Seatbelt fastening inspection system

Abstract

Seatbelt fastening verification system (10), comprising: a belt (16); and a fastening verification device (18) connected to the belt (16), wherein the fastening verification device (18) moves from a first configuration to a second configuration when a tension force on the belt (16) exceeds a threshold corresponding to a desired belt tension or belt sag, in order to indicate to a user that the belt (16) has reached the desired belt tension or belt sag; wherein the fastening inspection device (18) has a first opening (30), a second opening (32) and a spring (28) arranged between the first opening (30) and the second opening (32), and wherein the belt (16) is arranged through the first opening (30) and the second opening (32) and the spring (28) is configured to move from the first configuration to the second configuration when the tension force on the belt (16) exceeds the threshold value, which corresponds to the desired belt tightness or belt sag; wherein the first opening (30) is formed by a first frame (24) and the second opening (32) by a second frame (26), and the spring (28) is connected at one end (28A) to the first frame (24) and at another end (28B) to the second frame (26), so that the first frame (24) is pivotably coupled to the second frame (26) by the spring (28); and wherein the first frame (24) in the first configuration is angled with respect to the second frame (26), and the first frame (24) in the second configuration is flat with respect to the second frame (26).

Description

[0001] The present description relates to a belt fastening inspection system and in particular to a belt fastening inspection system that enables objective measurement and reporting of the tightness and sag of a belt or harness.

[0002] Straps are used in a wide variety of applications to secure cargo or passengers in vehicles. The desired degree of tension or tautness of the strap, or the degree of slack, varies depending on the application. When securing cargo in a vehicle, for example, it is desirable for the straps to be under tension to ensure the load is securely fastened. When securing a passenger in a vehicle seat, such as in a child restraint system, it is desirable for the strap not to have excessive slack while simultaneously limiting its tension. However, checking the tightness or slack of the straps in a particular restraint system is highly subjective and depends on the environment and the user.

[0003] DE 60 2004 011 747 T2 describes a display device for indicating the correct tension of a restraint belt of a safety device, in particular a motor vehicle child seat.

[0004] EP 1 723 012 B1 describes a safety belt which is to be tightened to a predetermined extent during use and which carries an elastic element.

[0005] EP 1 896 302 B1 describes a display device for the tension of a belt, wherein the display device has a first component that is suitable to be carried by the belt and a second component that is movably attached to the first component.

[0006] DE 10 2006 027 414 A1 describes a measuring device for determining belt forces.

[0007] It can be considered an objective to specify a belt fastening system that enables the user to objectively ensure that the belt does not have excessive sag or that a desired belt tension has been achieved. This objective is achieved by the subject matter of claim 1.

[0008] A belt fastening verification system is provided. According to the invention, the belt fastening verification system comprises a belt and a fastening verification device connected to the belt, wherein the fastening verification device moves from a first configuration to a second configuration when a tension force on the belt exceeds a threshold corresponding to a desired belt tension or sag, in order to indicate to a user that the belt has reached the desired belt tension or sag.

[0009] According to the invention, the fastening verification device comprises a first opening, a second opening and a spring arranged between the first opening and the second opening, and the belt is arranged through the first opening and the second opening, and the spring is configured to move from the first configuration to the second configuration when the tension force on the belt exceeds the threshold that corresponds to the desired belt tightness or belt sag.

[0010] According to the invention, the first opening is formed by a first frame and the second opening by a second frame, and the spring is connected at one end to the first frame and at the other end to the second frame, so that the first frame is pivotably coupled to the second frame by the spring.

[0011] According to the invention, the first frame in the first configuration is angled with respect to the second frame, and the first frame in the second configuration is flat with respect to the second frame.

[0012] In one embodiment, the spring is a helical torsion spring.

[0013] In one embodiment, the spring is a beam that has an elastic boundary point transition between a concave configuration in the first configuration and a convex configuration in the second configuration.

