SEAT BELT, METHOD FOR CONTROLLING A SEAT BELT AND VEHICLE

Abstract

Safety belt (100), comprising: a receptacle (110) having an opening (116) adapted to receive a locking plate (106); and an elongated push button (112) at least partially disposed within the receptacle (110) and configured to remain extended outside a housing of the receptacle (110) when the safety belt (100) is in the engaged state; characterized by a magnet (114) disposed at least partially within the extended push button (112), wherein the magnet (114) is configured to attract the locking plate (106) to align the locking plate (106) with the opening (116).

Description

INTRODUCTION

[0001] The disclosure relates to safety belts. More specifically, the disclosure relates to a safety belt with a magnetic alignment system and a system for controlling the same. A safety belt having the features of the preamble of claim 1 is known from DE 10 2019 006 246 A1.

[0002] Motor vehicles, airplanes, buses, and various other modes of transportation include seat belts to ensure that passengers or drivers remain safely in their seats. In some cases, those affected have difficulty fastening their seat belts properly.

[0003] Against this background, it is an object of the present invention to provide a safety belt which is particularly easy to put on correctly. SUMMARY

[0004] The present invention is defined by the features of the appended claims 1, 9 and 10. Advantageous further developments are specified in the following description and in the dependent claims.

[0005] According to the invention, a safety belt is provided. The safety belt comprises a receptacle having an opening configured to receive a locking plate, an elongated snap fastener disposed at least partially within the receptacle and configured to remain extended outside a housing of the receptacle when the safety belt is in the latched state, and a magnet disposed at least partially within the elongated snap fastener, the magnet configured to attract the locking plate to align the locking plate with the opening.

[0006] In addition to the one or more features described herein, the magnet is an electromagnet.

[0007] In addition to the one or more features described herein, the safety belt also includes a sensor configured to monitor the latching state of the safety belt.

[0008] In addition to the one or more features described herein, the safety belt also includes a controller configured to selectively activate the solenoid based at least in part on the latched state of the safety belt.

[0009] In addition to the one or more features described herein, the controller is configured to deactivate the solenoid based on the latching state of the latched seat belt.

[0010] In addition to the one or more features described herein, the controller is configured to activate the solenoid based on the latching state of the unfastened seat belt.

[0011] In addition to the one or more features described herein, the safety belt also includes a cover attached to the receptacle, the cover partially enclosing the deployed snap fastener.

[0012] In addition to the one or more features described herein, the elongated snap fastener is configured to extend from the receptacle a first distance when the seat belt is engaged and a second distance greater than the first distance when the seat belt is disengaged.

[0013] According to the invention, a method for controlling a seat belt with an electromagnetic alignment system is provided. The method includes determining whether a person is sitting in a seat with a seat belt and determining the latched state of the seat belt. Based on the determination that the person is sitting in the seat and that the latched state of the seat belt is released, the method includes activating an electromagnet disposed in an elongated push button of the electromagnetic alignment system. Based on the determination that the person is not sitting in the seat, the method includes deactivating the electromagnet. Based on the determination that the latched state of the seat belt is engaged, the method includes deactivating the electromagnet. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] Further features, advantages and details are included by way of example only in the following detailed description, which refers to the drawings in which: Fig. 1A is a schematic diagram illustrating a seat belt with a magnetic alignment system in a released state according to an exemplary embodiment; Fig. 1B is a schematic diagram illustrating a seat belt with a magnetic alignment system in a released state according to an exemplary embodiment; Fig. 1C illustrates a schematic diagram of an extended locking plate for use with a safety belt having a magnetic alignment system according to an exemplary embodiment; Fig. 1D is a schematic diagram illustrating a buckle of a seat belt system according to an exemplary embodiment; Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram of an elongated push button with an integrated magnet according to another exemplary embodiment; Fig. 3A is a schematic diagram illustrating a seat belt with a magnetic alignment system in a released state according to another exemplary embodiment; Fig. 3B is a schematic diagram illustrating a seat belt with a magnetic alignment system in a released state according to another exemplary embodiment; Fig. 4A is a schematic diagram illustrating a seat belt with a magnetic alignment system in a released state according to another exemplary embodiment; Fig. 4B is a schematic diagram illustrating a seat belt with a magnetic alignment system in a released state according to another exemplary embodiment; Fig. 5 is a block diagram of a system for a seat belt with a magnetic alignment system according to an exemplary embodiment; and; Fig. 6 is a flowchart of a method of operating a seat belt control system having an electromagnetic alignment system according to an exemplary embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0015] Alternative embodiments of the disclosure may be developed without departing from the scope of the claims. In the following description and in the drawings, various connections and positional relationships (e.g., above, below, adjacent, etc.) between elements are indicated. These connections and / or positional relationships may be direct or indirect unless otherwise indicated, and the present disclosure is not intended to be limiting in this regard. Accordingly, a coupling of units may refer to either a direct or an indirect coupling, and a positional relationship between units may be a direct or indirect positional relationship.

