INTELLIGENT BELT BUCKLE SYSTEM

Abstract

A safety monitoring system for a child safety seat includes a harness (425), a buckle (108, 305), a buckle sensor (320), and a tension sensor (170, 335). The buckle sensor (320) monitors the status of the buckle (108, 305). A harness adjuster (450) adjusts the tension of the harness (425). The tension sensor (170, 335) monitors the tension on the harness (425). An output device (325) is located on the buckle (108, 305). The output device (325) provides information about the status of the buckle (108, 305) and the tension of the harness (425). The system may include multiple types of sensors that are independent of a vehicle or seat assembly (405). In one form, the buckle (108, 305) comprises a strain gauge, a temperature sensor (160), a microphone (130), a camera (110), a thermometer, an accelerometer and / or a gyroscope.A microprocessor (102) and / or a wireless transmitter / receiver (104) are located inside the belt buckle (108, 305). The wireless transmitter / receiver (104) enables communication between the restraint system (420), the sensors, and / or a computing device such as a smartphone. Data from the sensors can be partially or completely processed by the microprocessor (102) in the belt buckle (108, 305) or the external computing device.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Patent Application No. 63 / 370,968, filed August 10, 2022, which is hereby incorporated by reference. BACKGROUND

[0002] Child safety seats are now generally required for most children under a certain age and / or size. These child safety seat systems have saved countless lives. Child restraint belts are commonly used in child safety seats, but if the belt is not used properly, injuries can occur.

[0003] There is therefore a need for improvement in this area. SUMMARY

[0004] To address the aforementioned problems and others, a unique child safety system has been developed. The system is designed to grant a person, such as a child or infant, the status of a seat occupant in a child safety seat. While some child safety seats are integrated into vehicle seats, most are sold as aftermarket products. Typically, the child safety seat includes one or more belts in the form of webbing and one or more tongues with tongues coupled together at a buckle to form a harness. In one example, the buckle includes an output device, such as one or more indicator lights, that indicate the status of the child safety seat. By being located on the buckle, the indicator lights are clearly visible to a user.In one example, the indicator lights or other output devices indicate whether or not the belt tongues are properly attached to the buckle.

[0005] The system is further configured to detect the tension applied to the harness belt. If the harness belt tension is too low, the harness belt may not properly restrain the seat occupant in a crash. Conversely, if the harness belt is too tight, the harness belt may become uncomfortable. In one version, an indicator light shows whether the correct tension in the harness belt has been achieved and / or what the tension on the harness belt is. The tension sensor is designed to be easily adaptable to existing harness belt adjustment systems. The tension sensor can be placed under the seat. A harness belt adjustment strap of the harness belt adjuster is then routed over the tension sensor without the need for cutting or otherwise redesigning the belt.

[0006] In some cases, the system further includes a seat occupancy sensor to indicate whether the child safety seat is occupied and / or whether the occupant is properly seated. In one form, the seat belt buckle includes an indicator light that indicates the occupancy status based on the seat occupancy sensor. A child may be too light or too heavy for a particular child safety seat, and the indicator light can provide an indication when these situations occur. The occupancy indicator can further provide a warning if the child attempts to slide out of the seat or if they succeed in doing so. The occupancy indicator can also alert the user that a child has been left in the vehicle.

[0007] This system further relates generally to buckle systems for passenger seats in vehicles, and more particularly to a smart buckle system with integrated sensor technology and / or an associated restraint system. The described and illustrated system may include one or more of the following features or any combination thereof. In one aspect, a combination of a smart buckle and external and / or internal hardware for a vehicle seat is provided. The combination may include a buckle with a camera and / or a microphone extending from the buckle. One or more portions of the smart buckle system may extend into an anchor box. The buckle may incorporate one or more thermal sensors, one or more indicator lights, and / or one or more lock detection sensors.The buckle and / or restraint system may further include, but is not limited to, a strain and / or tension measurement system, an accelerometer, a gyroscope, a thermometer, and / or a variety of electrical components for receiving, processing, and / or exporting data to an external application running on a separate mobile computing device. These components, in one example, are attached to a power source and to a microprocessor and / or a transceiver for media integration capabilities.

[0008] The system and techniques described and illustrated herein involve a number of unique and inventive aspects. Some, but by no means all, of these unique aspects are summarized below.

[0009] Aspect 1 generally concerns a system.

[0010] Aspect 2 generally relates to the system of any previous aspect having a smart seat belt buckle system.

[0011] Aspect 3 generally relates to the system of any previous aspect comprising a child safety seat.

[0012] Aspect 4 generally relates to the system of any previous aspect having a seat assembly.

[0013] Aspect 5 generally relates to the system of any previous aspect having a seat back.

[0014] Aspect 6 generally relates to the system of any previous aspect having a seat bottom.

[0015] Aspect 7 generally relates to the system of any previous aspect having a restraint system.

[0016] Aspect 8 generally relates to the system of any previous aspect having a harness belt.

[0017] Aspect 9 relates generally to the system of any previous aspect wherein the harness belt comprises a five-point belt.

[0018] Aspect 10 generally relates to the system of any previous aspect, wherein the harness belt comprises one or more straps.

[0019] Aspect 11 generally relates to the system of any previous aspect having a belt buckle.

[0020] Aspect 12 generally relates to the system of any previous aspect, wherein the harness belt has one or more belt tongues.

[0021] Aspect 13 generally relates to the system of any previous aspect in which the belt tongues comprise a tongue.

[0022] Aspect 14 generally relates to the system of any previous aspect in which the belt tongues are coupled to the straps.

[0023] Aspect 15 generally relates to the system of any previous aspect, wherein the belt tongues are configured for releasable attachment to the belt buckle.

[0024] Aspect 16 generally relates to the system of any previous aspect, wherein the buckle includes a release button configured to release the belt tongues from the buckle.

[0025] Aspect 16 generally relates to the system of any previous aspect, wherein the restraint system includes a harness adjuster.

[0026] Aspect 17 generally relates to the system of any previous aspect, wherein the harness adjuster is configured to adjust the tension of the harness.

[0027] Aspect 18 generally relates to the system of any previous aspect, wherein the harness adjuster comprises a harness adjuster strap.

[0028] Aspect 19 generally relates to the system of any previous aspect, wherein the harness adjuster includes a cam buckle configured to secure the harness adjuster strap.

[0029] Aspect 20 generally relates to the system of any previous aspect, wherein the restraint system comprises a split plate.

[0030] Aspect 21 generally relates to the system of any previous aspect wherein the split plate connects the harness adjuster strap to the harness strap.

[0031] Aspect 22 generally relates to the system of any previous aspect wherein the split plate connects the harness adjuster strap to the straps.

[0032] Aspect 23 generally relates to the system of any previous aspect, wherein the seat monitoring system.

[0033] Aspect 24 generally relates to the system of any previous aspect, wherein the seat monitoring system comprises a controller.

[0034] Aspect 25 generally relates to the system of any previous aspect, wherein the controller comprises a processor.

[0035] Aspect 26 generally relates to the system of any previous aspect, wherein the controller includes a memory.

[0036] Aspect 27 generally relates to the system of any previous aspect in which the memory is operatively coupled to the processor.

[0037] Aspect 28 generally relates to the system of any previous aspect, wherein the controller includes a power supply.

[0038] Aspect 29 generally relates to the system of any previous aspect, wherein the power supply comprises an energy storage system (ESS).

[0039] Aspect 30 generally relates to the system of any previous aspect, wherein the ESS includes a battery.

[0040] Aspect 31 generally relates to the system of any previous aspect, wherein the power supply is configured to supply power to the processor.

[0041] Aspect 32 generally relates to the system of any previous aspect having an occupancy sensor (OCS).

[0042] Aspect 33 generally relates to the system of any previous aspect in which the occupancy sensor is located in the seat bottom.

[0043] Aspect 34 generally relates to the system of any previous aspect, wherein the occupancy sensor is a pressure sensor.

[0044] Aspect 35 generally relates to the system of any previous aspect, wherein the occupancy sensor is a weight sensor.

[0045] Aspect 36 generally relates to the system of any previous aspect, wherein the occupancy sensor is configured to detect whether someone is sitting.

[0046] Aspect 37 generally relates to the system of any previous aspect in which the occupancy sensor is operatively coupled to the controller.

[0047] Aspect 38 generally relates to the system of any previous aspect, wherein the seat monitoring system includes a seat belt buckle sensor.

[0048] Aspect 39 generally relates to the system of any previous aspect, wherein the buckle sensor is configured to monitor the status of the buckle.

[0049] Aspect 40 generally relates to the system of any previous aspect, wherein the tongue of at least one of the belt tongues is configured to contact the buckle sensor when engaged with the buckle.

[0050] Aspect 41 generally relates to the system of any previous aspect, wherein the buckle sensor comprises a reed switch.

[0051] Aspect 42 generally relates to the system of any previous aspect, wherein the buckle sensor comprises a microswitch.

[0052] Aspect 43 generally relates to the system of any previous aspect, wherein the microswitch comprises a hinged spring.

[0053] Aspect 44 generally relates to the system of any previous aspect, wherein the hinge spring is configured to close the microswitch when the tongue presses against the hinge spring when locked.

[0054] Aspect 45 generally relates to the system of any previous aspect, wherein the buckle sensor is positioned in the buckle.

[0055] Aspect 46 generally relates to the system of any previous aspect in which the buckle sensor is operatively coupled to the controller.

[0056] Aspect 47 generally relates to the system of any previous aspect in which the buckle sensor is operatively coupled to the processor.

[0057] Aspect 48 generally relates to the system of any previous aspect, wherein the buckle comprises a buckle wire.

[0058] Aspect 49 generally relates to the system of any previous aspect wherein the buckle wire operatively couples the buckle sensor to the controller.

[0059] Aspect 50 generally relates to the system of any previous aspect, wherein the buckle comprises a buckle strap.

