Seat belt arrangement for a vehicle

Abstract

Seat belt arrangement (14) for a vehicle (12) comprising: a seat belt (16) configured to secure a vehicle passenger and distribute impact forces over the body of a vehicle passenger; a base winder (18) coupled to the seat belt (16) and configured to allow the seat belt (16) to be extended to a desired length, the base winder (18) comprising the following: a first end section (32) containing a preloading device; a second end section (34) which is arranged opposite the first end section (32); and a third section (36) which is arranged between the first end section (32) and the second end section (34) and contains a spindle (138) which is coupled to the seat belt (16); a belt tensioner (20) coupled to the base retractor (18) and configured to tension a sagging seat belt (16) to ensure proper positioning of the vehicle passenger; and an electromagnet (122) arranged and configured in the base reel (18) to enable an adjustment of the rotational resistance exerted on the spindle (138) based on the vehicle passenger size; characterized by the fact that the second end section (34) contains a speed-based locking mechanism; wherein the electromagnet (122) is arranged completely in the spindle (138) of the third section (36) of the base winder (18) and is frictionally coupled to the spindle (138) such that an outer diameter of the electromagnet (122) is frictionally engaged with an inner diameter of the spindle (138); and wherein several gears (49) are coupled to the base reel (18) which are configured to reduce a base load of the electromagnet (122).

Description

INTRODUCTION

[0001] The present invention relates in general to a seat belt arrangement for a vehicle according to the preamble of claim 1, as is known essentially from DE 10 2008 042 020 A1.

[0002] Further state of the art can also be found in the publications DE 10 2018 119 789 A1, US 9 862 351 B2 and EP 1 256 493 B1.

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

[0004] According to the invention, a seat belt arrangement is presented for a vehicle which is characterized by the features of claim 1.

[0005] In certain examples, the electromagnet is located between the third section and the second end section of the base retractor. In certain examples, the electromagnet includes a winding base, a winding core, and a disc. In certain examples, the seatbelt assembly also includes a torsion bar coupled to the base retractor. In certain examples, the seatbelt assembly is a three-point seatbelt assembly. A vehicle may include the seatbelt assembly.

[0006] In certain examples, a seat belt system for a vehicle seat includes a detection system configured to determine the size of a vehicle passenger in the vehicle seat. The seat belt system also includes a seat belt assembly containing a seat belt configured to secure a vehicle passenger and distribute impact forces across the passenger's body. The seat belt assembly also includes a base retractor coupled to the seat belt and configured to allow the seat belt to extend to a desired length. Additionally, in certain examples, the seat belt assembly also includes a belt tensioner coupled to the base retractor and configured to tension a slack seat belt to ensure proper positioning of the vehicle passenger.Additionally, the seatbelt assembly may include an electromagnet coupled to the base retractor and configured to provide a continuous load level based on the specified size of the vehicle passenger. In certain examples, the sensing system includes multiple weight sensing mechanisms to measure the vehicle passenger's weight. In certain examples, the sensing system includes multiple height sensing mechanisms to measure the vehicle passenger's height. Additionally, in certain examples, the electromagnet includes a winding base, a winding core, and a disc. In certain examples, the seatbelt system also includes a torsion bar coupled to the base retractor. Additionally, in certain examples, the seatbelt assembly is a three-point seatbelt assembly. A vehicle may include the seatbelt system.

[0007] In certain examples, a seatbelt system for a vehicle includes a seatbelt assembly containing a seatbelt, a base retractor with a spindle coupled to the seatbelt, and an electromagnet coupled to the base retractor. The seatbelt system also includes a sensing system configured to measure the vehicle passenger's weight and / or height. Additionally, the seatbelt system includes a vehicle processor for storing vehicle data, including the vehicle passenger's weight and / or height. The seatbelt system also includes a server, communicatively coupled to the vehicle processor, configured to determine a desired electromagnet load level based on the vehicle passenger's weight and height.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 disk. Additionally, in certain examples, a vehicle includes the seatbelt system. In certain examples, the seatbelt assembly is a three-point seatbelt assembly. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] The drawings described here serve only to illustrate selected configurations; they show: Fig. 1 a perspective view of the outside of a vehicle having a seat belt system according to the present invention; Fig. 2 a perspective view of the interior of the vehicle of Fig. 1, comprising the seat belt system according to the present invention; Fig. 3 a perspective exploded view in front view of a seat belt arrangement of a seat belt system according to an example of the present invention; Fig. 4 a perspective front view of an electromagnet of the seat belt assembly of Fig. 3 according to an example of the present invention; Fig. 5 a schematic view of the electromagnet which is in Fig. 4 shown according to an example of the present invention; Fig. 6 a perspective exploded view in front view of a seat belt arrangement of a seat belt system according to a further example of the present invention; Fig. 7 a perspective front view of an electromagnet of a seat belt arrangement according to a further example of the present invention; Fig. 8 a cross-sectional view of the electromagnet of Fig. 7 and Fig. 9 a functional block diagram according to an example of the present invention.