[0014] In one embodiment, the fastening verification device comprises an elastic material coupled to the belt, wherein the elastic material is configured to move from the first configuration to the second configuration when the tension force on the belt exceeds the threshold corresponding to the desired belt tightness or belt sag, and wherein the elastic material in the first configuration conceals a pictogram and wherein the elastic material in the second configuration displays a pictogram indicating that the desired belt tightness or belt sag has been achieved.

[0015] In one embodiment, the fastening verification device comprises an elastic element arranged in a pocket of the strap and connected to the strap at one end and to the other end, wherein the strap includes a pictogram on an outer surface of the strap between the ends of the elastic element, wherein the elastic element is configured to move from the first configuration to the second configuration when the tension force on the strap exceeds the threshold corresponding to the desired strap tightness or sag, and wherein in the first configuration the strap is folded to conceal the pictogram, and wherein in the second configuration the strap is unfolded to reveal the pictogram.

[0016] In one embodiment, the fastening verification device comprises a flexible element arranged in a pocket of the strap, the pocket comprising at least one side opening, the flexible element being configured to move from the first configuration to the second configuration when the tension force on the strap exceeds the threshold corresponding to the desired strap tightness or sag, the flexible element being arranged in the pocket in the first configuration and the flexible element being protruding from the at least one side opening and being visible to a user in the second configuration.

[0017] In one embodiment, the fastening verification device comprises a mechanophoric material woven into a portion of the strap, wherein the mechanophoric material is configured to change from the first configuration to the second configuration when the tension force on the strap exceeds the threshold corresponding to the desired strap tension or sag, and wherein the mechanophoric material in the first configuration emits a first wavelength of light, and wherein the mechanophoric material in the second configuration emits a second wavelength of light in response to the tension force, which differs from the first wavelength of light.

[0018] In one embodiment, the fastening verification device comprises a piezoelectric film connected to a section of the belt and a light-emitting diode (LED) connected to the piezoelectric film, wherein the piezoelectric film and the LED are configured to switch from the first configuration to the second configuration when the tension force on the belt exceeds the threshold corresponding to the desired belt tension or belt sag, and wherein in the first configuration the piezoelectric film does not generate an electric current, and wherein in the second configuration the piezoelectric film emits an electric current in response to the tension force inducing a voltage difference across the piezoelectric film, illuminating the LED.

[0019] In one embodiment, the belt is arranged above the spring.

[0020] In one embodiment, the spring is a beam with an elastic boundary point transition between a concave configuration in the first position and a convex configuration in the second position.

[0021] In one embodiment, the beam is bistable.

[0022] In one embodiment, the beam is monostable.

[0023] In one embodiment, the belt fastening verification system comprises a child restraint seat connected to the belt. Fig. Figure 1 shows a seat belt fastening verification system with an exemplary child restraint system in a vehicle; Fig. 2A is a perspective view of the belt fastening verification system in a first configuration; Fig. 2B is a perspective view of the belt fastening verification system in a second configuration; Fig. Figure 3A is a perspective view of the belt fastening verification system in a first configuration according to a second embodiment; Fig. 3B is a perspective view of the belt fastening verification system in a second configuration according to the second embodiment; Fig. Figure 4A is a perspective view of the belt fastening verification system in a first configuration according to a third embodiment; Fig. Figure 4B is a perspective view of the belt fastening verification system in a transitional configuration according to the third embodiment; Fig. Figure 4C is a perspective view of the belt fastening verification system in a second configuration according to the third embodiment; Fig. Figure 5A is a lateral cross-sectional view of the belt fastening verification system in a first configuration according to a fourth embodiment; Fig. Figure 5B is a lateral cross-sectional view of the belt fastening verification system in a second configuration according to the fourth embodiment; Fig. 6A is a lateral cross-sectional view of the belt fastening verification system in a first configuration according to a fifth embodiment; Fig. Figure 6B is a top view of the belt fastening verification system in the first configuration according to the fifth embodiment; Fig. Figure 6C is a lateral cross-sectional view of the belt fastening verification system in a second configuration according to the fifth embodiment; Fig. Figure 6D is a top view of the belt fastening verification system in the second configuration according to the fifth embodiment; Fig. Figure 7 is a top view of the belt fastening verification system according to a sixth embodiment; and Fig. Figure 8 is a top view of the belt fastening verification system according to the seventh embodiment.