[0016] To provide an overview of the aspects of the disclosure, embodiments of the disclosure include a seatbelt with a magnetic alignment system. In exemplary embodiments, the magnetic alignment system is configured to assist in the alignment of the seatbelt to make donning the seatbelt as easy as possible, particularly for individuals with limited dexterity or mobility. In exemplary embodiments, the magnetic alignment system includes a magnet integrated into the button of the buckle to position the locking plate in the correct engagement plane, allowing a user to simply push down on the seatbelt to lock it into place.In exemplary embodiments, the magnetic alignment system is designed to provide the user with feedback regarding the alignment of the closure plate with the buckle without requiring the user to change their viewing direction. In exemplary embodiments, the magnet is positioned within the buckle in such a way that it does not interfere with the normal operation of the buckle.

[0017] With reference now to Fig. 1A and Fig. 1B are schematic diagrams illustrating a safety belt 100 with a magnetic alignment system in a released state and an engaged state according to an exemplary embodiment. As illustrated, the safety belt 100 includes a handle 104 slidably disposed on a strap 102. The handle 104 includes a locking plate 106 configured to be inserted into a receptacle 110 to removably secure the locking plate 106 within the receptacle 110. In exemplary embodiments, the receptacle 110 includes an extended snap 112 configured to protrude from the housing of the receptacle 110. The extended snap 112 includes a magnet 114, which may be disposed within the extended snap 112 or attached to a surface of the extended snap 112.In exemplary embodiments, the magnet 114 is configured to attract the locking plate 106 to assist in proper alignment of the locking plate 106 with an opening 116 of the receptacle 110, as shown in FIG. Fig. 1D shown.

[0018] In exemplary embodiments, the extended push button 112 is configured to remain extended outside the housing of the receptacle 110 when the seat belt is in the latched state, as best shown in Fig. 1B. In exemplary embodiments, the extended push button 112 protruding from the housing of the receptacle makes it easier for the user to release the seat belt when the button is lifted, thus preventing the customer from having to search for the push button to release the seat belt. In exemplary embodiments, as shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 1C, the locking plate 106 includes an opening 108 configured to receive a lock when disposed within the receptacle 110. In some embodiments, the locking plate 106 also includes an extended housing portion 107.

[0019] With reference now to Fig. Figure 2 shows a schematic diagram of an elongated push button 200 with an integrated magnet 202 according to another exemplary embodiment. In exemplary embodiments, the magnet 202 is molded into a housing 204 of the push button 200 such that the magnet 202 does not come into direct contact with the locking plate during seat belt operation. In one embodiment, the housing 204 includes a cavity 206 in which the magnet 202 is disposed. In exemplary embodiments, the strength of the magnet and the position of the magnet in the elongated push button 200 are selected such that the magnet 202 provides sufficient magnetic force to attract the locking plate when positioned nearby, but not so much force that it would make it difficult to release the seat belt.

[0020] With reference now to Fig. 3A and Fig. 3B are schematic diagrams illustrating a safety belt 300 with a magnetic alignment system in a released state and an engaged state according to an exemplary embodiment. As illustrated, the safety belt 300 includes a handle 304 slidably disposed on a strap 302. The handle 304 includes a locking plate 306 configured to be inserted into a receptacle 310 to removably secure the locking plate 306 within the receptacle 310. In exemplary embodiments, the receptacle 310 includes an elongated snap button 312 configured to protrude from the housing of the receptacle 310.