[0009] In all drawings, corresponding reference symbols denote corresponding parts. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0010] Referring to the examples mentioned in Fig. 1- Fig. Figure 9 shows a seat belt system for a vehicle 12 at reference numeral 10. The seat belt system 10 comprises a seat belt assembly 14, a detection system 100, a vehicle processor 200, a server 300, and a controller 400. With reference to Fig. In certain examples, vehicle 12 is considered an electric vehicle 12 (EV) and may include autonomous or semi-autonomous capabilities. Alternatively, vehicle 12 may be a hybrid vehicle 12, incorporating components and capabilities of both an EV and an internal combustion engine (ICE). Furthermore, in certain examples, vehicle 12 may include fuel cell components and capabilities in addition to or instead of the EV and / or ICE components and capabilities. Additionally, if desired, vehicle 12 may include only ICE components and capabilities, only fuel cell components and capabilities, or utilize another power source.

[0011] Referring to the examples mentioned in Fig. 2- Fig. As shown in Figure 8, the vehicle 12 can contain one or more seat belt assemblies 14 arranged in a vehicle interior. The seat belt assembly 14 comprises a seat belt 16, a base retractor 18, a belt tensioner 20, and an electromagnet 22. As shown in Figure 8, the vehicle 12 can contain one or more seat belt assemblies 14 arranged in a vehicle interior. The seat belt assembly 14 comprises a seat belt 16, a base retractor 18, a belt tensioner 20, and an electromagnet 22. Fig. As best shown in Figure 2, the seat belt 16 is configured to secure a vehicle passenger and distribute impact forces across the passenger's body. The seat belt 16 is movable between an open position and a closed position (as shown in Figure 2). Fig. (2 is shown). In certain examples, the seat harness 16 is a three-point seat harness 16; however, a five-point seat harness 16 and various other configurations have also been provided. In the example where the seat harness 16 is a three-point seat harness 16, the seat harness 16 includes a pelvic section 24 configured to be positioned over a user's lap when the seat harness 16 is in the closed position, a shoulder section 26 configured to be positioned over a user's shoulder when the seat harness 16 is in the closed position, and a tongue section 28 configured to be inserted into a latch 30 when the seat harness 16 is in the closed position. The latch 30 also includes at least one user-activated button to release the seat harness 16 from the closed position. In certain examples, the seat harness 16 is made of a woven polyester material, although various other configurations have been considered.Additionally, the seat belt must have a length that allows the seat belt to secure passengers of different sizes.

[0012] Referring again to the example given in Fig. 2- Fig. As shown in Figure 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 section 26 of the seat belt 16. As shown in Fig. As best shown in Figure 3, the base winder 18 comprises a first end section 32 containing a preloading device, a second end section 34 arranged opposite the first end section 32 and containing a velocity-based locking mechanism, and a third section 36 arranged between the first end section 32 and the second end section 34, containing a spindle 38 coupled to the shoulder section 26 of a seat belt 16. In certain examples, the spindle 38 of the third section 36 is rigidly coupled to the shoulder section 26 of the seat belt 16 and configured to rotate to wind the seat belt 16 onto and off the spindle 38. In certain examples, the spindle 38 is generally cylindrical and may also define one or more openings through it.In certain examples, the third section 36 may also contain various coupling sections configured to be coupled to the first end section 32 and the second end section 34.

[0013] The first end section 32 may contain the preloading device coupled to the spindle 38 of the third section 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 considered. Additionally, in certain examples, when the user moves the seat belt 16 to the closed position, the preloading device is tensioned such that the tension in the preloading device allows the seat belt 16 to move automatically to the open position when the tongue of the seat belt 16 is released from the buckle.Furthermore, the tension provided by the preloading device allows the spindle 38 to release a sufficient length of the seatbelt 16, which depends on the passenger's size, and prevents any additional sagging in the seatbelt 16 when closed. Additionally, the first end section 32 can also include a housing for the preloading device to prevent dirt or other contaminants from affecting it. In certain examples, the housing can also define multiple openings configured to allow the first end section 32 to be attached to the third section 36 and / or additional components.