[0024] In Fig. Figure 1 shows a belt fastening inspection system, generally designated by the reference number 10. The belt fastening inspection system 10 is shown with an exemplary child restraint seat 12 in a vehicle 14. However, the belt fastening inspection system 10 can be used for any application where a belt or harness is required to secure a person, load, or equipment with either a desired tension or slack of the belt or harness. For example, the belt fastening inspection system 10 can be used to secure cargo on a vehicle roof or loading platform, to secure passengers in a vehicle seat, to secure a load-carrying harness to a user, etc. With a child restraint seat 12, it is particularly important that the belt is neither too loose nor too tight.The seat belt fastening check system 10 comprises a seat belt 16 and a fastening check device 18. In this example, the seat belt 16 is connected to the child restraint seat 12. The fastening check device 18 is connected to the seat belt 16 at an intermediate point 20 along the seat belt 16. The intermediate point 20 is spaced apart from a buckle 22 or other connection point. Thus, the fastening check device 18 can check the tension or slack at a point on the seat belt 16 separate from the buckle 22. If a tension force on the seat belt 16 exceeds a threshold corresponding to a desired seat belt tension or slack, the fastening check device 18 moves, or changes from a first configuration to a second configuration, to indicate to the user that the seat belt 16 has reached the desired seat belt tension or slack.

[0025] In the Fig. 2A and Fig. Figure 2B shows the fastening inspection device 18 in more detail. The fastening inspection device 18 comprises a first frame 24, a second frame 26, and a spring 28. The first frame 24 has a first opening 30 extending through it. The second frame 26 has a second opening 32 extending through it. The first frame 24 is pivotally connected to the second frame 26 by a hinge 34 or other flexible connection. The strap 16 extends through the first opening 30, over the spring 28, and through the second opening 32.

[0026] The spring 28 is arranged between the first frame 24 and the second frame 26 and has a first end 28A connected to the first frame 24 and a second end 28B connected to the second frame 26. In this example, the spring 28 is a helical torsion spring. The spring 28 exerts a torsional spring force on the first frame 24 and the second frame 26. The torsional spring force is adjusted to a desired belt tension force or a desired belt sag force, depending on the application. The desired belt tension force corresponds to a desired degree of tightness or tension in the belt 16. The desired belt sag force corresponds to a desired degree of sag in the belt 16, e.g., zero sag. The torsional spring force is therefore a threshold value, above which the spring 28 moves or bends, as described below.

[0027] The fastening verification device 18 is located between a first configuration or position, as shown in Fig. 2A shown, and a second configuration or position, as shown in Fig. Figure 2B shows the movable configuration. In the first configuration, the tension force "F" acting on the belt 16 is less than the threshold value of the spring 28. The tensile force F is defined such that it acts in the longitudinal direction of the belt 16. Thus, the spring 28 pushes the first frame 24 and the second frame 26 into an inclined position relative to each other. In this position, a bulge 40 forms in the belt 16 above the spring 28, which is visible to the user and indicates that the desired belt tension or sag in the belt 16 has not been achieved.

[0028] When the tension force F exceeds the threshold value of the spring 28, the first frame 24 pivots relative to the second frame 26 until the first frame 24 is flush with the second frame 26. The strap 16 is pulled flat and the bulge 40 is eliminated, indicating that the desired tension or sag in the strap 16 has been achieved.

[0029] In the Fig. 3A and Fig. Figure 3B is another example of a seatbelt fastening inspection system and is generally designated by the reference number 100. The seatbelt fastening inspection system 100 comprises the seatbelt 16 and a fastening inspection device 102. The fastening inspection device 102 comprises a frame 104 and a spring 106. The frame 104 and the spring 106 define a first opening 108 and a second opening 110 extending through them. The seatbelt 16 extends through the first opening 108, under the spring 106, and through the second opening 110.

