily access the seatbelt buckle 110. The second position 150 may be, for example, toward the center or front of the seat.

[0017] At block 310, the system 105 may determine whether the limit switch 120B at the second position 150 has been activated. If not, the system 105 may continue applying power to the motor. If the limit switch 120B at the second position 150 has been activated, the system 105 may remove power from the motor 115 (see block 315).

[0018] At decision block 320, the system 105 may determine whether the seat belt tongue is inserted into the seat belt buckle 110. If not, the process 300 may proceed to block 315. If the result of decision block 320 is affirmed, the process 300 may proceed to block 325, where power may be applied to the motor 115 to move the buckle 110 back to the first position 145.

[0019] At block 330, the system 105 may determine whether the limit switch 120B at the second position 150 has been deactivated. If not, the process 300 may return to block 325 to continue applying power to the motor 115. After the limit switch 120B at the second position 150 has been deactivated, the timer 125 may begin a count that increments at regular intervals, as shown in block 335. The count may begin when the seat belt buckle 110 first begins to move from the first position 145 to the second position 150. For example, deactivation of the limit switch 120A may cause the timer 125 to begin counting. When the seat belt buckle 110 activates the limit switch 120A at the first position 145 in block 340, the system stops counting as shown in block 345 and removes power from the motor as shown in block 350.After removing the energy from the motor, the process can end 300.

[0020] Returning to decision block 340, if the limit switch 120A has not been activated at the first position 145, the process 300 may proceed to block 355 where the counter is compared to a predetermined time period or a number of iterations. The predetermined time period may be based on a time period sufficient for the seat belt buckle 110 to move from the first position 145 to the second position, an occupant to enter the vehicle 100, the seat belt buckle 110 to engage the seat belt tongue, and the seat belt buckle 110 to return from the second position 150 to the first position 145. In addition to time, the value may be based on, for example, a number of iterations, including the number of times the block 340 is executed.If the count exceeds the predetermined time period or iterations, the process 300 may proceed to block 365, whereupon the system 105 may generate an alarm indicating an error to the operator. Otherwise, the process 300 may proceed to block 360. That is, the system 105 may increment the counter and return to block 340 to query the limit switch 120A at the first position 145. After generating the alarm in block 365, the process 300 may end.

[0021] In general, the described data processing systems and / or devices may employ any of a variety of computer operating systems, including, but not limited to, versions and / or variants of the Ford Sync® operating system, the Microsoft Windows® operating system, the Unix operating system (e.g., the Solaris® operating system distributed by Oracle Corporation of Redwood Shores, California, USA), the AIX UNIX operating system distributed by International Business Machines of Armonk, New York, USA, the Linux operating system, the MAC OSX and iOS operating systems distributed by Apple Inc. of Cupertino, California, USA, the Blackberry OS distributed by Blackberry, Ltd. of Waterloo, Canada, and the Android operating system developed by Google, Inc. and the Open Handset Alliance.Examples of data processing devices include, without limitation, a vehicle on-board computer, a workstation, a server, a desktop computer, a notebook, a laptop or portable computer, or any other data processing system and / or device.

[0022] Data processing devices generally include computer-executable instructions, where the instructions are executable by one or more data processing devices, such as those listed above. Computer-executable instructions may be compiled or interpreted by computer programs created using a variety of programming languages ​​and / or technologies, including, without limitation, and either alone or in combination, Java™, C, C++, Visual Basic, Java Script, Perl, etc. In general, a processor (e.g., a microprocessor) receives instructions from, e.g., memory, a computer-readable medium, etc., and executes those instructions, thereby performing one or more operations, including one or more of the operations described herein. Such instructions and other data may be stored and transmitted using a variety of computer-readable media.

[0023] A computer-readable medium (also referred to as a processor-readable medium) includes any non-transitory (e.g., tangible) medium that participates in providing data (e.g., instructions) that can be read by a computer (e.g., by a computer's processor). Such a medium can take many forms, including, but not limited to, non-volatile and volatile media. Non-volatile media can include, for example, optical or magnetic disks and other permanent storage. Volatile media can include, for example, dynamic random access memory (DRAM), which typically forms main memory.Such instructions may be carried by one or more transmission media, including coaxial cable, copper wire, and optical fiber, including the wires comprising a system bus coupled to a processor of a computer. Common forms of computer-readable storage media include, for example, a floppy disk, a diskette, a hard disk, magnetic tape, any other magnetic storage medium, a CD-ROM, a DVD, any other optical storage medium, punched cards, paper tape, any other physical storage medium with hole patterns, a RAM, a PROM, an EPROM, a FLASH EEPROM, any other memory chip or cartridge, or any other storage medium from which a computer can read.

[0024] Databases, data repositories, or other data stores described herein may include various types of mechanisms for storing, retrieving, and accessing various types of data, including a hierarchical database, a set of files in a file system, an application database in a proprietary format, a relational database management system (RDMBS), etc. Each such data store is generally embodied in a computing device employing a computer operating system, such as one of those mentioned above, and is accessed via a network using any one or more of a variety of methods. A file system may be accessed by a computer operating system and may contain files stored in various formats.An RDBMS generally uses the Structured Query Language (SQL) in addition to a language for creating, storing, editing, and executing stored operations, such as the PL / SQL language mentioned above.

[0025] In some examples, system elements may be implemented as computer-readable instructions (e.g., software) on one or more computing devices (e.g., servers, personal computers, etc.) stored on associated computer-readable media (e.g., disks, memories, etc.). A computer program product may include such instructions stored on computer-readable media for performing the functions described herein.