[0014] Referring again to the example given in Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the second end section 34 is located on a side of the third section 36 opposite the first end section 32. The second end section 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 rigidly coupled to the spindle 38 such that the rotation of the spindle 38 corresponds to a 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 pushes the arm into a contact position, preventing rotation of the mechanism of the spindle 38 and thus of the spindle 38 itself. This prevents the spindle 38 from allowing further sagging of the seat belt 16.When the rapid vehicle deceleration is over and normal vehicle operation resumes, the ball retracts, allowing the arm to return to its non-contact position and thus enabling movement of the spindle 38. However, various other configurations have also been provided. Furthermore, the pinion mechanism can be an electronic mechanism that detects a rapid deceleration of the vehicle 12 and prevents movement of the spindle 38. Additionally, the speed-based locking mechanism can be at least partially enclosed in a housing to prevent dirt or other contaminants from coming into contact with the components.

[0015] Referring again to the example given in Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the seat belt assembly 14 can also include the belt tensioner 20. The belt tensioner 20 is configured to retract a portion of the seat belt length 16 at the moment a collision occurs. This retraction quickly restrains occupants and reduces the amount they move forward in a moderate or severe frontal impact. Additionally, the retraction of the seat belt length by the belt tensioner 20 secures the vehicle passenger in a proper position for additional safety features such as airbags. In certain examples, the belt tensioner 20 is an electronic belt tensioner 20; however, it is also provided that the belt tensioner 20 can be a mechanical belt tensioner 20 or incorporate components of both an electronic belt tensioner 20 and a mechanical belt tensioner 20.In certain operational scenarios, during a vehicle impact event, vehicle sensors can trigger an explosive pyrotechnic charge, which in turn moves a concealed piston. The spindle 38 is rotated by the piston's movement, reducing the length of the seat belt 16 and thus eliminating any slack and tensioning it. In certain examples, electronic seat belt tensioners 20 can employ impact sensors, a computer module, and pyrotechnic gas generators that trigger in conjunction with an airbag deployment. However, various other configurations have also been envisaged.

[0016] Referring to the examples mentioned in Fig. 3- Fig. As shown in Figure 6, the seat belt assembly 14 also includes the electromagnet 22. The electromagnet 22 described here uses energy only to generate 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 exerted on the spindle 38 based on the vehicle passenger size. In other examples, the electromagnet 22 is configured to allow a continuous load of rotational resistance on the spindle 38 to prevent movement of the spindle 38.The electromagnet 22 can 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.

[0017] Referring again to the example given in Fig. 3- Fig. As shown in Figure 5, the electromagnet 22 is arranged in or adjacent to the base winder 18. Additionally, in certain examples, the electromagnet 22 is arranged between the third section 36 and the first end section 32 of the base winder 18. Furthermore, in certain examples, the electromagnet 22 is arranged at least partially in the spindle 38 of the third section 36 of the base winder 18. However, it is also provided that the electromagnet 22 can be arranged adjacent to the spindle 38 or otherwise in the vicinity of the spindle 38.

[0018] As in Fig. 5 and Fig. As best shown in Figure 6, the electromagnet 22 can comprise a winding base 40, a winding core 42, and a disk 44. The winding base 40 contains the north pole (N) and the south pole (S), which are coupled to each side of the disk 44. The winding core 42 is positioned between the N pole and the S pole of the winding base 40 and is configured to support wires wound on it, to which current is selectively supplied. In certain examples, supplying current to the wires rotates the disk 44, which provides rotational resistance to the spindle 38. However, various other configurations have been considered.

[0019] In certain examples, the seatbelt 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 exert a predefined base load on the spindle 38. Therefore, the required electrical resistance of the electromagnet 22 can be reduced by including a base-level torsion bar in the system. Specifically, in certain examples, the torsion bar is a small cylindrical rod made of a relatively soft metal, arranged within the spindle 38. When a vehicle impact event occurs, the sustained load on the seatbelt 16 causes the torsion bar to twist and rotate, preventing movement of the seatbelt 16.The twisting of the torsion bar will consume some of the impact energy and reduce the load of electrical resistance required to prevent the spindle 38 from rotating due to the electromagnet 22.