[0060] Aspect 51 generally relates to the system of any previous aspect, wherein the buckle strap secures the buckle to the child safety seat.

[0061] Aspect 52 generally relates to the system of any previous aspect wherein the buckle wire is embedded in the buckle strap.

[0062] Aspect 53 generally relates to the system of any previous aspect in which the controller is mounted on a rear side of the child safety seat.

[0063] Aspect 54 generally relates to the system of any previous aspect, wherein the buckle wire extends from the buckle over the buckle strap to the rear of the child safety seat.

[0064] Aspect 55 generally relates to the system of any previous aspect, wherein the seat monitoring system includes a voltage sensor.

[0065] Aspect 56 generally relates to the system of any previous aspect, wherein the tension sensor is configured to monitor the tension of the harness belt.

[0066] Aspect 57 generally relates to the system of any previous aspect in which the voltage sensor is housed in the controller.

[0067] Aspect 58 generally relates to the system of any previous aspect, wherein the tension sensor is configured to monitor the tension applied to the harness belt by the harness adjuster.

[0068] Aspect 59 generally relates to the system of any previous aspect wherein the tension sensor is housed in the belt buckle.

[0069] Aspect 60 generally relates to the system of any previous aspect, wherein the stress sensor comprises a strain gauge.

[0070] Aspect 61 generally relates to the system of any previous aspect wherein the harness adjuster strap extends along the tension sensor.

[0071] Aspect 62 generally relates to the system of any previous aspect, wherein the voltage sensor comprises a housing.

[0072] Aspect 63 generally relates to the system of any previous aspect, wherein the harness adjuster strap is configured to slide along the housing.

[0073] Aspect 64 generally relates to the system of any previous aspect, wherein the voltage sensor comprises a voltage arm.

[0074] Aspect 65 generally relates to the system of any previous aspect, wherein the tension sensor comprises a shaft on which the tension arm is pivotally mounted.

[0075] Aspect 66 generally relates to the system of any previous aspect, wherein the tension arm has a surface where the harness adjuster strap contacts the tension arm.

[0076] Aspect 67 generally relates to the system of any previous aspect, wherein the harness adjuster strap is configured to pivot the tension arm when tension is applied.

[0077] Aspect 68 generally relates to the system of any previous aspect, wherein the tension sensor is configured to sense the tension in the harness adjuster strap as the tension arm pivots.

[0078] Aspect 69 generally relates to the system of any previous aspect, wherein the voltage sensor comprises a magnetic sensor.

[0079] Aspect 70 generally relates to the system of any previous aspect, wherein the magnetic sensor is a Hall effect sensor.

[0080] Aspect 71 generally relates to the system of any previous aspect, wherein the voltage sensor comprises a magnet.

[0081] Aspect 72 generally relates to the system of any previous aspect having a magnet mounted on the tension arm.

[0082] Aspect 73 generally relates to the system of any previous aspect, wherein the magnetic sensor is configured to measure the magnetic field from the magnet to determine the tension in the harness belt.

[0083] Aspect 74 generally relates to the system of any previous aspect, wherein the controller comprises a printed circuit board.

[0084] Aspect 75 generally relates to the system of any previous aspect in which the processor and memory are mounted on the circuit board.

[0085] Aspect 76 generally relates to the system of any previous aspect in which the magnetic sensor is mounted on the circuit board.

[0086] Aspect 77 generally relates to the system of any previous aspect, wherein the circuit board includes a terminal to which the buckle wire is connected.

[0087] Aspect 78 generally relates to the system of any previous aspect wherein the tension arm is biased against the harness adjuster strap.

[0088] Aspect 79 generally relates to the system of any previous aspect, wherein the tension sensor comprises a spring configured to bias the tension arm against the harness adjuster strap.

[0089] Aspect 80 generally relates to the system of any previous aspect, wherein the spring comprises a torsion spring.

[0090] Aspect 81 generally relates to the system of any previous aspect in which the torsion spring is wrapped around the shaft.

[0091] Aspect 82 generally relates to the system of any previous aspect, wherein the tension sensor includes one or more belt guides.

[0092] Aspect 83 generally relates to the system of any previous aspect, wherein the belt guides are configured to guide the harness adjuster belt over the tension arm.

[0093] Aspect 84 generally relates to the system of any previous aspect in which the belt guides are positioned on opposite sides of the tension arm.

[0094] Aspect 85 generally relates to the system of any previous aspect, wherein the belt guides include guide arms defining a guide slot in which the harness adjuster strap is received.

[0095] Aspect 86 generally relates to the system of any previous aspect in which the guide arms define a gap.

[0096] Aspect 87 generally relates to the system of any previous aspect, wherein the tension arm has one or more guide flanges.

[0097] Aspect 88 generally relates to the system of any previous aspect, wherein the guide flanges define a guide channel in which the harness adjuster strap is received.

[0098] Aspect 89 generally relates to the system of any previous aspect, wherein the guide flanges are configured to minimize lateral movement of the harness adjuster strap.

[0099] Aspect 90 generally relates to the system of any previous aspect, wherein the seat monitoring system includes an output device.

[0100] Aspect 91 generally relates to the system of any previous aspect in which the output device is located on the belt buckle.

[0101] Aspect 92 generally relates to the system of any previous aspect, wherein the dispensing device is located proximal to the buckle release button for better visibility.

[0102] Aspect 93 generally relates to the system of any previous aspect, wherein the output device is configured to provide information about the status of the belt buckle.

[0103] Aspect 94 generally relates to the system of any previous aspect, wherein the output device is configured to provide an indication of the tension of the harness belt.

[0104] Aspect 95 generally relates to the system of any previous aspect in which the output device is integrated with the controller.

[0105] Aspect 96 generally relates to the system of any previous aspect, wherein the output device comprises a display.

[0106] Aspect 97 generally relates to the system of any previous aspect, wherein the output device comprises a speaker.

[0107] Aspect 98 generally relates to the system of any previous aspect, wherein the output device includes one or more indicator lights.

[0108] Aspect 99 generally relates to the system of any previous aspect wherein the indicator lights comprise light emitting diodes (LEDs).

[0109] Aspect 100 generally relates to the system of any previous aspect, wherein the indicator lights include a buckle indicator light.

[0110] Aspect 101 generally relates to the system of any previous aspect, wherein the buckle indicator light is configured to indicate the status of the buckle.

[0111] Aspect 102 generally relates to the system of any previous aspect, wherein the buckle indicator light is configured to indicate whether the belt tongues are attached to the buckle.

[0112] Aspect 103 generally relates to the system of any previous aspect, wherein the indicator lights comprise a voltage indicator light.

[0113] Aspect 104 generally relates to the system of any previous aspect, wherein the tension indicator light indicates whether the harness belt is properly tensioned.

[0114] Aspect 105 generally relates to the system of any previous aspect, wherein the tension indicator light indicates the tension level in the harness belt.

[0115] Aspect 106 generally relates to the system of any previous aspect, wherein the indicator lights comprise an occupancy indicator light.

[0116] Aspect 107 generally relates to the system of any previous aspect in which the occupancy indicator light indicates whether someone is sitting on the seat.

[0117] Aspect 108 generally relates to the system of any previous aspect in which the occupancy indicator light indicates weight.

[0118] Aspect 109 generally relates to the system of any previous aspect, wherein the indicator lights are configured to change color to indicate status.

[0119] Aspect 110 generally relates to the system of any previous aspect, wherein the indicator lights are configured to change brightness to indicate status.

[0120] Aspect 111 generally relates to the system of any previous aspect, wherein the seat monitoring system includes a microphone.

[0121] Aspect 112 generally relates to the system of any previous aspect in which the microphone is integrated into the belt buckle.

[0122] Aspect 113 generally relates to the system of any previous aspect, wherein the microphone is configured to monitor sounds from an occupant of the seat.

[0123] Aspect 114 generally relates to the system of any previous aspect, wherein the seat monitoring system includes a camera.

[0124] Aspect 115 generally relates to the system of any previous aspect in which the camera is integrated into the seat belt buckle.

[0125] Aspect 116 generally relates to the system of any previous aspect, wherein the camera is configured to enable visual monitoring of an occupant of the seat.

[0126] Aspect 117 generally relates to the system of any previous aspect, wherein the seat monitoring system includes a temperature sensor.

[0127] Aspect 118 generally relates to the system of any previous aspect in which the temperature sensor is integrated into the belt buckle.

[0128] Aspect 119 generally relates to the system of any previous aspect, wherein the temperature sensor is configured to measure seat temperature.

[0129] Aspect 120 generally relates to the system of any previous aspect in which the buckle includes a transmitter / receiver.

[0130] Aspect 121 generally relates to a method.

[0131] Aspect 122 generally relates to the method of any previous aspect, comprising detecting the closure of a harness belt with a harness belt sensor.

[0132] Aspect 123 generally relates to the method of any previous aspect, including providing a closure indication with an output device in response to detecting the closure.

[0133] Aspect 124 generally relates to the method of any previous aspect, comprising measuring the tension of the harness belt with a tension sensor.

[0134] Aspect 125 generally relates to the method of any previous aspect, including providing a tension indication corresponding to the tension of the harness belt with the output device.

[0135] Aspect 126 generally relates to the method of any previous aspect, including determining via an occupancy sensor that a seat was occupied.

[0136] Aspect 127 generally relates to the method of any previous aspect, including providing an occupancy indicator with the output device.

