Safety device for vehicle seat belts

Abstract

A safety device for vehicle seat belts, comprising: i) a U-shaped body 1 designed to be connected to the webbing of a vehicle seat belt, wherein an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 2 is installed on the body 1 and paired with a processor for capturing and processing multiple images of the environment; ii) a microcontroller connected to the processes and processing the captured images to determine the dimensions of the webbing, the microcontroller, on this basis, actuating a motorized drawer assembly integrated into the body 1 to expand / retract in order to increase / decrease the dimensions of the body 1 so that it can be properly accommodated over the webbing, followed by the actuation of a plurality of motorized scissors 3 arranged on the inner circumference of the body 1 to grasp the webbing in order to secure the body 1 to the webbing in a secure manner; iii) an ultrasonic sensor integrated into the body 1 and synchronized with the imaging unit 2 to monitor the distance of the seat belt's locking plate relative to a user enclosed in the seat belt, wherein a velocity sensor is integrated into the body 1 to monitor the speed at which the locking plate detaches from the seat belt buckle, the microcontroller evaluating the probability of a collision between the locking plate and the body part of the user 1 based on the combined signals of both sensors; and iv) an L-shaped rod connected to the body 1, which is actuated by the microcontroller to extend in order to position a curved shaped flap 4, which is connected to the rod, in front of the user's torso, the flap 4 having several inflatable pockets arranged on it, which are actuated by the microcontroller to be inflated in order to provide a cushioning effect to the user when struck by the locking plate, only if the microcontroller determines that the weighted probability exceeds a threshold;

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle seat belt safety device designed to be mounted on the webbing of a vehicle seat belt and to monitor the distance and speed of the buckle plate to enable real-time assessment of the collision probability and activation of safety measures if necessary. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Users typically use seat belts in their vehicles to protect themselves from injury in the event of a car accident or sudden stop. These belts are made of strong material such as nylon or polyester and are typically used to keep passengers securely in their seats, preventing serious injuries to the head, chest, and other body parts. Furthermore, proper seat belt use reduces the risk of being ejected from the vehicle in an accident, further increasing occupant safety.

[0003] Traditionally, seat belts are used in vehicles to secure passengers in their seats while driving. However, conventional seat belts fail to detect potential hazards, such as approaching collisions or objects in the vehicle's path, and do not provide additional protection to the user in the event of an impact. Furthermore, conventional seat belts may not be suitable for passengers of different sizes or builds, limiting their effectiveness in providing optimal protection.

[0004] CN204182047U discloses an invention related to the field of basic tools for line construction, and discloses a safety belt holder comprising a locking device, a signal detection device, and a signal recording device. The signal detection device includes a signal sensing contact, a first control chip, and a signal transmitter; the signal recording device is an independently arranged handheld device and includes a monitor, a second control chip, and a signal receiver that are sequentially electrically connected. The safety belt holder is novel and novel in structure. Furthermore, the safety belt holder has the advantage of integrating the function of real-time remote monitoring, significantly improving the operational reliability of the holder, and effectively preventing unexpected fall accidents due to a loose buckle.

[0005] To date, many devices have been developed for vehicle seatbelt safety. However, these devices are unable to adapt to the webbing of a vehicle seatbelt and fail to monitor the distance and speed of the buckle, thus failing to facilitate a real-time assessment of the collision probability and the activation of safety measures. Furthermore, these existing devices are inadequate to provide the user with additional protection in the event of an impact based on the determined impact probability.

[0006] To overcome the above-mentioned disadvantages, there is a need in the art to develop a device that integrates with the webbing of a vehicle seat belt and monitors the distance and speed of the buckle plate in real time, allowing for the assessment of the collision probability and the activation of safety measures. Additionally, the device provides an inflatable means to provide the user with additional protection in the event of an impact, based on the assessed impact probability. SUBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[0007] The main object of the present invention is to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art.

[0008] An object of the present invention is to develop a device designed to be housed on the webbing of a vehicle seat belt and to monitor the distance and speed of the buckle plate to facilitate real-time assessment of the collision probability and activation of safety measures, if necessary.

[0009] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that provides an inflatable means to provide additional protection to the user in the event of a collision based on the assessed collision probability.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is reliable, user-friendly and easy to operate.

[0011] The foregoing and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent upon closer examination of the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0012] The present invention relates to a vehicle seat belt safety device designed to be attached to the webbing of a vehicle seat belt and to monitor the distance and speed of the buckle plate to enable real-time assessment of the collision probability and activation of safety measures if necessary.

[0013] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a vehicle seat belt safety device comprises a U-shaped body designed to be connected to the webbing of a vehicle seat belt, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit installed on the body to determine the dimensions of the webbing, a motorized drawer assembly integrated into the body to expand / contract to increase / decrease the dimensions of the body to properly accommodate it over the webbing, a plurality of motorized scissors arranged on the inner circumference of the body to grip the webbing, a capacitance sensor installed on the scissors to detect the webbing type, an ultrasonic sensor integrated into the body,to monitor the distance of the seat belt locking plate in relation to a user enclosed in the seat belt, and a speed sensor integrated into the body to monitor the speed at which the locking plate releases from the seat belt buckle.