[0030] The spring 106 is arranged between the first opening 108 and the second opening 110. In the present example, the spring 106 is a flexible beam extending from a first side 104A of the frame 104 to a second side 104B of the frame 104. The spring 106 has an elastic limit point transition between a first configuration in which the spring 106 is concave, as shown in Fig. 3A shown, and a second configuration in which the spring 106 is convex, as in Fig. Figure 3B illustrates this. The elastic limit point transition is set to a desired belt tension force or a desired belt sag force, depending on the application. The desired belt tension force corresponds to a desired degree of tautness or tension in the belt 16. The desired belt sag force corresponds to a desired degree of sag in the belt 16, e.g., zero sag. Exceeding the elastic limit point transition is therefore a threshold value, above which the spring 106 moves or bends, as described below. In one example, the spring 106 is bistable and therefore retains its position in the concave or convex configurations once the elastic limit point transition has been exceeded.

[0031] As mentioned above, the fastening verification device 102 is located between a first configuration or position, as in Fig. 3A shown, and a second configuration or position as shown in Fig. 3B is shown, movable. In the first configuration, the tension force F acting on the belt 16 is less than the threshold value of the spring 106. Therefore, the spring 106 retains the position shown in Fig. The concave configuration shown in Figure 3A pushes the belt 16 away from the frame 104. This configuration creates a bulge 112 in the belt 16 below the spring 106, which is visible to the user and indicates that the desired belt sag of the belt 16 has not been achieved.

[0032] When the tension force F exceeds the threshold value of the spring 106, the spring 106 bends beyond the elastic limit point transition and transitions into the second configuration, in which the spring 106 is convex, as shown in Fig. Figure 3B illustrates this. In this convex configuration, the spring 106 moves out of its longitudinal alignment with the strap 16 and exerts no force on the strap 16. The strap 16 is thus pulled flat, and the bulge 112 is eliminated, indicating that the desired sag of the strap 16 has been achieved. In another example, the spring 106 is monostable, and therefore the tension force F must exceed the threshold value of the spring 106 to maintain the second configuration. In this embodiment, the fastening check device 102 can be used to check the tension of the strap 16.

[0033] In the Fig. Figures 4A to 4C show another example of a belt fastening inspection system and are designated with the reference number 200. The belt fastening inspection system 200 comprises the belt 16 and a belt fastening inspection device 202 connected to the belt 16. The belt fastening inspection device 202 comprises an elastic material 204 arranged in series and in line with a first belt section 16A and a second belt section 16B. Alternatively, the elastic material 204 can also be arranged parallel to the belt 16. The elastic material 204 is extensible when a force on the elastic material 204 exceeds a threshold value. The threshold value corresponds to a desired degree of tautness or tension in the belt 16 or a desired degree of sag of the belt 16, e.g., zero sag.

[0034] If the elastic material 204 is not stretched (i.e., the tensile force F is less than the threshold), the elastic material 204 is folded on itself in a first configuration, as shown in Fig. Figure 4A shows that in the first configuration, an upper surface 206 of the elastic material 204 is hidden from the user's view by the folds. When the tension force F exceeds the threshold, the elastic material 204 stretches and passes over a Fig. The transition configuration shown in 4B transitions to a second configuration, which is in Fig. Figure 4C is shown. In the second configuration, the elastic material 204 is flat and no longer folded. Thus, the upper surface 206 is visible to a user. In one example, the upper surface 206 contains a pictogram 208 indicating that the strap 16 has reached the desired tightness or sag.

[0035] In the Fig. 5A and Fig. Figure 5B is another example of a belt fastening inspection system, designated by reference number 300. The belt fastening inspection system 300 comprises the belt 16 and a belt fastening inspection device 302 connected to the belt 16. The belt fastening inspection device 302 comprises an elastic element 304 arranged in a row and in line within a pocket 306 of the belt 16. A first end 304A and a second end 304B of the elastic element 304 are each connected to an inner surface 308 of the belt 16 within the pocket 306. The elastic element 304 is extensible when a force on the elastic element 304 exceeds a threshold value. The threshold value corresponds to a desired degree of tautness or tension in the belt 16 or a desired degree of sag in the belt 16, e.g., zero sag.