[0137] Further forms, objects, features, aspects, benefits, advantages and embodiments of the present invention will become apparent from a detailed description and drawings provided herewith. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. 1 is a front view of a smart belt buckle system according to an example. Fig. 2 is a front view of a camera used in the intelligent seat belt buckle system of Fig. 1 is used. Fig. 3 is a block diagram of a seat monitoring system according to another example. Fig. 4 is a front view of a child safety seat incorporating the seat monitoring system of Fig. 3 is incorporated. Fig. 5 is a rear view of the child safety seat of Fig. 4. Fig. 6 is a front view of a belt buckle used in the child safety seat of Fig. 4 is used. Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the belt buckle of Fig. 6. Fig. 8 is an enlarged plan view of belt tongues supporting a buckle sensor in the buckle of Fig. 6 intervene. Fig. 9 is a perspective view of the child safety seat of Fig. 4 with a control attached to the seat base of the child safety seat, from below. Fig. 10 is a perspective view of the control of Fig. 9. Fig. 11 is a view of the control of Fig. 9 from the bottom. Fig. 12 is a perspective view of a voltage sensor in the control of Fig. 9 from the bottom. Fig. 13 is a perspective view of the voltage sensor of Fig. 12 from the top. Fig. 14 is a side view of the voltage sensor of Fig. 12 during use. Fig. 15 is a perspective view of the voltage sensor of Fig. 12 during use. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SELECTED EMBODIMENTS

[0138] To promote an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings; specific language will be used to describe them. It is to be understood, however, that no limitation upon the scope of the invention is thereby intended. All variations and further modifications in the described embodiments and all further applications of the principles of the invention as described herein are contemplated, as would normally be apparent to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates. One embodiment of the invention has been shown in considerable detail, although it will be apparent to one skilled in the relevant art that some features not relevant to the present invention may not be shown for the sake of clarity.

[0139] The reference numbers in the following description are designed to help the reader quickly identify the drawings in which various components are shown first. In particular, the drawing in which an element appears first is typically indicated by the leftmost digit(s) in the corresponding reference number. For example, an element identified by a reference number from the "100" series is likely to be shown first in Fig. 1, an element identified by a reference number from the “200” series probably first appeared in Fig. 2 appear and so on.

[0140] Fig. 1 shows an embodiment of a smart belt buckle system 100. The smart belt buckle system 100 is provided with a combination of sensors, cameras, microprocessors and / or other components for media integration technologies.

[0141] The Fig. The smart buckle system 100 shown in Figure 1 is equipped with a microprocessor 102 and a transceiver 104 integrated into a buckle 108. The microprocessor 102 and the transceiver 104 may be installed on one or more circuit boards mounted within the buckle 108. Any of the accompanying sensors mentioned below may also be installed on one or more of the circuit boards mounted within the buckle 108 of the smart buckle system 100. In the illustrated example, the smart buckle system 100 includes a camera 110, one or more indicator lights 120, a microphone 130, a connector 140, a load sensor 150, a temperature sensor 160, a voltage sensor 170, and an electronic thermal sensing device 180.

[0142] The smart buckle system 100 in the illustrated embodiment is configured for use with a companion restraint system. In one example, the restraint system includes one or more sensors connected to and / or processed by the microprocessor 102 of the smart buckle system 100. The microprocessor 102, in one variation, is configured to interpret and / or simplify data received from multiple sensors within the smart buckle system 100 and / or the companion restraint system. The microprocessor 102, in one form, is configured to organize the data into useful information that can be accessed by the user via an external mobile computing device, such as a smartphone.The microprocessor 102, as well as all other components in the buckle 108, is powered by an external power source 190, such as an external battery, located in an external housing 195 located outside the buckle 108. The microprocessor 102 is configured to send processed data to the transceiver 104, which can communicate with common external computing devices, such as mobile phones or tablets. In one variation, the transceiver 104 is configured to send the data to an application on the external computing device for further processing by the application.

[0143] All or a portion of the electronic thermal sensing device 180 may be located within the buckle 108 and / or the accompanying restraint system. In one form, the electronic thermal sensing device 180 is configured to send one or more digital and / or analog electrical signals to the microprocessor 102. In one example, the interior of the buckle 108 and / or the accompanying restraint system may further include an accelerometer sensor configured to send one or more digital and / or analog electrical signals from three different axes to the microprocessor 102. In another example, the interior of the buckle 108 and / or the accompanying restraint system may further include a gyroscope configured to send one or more digital and / or analog electrical signals from three different axes to the microprocessor 102.

[0144] In the illustrated embodiment, the interior of the buckle 108 and / or the accompanying restraint system may also include the camera 110, which is configured to send digital and / or analog visual data or live image data to the microprocessor 102. The interior of the buckle 108 and / or the accompanying restraint system may also include the microphone 130, which is configured to send digital and / or analog audio signals to the microprocessor 102.

[0145] In one example, the accelerometer sensor located within the buckle 108 is configured to send digital and / or analog electrical signals to the microprocessor 102 for processing into useful information for the user. This data may be accessed via the external application running on the separate computing device. The information provided to the user may include metrics related to the speed of the vehicle incorporating the smart buckle system 100, motion detection within the smart buckle system 100, and / or orientation of the buckle 108.

[0146] In another example, temperature sensor 160 is integrated into the buckle 108. Temperature sensor 160 is configured to monitor the temperature of the buckle 108 as well as the air or ambient temperature around the buckle 108. In one example, the temperature data is sent to the microprocessor 102 to be organized into useful information for the user. The temperature data can be accessed via the external application running on the separate mobile computing device.

[0147] In one embodiment, the external power source 190 is housed within the floor anchor for the companion seat or restraint system. In one form, the power source is a rechargeable lithium battery or other equivalent long-life battery designed to fit easily into the floor anchor. The power source provides the necessary power for the electronics within the buckle 108. Any sensors or other electronic components in the companion restraint system may also be powered by the power source.

[0148] In one version, the plurality of electronic components within the buckle 108 or companion restraint system are configured to transmit electrical signals via a webbing 197 of the companion restraint system for much of the communication between devices. The webbing 197 used in the smart buckle system 100 or companion restraint system carries electronic signals through at least one wire 198 sewn and / or woven directly into the webbing 197. The wire 198 within the webbing 197 carries sensor data and processed microcontroller data. The wire 198 within the webbing 197 is further configured, in selected embodiments, to provide power from the external power source 190.

[0149] The buckle 108 and / or the accompanying restraint system houses the camera 110 and / or other occupant viewing devices that monitor the user of the smart buckle system 100. The image or video data from the camera 110 is sent to the microprocessor 102 for forwarding to the user via the external application running on the separate mobile computing device.

[0150] In one form, microphone 130 is located within belt buckle 108 and / or integrated into the associated restraint system. Microphone 130 is configured to record at specific sound frequencies. The resulting audio data from microphone 130 is sent to microprocessor 102. The audio data from microphone 130 is processed into useful information for the user via the external application running on the separate mobile computing device.

[0151] In one embodiment, the smart buckle system 100 and / or the accompanying restraint system include indicator lights 120. These indicator lights 120 are configured to indicate one or more conditions, such as, but not limited to, proper tongue locking, acceptable tensile loads, and / or acceptable temperatures. This data may be further sent to the microprocessor 102 and processed into useful information for the user via the external application running on the separate mobile computing device.

[0152] In one embodiment, the load sensor 150 and / or the tension sensor 170 are located in the buckle 108 and / or the associated restraint system. The load sensor 150 and / or the tension sensor 170 are connected to one end of the connector 140 opposite the buckle 108. The data from the load sensor 150 and / or the tension sensor 170 is sent in one version to the microprocessor 102 and processed into useful information for the user via the external application running on the separate mobile computing device.

[0153] Fig. 3 shows a block diagram of a seat monitoring system 300 according to another example. As shown, the seat monitoring system 300 includes a buckle 305, a controller 310, and an occupancy sensor (OCS) 315 operatively connected to one another. The seat monitoring system 300 is configured to detect whether a seat occupant is properly secured in a child seat restraint system and to provide other information. The buckle 305 includes a buckle sensor 320 configured to detect whether the buckle 305 is properly locked, and an output device 325 configured to display the status of the buckle 305 and to provide other information.

[0154] In the illustrated example, the controller 310 includes a processor 330, a voltage sensor 335 operatively coupled to the processor 330, a memory 340 operatively coupled to the processor 330, and an energy storage system (ESS) 345 configured to provide electrical power to the controller 310 and the other components in the seat monitoring system 300. The voltage sensor 335 is configured to sense the voltage of the restraint system to determine whether the seat occupant is properly secured. Among other things, the processor 330 processes status information from the occupancy sensor 315, the buckle sensor 320, and the voltage sensor 335, and the processor 330 informs a user of the status of the restraint system via the output device 325 based on this information.For example, processor 330 may indicate to controller 310 via output device 325 whether belt buckle 305 is properly locked. Controller 310 may indicate via output device 325 whether the restraint system is properly tensioned and whether the seat is occupied. Among other things, memory 340 serves to store safety operating limits or ranges used by processor 330. For example, memory 340 may store appropriate tension ranges for the restraint system so that controller 310 can indicate via output device 325 whether the seat occupant is properly secured. ESS 345 is operatively coupled to processor 330 to power belt buckle 305, controller 310, and occupancy sensor 315.In one form, the ESS 345 is a portable power supply such as a battery and / or supercapacitor, and in other forms, the ESS 345 is a hardwired power source directly connected to the vehicle's electrical power supply.

[0155] Occupancy sensor 315 detects whether an occupant is seated in the seat by sensing the amount of force applied to occupancy sensor 315, which indicates the weight and / or position of the seat occupant. For example, occupancy sensor 315 may be located in a seat bottom to detect weight and / or pressure. In other variations, seat monitoring system 300 does not include occupancy sensor 315, so seat monitoring system 300 includes only buckle sensor 320 and tension sensor 335.

[0156] The buckle 305 is operatively connected to the controller 310 via a buckle wire 350, and the occupancy sensor 315 is operatively connected to the controller 310 via an occupancy sensor wire 355. It should be appreciated that the components of the seat monitoring system 300 may be operatively coupled to one another in other ways. For example, the components of the seat monitoring system 300 may be operatively coupled to one another via fiber optic cables and / or wirelessly. In another variation, the buckle 305 and the controller 310 are integrated with one another to form a single unit, and in other variations, the tension sensor 335 is incorporated into the buckle 305. In still other variations, the seat monitoring system 300 includes fewer or more sensors and other components than in Fig. 3 are shown.