[0021] In exemplary embodiments, the receptacle 310 also includes a cover 318 that substantially covers the front and side surfaces of the extended push button 312. The cover 318 is designed to prevent accidental detachment of the locking plate 306 from the receptacle 310 due to accidental contact with the extended push button 312. While the cover 318 extends over the front and side surfaces of the extended push button 312, it does not impede contact of the locking plate 306 with the rear surface of the extended push button 312.

[0022] The extended snap button 312 includes a magnet 314, which may be disposed within the extended snap button 312 or attached to a surface of the extended snap button 312. In exemplary embodiments, the magnet 314 is configured to attract the locking plate 306 to assist in proper alignment of the locking plate 306 with an opening of the receptacle 310.

[0023] With reference now to Fig. 4A and Fig. 4B are schematic diagrams illustrating a safety belt 400 with a magnetic alignment system in a released state and an engaged state according to an exemplary embodiment. As illustrated, the safety belt 400 includes a handle 404 slidably disposed on a strap 402. The handle 404 includes a locking plate 406 configured to be inserted into a receptacle 410 to releasably secure the locking plate 406 within the receptacle 410. In exemplary embodiments, the receptacle 410 includes an elongated snap fastener 412 configured to protrude from the housing of the receptacle 410 when the safety belt is in a released state.

[0024] The extended snap button 412 includes a magnet 414, which may be disposed inside the extended snap button 412 or attached to a surface of the extended snap button 412. In exemplary embodiments, the magnet 414 is configured to attract the locking plate 406 to assist in the proper alignment of the locking plate 406 with an opening of the receptacle 410. In exemplary embodiments, once the locking plate 406 is aligned with the extended snap button 412, both the locking plate 406 and the extended snap button 412 are pushed into the housing of the receptacle 410 to engage the seat belt locking mechanism. In these embodiments, the receptacle 410 includes one or more springs (not shown) configured to urge the extended snap button 412 into its extended position, as shown in Fig. 4A when the seat belt is unfastened.

[0025] In exemplary embodiments, the magnet used in the push button is an electromagnet that can be selectively activated and deactivated. With reference now to Fig. Figure 5 shows a block diagram of a system 500 for a seat belt with a magnetic alignment system according to an exemplary embodiment. As shown, the system 500 includes a controller 502 in communication with one or more sensors 504 and an electromagnet 506. In some embodiments, the controller 502 is also configured to receive inputs from a user interface 508. In exemplary embodiments, the controller 502 is a general-purpose processor, a flexible programmable gate array (FPGA), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or the like.

[0026] In one embodiment, the one or more sensors 504 include sensors configured to determine the state of a seat belt (i.e., engaged or unfastened). In another embodiment, the one or more sensors 504 include sensors configured to determine the presence of a person in a seat (i.e., whether a seat is occupied or empty). The controller 502 is configured to selectively activate the solenoid 506 based on the data received from the one or more sensors 504 and, in some embodiments, also based on inputs from the user interface 508.

[0027] In exemplary embodiments, user interface 508 is configured to allow a user to manually activate and deactivate electromagnet 506. In exemplary embodiments, user interface 508 is further configured to allow a user to set up a user profile that allows one or more user preferences regarding the automatic activation / deactivation of electromagnet 506. In exemplary embodiments, the user preferences include a strength of the magnetic force generated by electromagnet 506 when activated and / or one or more criteria to be used in activating electromagnet 506.

[0028] With reference now to Fig. 6 is a flowchart of a method for operating a safety belt control system with an electromagnetic alignment system according to an exemplary embodiment. In exemplary embodiments, method 600 may be adapted from the Fig.5. As shown in decision block 602, the method 600 includes determining whether a person is sitting in a seat having the electromagnetic alignment system. Based on the determination that no person is sitting in the seat, the method 600 proceeds to block 608 and deactivates the electromagnet in the seat belt push button. Based on the determination that a person is sitting in the seat, the method 600 proceeds to decision block 604 and determines whether the seat belt is latched. Based on the determination that the seat belt is latched, the method 600 proceeds to block 608 and deactivates the electromagnet in the seat belt push button.Based on the determination that the seat belt is not latched, method 600 proceeds to block 606 and activates the solenoid in the seat belt push button.