[0036] When the elastic element 304 is not stretched (i.e., the tension force F is less than the threshold), the belt 16 contains a section 310 which, in a first configuration, is twisted on itself, as shown in Fig. 5A is shown. In the first configuration, an outer surface 312 of the belt 16 is not visible to the user. When the tension force F exceeds the threshold, the elastic element 304 stretches into a second, in Fig. The configuration shown in Figure 5B is shown. In the second configuration, section 310 of the strap 16 is flattened and no longer folded. Thus, the outer surface 312 is visible to a user. The outer surface 312 can have a visually distinct feature 314 that, when viewed by the user, indicates that the strap 16 has achieved the desired tension or sag.

[0037] In the Fig. Figures 6A to 6D show another example of a belt fastening inspection system and are designated with the reference number 400. The belt fastening inspection system 400 comprises the belt 16 and a belt fastening inspection device 402 connected to the belt 16. The belt fastening inspection device 402 comprises a flexible element 404 arranged in a pocket 406 of the belt 16. One or more side openings 408 are arranged in a side edge 410 of the belt 16 and communicate with the pocket 406. The flexible element 404 is a flexible, elastic, or fluid element that can change its shape when compressed by a force exceeding a threshold. The threshold corresponds to a desired degree of tautness or tension of the belt 16 or a desired degree of sag of the belt 16, e.g., zero sag.

[0038] If a compressive force on the flexible element 404 is below the threshold value, the flexible element 404 is in a first configuration, as shown in the Fig. 6A and Fig. Figure 6B shows the flexible element 404 fully enclosed in pocket 406. In the first configuration, the flexible element 404 is not visible to the user and forms a bulge 412 in the strap 16.

[0039] When the tensile force F is applied to the belt 16, the belt 16 exerts a compressive force on the flexible element 404, as the layers of the belt 16 are contracted. If the compressive force exceeds the threshold value, the flexible element changes its shape and protrudes from one or both of the lateral openings 408 in a second configuration, as shown in the Fig. 6C and Fig. 6D representation. In the second configuration, part of the flexible element 404 is visible to a user, indicating that the belt 16 has achieved the desired tightness or sag.

[0040] In Fig. Figure 7 shows another example of a belt fastening inspection system and is designated with the reference number 500. The belt fastening inspection system 500 comprises the belt 16 and a belt fastening inspection device 502 connected to the belt 16. The belt fastening inspection device 502 comprises mechanophoric threads 504 woven into a section 506 of the belt 16. The mechanophoric threads 504 are mechanochromic mechanophoric materials that are activated by tension or strain and are embedded in a polymer material. The mechanochromic mechanophoric material is configured to change from a first configuration to a second configuration when the tension force F acting on the belt 16 exceeds a threshold corresponding to a desired belt tension or belt sag.In the first configuration, the mechanochrome mechanophoric material emits a first wavelength of light, and in the second configuration, the mechanochrome mechanophoric material emits a second wavelength of light in response to the tensile force F, which differs from the first wavelength. For example, the first wavelength can be red, indicating that the desired tautness or sag has not been achieved, while the second wavelength can be green, indicating that the desired tautness or sag has been achieved.

[0041] In Fig.Figure 8 shows another example of a belt fastening inspection system and is designated with the reference number 600. The belt fastening inspection system 600 comprises the belt 16 and a fastening inspection device 602 connected to the belt 16. The fastening inspection device 602 includes a piezoelectric foil 604 woven into the belt 16. The piezoelectric foil 604 generates an electric current when a voltage difference applied across the piezoelectric foil 604 exceeds a threshold corresponding to a desired belt tension or sag. A light-emitting diode (LED) 606 is connected to the piezoelectric foil 604. When a tension force F on the belt 16 exceeds the threshold, the piezoelectric foil 604 generates a current and illuminates the LED 606.If LED 606 is not lit, this means that the desired tension or sag has not been achieved. The lighting of LED 606 indicates that the desired tension or sag has been achieved.