[0157] Fig. 4 shows an example of a child safety seat 400 incorporating the seat monitoring system 300 of Fig. 3. As shown, the child safety seat 400 includes a seat assembly 405 in which a seat occupant, such as a baby or child, can sit. The seat assembly 405 includes a seat back 410 and a seat bottom 415 extending from one end of the seat back 410. In the illustrated example, the occupancy sensor 315 is located in the cushion that partially forms the seat bottom 415 of the seat assembly 405.

[0158] The child safety seat 400 further includes a restraint system 420 configured to securely restrain the seat occupant, such as during a collision or other accident. In one form, the restraint system 420 includes a harness belt 425 having one or more straps 430 that secure the seat occupant. The straps 430 include one or more tongues 435 configured to interlock with the buckle 305. The buckle 305 is attached to the seat bottom 415 of the child safety seat 400 via a buckle strap 440. In the illustrated example, the harness belt 425 is in the form of a five-point harness belt, however, other types of harness belts may be used.

[0159] To ensure easy visibility, the dispensing device 325 of the buckle 305 faces outward toward the user. The buckle wire 350, which operatively connects the buckle 305 to the controller 310, is woven into or otherwise integrated with the buckle strap 440 in the illustrated embodiment. This allows the buckle wire 350 to easily pass through the child safety seat 400 to the rear of the child safety seat 400, where the controller 310 is mounted. The buckle 305 includes a release button 445 that serves to unbuckle or unlock the belt tongues 435 from the buckle 305 so that the seat occupant can be removed from the child safety seat 400.

[0160] For loosening or tightening the straps 430 in the harness belt 425, the restraint system 420 further includes a harness adjuster 450. The harness adjuster 450 includes a harness adjuster strap 455 configured to tighten the straps 430 of the harness belt 425 when pulled and to loosen the straps 430 when loosened. The harness adjuster 450 further includes a releasable cam buckle 460 configured to secure the harness adjuster strap 455 to maintain tension in the straps 430 of the harness belt 425. The cam buckle 460 is actuated to release the suspender adjuster strap 455, which in turn loosens the straps 430 of the suspender belt 425. It should be appreciated that other types of suspender adjusters 450 may be used in other examples.

[0161] Fig. Figure 5 shows the rear of the child safety seat 400. As can be seen, the controller 310 is mounted on the rear of the child safety seat 400. The buckle wire 350 in the buckle strap 440 extends from the buckle 305 through the child safety seat 400 to connect to the controller 310. The straps 430 and the harness adjuster strap 455 are connected to each other via a split plate 505. The harness adjuster strap 455 extends along the controller 310 so that the tension sensor 335 is able to measure the tension of the harness adjuster strap 455, which is indicative of the tension in the straps 430 of the harness belt 425.

[0162] With reference to Fig. 6 and Fig. 7, the buckle 305 includes the output device 325 in the form of one or more indicator lights 605. The indicator lights 605, along with the buckle sensor 320, are operatively connected to the controller 310 via the buckle wire 350. The controller 310 is then able to control the indicator lights 605 based on the current status of the child safety seat 400. In the illustrated example, the indicator lights 605 are in the form of multi-colored light-emitting diodes (LEDs) 610. The indicator lights 605 are positioned proximal to the location where the belt tongues 435 engage the buckle 305 and at the location where the release button 445 is used to unbuckle the belt tongues 435. When the indicator lights 605 are positioned in such a location, the output device 325 is easily visible to the user, so that the user can quickly determine whether the seat occupant is properly secured.In the illustrated example, each of the indicator lights 605 indicates the status of a particular sensor. The indicator lights 605 include a buckle indicator 615 that indicates, via the buckle sensor 320, whether the belt tongues 435 are properly locked. For example, the buckle indicator 615 may illuminate red to indicate that the belt tongues 435 are not properly locked and may illuminate green to indicate that the belt tongues 435 are properly locked to the buckle 305. For this example, the buckle indicator 615 provides a binary output, but in other examples, the buckle indicator 615 may provide an analog or gradient indication of the extent to which the belt tongues 435 are locked to the buckle 305.

[0163] The indicator lights 605 further include an occupancy indicator 620 that indicates whether and / or to what extent the occupancy sensor 315 detects an occupant in the child safety seat 400. For example, the occupancy indicator 620 may display different colors depending on the weight or pressure applied to the occupancy sensor 315. In one particular example, the controller 310 causes the occupancy indicator 620 to illuminate red when the occupancy sensor 315 detects no pressure. The occupancy indicator 620 illuminates yellow when some weight or pressure is detected, but the weight is below a certain threshold level stored in the memory 340 of the controller 310. The occupancy indicator 620 illuminates green when the occupant's weight is at or above the threshold. In another example, the occupancy indicator 620 is illuminated in binary.For example, the occupancy indicator 620 only lights up when a seat occupant is detected.

[0164] The indicator lights 605 also include a tension indicator 625 that indicates the tension state of the straps 430 of the harness belt 425, as sensed by the tension sensor 335. The tension indicator 625 may operate in a binary manner, with the tension indicator 625 illuminated green when the harness belt 425 is properly tensioned and red when the harness belt 425 is not properly tensioned. In another variation, the tension indicator 625 is only illuminated when the harness belt 425 is properly tensioned, and the tension indicator 625 is off when the harness belt 425 does not have the correct tension. In other variations, the intensity and / or color of the light varies in a general analog or gradient manner depending on the tension of the harness adjuster belt 455.

[0165] It should be appreciated that the buckle indicator 615, the occupancy indicator 620, and the tension indicator 625 may be positioned or arranged in a different order than that shown. Furthermore, other types of output devices, such as displays and / or speakers, may be used for the output device 325. For example, in other variations, the output device 325 may include a speaker that emits an audible alarm depending on the status of the various sensors.

[0166] An example of the buckle sensor 320 during operation is shown in Fig. 8. As can be seen, the buckle sensor 320 includes a microswitch 805 with a hinge spring 810 extending at one end proximal to the belt tongues 435. The belt tongues 435 each include a tongue 815 configured to interlock with the buckle 305. The tongues 815 are inserted into the buckle 305 in the direction indicated by arrow 820. When the tongues 815 of the belt tongues 435 are properly inserted and locked, at least one of the tongues 815 actuates or depresses the hinge spring 810 to close the microswitch 805. When the processor 330 of the controller 310 detects the closure of the microswitch 805, the processor 330 activates the buckle indicator 615 on the controller 310 to indicate that the buckle 305 is properly closed. For example, the buckle indicator 615 may illuminate green to indicate that the belt tongues 435 are engaged in the buckle 305.When the user presses the release button 445 on the buckle 305 to release and eject the tongues 435, the end of the tongue 815 disengages from the hinge spring 810 of the microswitch 805, opening the microswitch 805. Upon detecting the opening of the microswitch 805, the controller 310 changes the color and / or brightness of the buckle indicator 615 to indicate that the tongues 435 are disengaged from the buckle 305. For example, the buckle indicator 615 may illuminate red or be turned off when the tongues 435 are disengaged from the buckle 305.

[0167] Fig. Figure 9 shows an example of how the controller 310 is mounted below or on the rear of the seat assembly 405. As can be seen, the controller 310 is generally mounted on the seat bottom 415 of the seat assembly 405. The controller 310 includes a housing 905 onto which the harness adjuster strap 455 extends. The harness adjuster strap 455 slides along the housing 905 of the controller 310 to engage the tension sensor 335. When tension is applied to the harness adjuster strap 455, the harness adjuster strap 455 presses against the tension sensor 335, which in turn detects the applied tension. It should be understood that thanks to such a configuration, the tension sensor 335 can be implemented into existing harness adjuster designs with minimal modifications. The harness adjuster strap 455 does not need to be cut or otherwise modified to accommodate the tension sensor 335.The harness adjuster belt 455 only needs to be guided over the tension sensor 335.

[0168] With reference to Fig. 10 and Fig. 11, the housing 905 of the controller 310 includes one or more belt guides 1005 that guide the harness adjuster belt 455 over the tension sensor 335. The tension sensor 335 includes a tension arm 1010 over which the harness adjuster belt 455 slides longitudinally. In the illustrated example, the controller 310 includes two belt guides 1005 positioned on opposite sides of the tension arm 1010 of the tension sensor 335. The belt guides 1005 are configured to minimize the risk of the harness adjuster belt 455 becoming detached from the tension arm 1010 of the tension sensor 335. The belt guides 1005 include one or more guide arms 1015 that define a guide slot 1020 through which the harness adjuster belt 455 extends.In the illustrated example, each belt guide 1005 includes two guide arms 1015 spaced apart to form a gap 1025 into which the harness adjuster strap 455 can be inserted or removed during assembly, repair, and maintenance. The belt guides 1005 may include a varying number of guide arms 1015 in other examples. Where the harness adjuster strap 455 slides over the tension arm 1010, the tension arm 1010 includes one or more guide flanges 1030. In the illustrated example, the guide flanges 1030 are located on opposite lateral sides of the harness adjuster strap 455. The guide flanges 1030 are configured to reduce the risk of the harness adjuster strap 455 sliding away from the tension arm 1010 in a lateral direction.

[0169] With a view to Fig. 12, the tension arm 1010 is pivotally mounted on a shaft 1205 that is attached to the housing 905 of the controller 310. To bias the tension arm 1010 to engage the harness adjuster strap 455, the tension sensor 335 further includes a spring 1210. In the illustrated example, the spring 1210 includes a torsion spring 1215 wrapped around the shaft 1205. The torsion spring 1215 is engaged between the housing 905 of the controller 310 and the tension arm 1010 to bias the tension arm 1010 outward to engage the harness adjuster strap 455. In other examples, various types of springs or other devices may be used. The tension arm 1010 has a guide surface 1220 on which the harness adjuster belt 455 slides.The guide flanges 1030 and the guide surface 1220 of the tension arm 1010 define a guide channel 1225 in which the harness adjuster strap 455 is received. The guide channel 1225 helps align and guide the harness adjuster strap 455 over the tension arm 1010.