[0020] Additionally, some examples, such as the example in Fig. As shown in Figure 6, the seatbelt assembly 14 also includes a gear system 46. The gear system 46 is coupled to the base retractor 18 and configured to reduce the base load of electrical resistance required by the electromagnet 22. In the example shown, the gear system 46 includes several 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 in a load limiter 47 and / or could be implemented as meshing gears 49. In the example shown, a load limiter 47 is arranged between the electromagnet 22 and the spindle 38 and may include an internal gear ratio that inhibits rotation of the spindle 38. Furthermore, 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 attached to the spindle 38 for rotation and could mesh with a second gear 49, rotatably supported by a housing of the winder 18 near the spindle 38. Alternatively, one of the gears 49 could be supported by the winding base 40 and mesh with another gear 49, rotatably supported by the housing of the winder 18—if no load limiter 47 is used—or rotatably supported by a housing of the load limiter 47. Using the load limiter 47 and / or the gears 49 reduces the load required to restrict rotation of the spindle 38 by the electromagnet 22, thereby reducing the power consumed by the electromagnet 22 during operation.

[0021] Referring to the example that was in Fig. 7 and Fig. Figure 8 shows that in certain examples an electromagnet 122 is similar to the electromagnet 22 described above and in Figure 8. Fig. 3- Fig. Figure 6 shows that the electromagnet 122 is configured to allow an adjustment of the rotational resistance exerted on the spindle 138 based on the vehicle passenger size. However, in the example shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 8, the electromagnet 122 is completely enclosed within the spindle 138. In the example shown, the electromagnet 122 contains a cylindrical winding core 142 having an N pole and an S pole. Furthermore, in certain examples, conductors are wound longitudinally onto the winding core 142 and are activated by a variable current source to change the rotational resistance. The electromagnet 122 can 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. Specifically, if the spindle 138 is forced to rotate by the seatbelt 16 when the seatbelt 16 is under load (i.e., during a vehicle impact event), the electromagnet 122 can be energized and rotated in the opposite direction to counteract these forces.According to the invention, the electromagnet 122 is arranged in the spindle 138 and frictionally coupled to it, such that an outer diameter of the electromagnet 122 is in frictional engagement with an inner diameter of the spindle 138. Therefore, when the electromagnet 122 is rotated in the opposite direction to the spindle 138 when it is loaded by the seat belt 16, the rotation of the electromagnet 122 will limit the rotation of the spindle 138 due to the frictional engagement between the electromagnet 122 and the spindle 138.

[0022] Referring again to the examples given in Fig. 1- Fig. As shown in Figure 9, the seat belt system 10 also includes the sensing system 100, which is configured to detect the size of the vehicle passenger in the vehicle seat. In certain examples, the sensing system 100 is configured to measure and / or detect biometrics (i.e., measurable physical properties) of the vehicle passenger in each vehicle seat in the vehicle 12. To measure the physical properties, the sensing system 100 may include various sensors. In certain examples, the sensing system 100 may include one or more weight detection mechanisms or weight sensors 101 to measure the weight of the vehicle passenger. Additionally, the sensing system 100 may include one or more height detection mechanisms or height sensors 103 to measure the height of the vehicle passenger.Furthermore, in certain examples, the detection system 100 may include multiple cameras to provide visual information about the one or more vehicle passengers. In certain examples, the detection system 100 also includes a detection mechanism to provide information related to the vehicle seat position data 210. The vehicle seat position detection mechanisms may include cameras for visual information related to the seat position or may include internal sensors that automatically detect a vehicle seat position continuously or at any time when the vehicle seat position can change. As in . Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the body size sensor 103 is a camera that can detect both the body size of the vehicle occupant and the position of the vehicle seat.

[0023] Referring again to the examples given in Fig. 1- Fig. As shown in Figure 9, the acquisition system 100 is coupled to the vehicle processor 200, and the vehicle processor 200 is configured to collect and / or store vehicle data 202 from the vehicle 12. The vehicle processor 200 is also designed to communicate some or all of the vehicle data 202 to the controller 400 and / or the server 300 for further processing and / or evaluation. Furthermore, the vehicle processor 200, the controller 400, and / or the server 300 are designed to continuously and / or regularly update the vehicle data 202 in real time.

[0024] While not specifically shown, the processor may contain or include 200 memory hardware that stores the data received from the 100 capture system.