[0026] With respect to the acts, systems, methods, heuristics, etc. described herein, it is understood that although the steps of such acts, etc., have been described as occurring according to a certain ordered sequence, such acts could be practiced with the described steps performed in an order different from the order described herein. It is further understood that certain steps could be performed concurrently, that other steps could be added, or that certain steps described herein could be omitted. In other words, the descriptions of acts herein are provided for the purpose of illustrating particular embodiments and should in no way be construed as limiting the claims.

[0027] Accordingly, it is to be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative and not restrictive. Many embodiments and applications other than the examples provided would become apparent upon reading the above description. The scope of protection should not be determined by reference to the above description, but should instead be determined by reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. It is anticipated and intended that future developments will occur in the technologies discussed herein and that the disclosed systems and methods will be incorporated into such future embodiments. In summary, it is understood that the application is susceptible to modification and variation.

[0028] All terms used in the claims are intended to have their ordinary meanings as understood by those skilled in the art to which the technologies described herein belong, unless an express indication to the contrary is made herein. In particular, the use of singular articles such as "a," "an," "the," etc., should be read as reciting one or more of the specified elements, unless a claim recites an express limitation to the contrary.

[0029] The Abstract is provided to enable the reader to quickly determine the nature of the technical disclosure. It is presented with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. Moreover, it will be appreciated in the foregoing Detailed Description that various features in various embodiments are grouped together for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This method of disclosure should not be interpreted as reflecting an intent that the claimed embodiments require more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive subject matter lies in fewer than all of the features of a single disclosed embodiment.The following claims are accordingly hereby incorporated into the detailed description, with each claim standing on its own as separately claimed subject matter. KEY TO SYMBOLS Figure 3 EN DE Power Motor to Move Seat Belt Buckle from First Position to Second Position Driving motor to move seat belt buckle from first position to second position Second Limit Switch Activated? Second limit switch activated? N N Y J Remove Power from Motor Extracting energy from the engine Belt Buckle Inserted? Seat belt buckle inserted? Power Motor to Move Seat Belt Buckle to First Position Drive motor to move seat belt buckle to first position Second Limit Switch Deactivated? Second limit switch deactivated? Begin Count Start counting First Limit Switch Activated? First limit switch activated? Count Exceeds Threshold? Count exceeds limit? Increment Counter Increasing counter Stop Count Stop counting Generate Alert Generating a warning End End

Claims

[1] Vehicle system comprising: a seatbelt buckle configured to receive a seatbelt, and wherein the seatbelt buckle is movable along a track between a first position and a second position; characterized by a timer configured to determine a period of time that the seat belt buckle is in the second position and to issue a warning signal if the seat belt buckle is in the second position for longer than a predetermined period of time. [2] The vehicle system of claim 1, wherein the timer includes a counter configured to determine the amount of time the seat belt buckle is in the second position. [3] The vehicle system of claim 1, further comprising a motor configured to move the seat belt buckle from the first position to the second position. [4] The vehicle system of claim 3, wherein the motor is configured to move the seat belt buckle from the second position to the first position. [5] The vehicle system of claim 1, wherein the timer is configured to begin counting when the seat belt buckle begins to move from the first position to the second position. [6] The vehicle system of claim 1, wherein the timer is configured to stop counting when the seat belt buckle returns to the first position. [7] The vehicle system of claim 1, further comprising an alarm module configured to receive the warning signal and to issue an audible warning, a haptic warning, and / or a visual warning in response to receiving the warning signal. [8] The vehicle system of claim 7, wherein the alarm module includes at least one light-emitting diode. [9] The vehicle system of claim 7, wherein the alarm module includes a piezoelectric buzzer. [10] Vehicle system comprising: a seatbelt buckle configured to receive a seatbelt and movable along a track between a first position and a second position; and a motor configured to move the seat belt buckle from the first position to the second position; characterized by a timer configured to determine a period of time that the seat belt buckle is in the second position and to issue a warning signal if the seat belt buckle is in the second position for longer than a predetermined period of time; and an alarm module configured to receive the warning signal and to issue a warning in response to receiving the warning signal. [11] The vehicle system of claim 10, wherein the timer includes a counter configured to determine the amount of time the seat belt buckle is in the second position. [12] The vehicle system of claim 10, wherein the motor is configured to move the seat belt buckle from the second position to the first position. [13] The vehicle system of claim 10, wherein the timer is configured to begin counting when the motor begins to move the seat belt buckle from the first position to the second position. [14] The vehicle system of claim 10, wherein the timer is configured to stop counting when the seat belt buckle returns to the first position. [15] The vehicle system of claim 10, wherein the alarm module is configured to issue an audible warning and / or a haptic warning in response to receiving the warning signal. [16] The vehicle system of claim 15, wherein the alarm module includes a piezoelectric buzzer. [17] The vehicle system of claim 10, wherein the alarm module is configured to issue a visual warning in response to receiving the warning signal. [18] The vehicle system of claim 7, wherein the alarm module includes at least one light-emitting diode. [19] Procedure comprising: Moving a seat belt buckle along a track from a first position to a second position; and Determining a period of time that the seat belt buckle is in the second position; characterized by Comparing the time period that the seat belt buckle is in the second position with a predetermined time period and Generating a warning signal when the seat belt buckle is in the second position for longer than the predetermined period of time. [20] The method of claim 19, wherein the amount of time the seat belt buckle is in the second position is based on when the seat belt buckle begins to move from the first position to the second position and when the seat belt buckle returns to the first position.

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