SEAT BELT SYSTEM

Abstract

A seatbelt assembly for a vehicle comprises a seatbelt and a base retractor coupled to the seatbelt and configured to allow the seatbelt to extend to a desired length. The base retractor includes a first end section containing a preloading device, a second end section opposite the first end section containing a speed-based locking mechanism, and a third section located between the first and second end sections containing a spindle coupled to the seatbelt. The seatbelt assembly also includes a belt tensioner coupled to the base retractor and configured to tension a slack seatbelt to ensure proper positioning of the vehicle passenger.Additionally, the seat belt assembly includes an electromagnet located in or adjacent to the base retractor and configured to allow adjustment of the rotational resistance applied to the spindle based on the vehicle passenger size.

Description

INTRODUCTION

[0001] The information provided in this section is intended to provide a general context for the disclosure. The work of the presently named inventors, to the extent described in this section, as well as those aspects of the description that do not otherwise qualify as prior art at the time of filing, are neither expressly nor implicitly admitted as prior art against the present disclosure.

[0002] The present disclosure generally relates to a seat belt system for a vehicle.

[0003] Seat belts are an important safety feature in vehicles. Some seat belts are configured to retract and / or lock the seat belt during a vehicle impact event. In a load-limiting seat belt, the occupant applies a load to the seat belt during the vehicle impact event, causing a torsion bar to twist / deform and dispense seat belt webbing. The amount of seat belt webbing dispensed is typically defined by the size of the torsion bar and corresponds to a set limitation of the load the seat belt applies to the occupant. A load-limiting seat belt restraint system is implemented by selecting one, two, or three set load limits. In certain examples, the seat belt system includes a "switch" that typically uses a seat track position as a basis and sets the load limit to one of two or three discrete values.While current technology provides numerous options, changing load profiles is no longer possible once a configuration has been established. SUMMARY

[0004] In certain examples, a seat belt assembly for a vehicle includes a seat belt configured to secure a vehicle passenger and distribute impact forces across a vehicle passenger's body. Additionally, the seat belt assembly includes a base retractor coupled to the seat belt and configured to allow the seat belt to be extended to a desired length. The base retractor includes a first end portion including a preloading device, a second end portion disposed opposite the first end portion and including a speed-based locking mechanism, and a third portion disposed between the first end portion and the second end portion and including a spindle coupled to the seat belt.In certain examples, the seat belt assembly further includes a pretensioner coupled to the base retractor and configured to tension a slack seat belt to ensure proper positioning of the vehicle passenger. The seat belt assembly further includes an electromagnet disposed within or adjacent to the base retractor and configured to enable adjustment of the rotational resistance applied to the spindle based on the vehicle passenger size. In certain examples, the electromagnet is disposed between the third portion and the second end portion of the base retractor. In certain examples, the electromagnet is at least partially disposed within the spindle of the third portion of the base retractor. In certain examples, the electromagnet includes a winding base, a winding core, and a disk.In certain examples, the seat belt assembly further includes a torsion bar coupled to the base retractor. In certain examples, the seat belt assembly is a three-point seat belt assembly. Additionally, in certain examples, the seat belt assembly may further include a plurality of gears coupled to the base retractor and configured to reduce a base load of the solenoid. A vehicle may include the seat belt assembly.

[0005] In certain examples, a seat belt system for a vehicle seat includes a sensing system configured to determine a size of a vehicle passenger within the vehicle seat. The seat belt system also includes a seat belt assembly including a seat belt configured to secure a vehicle passenger and distribute impact forces across the body of a vehicle passenger. The seat belt assembly also includes a base retractor coupled to the seat belt and configured to allow the seat belt to be extended to a desired length. Furthermore, in certain examples, the seat belt assembly also includes a pretensioner coupled to the base retractor and configured to tension a slack seat belt to ensure proper positioning of the vehicle passenger.Additionally, the seat belt assembly may include an electromagnet coupled to the base retractor and configured to enable a continuous load level based on the determined size of the vehicle passenger. In certain examples, the sensing system includes a plurality of weight sensing mechanisms to measure a weight of the vehicle passenger. In certain examples, the sensing system includes a plurality of height sensing mechanisms to measure a height of the vehicle passenger. Additionally, in certain examples, the electromagnet includes a winding base, a winding core, and a disk. In certain examples, the seat belt system further includes a torsion bar coupled to the base retractor. Additionally, in certain examples, the seat belt assembly is a three-point seat belt assembly. A vehicle may include the seat belt system.