[0025] The vehicle data 202 can include a vehicle passenger weight 204, the vehicle passenger height 206, optical data 208, vehicle seat position data 210, and impact detection data 212. However, other data measured and / or recorded by the vehicle 12 can also be stored by the vehicle processor 200. The vehicle passenger weight 204 generally refers to any data recorded by the detection system 100 that is related to the load of the passenger to be secured by the seat belt assembly 14. Furthermore, the vehicle passenger height 206 generally refers to any data recorded by the detection system 100 that is related to the height of the passenger to be secured by the seat belt assembly 14. In certain examples, the optical data 208 generally refers to any clothing items, such as...Hats that can influence measured data of a vehicle passenger body size 206, additional elements that are arranged on the vehicle seat or the vehicle passenger and that can influence a measured vehicle passenger weight 204, or a vehicle passenger posture that can influence a vehicle passenger body size 206. In addition, in general, the vehicle seat position data 210 relate to any data relating to a position of the vehicle seat, including, but not limited to, a seat back position and / or a seat base position.

[0026] The impact detection data 212 generally relates to data concerning whether the vehicle 12 was involved in an accident. In certain examples, the impact detection data 212 includes vehicle speed, vehicle acceleration, vehicle location, and the like. Additionally, in certain examples, the impact detection data 212 includes data relating to whether an impact is imminent and the location of the impact in relation to the vehicle 12. In particular, the impact detection data 212 may include data collected by vehicle cameras or sensors inside or outside the vehicle 12.

[0027] Furthermore, with reference to Fig. 1- Fig. 9. The server 300 is configured as a network and / or 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 can be determined based on user activation, such as closing the seat belt 16, or it can 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, the server 300 is designed to store any vehicle data 202 related to the vehicle passenger as encrypted information to protect the passenger's privacy. The vehicle data 202 and / or the passenger preferences can be continuously updated by the user and / or the server 300.

[0028] For example, when the vehicle passenger is seated and the vehicle 12 is activated, the detection system 100 can be activated and send the vehicle passenger's weight 204, vehicle passenger's body size 206, and optical data 208 to the server 300. The server 300 can then determine the desired load level of the electromagnet 22, 122 to counteract forces exerted on the retractor 18 in the event of an accident involving the vehicle 12. In certain examples, if a first vehicle passenger's weight 204 is higher than a second vehicle passenger's weight 204, the server 300 can determine that the desired load level of the electromagnet 22, 122 and the exerted load of the electromagnet 22, 122 on the seatbelt assembly 14 corresponding to the first vehicle passenger are higher.Additionally, in certain examples, if a first vehicle passenger body size 206 is larger than a second vehicle passenger body size 206, the server 300 can determine that the desired load level of the electromagnet 22, 122 for the seat belt arrangement 14 corresponding to the first vehicle passenger is higher. Furthermore, in certain examples, visual cues in the desired load level of the electromagnet 22, 122 can also be taken into account, including, but not limited to, clothing items such as hats that can influence data of a measured vehicle passenger body size 206, additional items arranged on the vehicle seat or the vehicle passenger that can influence a measured vehicle passenger weight 204, or a vehicle passenger posture that can influence vehicle data 202 and / or the desired load level of the electromagnet 22, 122.

[0029] In certain examples, the server 300 is also configured to determine whether an impact is imminent and to determine a desired load level to be applied based on impact detection data 212, such as the direction of impact. For example, if the server 300 determines that an impact is imminent based on vehicle camera data showing another vehicle rapidly approaching vehicle 12 from behind, the server 300 can determine the desired amount of electrical resistance to be applied to the spindle 38 by means of the electromagnet 22, 122 in anticipation of the impact, in order to provide optimal positioning and safety for the one or more vehicle occupants.

[0030] Additionally, the controller 400 is a local vehicle controller that is integrated into the vehicle and coupled to the vehicle processor 200 and / or the server 300. In certain examples, the controller 400 is a seatbelt assembly controller, such that the controller 400 is configured only to control functions of the seatbelt assembly 100. However, it is also provided that the controller 400 can be configured to control additional vehicle functions, including, but not limited to, vehicle speed limits or airbag functions. Furthermore, the controller 400 is configured to apply the desired load level of the electromagnet 22, 122 to the electromagnet 22, 122. In particular, the controller 400 applies the desired load level of the electromagnet 22, 122 to each of the seatbelt assemblies 16 of the vehicle 12.In certain examples, the load exerted on each arrangement of seat belts 16 of the vehicle 12 is different for the specific vehicle passenger and is individually adjusted based on certain biometric and / or passenger profile information. In certain examples, the controller 400 is configured to apply a DC current to the electromagnets 22, 122 to limit movement of the spindle 38. The DC power supply can be provided by an auxiliary power module, a vehicle battery, or another power source (all of which are not shown).