[0029] The following definitions and abbreviations are to be used in interpreting the claims and the description. The terms "comprises," "comprising," "includes," "containing," "has," "with," "has," or "having," or any other variations thereof, are intended to encompass non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a composition, mixture, process, method, article, or device that includes a list of elements is not necessarily limited to those elements, but may also include other elements not expressly listed or included in such composition, mixture, process, method, article, or device.

[0030] Furthermore, the term "exemplary" is used herein to mean "serving as an example, instance, or illustration." Any embodiment or configuration described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments or configurations. The terms "at least one" and "one or more" may be construed to include any integer greater than or equal to one (i.e., one, two, three, four, etc.). The term "multiple" may be construed to include any integer greater than or equal to two (i.e., two, three, four, five, etc.). The term "connection" can include both an indirect "connection" and a direct "connection."

[0031] The terms "about," "substantially," "approximately," and variations thereof are intended to encompass the degree of error associated with measuring the particular quantity based on the equipment available at the time of filing. For example, "about" may encompass a range of ± 8%, 5%, or 2% of a particular value.

[0032] The terms "a" and "an" do not imply a limitation of quantity, but denote the presence of at least one of the mentioned items. The term "or" means "and / or" unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. References to "an aspect" throughout this specification mean that a particular element (e.g., a feature, structure, step, or property) described in connection with that aspect is encompassed in at least one of the aspects described herein and may or may not be present in other aspects. It is also understood that the described elements in the various aspects may be combined in any suitable manner.

[0033] When an element such as a layer, film, region, or substrate is described as lying "on" another element, it may lie directly on top of the other element, or there may be intervening elements. In contrast, when an element is described as lying "directly on" another element, no intervening elements are present.

Claims

[1] Safety belt (100), comprising: a receptacle (110) having an opening (116) adapted to receive a locking plate (106); and an elongated push button (112) at least partially disposed within the receptacle (110) and configured to remain extended outside a housing of the receptacle (110) when the safety belt (100) is in the engaged state; characterized by a magnet (114) disposed at least partially within the extended push button (112), wherein the magnet (114) is configured to attract the locking plate (106) to align the locking plate (106) with the opening (116). [2] Safety belt (100) according to claim 1, wherein the magnet (114) is an electromagnet (506). [3] The safety belt (100) of claim 2, further comprising a sensor (504) configured to monitor the latching state of the safety belt (100). [4] The safety belt (100) of claim 3, further comprising a controller (502) configured to selectively activate the electromagnet (506) based at least in part on the latched state of the safety belt (100). [5] The seat belt (100) of claim 4, wherein the controller (502) is configured to deactivate the electromagnet (506) based on the latching status of the latched seat belt (100). [6] The seat belt (100) of claim 4, wherein the controller (502) is configured to activate the electromagnet (506) based on the latching status of the unfastened seat belt (100). [7] The safety belt (100) of claim 1, further comprising a cover (318) attached to the receptacle (110), the cover (318) partially enclosing the extended snap fastener (112). [8] The safety belt (100) of claim 1, wherein the elongated snap fastener (112) is configured to extend from the receptacle (110) a first distance when the safety belt (100) is engaged and a second distance greater than the first distance when the safety belt (100) is disengaged. [9] A method for controlling a safety belt (100) according to claim 2, the method comprising: Determining whether a person is sitting on a seat with a seat belt (100); Determining a locking state of the seat belt (100); activating the electromagnet (506) based on the determination that the person is sitting on the seat and that the latched state of the seat belt (100) is released; Deactivating the electromagnet (506) based on the determination that the person is not sitting on the seat; and Deactivating the electromagnet (506) based on a determination that the seat belt (100) is engaged. [10] A vehicle comprising a safety belt (100) according to claim 1.

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