[0006] In certain examples, a seat belt system for a vehicle includes a seat belt assembly including a seat belt, a base retractor having a spindle coupled to the seat belt, and an electromagnet coupled to the base retractor. The seat belt system also includes a sensing system configured to measure a vehicle passenger weight and / or a vehicle passenger body size. Additionally, the seat belt system includes a vehicle processor for storing vehicle data including the vehicle passenger weight and / or the vehicle passenger body size. The seat belt system also includes a server communicatively coupled to the vehicle processor and configured to determine a desired load level of the electromagnet based on the vehicle passenger weight and the vehicle passenger body size.In certain examples, the controller is also configured to apply the desired load level of the electromagnet to the spindle. In certain examples, the electromagnet includes a winding base, a winding core, and a disc. Additionally, in certain examples, a vehicle includes the seat belt system. In certain examples, the seat belt assembly is a three-point seat belt assembly. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure; they show: Fig. 1 is a perspective view of the exterior of a vehicle having a seat belt system according to the present disclosure; Fig. 2 a perspective view of an interior of the vehicle of Fig. 1, having the seat belt system according to the present disclosure; Fig. 3 is a front perspective exploded view of a seat belt assembly of a seat belt system according to an example of the present disclosure; Fig. 4 a perspective front view of an electromagnet of the seat belt assembly of Fig. 3 according to an example of the present disclosure; Fig. 5 a schematic view of the electromagnet used in Fig. 4, according to an example of the present disclosure; Fig. 6 is a front perspective exploded view of a seat belt assembly of a seat belt system according to another example of the present disclosure; Fig. 7 is a front perspective view of an electromagnet of a seat belt assembly according to another example of the present disclosure; Fig. 8 a cross-sectional view of the electromagnet of Fig. 7 and Fig. 9 is a functional block diagram according to an example of the present disclosure.

[0008] In all drawings, corresponding reference symbols designate corresponding parts. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0009] Example configurations will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. Example configurations are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and will fully convey the scope of the disclosure to those skilled in the art. Specific details, such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods, are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of configurations of the present disclosure. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that specific details need not be employed, that example configurations may be embodied in many different forms, and that the specific details and example configurations should not be construed to limit the scope of the disclosure.

[0010] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing specific example configurations only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular articles "a," "an," and "the" are intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms "comprises," "including," "containing," and "having" are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of features, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more additional features, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.The method steps, processes, and operations described herein should not be construed as necessarily requiring their performance in the particular order discussed or illustrated unless specifically identified as an order of performance. Additional or alternative steps may be employed.

[0011] When an element or layer is described as being "on," "engaging with," "connected to," "attached to," or "coupled to" another element or layer, it may be directly on, engaging with, connected to, attached to, or coupled to the other element or layer, or there may be intervening elements or layers. Conversely, when an element is described as being "directly on," "directly engaging with," "directly connected to," "directly attached to," or "directly coupled to" another element or layer, there need not be any intervening elements or layers. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a similar way (e.g., "between," "adjacent," etc.).As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any combination of one or more of the associated listed elements.

[0012] The terms "first," "second," "third," etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers, and / or sections. These elements, components, regions, layers, and / or sections are not intended to be limited by these terms. These terms may be used solely to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, or section from another region, layer, or section. Terms such as "first," "second," and other numerical terms do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context.Thus, a first element, component, region, layer, or section discussed below may be referred to as a second element, component, region, layer, or section without departing from the teachings of the example configurations.

[0013] In this application, including the definitions below, the term "module" may be replaced with the term "circuit." The term "module" may refer to, be part of, or include an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC); a digital, analog, or mixed analog / digital discrete circuit; a digital, analog, or mixed analog / digital integrated circuit; a combinational logic circuit; a field-programmable gate array (FPGA); a processor (shared, dedicated, or group) that executes code; memory (shared, dedicated, or group) that stores code executed by a processor; other suitable hardware components that provide the described functionality; or a combination of some or all of the above, such as in a system on a chip.

[0014] The term "code" as used above may include software, firmware, and / or microcode and may refer to programs, routines, functions, classes, and / or objects. The term "shared processor" includes a single processor that executes some or all of the code from multiple modules. The term "group processor" includes a processor that, in combination with additional processors, executes some or all of the code from multiple modules. The term "shared memory" includes a single memory that stores some or all of the code from multiple modules. The term "group memory" includes memory that, in combination with additional memory, stores some or all of the code from one or more modules. The term "memory" may be a subset of the term "computer-readable medium."The term "computer-readable medium" encompasses non-transitory electrical and electromagnetic signals propagating through a medium and can therefore be considered tangible and non-transitory storage. Non-limiting examples of non-transitory storage include tangible computer-readable medium, including non-volatile memory, magnetic storage, and optical storage.