[0170] As further stated in Fig. As shown in Figure 12, the controller 310 further includes a circuit board 1230 on which the processor 330, the memory 340, and other components of the controller 310 are mounted. While the ESS 345 includes one or more batteries 1235 in the illustrated embodiment, the child safety seat 400 may also be powered based on other energy sources, such as electrical power from the vehicle. The electronic components on the circuit board 1230, as well as the other components of the seat monitoring system 300, are powered by the batteries 1235.

[0171] The tension of the harness belt 425 is determined by the extent to which the tension arm 1010, preloaded by the spring 1210, is deflected by the harness adjuster belt 455 pressing against the guide surface 1220 of the tension arm 1010. As shown in Fig. 13, the tension sensor 335 includes a magnetic sensor 1310 that determines whether and how far the tension arm 1010 is pivoted about the shaft 1205 by the harness adjuster strap 455. The sensor 1305, in the illustrated example, includes a magnetic sensor 1310, such as a Hall effect sensor, that determines the relative position of the tension arm 1010 based on the magnetic field strength from a permanent magnet 1315 attached to the inside of the tension arm 1010. It should be appreciated that other types of sensors, such as infrared (IR) and contact sensors, may be used to detect the relative position of the tension arm 1010. As can be seen, the magnetic sensor 1310 is mounted on the circuit board 1230.The circuit board 1230 further includes one or more terminals 1320, wherein the buckle 305 and / or the occupancy sensor 315 are operatively connected to the controller 310 via the buckle wire 350 and / or the occupancy sensor wire 355.

[0172] When the harness adjuster strap 455 is tensioned, the tension arm 1010 pivots about the shaft 1205 against the force of the torsion spring 1215. As the magnet 1315 on the tension arm 1010 moves closer to the magnetic sensor 1310 on the circuit board 1230, the magnetic sensor 1310 detects a stronger magnetic field. The processor 330 of the controller 310 correlates the stronger magnetic field with a higher tension applied to the harness strap 425. Conversely, the spring 1210 of the tension sensor 335 pivots the magnet 1315 on the tension arm 1010 away from the magnetic sensor 1310 when the tension in the harness adjuster strap 455 is released, such as when the cam buckle 460 is actuated to release the harness adjuster strap 455.

[0173] This causes the magnetic sensor 1310 to detect a weaker magnetic field. The processor 330 of the controller 310 interprets the weaker magnetic field as causing less tension to be applied to the harness belt 425.

[0174] With reference to Fig. 14 and Fig. 15, the tension arm 1010 pivots around the shaft 1205 when tension is applied to the harness belt adjuster belt 455 against the force of the torsion spring 1215, as shown by the arrow 1405 in Fig. 14. As the magnet 1315 on the tension arm 1010 moves closer to the magnetic sensor 1310 on the circuit board 1230, the magnetic sensor 1310 detects a stronger magnetic field. The processor 330 of the controller 310 correlates the stronger magnetic field with a higher voltage applied to the harness strap 425. In one version, once a predetermined voltage (or magnetic field) strength limit is reached, the processor 330 of the controller 310 illuminates the voltage indicator 625 to indicate that the proper tension is being applied (e.g., a green light illuminates). In another variation, the color and / or brightness of the tension indicator 625 changes depending on the amount of tension applied to the harness adjuster strap 455.

[0175] Conversely, the spring 1210 of the tension sensor 335 pivots the magnet 1315 on the tension arm 1010 away from the magnetic sensor 1310, as indicated by arrow 1410 in Fig.14, when the tension in the harness adjuster strap 455 is released, such as when the cam buckle 460 is actuated to release the harness adjuster strap 455, this causes the magnetic sensor 1310 to detect a weaker magnetic field. The processor 330 of the controller 310 interprets the weaker magnetic field as meaning less tension is being applied to the harness strap 425. Once the tension is below the threshold, the processor 330 of the controller 310 causes the tension indicator 625 to illuminate to indicate that improper tension is being applied (e.g., a red light is illuminated). In other variations, the color and / or brightness of the tension indicator 625 changes again depending on the amount of tension applied to the harness adjuster strap 455.For example, the tension indicator 625 may progress similarly to a traffic light, where green indicates proper tension, yellow indicates insufficient tension, and red indicates no tension in the harness belt 425. Of course, other display schemes may be used in other examples. Glossary of terms

[0176] The language used in the claims and the description is intended to have only its plain and ordinary meaning, except as explicitly defined below. The words in these definitions are intended to have only their plain and ordinary meaning. This plain and ordinary meaning includes all consistent dictionary definitions from the most recently published Webster's and Random House dictionaries. As used in the description and claims, the following definitions apply to these terms and the common variations listed below.

[0177] "Belt buckle" generally refers to a device, such as a clasp, that releasably connects two or more loose ends. Typically, but not always, one end is fixed or otherwise attached to the buckle, and the other end is releasably or adjustably held by the buckle. The ends can be for a variety of items, such as straps, belts, cables, and webbing, to name a few. A common type of buckle is a seat belt buckle, which is found on many different vehicles. For example, the buckle can be used in two-point, three-point, four-point, five-point, or six-point harness systems.In one example, the loose end of a seat belt is looped through a slot in a belt tongue that includes a tongue, and to secure the loose end, the tongue is inserted into a seat belt buckle attached to a fixed seat belt or webbing.

[0178] "Cam buckle" generally refers to a device or mechanism comprising a frame and a cam (or claw) pivotally coupled to the frame, and configured to lock a strap or webbing at a fixed position and / or length. The cam typically, but not always, includes a lever or handle to allow a user to rotate the cam. The cam may be pivotally mounted to the frame in a variety of ways, such as via one or more pins and / or a shaft. In one application, a free end of the strap passes through a clearance or gap between the frame and the cam. As the cam is rotated relative to the frame, the size of the clearance gap between the cam and the frame changes.

[0179] For example, rotating the cam in one direction decreases the clearance, and rotating the cam in the opposite direction increases the clearance. For example, when the cam is rotated to a closed or locked position, the clearance between the cam and the frame is decreased, causing the cam to bite against the belt to clamp the belt between the cam and the frame. In some designs, the cam has a knurled or serrated gripping surface designed to bite against the belt, and in other designs, the gripping surface may be generally smooth or have other types of textures. When tension is applied to the belt, the cam is designed to rotate further, which in turn decreases the clearance to increase the biting force exerted by the cam on the belt.To release the strap, the cam is reversed to an open or unlocked (released) position, increasing the clearance between the cam and the frame to the point where the cam no longer engages or bites the strap. In the open position, the cam allows the strap to slide relative to the cam buckle, allowing the strap to be removed from the cam buckle. In some design configurations, the cam buckle further includes a spring or other biasing device that biases the cam to either the open or closed position. In one design variation, the spring is coupled between the cam and the frame to bias the cam to the closed position, locking the strap in place. In such a case, the user pushes against the cam lever or otherwise manipulates it to release the strap.The cam buckle can be made from a variety of materials, such as metal and / or plastic, and the cam buckle can come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and types. Cam buckles can be used in a wide variety of ways, such as securing devices, child safety seats, or even clothing belts. For example, one type of cam buckle for child restraint systems is marketed under the A-LOK® brand by Indiana Mills and Manufacturing, Inc. (IMMI).

[0180] "Camera" generally refers to a device that records visual images. Typically, a camera can capture two- and / or three-dimensional images. In some examples, images are recorded in the form of film, photographs, image signals, and / or video signals. A camera may include one or more lenses or other devices that focus light onto a light-sensitive surface, such as a digital light sensor or photographic film. The light-sensitive surface may be responsive to and capable of detecting visible light or other types of light, such as infrared (IR) and / or ultraviolet (UV) light.

[0181] "Child safety seat," "car seat," or "child restraint system" generally refers to a seat specifically designed to protect children from injury in a vehicle collision. While a child safety seat is typically an aftermarket product installed in a vehicle by an owner after the vehicle is purchased, a child safety seat may also be integrated into a vehicle seat by a vehicle manufacturer. Unlike most vehicle seats, which are designed for adults, a child safety seat is sized and designed to properly position a child or infant to reduce injury in a crash. The child safety seat also typically includes a passive restraint system, such as a harness belt, that generally holds a seat occupant in place during a collision.For example, the restraint system may include a five-point harness, but other types of harnesses and restraint systems may also be used. If the child safety seat is sold as a separate aftermarket product, it may include an anchoring mechanism such as an Isofix connector designed to secure the child safety seat to the vehicle (e.g., via an Isofix anchor in the vehicle). Some common types of child safety seats include toddler seats, convertible seats, combination seats, and booster cushions, to name a few.

[0182] "Conductor" or "conductive material" generally refers to a material and / or object that allows the free flow of an electrical charge in one or more directions, allowing relatively significant electrical currents to flow through the material under the influence of an electric field under normal operating conditions. Non-limiting examples of conductors include materials with low intrinsic resistance, such as most metals (e.g., copper, gold, aluminum, etc.), graphite, and conductive polymers.