[0042] The 10, 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, and 600 belt fastening inspection systems offer several advantages. These systems provide objective indications of belt tension and sag, eliminate false positives, can be positioned at strategic points along the belt to ensure proper tension and suppleness, and can be used in environments where delicate or sensitive components need to be secured.

Claims

[1] Seatbelt fastening verification system (10), comprising: a belt (16); and a fastening verification device (18) connected to the belt (16), wherein the fastening verification device (18) moves from a first configuration to a second configuration when a tension force on the belt (16) exceeds a threshold corresponding to a desired belt tension or belt sag, in order to indicate to a user that the belt (16) has reached the desired belt tension or belt sag; wherein the fastening inspection device (18) has a first opening (30), a second opening (32) and a spring (28) arranged between the first opening (30) and the second opening (32), and wherein the belt (16) is arranged through the first opening (30) and the second opening (32) and the spring (28) is configured to move from the first configuration to the second configuration when the tension force on the belt (16) exceeds the threshold value, which corresponds to the desired belt tightness or belt sag; wherein the first opening (30) is formed by a first frame (24) and the second opening (32) by a second frame (26), and the spring (28) is connected at one end (28A) to the first frame (24) and at another end (28B) to the second frame (26), so that the first frame (24) is pivotably coupled to the second frame (26) by the spring (28); and wherein the first frame (24) in the first configuration is angled with respect to the second frame (26), and the first frame (24) in the second configuration is flat with respect to the second frame (26). [2] Belt fastening inspection system (10) according to claim 1, wherein the spring (28) is a helical torsion spring. [3] Belt fastening inspection system (10) according to claim 1, wherein the spring (28) is a beam having an elastic limit point transition that moves between a concave configuration in the first configuration and a convex configuration in the second configuration. [4] Belt fastening inspection system (10) according to claim 1, wherein the fastening inspection device (18) comprises an elastic material (204) coupled to the belt (16), wherein the elastic material (204) is configured to move from the first configuration to the second configuration when the tension force on the belt (16) exceeds the threshold corresponding to the desired belt tightness or belt sag, and wherein the elastic material (204) conceals a pictogram (208) in the first configuration and wherein the elastic material (204) displays a pictogram (208) indicating that the desired belt tightness or belt sag has been achieved. [5] Belt fastening inspection system (10) according to claim 1, wherein the fastening inspection device (18) comprises an elastic element (304) arranged in a pocket (306) of the belt (16) and connected at one end (304A) and at the other end (304B) to the belt (16), wherein the belt (16) comprises a pictogram (208) on an outer surface (312) of the belt (16) between the ends (304A, 304B) of the elastic element (304), wherein the elastic element (304) is configured to move from the first configuration to the second configuration when the tension force on the belt (16) exceeds the threshold corresponding to the desired belt tension or belt sag, and wherein the belt (16) is folded in the first configuration to allow the pictogram (208) to conceal, and wherein the belt (16) is unfolded in the second configuration to show the pictogram (208). [6] Belt fastening inspection system (10) according to claim 1, wherein the fastening inspection device (18) comprises a flexible element (404) arranged in a pocket (406) of the belt (16), the pocket (406) comprising at least one side opening (408), the flexible element (404) being configured to move from the first configuration to the second configuration when the tension force on the belt (16) exceeds the threshold corresponding to the desired belt tightness or belt sag, the flexible element (404) being arranged in the pocket (406) in the first configuration, and the flexible element (404) being protruding from the at least one side opening (408) in the second configuration and being visible to a user. [7] Belt fastening verification system (10) according to claim 1, wherein the fastening verification device (18) comprises a mechanophoric material woven into a section (506) of the belt (16), wherein the mechanophoric material is configured to change from the first configuration to the second configuration when the tension force on the belt (16) exceeds the threshold corresponding to the desired belt tension or belt sag, and the mechanophoric material in the first configuration emits a first wavelength of light, and the mechanophoric material in the second configuration emits a second wavelength of light in response to the tension force, which differs from the first wavelength of light.

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