[0015] The devices and methods described in this application may be implemented, in part or in whole, by one or more computer programs executed by one or more processors. The computer programs include processor-executable instructions stored on at least one non-transitory, tangible, computer-readable medium. The computer programs may also include and / or access stored data.

[0016] A software application (i.e., a software resource) may refer to computer software that causes a computing device to perform a task. In certain examples, a software application may be referred to as an "application," an "app," or a "program." Example applications include, but are not limited to, system diagnostic applications, system management applications, system maintenance applications, word processing applications, spreadsheet applications, messaging applications, media streaming applications, social networking applications, and gaming applications.

[0017] Non-transitory memory may be physical devices used to store programs (e.g., sequences of instructions) or data (e.g., program state information) on a temporary or permanent basis for use by a computing device. Non-transitory memory may be volatile and / or non-volatile addressable semiconductor memory. Examples of non-volatile memory include, but are not limited to, flash memory and read-only memory (ROM) / programmable read-only memory (PROM) / erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM) / electronically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM) (which, for example, is typically used for firmware such as boot programs).Examples of volatile memory include, but are not limited to, random access memory (RAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), static random access memory (SRAM), phase change memory (PCM), and disk or tape.

[0018] These computer programs (also known as programs, software, software applications, or code) contain machine instructions for a programmable processor and may be implemented in a high-level procedural and / or object-oriented programming language and / or assembly / machine language. As used herein, the terms "machine-readable medium" and "computer-readable medium" refer to a computer program product, a non-transitory computer-readable medium, an apparatus, and / or a device (e.g., magnetic disks, optical disks, memories, programmable logic devices (PLDs)) used to provide machine instructions and / or data to a programmable processor, which includes a machine-readable medium that embodies machine instructions as a machine-readable signal.The term “machine-readable signal” refers to a signal used to provide machine instructions and / or data to a programmable processor.

[0019] Various implementations of the systems and techniques described herein may be realized in digital electronics and / or optical circuitry, integrated circuitry, specially designed ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits), computer hardware, firmware, software, and / or combinations thereof. These various implementations may include implementation in one or more computer programs executable and / or interpretable in a programmable system including at least one programmable processor, which may be special-purpose or general-purpose and coupled to receive data and instructions from and send data and instructions to a memory system, at least one input device, and at least one output device.

[0020] The processes and logic sequences described in this application text may be performed by one or more programmable processors, also referred to as data processing hardware, which execute one or more computer programs to perform functions by operating on input data and generating outputs. The processes and logic sequences may also be performed by special-purpose logic circuitry, such as an FPGA (field-programmable gate array) or an ASIC (application-specific integrated circuit). Processors suitable for executing a computer program include, by way of example, both general-purpose and special-purpose microprocessors and one or more processors of any type of digital computer. In general, a processor will receive instructions and data from read-only memory and / or random access memory.The essential elements of a computer are a processor for executing instructions and one or more memory devices for storing instructions and data. Generally, a computer also includes, or is operatively coupled to, receiving data from and / or sending data to one or more mass storage devices for storing data, e.g., magnetic disks, magneto-optical disks, or optical disks. However, a computer is not required to include such devices. Computer-readable media suitable for storing computer program instructions and data include all forms of non-volatile memory, media, and storage devices, including, by way of example, semiconductor memory devices, e.g., EPROM, EEPROM, and flash memory devices; magnetic disks, e.g., internal hard disks or removable disks; magneto-optical disks, and CD-ROM and DVD-ROM disks.The processor and memory may be supplemented by or incorporated into special-purpose logic circuitry.

[0021] To provide interaction with a user, one or more aspects of the disclosure may be implemented in a computer having a display device, e.g., a CRT (cathode ray tube), an LCD (liquid crystal display monitor), or a touch screen for displaying information to the user, and optionally a keyboard and a pointing device, e.g., a mouse or trackball, with which the user can provide input to the computer. Other types of devices may also be used to provide interaction with a user; e.g., feedback provided to the user may be any form of sensory feedback, e.g.,visual feedback, auditory feedback, or haptic feedback; and input may be received from the user in any form including auditory, verbal, or tactile input. Additionally, a computer may interact with a user by sending documents to and receiving documents from a device used by the user; e.g., by sending web pages to an internet browser on a user's client device in response to requests received from the internet browser.