[0183] "Controller" generally refers to a device utilizing mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, electronic techniques, and / or a microprocessor or computer that monitors and physically changes the operating conditions of a given dynamic system. As a non-limiting example, the controller may include an Allen Bradley brand programmable logic controller (PLC). A controller may include a processor for performing calculations to process input or output. A controller may include memory for storing values ​​to be processed by the processor or for storing the results of previous processing. A controller may also be configured to receive input and output from a wide variety of input and output devices for receiving or sending values.Such devices include other computers, keyboards, mice, visual displays, printers, industrial equipment, and systems or machines of all types and sizes. For example, a controller may control a network or a network interface to perform various network communications on request. The network interface may be part of the controller or identified as separate and detached from the controller. A controller may be a single physical computing device, such as a desktop computer or a laptop computer, or it may be composed of multiple devices of the same type, such as a group of servers operating as one device in a networked cluster, or a heterogeneous combination of different computing devices operating as one controller and interconnected by a communications network.The communications network associated with the controller may also be connected to a broader network such as the Internet. Thus, a controller may include one or more physical processors or other computing devices or circuits, and may also include any suitable type of memory. A controller may also be a virtual computing platform with an unknown or fluctuating number of physical processors and memories or storage devices. Thus, a controller may be physically located at one geographical location or physically distributed across multiple widely dispersed locations, with multiple processors interconnected by a communications network to operate as a single controller. Multiple controllers or computing devices may be configured to communicate with each other or with other devices via wired or wireless communications links to form a network.Network communications may pass through various controllers acting as network devices, such as switches, routers, firewalls, or other network devices or interfaces, before traversing other larger computer networks, such as the Internet. Communications may also be routed across the network as wireless data transmissions using electromagnetic waves over transmission lines or free space. Such communications include the use of Wi-Fi or another wireless local area network (WLAN) or a cellular transceiver to transmit data.

[0184] "Current" generally refers to the rate of flow of electric charge past a point or region of an electrical circuit. An electric current is considered to be present when there is a net flow of electric charge through an area.

[0185] An "energy storage system" (ESS) or "energy storage unit" generally refers to a device that stores energy generated at one time for use at a later time. Energy can be supplied to the ESS in one or more forms, including, for example, radiation, chemicals, gravitational potential, electric potential, electricity, elevated temperature, latent heat, and kinetic energy types. The ESS converts energy from difficult-to-store forms into more practical and / or economically storable forms.As non-limiting examples, techniques for collecting energy in the ESS may include: mechanical storage techniques, such as compressed air storage, flywheels, gravity storage devices, springs, and hydraulic accumulators; electrical and / or electromagnetic storage techniques, such as the use of capacitors, supercapacitors, and superconducting magnetic energy storage coils; biological techniques, such as the use of glycogen, biofuel, and starch storage media; electrochemical storage techniques, such as the use of flow batteries, rechargeable batteries, and ultrabatteries; thermal storage techniques, such as the use of eutectic systems, molten salt storage, phase change materials, and vapor storage; and / or chemical storage techniques, such as the use of hydrated salts, hydrogen, and hydrogen peroxide.Common ESS examples include lithium-ion batteries and supercapacitors.

[0186] “Gap” generally refers to a space between objects, surfaces, or points.

[0187] "Harness" generally refers to a set of straps and hardware for securing a human or other living being in a specific location and / or position. The straps can take many forms, such as belts, webbing, or ropes, and the straps can be made of various materials, such as natural or synthetic materials. The hardware is configured in various shapes to secure the straps around the individual, as well as to release the straps from the individual. The harness can include webbing, buckles, tongues, and / or length adjustment mechanisms, such as a retractor. In one example, the hardware includes a set of tongues secured in a buckle release mechanism. Harness belts can be incorporated into, for example, vehicle seats, booster seats, and child safety seats.The belts and fittings can be designed in different ways to form three-point, five-point and six-point belts, to name just a few examples.

[0188] "Harness adjuster" generally refers to a device used to tighten and loosen a harness belt. The harness adjuster can be used to tighten a wide variety of harness belts found in vehicles. Typically, harness adjusters are used in child safety seats, but the harness adjuster can be used in other applications, such as adult harnesses. The harness adjuster can be located in various locations. For example, the harness adjuster can be located on the back of the seat, on the side of the seat, on the harness belt itself, and / or between the legs of a seat occupant.

[0189] "Suspender adjuster strap" or "suspender adjuster strap" generally refers to a single piece of strap or webbing used to tighten a suspender strap. In a common embodiment, the suspender adjuster strap is coupled to a suspender adjuster configured to loosen or tighten the suspender adjuster strap. In this embodiment, the other end of the suspender adjuster strap is coupled to a split plate, which in turn is coupled to one or more straps of the suspender strap.

[0190] “Head restraint” generally refers to a structure attached to or otherwise incorporated into the top of a seat to limit the rearward movement of the seat occupant’s head relative to the torso during a collision.

[0191] For example, the head restraint is designed to prevent or mitigate whiplash or other injuries to the cervical vertebrae. The head restraint may include a fixed head restraint or an adjustable head restraint. The adjustable head restraint can be positioned according to the morphology of the seated occupant. The adjustable head restraint can be adjusted manually and / or automatically. Another type of head restraint includes an active head restraint, which is designed to automatically improve the head restraint position and / or geometry for the seat occupant during an impact.

[0192] "Hole" generally refers to a hollow section through a solid body, wall, or surface. A hole can have any shape. For example, a hole can be circular, triangular, or rectangular, but is not limited to these. A hole can also have varying depths and extend completely through the solid body or surface, or extend only through one side of the solid body.

[0193] "Casing" generally refers to a component that covers, protects, or supports another thing. For example, the case of a desktop computer is its casing component and may be constructed of multiple materials to protect the internal components.

[0194] "Input device" generally refers to any device coupled to a computer and configured to receive input and provide the input to a processor, memory, or other portion of the computer. Such input devices may include keyboards, mice, trackballs, and touch-sensitive pointing devices such as touchpads or touchscreens. Input devices may also include any sensors or sensor arrays for detecting environmental conditions such as temperature, light, noise, vibration, humidity, and the like.

[0195] "Input / output (I / O) device" generally refers to any device or collection of devices coupled to a computing device that is configured to receive an input and provide the input to a processor, memory, or other portion of the computing device, and / or is controlled by the computing device to produce an output. The I / O device may include physically separate input and output devices, or the input and output devices may be combined to form a single physical unit. Such input devices of the I / O device may include keyboards, mice, trackballs, and touch-sensitive pointing devices such as touchpads or touchscreens.Input devices also include any sensors or sensor arrays for detecting environmental conditions such as temperature, light, noise, vibration, humidity, and the like. Examples of output devices for the I / O device include, but are not limited to, screens or monitors that display graphical output, a projection device that projects a two-dimensional or three-dimensional image, or any type of printer, plotter, or similar device that produces either two-dimensional or three-dimensional representations of the output that are affixed to any tangible medium (e.g., a laser printer that prints on paper, a lathe that is controlled to machine a piece of metal, or a 3D printer that creates an object).An output device may also produce an intangible output such as data stored in a database or electromagnetic energy transmitted through a medium or through free space, such as audio produced by a computer-controlled speaker, radio signals transmitted through free space, or light pulses passing through a fiber optic cable.

[0196] "Insulator" or "insulating material" generally refers to a material and / or object whose internal electrical charges are not freely flowing, so that very little electrical current flows through the material under the influence of an electric field under normal operating conditions. As non-limiting examples, insulator materials include high-resistivity materials such as glass, paper, ceramics, rubber, and plastics.

[0197] "Integrally formed" generally refers to one or more components fused together to form a single part. Integrally formed components cannot be disassembled without compromising the integrity of the component.

[0198] "Belt tongue" generally refers to a portion of a vehicle belt assembly that is releasably connected to a buckle and through which the belt or webbing is threaded or otherwise secured. Typically, but not always, the belt tongue is made at least partially of metal and / or plastic. The belt tongue includes one or more tongues that insert into the buckle. Each tongue may include a notch or other opening used to secure the tongue to the buckle. As non-limiting examples, the belt tongues may include free-sliding tongues, tightening tongues, locking tongues, and switchable tongues, to name a few.

[0199] “Lateral” generally refers to being located on, directed toward, or coming from the side.

[0200] "Light-emitting diode" or "LED" generally refers to a semiconductor diode made of specific materials that emits light in response to the application of an electric current. A variety of materials in the LED can produce a range of colors. The color of the light (corresponding to the energy of the photons) is determined by the energy required for electrons to cross the band gap of the semiconductor. Typically, but not always, white light is obtained by using multiple semiconductors or a layer of light-emitting phosphor on the semiconductor device. The LED can come in a variety of colors, shapes, sizes, and designs, including with or without heat sinks, lenses, or reflectors integrated into the package.

[0201] A "lever" is generally understood to mean a simple machine that has a beam, rod, or other structure that pivots about a pivot point, such as a hinge. In one form, the lever is a rigid body that can rotate about itself at one point. Levers can generally be divided into three types of classes based on the position of the pivot point, the load, and / or the amount of effort required. A Class 1 lever has the pivot point in the center, so the force is applied to one side of the pivot point and the resistance or load is applied to the other side. For Class 1 levers, the mechanical advantage can be greater than, less than, or equal to 1. Some non-limiting examples of Class 1 levers include seesaws, crowbars, and scissors. A Class 2 lever, sometimes called a force multiplier lever, has the resistance or load located on one side of the pivot point.The load is generally near the center of the lever, so that the force is applied to one side of the resistance and the pivot point is on the other side. For Class 2 levers, the load arm is smaller than the effort arm, and the mechanical advantage is usually greater than 1. Some non-limiting examples of Class 2 levers include wheelbarrows, nutcrackers, bottle openers, and automobile brake pedals. For a Class 3 lever, sometimes called a force multiplier lever, the resistance, or load, is generally near the center of the lever, so that the force is applied to one side of the resistance and the pivot point is on the other side. For Class 3 levers, the effort arm is smaller than the load arm, and the mechanical advantage is usually less than 1.Some non-limiting examples of Class 3 levers include forceps and the human jawbone.

[0202] “Longitudinal” generally refers to the length or longitudinal dimension rather than the transverse dimension of an object.

[0203] "Magnet" generally refers to a material or object that generates a magnetic field external to itself. Types of magnets include permanent magnets and electromagnets. As non-limiting examples, magnets are capable of attracting (or repelling) objects such as those made of iron or steel under certain circumstances.