[0031] Referring to the exemplary function block diagram presented in Fig.As illustrated in Figure 9, in certain examples, the detection system 100, when activated, records the vehicle passenger weight 204 in step 500, the vehicle seat 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 can 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 seat 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 in step 508 to determine the desired load limit to be applied to the spindle 38 of the base reel 18.In certain examples, the server 300 can use a force lookup table or other applications to determine the load limit. Once the desired load limit is determined, in step 510, the controller 400 is configured to apply the load by switching the DC power supply. The DC power supply can be powered by an auxiliary power module in step 512. Finally, in step 514, the DC power is sent to electromagnets 22 and 122 to limit / prevent movement of spindle 38.

[0032] Current seatbelt restraint systems are designed to be balanced across differently sized anthropomorphic test devices (ATDs) to meet performance targets due to mechanical limitations, resulting in suboptimal restraint systems for every occupant. For example, differently sized ATDs contain occupants across a range of sizes, including adults, 5th percentile females, 50th percentile males, 95th percentile males, and children. The Seatbelt System 100 described here, which utilizes the electromagnet 22, 122, provides an adaptive and continuous load-limiting system that adjusts 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 exert resistance allows the load to be dynamically adjusted to generate a constant load, increases, decreases, and several other load profiles. This also allows the seatbelt assembly 14 to be adapted to each individual occupant based on their biometric characteristics. The seatbelt system 10 described here helps to improve vehicle safety classifications by personalizing the load based on passenger biometrics and enables simpler fine-tuning adjustments in the seatbelt system 10.

Claims

[1] Seat belt assembly (14) for a vehicle (12) comprising: a seat belt (16) configured to secure a vehicle passenger and distribute impact forces over the body of a vehicle passenger; a base winder (18) coupled to the seat belt (16) and configured to allow the seat belt (16) to be extended to a desired length, the base winder (18) comprising the following: a first end section (32) containing a preloading device; a second end section (34) which is arranged opposite the first end section (32); and a third section (36) which is arranged between the first end section (32) and the second end section (34) and contains a spindle (138) which is coupled to the seat belt (16); a belt tensioner (20) coupled to the base retractor (18) and configured to tension a sagging seat belt (16) to ensure proper positioning of the vehicle passenger; and an electromagnet (122) arranged and configured in the base reel (18) to enable an adjustment of the rotational resistance exerted on the spindle (138) based on the vehicle passenger size; characterized by , that the second end section (34) contains a speed-based locking mechanism; wherein the electromagnet (122) is arranged completely in the spindle (138) of the third section (36) of the base winder (18) and is frictionally coupled to the spindle (138) such that an outer diameter of the electromagnet (122) is frictionally engaged with an inner diameter of the spindle (138); and wherein several gears (49) are coupled to the base reel (18) which are configured to reduce a base load of the electromagnet (122). [2] Seat belt arrangement (14) according to claim 1, wherein the electromagnet (122) is arranged between the third section (36) and the second end section (34) of the base retractor (18). [3] Seat belt assembly (14) according to claim 1, wherein the electromagnet (122) comprises a winding base (40), a winding core (42) and a disk (44). [4] Seat belt assembly (14) according to claim 1, which further comprises a torsion bar coupled to the base winder (18). [5] Seat belt arrangement (14) according to claim 1, wherein the seat belt arrangement (14) is a three-point seat belt arrangement. [6] Seat belt arrangement (14) according to claim 1, further comprising a detection system (100) configured to measure the size of a vehicle passenger in the vehicle seat. [7] Seat belt arrangement (14) according to claim 6, further comprising a vehicle processor (200) configured to store a vehicle passenger weight and / or vehicle passenger body size, and a server (300) communicatively coupled to the vehicle processor (200) and configured to determine a desired load level of the electromagnet based on the vehicle passenger weight and vehicle passenger body size. [8] Vehicle (12) comprising the seat belt assembly (14) according to claim 1.

Images