[0022] With reference to the examples given in Fig. 1- Fig. 9, a seat belt system for a vehicle 12 is shown at reference numeral 10. The seat belt system 10 includes a seat belt assembly 14, a sensing system 100, a vehicle processor 200, a server 300, and a controller 400. Referring to Fig. 1, in certain examples, the vehicle 12 is considered an electric vehicle (EV) 12 and may include autonomous or semi-autonomous capabilities. Alternatively, the vehicle 12 may be a hybrid vehicle 12, including components and capabilities of both an EV and an internal combustion engine (ICE). Furthermore, in certain examples, the vehicle 12 may include fuel cell components and capabilities in addition to or in place of the components and capabilities of the EV and / or the ICE. Additionally, the vehicle 12 may include only ICE components and capabilities, include fuel cell components and capabilities, or utilize another power source, if desired.

[0023] With reference to the examples given in Fig. 2- Fig. 8, the vehicle 12 may include one or more seat belt assemblies 14 disposed within a vehicle interior. The seat belt assembly 14 includes a seat belt 16, a base retractor 18, a pretensioner 20, and an electromagnet 22. As shown in Fig. 2, the seat belt 16 is configured to secure a vehicle passenger and distribute impact forces across the body of a vehicle passenger. The seat belt 16 is movable between an open position and a closed position (as shown in Fig. 2). In certain examples, the seat belt 16 is a three-point seat belt 16, although a five-point seat belt 16 and various other configurations have also been contemplated. In the example where the seat belt 16 is a three-point seat belt 16, the seat belt 16 includes a lap portion 24 configured to be disposed over a user's lap when the seat belt 16 is in the closed position, a shoulder portion 26 configured to be disposed over a user's shoulder in the closed position, and a tongue portion 28 configured to be inserted into a buckle 30 in the closed position. The buckle 30 also includes at least one user-activated button for releasing the seat belt 16 from the closed position. In certain examples, the seat belt 16 is constructed of a woven polyester material, although various other configurations have been contemplated.In addition, the seat belt 16 must have a length that allows the seat belt 16 to secure passengers of different sizes.

[0024] Referring again to the example given in Fig. 2- Fig. 8, the base retractor 18 is coupled to the seat belt 16 and is configured to allow the seat belt 16 to be extended to a desired length. In particular, the base retractor 18 is coupled to the shoulder portion 26 of the seat belt 16. As shown in Fig. 3, the base retractor 18 includes a first end portion 32 including a preloading device, a second end portion 34 disposed opposite the first end portion 32 and including a speed-based locking mechanism, and a third portion 36 disposed between the first end portion 32 and the second end portion 34 and including a spindle 38 coupled to the shoulder portion 26 of a seat belt 16. In certain examples, the spindle 38 of the third portion 36 is fixedly coupled to the shoulder portion 26 of the seat belt 16 and configured to rotate to wind and unwind the seat belt 16 onto the spindle 38. In certain examples, the spindle 38 is generally cylindrical and may also define one or more openings therethrough.In certain examples, the third portion 36 may also include various coupling portions configured to be coupled to the first end portion 32 and the second end portion 34.

[0025] The first end portion 32 may include the preloading device coupled to the spindle 38 of the third portion 36. In certain examples, the preloading device is a coil spring configured to wind and unwind in conjunction with rotation of the spindle 38. However, various preloading elements have been contemplated. Additionally, in certain examples, when the user moves the seat belt 16 toward the closed position, the preloading device is tensioned such that the tension in the preloading device allows the seat belt 16 to automatically move toward the open position when the tongue of the seat belt 16 is released from the buckle.Additionally, the tension provided by the preloading device allows the spindle 38 to release a sufficient length of the seat belt 16, depending on the size of the passenger, and, in the closed position, does not allow any additional slack in the seat belt 16. Additionally, the first end portion 32 may further include a housing for the preloading device to prevent dirt or other contaminants from interfering with the preloading device. In certain examples, the housing may further define a plurality of openings configured to allow the first end portion 32 to be attached to the third portion 36 and / or additional components.

[0026] Referring again to the example given in Fig. 3, the second end portion 34 is disposed on a side of the third portion 36 opposite the first end portion 32. The second end portion 34 may also include the speed-based locking mechanism. In certain examples, the speed-based locking mechanism includes a pinion mechanism, an arm, and a free-rolling ball. The pinion mechanism is fixedly coupled to the spindle 38 such that rotation of the spindle 38 corresponds to rotation of the pinion mechanism. During normal vehicle operation, the arm remains in a non-contact position allowing rotation of the pinion mechanism. However, during rapid vehicle deceleration, the ball is moved such that the ball urges the arm into a contact position preventing rotation of the mechanism of the spindle 38 and, thus, the spindle 38. This prevents the spindle 38 from allowing further slack in the seat belt 16.When the rapid vehicle deceleration is over and normal vehicle operation resumes, the ball moves back, allowing the arm to return to the non-contact position, thereby enabling movement of the spindle 38. However, various other configurations have also been contemplated. Furthermore, it is also contemplated that the pinion mechanism may be an electronic mechanism that appropriately detects rapid deceleration of the vehicle 12 and prevents movement of the spindle 38. Additionally, the speed-based locking mechanism may be at least partially housed within a housing to prevent dirt or other contaminants from contacting the components.