[0204] "Storage" generally refers to any storage system or storage device designed to store data or information. Each storage device may include one or more types of solid-state electronic storage, magnetic storage, or optical storage, to name a few.By way of non-limiting example, each memory may include: solid-state electronic random access memory (RAM), sequentially accessible memory (SAM) (such as the FIFO (First-In, First-Out) or LIFO (Last-In, First-Out) variety), programmable read-only memory (PROM), electronically programmable read-only memory (EPROM), or electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM); optical disc storage (such as a DVD or CD-ROM); magnetically encoded hard disk, floppy disk, magnetic tape, or cassette media; or a combination of any of these storage types.In addition, any memory can be volatile, non-volatile, or a hybrid combination of volatile and non-volatile variants.

[0205] “Microphone” generally refers to a transducer that converts sound into an electrical signal.

[0206] "Occupancy sensor" or "OCS" generally refers to a device that determines whether or not someone is sitting in a seat and / or to what extent. Occupancy sensors are typically used in vehicles to determine whether an airbag can be safely deployed, but seat occupancy sensors have other uses. Common types of occupancy sensors include weight sensors, pressure sensors, ultrasonic sensors, and IR sensors. In addition to detecting the presence of a seat occupant sitting in the seat, the occupancy sensor may be configured to detect the weight or size of the seat occupant, as well as whether the seat occupant is properly seated.

[0207] "Operatively coupled" means that current can flow between two devices. Furthermore, if two devices have an optional resistor connecting them, these devices are considered operatively coupled.

[0208] "Optical fiber" generally refers to an electromagnetic waveguide having an elongated channel containing a substantially transparent medium through which electromagnetic energy travels as it traverses the longitudinal axis of the channel. Electromagnetic radiation can be contained within the channel by total internal reflection of the electromagnetic radiation as it traverses the channel. Total internal reflection is generally achieved using optical fibers having a substantially transparent core surrounded by a second substantially transparent cladding material with a lower refractive index than the core.

[0209] "Output device" generally refers to any device or collection of devices controlled by a computer to produce an output. This includes any system, facility, or equipment that receives signals from a computer to control the device to produce some type of output. Examples of output devices include, but are not limited to, screens or monitors that display graphical output, a projection device that projects a two-dimensional or three-dimensional image, or any type of printer, plotter, or similar device that produces either two-dimensional or three-dimensional representations of the output that are fixed on any tangible medium (e.g.,a laser printer printing on paper, a lathe controlled to machine a piece of metal, or a 3D printer creating an object). An output device may also produce an intangible output such as data stored in a database or electromagnetic energy transmitted through a medium or free space, such as audio generated by a computer-controlled speaker, radio signals transmitted through free space, or pulses of light traveling through a fiber-optic cable.

[0210] "Plastic" generally refers to a synthetic or semi-synthetic material made from a variety of organic polymers such as polyethylene, PVC, nylon, and the like. Typically, but not always, plastics are mostly high-molecular-weight thermoplastic or thermosetting polymers that can be processed into objects, films, or filaments. In some cases, plastics can be molded soft and then cured into a rigid or slightly elastic form.

[0211] "Processor" generally refers to one or more electronic components configured to operate as a single unit, configured or programmed to process an input to produce an output. Alternatively, if a processor has a multi-component form, it may have one or more components arranged remotely from the others. One or more components of each processor may be electronic and define digital circuitry, analog circuitry, or both. In one example, each processor is a conventional integrated circuit microprocessor assembly.The concept of a "processor" is not limited to a single physical logic circuit or a single physical logic package of circuits, but includes one or more such circuits or packages, possibly contained within or across multiple computers in numerous physical locations. In a virtual computing environment, an unknown number of physical processors may be actively processing data, and the unknown number may also change automatically over time. The concept of a "processor" includes a device configured or programmed to perform threshold comparisons, rule comparisons, calculations, or logical operations that apply a rule to data, resulting in a logical result (e.g., "true" or "false").Processing activities may occur on multiple individual processors on separate servers, on multiple processors on a single server with separate processors, or on multiple physically separate processors on separate computing devices.

[0212] "Seat assembly" generally refers to all components that make up a seat in a vehicle. A seat assembly generally includes a seatback and a seat bottom.

[0213] "Backrest" generally refers to the part of a seat designed to support a passenger's back. The backrest generally includes a housing, a panel, and a frame. In some cases, the backrest is equipped with safety features such as seat belt buckle assemblies and / or child safety seats.

[0214] "Seat belt," "safety belt," "vehicle belt," or "belt" generally refers to an assembly of webbing, straps, and other devices designed to restrain or otherwise secure a person or other object, for example, in a boat, vehicle, aircraft, and / or spacecraft. For example, the seat belt is designed to secure an occupant of a vehicle against movement that may occur during a collision or sudden stop and result in injury. As non-limiting examples, the seat belt may include webbing, buckles, tongues, and / or length adjustment mechanisms such as a retractor installed in the vehicle and used to restrain an occupant or a child restraint system.The safety belt may, for example, comprise only a lap belt or a combined three-point belt, a separate lap belt, a separate shoulder belt and / or a knee pad.

[0215] “Seat bottom” generally refers to the part of a seat on which a passenger sits and to the attachment structure, such as mounting bases, for securing the seat assembly to the vehicle.

[0216] "Sensor" generally refers to an object designed to detect events and / or changes in the sensor's environment and then provide a corresponding output. Sensors include transducers that provide various types of outputs, such as electrical and / or optical signals. As non-limiting examples, the sensors may include pressure sensors, ultrasonic sensors, humidity sensors, gas sensors, motion sensors, accelerometers, displacement sensors, force sensors, optical sensors, and / or electromagnetic sensors. In some examples, the sensors include barcode readers, RFID readers, and / or machine vision systems.

[0217] "Shaft" generally refers to a part that rotates about a central axis. Shafts are part of various mechanical rotating devices such as engines, thrusters, gearboxes, gear sets, and / or other devices. Shafts are usually, but not always, used to transmit mechanical torque between different mechanical components. For example, the shaft of a motor can transmit power to a gearbox, axle, wheel, and / or other device. In some cases, the shaft of a device is integrated with other parts of that device. The shaft can be designed in any desired manner. For example, the shaft can be cylindrical or rectangular in shape, and the shaft can be hollow or solid.

[0218] "Split plate" generally refers to a component that connects one or more straps of a harness belt to a harness adjuster strap. Typically, the split plate is made of a rigid material such as metal, but the split plate can be constructed of other materials. In one embodiment, the split plate is a metal piece on the back of a car seat that attaches the ends of two shoulder straps of the harness belt to the harness adjuster strap. In another variation, a single strap, acting as one or more shoulder straps, is looped through the split plate.

[0219] “Spring” generally refers to an elastic object that stores mechanical energy. The spring may comprise a resilient device that can be pushed, twisted, and / or pulled on, but which returns to its previous shape when released. The spring may be made of a resilient or elastic material such as metal and / or plastic. The spring can counteract or resist loads in many forms and can exert force at a constant or variable level. For example, the spring may comprise an extension spring, compression spring, torsion spring, constant spring, and / or variable spring. The spring may take many forms and is, for example, a flat spring, a machined spring, and / or a serpentine spring.As non-limiting examples, the springs may include various coil springs, pocket springs, Bonnell springs, offset springs, continuous springs, cantilever springs, evolute springs, hair springs, leaf springs, V-shaped springs, gas springs, torsion springs, rubber bands, spring washers and / or wave springs, to name a few.

[0220] “Terminal” generally refers to a plug, socket, or other connection (male, female, mixed, hermaphroditic, or otherwise) for mechanically and electrically joining two or more wires or other conductors.

[0221] "Transmitter / receiver" generally refers to a device that includes both a transmitter and a receiver that share common circuitry and / or a single housing. Transmitter / receivers are typically, but not always, configured to transmit and receive electronic signals, such as analog and / or digital radio signals.

[0222] "Electrical potential" generally refers to a difference in electrical potential between two points. For example, a given voltage value must be referenced to another point, such as ground or earth. Electrical potential can be generated, for example, by electrical charge buildup, electromagnetic induction, electrochemical processes, piezoelectric effects, or thermoelectric effects.

[0223] "Webbing" generally refers to a material made from a network of threads, cords, strings, and / or wires with openings between them. In one form, the cords are interwoven or braided. The braiding pattern can be uniform or random.

[0224] “Wire” generally refers to a long, thin piece of metal, usually drawn in the form of a flexible thread, strand, or thin rod.

[0225] It should be noted that the singular forms "a," "an," "the," and the like, as used in the description and / or claims, include the plural forms unless expressly stated otherwise. For example, if the description and / or claims refer to "a device" or "the device," this includes one or more such devices.

[0226] It is noted that directional terms such as "upward", "downward", "top", "bottom", "lateral", "longitudinal", "radial", "circumferential", "horizontal", "vertical", etc. are used herein only for convenience to assist the reader in understanding the illustrated embodiments, and the use of these directional terms is not intended to limit the described, illustrated and / or claimed features in any way to any particular direction and / or orientation.