[0027] Referring again to the example given in Fig. 3, the seat belt assembly 14 may also include the pretensioner 20. The pretensioner 20 is configured to retract a portion of the length of the seat belt 16 the instant a collision occurs. This retraction quickly restrains occupants and reduces the amount they move forward during a moderate or severe frontal impact. Additionally, the retraction of the seat belt length by the pretensioner 20 secures the vehicle occupant in a proper position for additional safety features such as airbags. In certain examples, the pretensioner 20 is an electronic pretensioner 20, however, it is also contemplated that the pretensioner 20 may be a mechanical pretensioner 20 or include components of both an electronic pretensioner 20 and a mechanical pretensioner 20.In operation, in certain examples, during a vehicle impact event, vehicle sensors may trigger an explosive pyrotechnic charge, which in turn moves a concealed piston. The spindle 38 is rotated by the movement of the piston, and the length of the seat belt 16 is reduced, removing any slack in the seat belt 16 and tightening it. In certain examples, electronic seat belt pretensioners 20 may employ impact sensors, a computer module, and pyrotechnic inflators that fire in conjunction with airbag deployment. However, various other configurations have also been contemplated.

[0028] With reference to the examples given in Fig. 3- Fig. 6, the seat belt assembly 14 also includes the electromagnet 22. The electromagnet 22 described herein only uses energy to create resistance during a restraint event. This eliminates the need for a constant high power draw. Various materials, wire sizes, and housings can be used to achieve the desired electromagnetic resistance. In certain examples, the electromagnet 22 is configured to allow adjustment of the rotational resistance applied to the spindle 38 based on the vehicle passenger size. In certain examples, the electromagnet 22 is configured to allow a continuous load of rotational resistance to the spindle 38 to prevent movement of the spindle 38.The electromagnet 22 may be coupled to the spindle 38 using a physical or electronic coupling, a torsion bar, as described in more detail below, or a gear system 46, as also described in more detail below.

[0029] Referring again to the example given in Fig. 3- Fig. 5, the electromagnet 22 is disposed within or adjacent the base reel 18. Additionally, in certain examples, the electromagnet 22 is disposed between the third portion 36 and the first end portion 32 of the base reel 18. Furthermore, in certain examples, the electromagnet 22 is at least partially disposed within the spindle 38 of the third portion 36 of the base reel 18. However, it is also contemplated that the electromagnet 22 may be disposed adjacent to the spindle 38 or otherwise proximate to the spindle 38.

[0030] As in Fig. 5 and Fig. 6, the electromagnet 22 may include a winding base 40, a winding core 42, and a disk 44. The winding base 40 includes the north (N) and south (S) poles coupled to each side of the disk 44. The winding core 42 is disposed between the N and S poles of the winding base 40 and is configured to support wires wound thereon to which current is selectively applied. In certain examples, applying current to the wires rotates the disk 44, which provides rotational resistance to the spindle 38. However, various other configurations have been contemplated.

[0031] In certain examples, the seat belt assembly 14 also includes the torsion bar. When present, the torsion bar is coupled to the base retractor 18. The torsion bar is configured to apply a predetermined base load to the spindle 38. Therefore, the required electrical resistance of the electromagnet 22 can be reduced by incorporating a base level torsion bar into the system. Specifically, in certain examples, the torsion bar is a small cylindrical rod made of a relatively soft metal that is disposed within the spindle 38. When a vehicle impact event occurs, the sustained load on the seat belt 16 causes the torsion bar to twist and rotate, preventing movement of the seat belt 16.In doing so, the twisting of the torsion bar will dissipate some of the energy of the impact and reduce the load of an electrical resistance required to prevent rotation of the spindle 38 by the electromagnet 22.

[0032] Additionally, in some examples such as the example shown in Fig. 6, the seat belt assembly 14 also includes a gear system 46. The gear system 46 is coupled to the base retractor 18 and configured to reduce a base load of electrical resistance required by the electromagnet 22. In the example shown, the gear system 46 includes a plurality of gears coupled together, which mechanically reduces the load required to prevent movement of the spindle 38. For example, the gear system 46 could be implemented within a load limiter 47 and / or could be implemented as intermeshing gears 49. In the example shown, a load limiter 47 is disposed between the electromagnet 22 and the spindle 38 and may include an internal gear ratio that inhibits rotation of the spindle 38. Further, the gear system 46 may include two or more gears 49 that mesh with each other and inhibit rotation of the spindle 38.For example, a first gear 49 could be mounted for rotation with the spindle 38, and a second gear 49 could mesh with the first gear 49 and be rotatably supported by a housing of the reel 18 near the spindle 38. Alternatively, one of the gears 49 could be carried by the winding base 40 and could mesh with another gear 49 that is rotatably supported by the housing of the reel 18—if no load limiter 47 is used—or is rotatably supported by a housing of the load limiter 47. Use of the load limiter 47 and / or the gears 49 reduces the load required to limit rotation of the spindle 38 by the electromagnet 22, thereby reducing the power dissipated by the electromagnet 22 during operation.

[0033] With reference to the example given in Fig. 7 and Fig. 8, in certain examples, an electromagnet 122 is similar to the electromagnet 22 described above and in Fig. 3- Fig. 6, such that the electromagnet 122 is configured to allow adjustment of the rotational resistance exerted on the spindle 138 based on the vehicle passenger size. However, in the example shown in Fig. 8, the electromagnet 122 is entirely housed within the spindle 138. In the example shown, the electromagnet 122 includes a cylindrical winding core 142 having an N pole and an S pole. Additionally, in certain examples, leads are wound longitudinally on the winding core 142 and are activated by a variable current source to change the rotational resistance. The electromagnet 122 may be mechanically connected to the spindle 138 such that rotation of the electromagnet 122 restricts rotation of the spindle 138 when the electromagnet 122 is energized. Namely, if the spindle 138 is urged to rotate by the seat belt 16 when the seat belt 16 is loaded (i.e., during a vehicle impact event), the electromagnet 122 may be energized and rotated in the opposite direction to counteract these forces.Alternatively, the electromagnet 122 may be disposed within and frictionally coupled to the spindle 138 such that an outer diameter of the electromagnet 122 frictionally engages an inner diameter of the spindle 138. Therefore, when the electromagnet 122 is rotated in an opposite direction to the spindle 138 when loaded by the seat belt 16, the rotation of the electromagnet 122 will restrict rotation of the spindle 138 due to the frictional engagement between the electromagnet 122 and the spindle 138.

[0034] Referring again to the examples given in Fig. 1- Fig. 9, the seat belt system 10 further includes the sensing system 100 configured to sense a height of the vehicle passenger in the vehicle seat. In certain examples, the sensing system 100 is configured to measure and / or capture a biometric (i.e., measurable physical characteristic) of the vehicle passenger in each vehicle seat in the vehicle 12. To measure the physical characteristics, the sensing system 100 may include various sensors. In certain examples, the sensing system 100 may include one or more weight sensing mechanisms or sensors 101 to measure a weight of the vehicle passenger. Additionally, the sensing system 100 may include one or more height sensing mechanisms or sensors 103 to measure a height of the vehicle passenger.Additionally, in certain examples, the sensing system 100 may include a plurality of cameras to provide visual information about the one or more vehicle passengers. In certain examples, the sensing system 100 further includes a sensing mechanism to provide information related to the vehicle seat position data 210. The vehicle seat position sensing mechanisms may include cameras for visual information related to the seat position or may include internal sensors that automatically sense a vehicle seat position continuously or at any time when the vehicle seat position may change. As shown in FIG. Fig. 2, the body height sensor 103 is a camera that can detect both the body height of the vehicle occupant and the position of the vehicle seat.

[0035] Referring again to the examples given in Fig. 1- Fig. 9, the sensing system 100 is coupled to the vehicle processor 200, and the vehicle processor 200 is configured to collect and / or store vehicle data 202 of the vehicle 12. It is also contemplated that the vehicle processor 200 may communicate some or all of the vehicle data 202 to the controller 400 and / or the server 300 for further processing and / or evaluation. It is also contemplated that the vehicle processor 200, the controller 400, and / or the server 300 may continuously and / or periodically update such that the vehicle data 202 is updated in real time. While not specifically shown, the processor 200 may include or include memory hardware that stores the data received from the sensing system 100.

[0036] The vehicle data 202 may include a vehicle passenger weight 204, the vehicle passenger body size 206, optical data 208, vehicle seat position data 210, and impact detection data 212. However, other data measured and / or sensed by the vehicle 12 may also be stored by the vehicle processor 200. The vehicle passenger weight 204 generally refers to any data sensed by the sensing system 100 that is related to the load of the passenger to be secured by the seat belt assembly 14. Further, the vehicle passenger body size 206 generally refers to any data sensed by the sensing system 100 that is related to a body size of the passenger to be secured by the seat belt assembly 14. In certain examples, the optical data 208 generally refers to any clothing elements, such asHats that may influence measured data of a vehicle passenger body size 206, additional elements disposed on the vehicle seat or the vehicle passenger that may influence a measured vehicle passenger weight 204, or a vehicle passenger posture that may influence a vehicle passenger body size 206. Additionally, the vehicle seat position data 210 generally refers to any data related to a position of the vehicle seat, including, but not limited to, a seatback position and / or a seat base position.