[0227] While the invention has been particularly shown and described in the drawings and foregoing specification, it is to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive, it being understood that only the preferred embodiment has been shown and described, and that all changes, equivalents, and modifications that come within the spirit of the invention as defined in the following claims are intended to be protected. All publications, patents, and patent applications cited in this specification are incorporated herein by reference, as if each individual publication, patent, or patent application were specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference and set forth in their entirety herein. Reference numbers 100 intelligent belt buckle system 102 microprocessor 104 transmitters / receivers 108 seat belt buckle 110 Camera 120 indicator lights 130 microphone 140 connectors 150 load sensor 160 temperature sensor 170 voltage sensor 180 Electronic heat sensor device 190 external energy source 195 external housing 197 webbing 198 wire 300 seat monitoring system 305 seat belt buckle 310 Control 315 Occupancy sensor 320 seat belt buckle sensor 325 Dispensing device 330 processor 335 voltage sensor 340 memory 345 ESS 350 belt buckle wire 355 Occupation sensor wire 400 child safety seat 405 seat assembly 410 backrest 415 Seat base 420 restraint system 425 suspender belt 430 belts 435 belt tongues 440 belt buckle straps 445 Release button 450 suspender belt adjusters 455 suspender belt adjuster 460 cam belt buckle 505 split plate 605 indicator lights 610 LEDs 615 Seat belt buckle indicator 620 Cast Announcement 625 voltage display 805 microswitch 810 joint spring 815 tongues 820 Arrow 905 housing 1005 belt guides 1010 Low voltage 1015 guide arms 1020 guide slot 1025 gap 1030 guide flanges 1205 Wave 1210 spring 1215 torsion spring 1220 guide surface 1225 guide channel 1230 circuit board 1235 batteries 1305 Sensor 1310 magnetic sensor 1315 Magnet 1320 terminal 1405 Arrow 1410 Arrow QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] US 63 / 370,968

[0001]

Claims

[1] System comprising: a suspender belt, a belt buckle, a belt buckle sensor designed to monitor the status of the belt buckle, a harness adjuster designed to adjust the tension of the harness, a tension sensor configured to monitor the tension exerted on the harness belt by the harness adjuster, an output device located on the belt buckle, wherein the output device is designed to provide the status of the belt buckle and wherein the output device is configured to provide an indication of the tension of the harness belt. [2] The system of claim 1, wherein: the harness has one or more belt tongues, each of the belt tongues has a tongue and the tongue of at least one of the belt tongues is designed to contact the belt buckle sensor when it is locked with the belt buckle. [3] The system of claim 2, wherein: the belt buckle sensor has a microswitch, the microswitch has a hinged spring and the hinge spring is designed to close the microswitch when the tongue presses against the hinge spring in the locked state. [4] The system of claim 2, further comprising: a child safety seat, a seat monitoring system having a control, a belt buckle wire that effectively couples the belt buckle sensor to the control system, wherein the belt buckle has a belt buckle strap, whereby the buckle strap attaches the buckle to the child safety seat and wherein the buckle wire is embedded in the buckle strap. [5] The system of claim 4, further comprising: wherein the control is mounted on a back of the child safety seat and wherein the buckle wire extends from the buckle over the buckle strap to the rear of the child safety seat. [6] The system of claim 1, wherein: the seat monitoring system has a control and the voltage sensor is housed in the controller. [7] The system of claim 1, wherein: the harness adjuster has a harness adjuster strap and the harness adjuster strap extends along the tension sensor. [8] System according to claim 7, wherein: the voltage sensor has a voltage arm, the harness adjuster belt is designed to pivot the tension arm, when tension is applied, and the tension sensor is configured to detect tension in the harness adjuster strap when the tension arm pivots. [9] System according to claim 8, wherein: the tension sensor has a shaft on which the tension arm is pivotably mounted, and the tension sensor has a spring designed to pre-tension the tension arm against the harness adjuster belt. [10] The system of claim 9, further comprising: a magnet mounted on the tension arm, wherein the voltage sensor comprises a magnetic sensor and wherein the magnetic sensor is configured to measure the magnetic field from the magnet, to determine the tension in the harness belt. [11] System according to claim 8, wherein: the tension sensor has one or more belt guides and the belt guides are designed to guide the harness adjuster belt over the tension arm. [12] The system of claim 11, wherein the belt guides are positioned on opposite sides of the tension arm. [13] System according to claim 8, wherein: the tension arm has one or more guide flanges and the guide flanges define a guide channel in which the The harness adjustment strap is included. [14] The system of claim 1, wherein the output device comprises one or more indicator lights. [15] The system of claim 14, wherein: the indicator lights have a seat belt buckle indicator light and the belt buckle indicator light is designed to indicate the status of the belt buckle. [16] The system of claim 14, wherein: the indicator lights have a voltage indicator light and the tension indicator light indicates the tension level present in the harness belt. [17] The system of claim 14, wherein the indicator lights comprise light-emitting diodes (LEDs). [18] The system of claim 14, further comprising: a seat base, an occupancy sensor (OCS), wherein the occupancy sensor is located in the seat base, wherein the occupancy sensor is designed to detect whether someone is sitting, and wherein the indicator lights include an occupancy indicator light. [19] The system of claim 1, wherein: the harness has one or more belt tongues, the belt buckle has a release button designed to release the belt tongues from the belt buckle, and the dispensing device is arranged proximal to the release button of the belt buckle, to improve visibility. [20] System comprising: a suspender belt, a harness adjuster designed to adjust the tension of the harness, a suspender belt adjuster having a suspender belt adjuster strap, a tension sensor designed to monitor the tension of the harness belt, and wherein the harness adjuster belt extends along the tension sensor. [21] The system of claim 20, wherein: the voltage sensor has a voltage arm, the harness adjuster belt is designed to pivot the tension arm, when tension is applied, and the tension sensor is configured to detect tension in the harness adjuster strap when the tension arm pivots. [22] The system of claim 21, wherein: the tension sensor has a shaft on which the tension arm is pivotably mounted, and the tension sensor has a spring designed to pre-tension the tension arm against the harness adjuster belt. [23] The system of claim 22, wherein: the voltage sensor has a magnetic sensor, the magnet is mounted on the tension arm and the magnetic sensor is configured to measure the magnetic field from the magnet to determine the tension in the harness belt. [24] The system of claim 21, wherein: the tension sensor has one or more belt guides and the belt guides are designed to guide the harness adjuster belt over the tension arm. [25] The system of claim 24, wherein the belt guides are positioned on opposite sides of the tension arm. [26] The system of claim 25, wherein the belt guides comprise guide arms defining a guide slot in which the harness adjuster strap is received. [27] The system of claim 26, wherein the guide arms define a gap. [28] The system of claim 24, wherein: the tension arm has one or more guide flanges and the guide flanges define a guide channel in which the The harness adjustment strap is included. [29] The system of claim 21, wherein: the voltage sensor has a magnetic sensor, the magnet is mounted on the tension arm and the magnetic sensor is configured to measure the magnetic field from the magnet to determine the tension in the harness belt. [30] The system of claim 20, wherein the harness adjuster includes a cam buckle configured to secure the harness adjuster strap. [31] The system of claim 20, further comprising: a belt buckle, wherein the harness has one or more straps, wherein the harness belt has one or more belt tongues, wherein the belt tongues are designed for releasable attachment to the belt buckle, an output device located on the belt buckle and wherein the output device is configured to provide an indication of the tension of the harness belt. [32] The system of claim 31, further comprising: a belt buckle sensor designed to monitor the status of the belt buckle, and wherein the output device is configured to provide the status of the belt buckle. [33] Method comprising: Detecting the closure of a harness belt using a belt buckle sensor, Providing a closure indication by means of an output device in response to detecting closure, Measuring the tension of the harness belt with a tension sensor and Providing a tension indicator corresponding to the tension of the harness belt, using the dispensing device. [34] The method of claim 33, further comprising: Determining by means of an occupancy sensor that a seat was occupied, and Providing a staffing display by means of the output device. [35] System or method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: the harness has one or more belt tongues, each of the belt tongues has a tongue and the tongue of at least one of the belt tongues is designed to contact the belt buckle sensor when it is locked with the belt buckle. [36] System or method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: the belt buckle sensor has a microswitch, the microswitch has a hinged spring and the hinge spring is designed to close the microswitch when the tongue presses against the hinge spring in the locked state. [37] System or method according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising: a seat monitoring system having a control, a belt buckle wire that effectively couples the belt buckle sensor to the control system, wherein the belt buckle has a belt buckle strap, whereby the buckle strap attaches the buckle to the child safety seat and wherein the buckle wire is embedded in the buckle strap. [38] System or method according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising: a child safety seat, wherein the control is mounted on a back of the child safety seat and wherein the buckle wire extends from the buckle over the buckle strap to the rear of the child safety seat. [39] A system or method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: the seat monitoring system has a control and the voltage sensor is housed in the controller. [40] System or method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: the harness adjuster has a harness adjuster strap and the harness adjustment strap extends along the tension sensor. [41] System or method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: the voltage sensor has a voltage arm, the harness adjuster belt is designed to pivot the tension arm, when tension is applied, and the tension sensor is configured to detect tension in the harness adjuster strap when the tension arm pivots. [42] A system or method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: the tension sensor has a shaft on which the tension arm is pivotably mounted, and the tension sensor has a spring designed to pre-tension the tension arm against the harness adjuster belt. [43] System or method according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising: a magnet mounted on the tension arm, wherein the voltage sensor comprises a magnetic sensor and wherein the magnetic sensor is configured to measure the magnetic field from the magnet, to determine the tension in the harness belt. [44] System or method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: the tension sensor has one or more belt guides and the belt guides are designed to guide the harness adjuster belt over the tension arm. [45] A system or method according to any preceding claim, wherein the belt guides are positioned on opposite sides of the tension arm. [46] System or method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: the tension arm has one or more guide flanges and the guide flanges define a guide channel in which the The harness adjustment strap is included. [47] A system or method according to any preceding claim, wherein the output device comprises one or more indicator lights. [48] ​​System or method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: the indicator lights have a seat belt buckle indicator light and the belt buckle indicator light is designed to indicate the status of the belt buckle. [49] System or method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: the indicator lights have a voltage indicator light and the tension indicator light indicates the tension level present in the harness belt. [50] A system or method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the indicator lights comprise light-emitting diodes (LEDs). [51] System or method according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising: a seat base, an occupancy sensor (OCS), wherein the occupancy sensor is located in the seat base, wherein the occupancy sensor is designed to detect whether someone is sitting, and wherein the indicator lights include an occupancy indicator light. [52] System or method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: the harness has one or more belt tongues, the belt buckle has a release button designed to release the belt tongues from the belt buckle, and the dispensing device is arranged proximal to the release button of the belt buckle, to improve visibility.

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