[0037] The impact detection data 212 generally relates to data related to whether the vehicle 12 was in a crash event. In certain examples, the impact detection data 212 includes a vehicle speed, a vehicle acceleration, a vehicle location, and the like. Additionally, in certain examples, the impact detection data 212 includes data related to whether an impact is imminent and the location of the impact relative to the vehicle 12. In particular, the impact detection data 212 may include data collected from vehicle cameras or sensors inside or outside the vehicle 12.

[0038] Further, with reference to Fig. 1- Fig. 9, the server 300 is configured as a network and / or a cloud-based system that communicates with the vehicle processor 200 and / or the controller 400. Additionally, in certain examples, the server 300 is configured to determine the desired load level of the electromagnet 22, 122 based on the vehicle passenger weight 204 and / or the vehicle passenger body size 206 and / or the optical data 208. In certain examples, the server 300 applies an algorithm that uses a vehicle passenger body size 206 and / or a vehicle passenger weight 204 to determine the desired load level of the electromagnet 22, 122. The desired load level of the electromagnet 22, 122 may be determined based on a user activation, such as fastening the seat belt 16, or may be determined continuously.In certain examples, the desired load level of the electromagnet 22, 122 uses the vehicle passenger's biometrics stored in a cloud-based profile on the server 300, along with any vehicle passenger preferences, as a basis. Additionally, it is contemplated that the server 300 may store any vehicle data 202 related to the vehicle passenger as encrypted information to protect the vehicle passenger's privacy. The vehicle data 202 and / or the passenger preferences may be continuously updated by the user and / or the server 300.

[0039] For example, if the vehicle passenger is seated and the vehicle 12 is activated, the sensing system 100 may be activated and send the vehicle passenger weight 204, the vehicle passenger body size 206, and the optical data 208 to the server 300. The server 300 may then determine the desired load level of the electromagnet 22, 122 to counteract forces exerted on the retractor 18 if the vehicle 12 experiences a crash event. In certain examples, if a first vehicle passenger weight 204 is higher than a second vehicle passenger weight 204, the server 300 may determine that the desired load level of the electromagnet 22, 122 and the exerted load of the electromagnet 22, 122 are higher for the seat belt assembly 14 corresponding to the first vehicle passenger.Additionally, in certain examples, when a first vehicle passenger body size 206 is larger than a second vehicle passenger body size 206, the server 300 may determine that the desired load level of the electromagnet 22, 122 is higher for the seat belt assembly 14 corresponding to the first vehicle passenger. Furthermore, in certain examples, visual cues may also be considered in the desired load level of the electromagnet 22, 122, including, but not limited to, clothing elements such as hats that may affect measured vehicle passenger body size 206 data, additional elements disposed on the vehicle seat or vehicle passenger that may affect measured vehicle passenger weight 204, or a vehicle passenger posture that may affect vehicle data 202 and / or the desired load level of the electromagnet 22, 122.

[0040] In certain examples, the server 300 is also configured to determine whether a collision is imminent and determine a desired load level to be applied based on the collision detection data 212, such as a direction of the collision. For example, if the server 300 determines that a collision is imminent based on vehicle camera data showing another vehicle rapidly approaching the vehicle 12 from behind, the server 300 may determine the desired amount of electrical resistance to be applied to the spindle 38 by the electromagnet 22, 122 in anticipation of the collision to provide optimal positioning and safety to the one or more vehicle passengers.

[0041] Additionally, controller 400 is a local vehicle controller incorporated into the vehicle and coupled to vehicle processor 200 and / or server 300. In certain examples, controller 400 is a seatbelt assembly controller such that controller 400 is configured only to control functions of seatbelt assembly 100. However, it is also contemplated that controller 400 may be configured to control additional vehicle functions, including, but not limited to, vehicle speed limits or airbag functions. Furthermore, controller 400 is configured to apply the desired load level of solenoid 22, 122 to solenoid 22, 122. Specifically, controller 400 applies the desired load level of solenoid 22, 122 to each of the seatbelt assemblies 16 of vehicle 12.In certain examples, the load applied to each seat belt 16 assembly of the vehicle 12 is different for the particular vehicle passenger and is customized based on certain biometric and / or passenger profile information. In certain examples, the controller 400 is configured to apply a DC current to the solenoid 22, 122 to limit movement of the spindle 38. The DC power supply may be powered by an auxiliary power module, a vehicle battery, or another power source (all not shown).

[0042] With reference to the exemplary functional block diagram shown in Fig.9, in certain examples, when activated, the sensing system 100 senses the vehicle passenger weight 204 in step 500, the vehicle seating position in step 502, and impact detection data 212 in step 504 and sends this data to the vehicle processor 200. The vehicle processor 200 may also receive information related to the cloud-based profile stored in the server 300 for one or more vehicle occupants in step 506. The vehicle passenger weight 204, the vehicle seating position data 210, the impact detection data 212, and the information related to the stored vehicle passenger profile are sent to the server 300. The server 300 is then configured to determine the desired load limit to be applied to the spindle 38 of the base retractor 18 in step 508.In certain examples, server 300 may use a force lookup table or other applications to make the determination. Once the desired load limit is determined, in step 510, controller 400 is configured to apply the load by switching the DC power supply. The DC power supply may be energized by an auxiliary power module in step 512. Finally, in step 514, the DC power supply is sent to the solenoid 22, 122 to limit / prevent movement of the spindle 38.

[0043] Current seat belt restraint systems are designed to be balanced across different sized anthropomorphic test devices (ATDs) to meet performance targets due to mechanical limitations, resulting in less than ideal restraint systems for each occupant. For example, different sized ATDs accommodate occupants of a range of sizes, including adult occupants who are 5th percentile female, 50th percentile male, 95th percentile male, and child occupants. The seat belt system 100 described herein, which utilizes the electromagnet 22, 122, enables an adjustable and continuous load limiting system adapted to each occupant size. The use of the electromagnet 22, 122 enables a more dynamically adaptable system compared to current technology.Using the electromagnet 22, 122 to apply resistance allows the load to be dynamically adjusted to create a constant load, climbs, descents, and various other load profiles. This also allows the seat belt assembly 14 to be customized to each individual occupant based on their biometric characteristics. The seat belt system 10 described herein helps improve vehicle safety ratings by personalizing the load based on passenger biometrics and allows for easier fine-tuning adjustments in the seat belt system 10.

[0044] Several implementations have been described. Nevertheless, it should be understood that various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, other implementations are within the scope of the following claims.

[0045] The foregoing description has been provided for illustrative and descriptive purposes. It is not intended to be exhaustive or limit the disclosure. Individual elements or features of a particular configuration are generally not limited to that particular configuration, but are, where applicable, interchangeable and may be used in a chosen configuration, even if not specifically shown or described. They may also be varied in many ways.

[0046] Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the disclosure.

Claims

[1] Seat belt assembly for a vehicle, comprising: a seat belt configured to secure a vehicle passenger and distribute impact forces across a vehicle passenger's body; a base retractor coupled to the seat belt and configured to allow the seat belt to be extended to a desired length, the base retractor including: a first end portion containing a preloading device; a second end portion disposed opposite the first end portion and including a speed-based locking mechanism; and a third portion disposed between the first end portion and the second end portion and including a spindle coupled to the seat belt; a seat belt pretensioner coupled to the base retractor and configured to tension a slack seat belt to ensure proper positioning of the vehicle passenger; and an electromagnet disposed in or adjacent to the base retractor and configured to enable adjustment of the rotational resistance applied to the spindle based on vehicle passenger size. [2] The seat belt assembly of claim 1, wherein the electromagnet is disposed between the third portion and the second end portion of the base retractor. [3] The seat belt assembly of claim 1, wherein the electromagnet is at least partially disposed within the spindle of the third portion of the base retractor. [4] The seat belt assembly of claim 1, wherein the electromagnet includes a winding base, a winding core, and a disk. [5] The seat belt assembly of claim 1, further comprising a torsion bar coupled to the base retractor. [6] The seat belt assembly of claim 1, wherein the seat belt assembly is a three-point seat belt assembly. [7] The seat belt assembly of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of gears coupled to the base retractor and configured to reduce a base load of the electromagnet. [8] The seat belt assembly of claim 1, further comprising a sensing system configured to measure a size of a vehicle passenger in the vehicle seat. [9] The seat belt assembly of claim 8, further comprising a vehicle processor configured to store a vehicle passenger weight and / or a vehicle passenger body size, and a server communicatively coupled to the vehicle processor and configured to determine a desired load level of the electromagnet based on the vehicle passenger weight and the vehicle passenger body size. [10] A vehicle comprising the seat belt assembly of claim 1.

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