[0014] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the proposed device further comprises an L-shaped rod connected to the body to extend in front of the user's torso for positioning a curved flap connected to the rod, wherein a plurality of inflatable bags are arranged on the flap to be inflated to provide a cushioning effect to the user, a plurality of ball rollers are arranged on the inner periphery of the body to allow the user to adjust the position of the body on the belt webbing with a view to facilitating the proper safety of the user with the vehicle,A motorized ball joint is configured between the rod and flap for providing multi-axis rotational movement to the flap for proper coverage of the user's front body part, and a battery is connected to the device for powering electrical and electronically operated components of the device.

[0015] While the invention has been described and shown with particular reference to the preferred embodiment, it will be apparent that variations are possible which would fall within the scope of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

[0016] These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following description, the appended claims and the accompanying drawings: Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of a safety device for vehicle seat belts. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] The following description comprises the preferred best mode of carrying out an embodiment of the present invention. It will be apparent from this description of the invention that the invention is not limited to the illustrated embodiments, but that the invention also includes a variety of modifications and embodiments thereto. Therefore, the present description should be considered as illustrative and not restrictive. While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, it should be understood that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific form disclosed, but on the contrary, the invention is intended to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the claims.

[0018] In any embodiment described herein, the open-ended terms “comprising,” “comprises,” and the like (which are synonymous with “including,” “with,” and “characterized by”) may be replaced by the respective partially closed terms “consists essentially of,” “consists essentially of,” and the like, or the respective closed terms “consisting of,” “consists of,” and the like.

[0019] As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” refer to both the singular and the plural unless it is expressly stated that only the singular is meant.

[0020] The present invention relates to a vehicle seat belt safety device designed to be mounted on the webbing of a vehicle seat belt and to monitor the distance and speed of the buckle plate to facilitate real-time assessment of the collision probability and activation of safety measures when necessary.

[0021] Referring to Fig.1 is a perspective view of a vehicle seat belt safety device comprising a U-shaped body 1 designed to be attached to a webbing of a vehicle seat belt, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 2 installed on the body 1, a plurality of motorized scissors 3 arranged on the inner periphery of the body 1, a curved flap 4 attached to the body 1, and a plurality of ball rollers 5 arranged on the inner periphery of the body 1.

[0022] The device proposed here consists of a U-shaped body 1 designed to be connected to the webbing of a vehicle's safety belt, the body 1 being made of durable and lightweight materials such as high-quality polymers, reinforced plastics or composites to ensure both strength and flexibility.

[0023] An artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 2 is installed on the vehicle body 1 to determine the dimensions of the webbing. The imaging unit 2 comprises an image pickup assembly with a set of lenses that captures multiple images of the webbing, and the captured images are stored in a memory of the imaging unit 2 in the form of optical data. The imaging unit 2 also includes a processor integrated with artificial intelligence protocols, so that the processor processes the optical data and extracts the required data from the captured images. The extracted data is further converted into digital pulses and bits and transmitted to a built-in microcontroller connected to the device. The microcontroller processes the received data and determines the dimensions of the webbing.

[0024] Based on this, the microcontroller controls a motorized drawer assembly integrated into the housing 1 to expand / contract and increase / decrease the dimensions of the housing 1. The drawer assembly includes sliding racks and rails, so that the body 1 is mounted over the racks, which are electronically operated by the microcontroller to move along the rails. The microcontroller thus controls the drawer assembly. The drawer assembly is driven by a DC motor, which is actuated by the microcontroller providing the required electrical current to the motor.The motor consists of a coil which converts the received electrical current into mechanical force by generating a magnetic field so that the mechanical force provides the necessary energy to the racks to impart to the body 1 a sliding movement for extension / retraction as required for the increase / reduction of the dimensions of the body 1 for proper reception over the webbing, followed by the actuation of a plurality of motorised clamps 3 arranged on the inner periphery of the body 1 to grip the webbing with a view to attaching the body 1 to the webbing in a secured manner.

[0025] An ultrasonic sensor is integrated into the housing 1 and synchronized with the imaging unit 2 to monitor the distance of the seat belt's buckle plate relative to a user enclosed in the seat belt. The ultrasonic sensor works by generating ultrasonic waves that strike the buckle plate and are refracted back. The diffracted waves are received by a receiver integrated into the sensor. The pattern of the received waves is converted into an analog value, which in turn is converted into an electrical signal sent to the microcontroller. The microcontroller then processes the signal received from the sensor to monitor the distance of the seat belt's locking plate relative to a user enclosed in the seat belt.

[0026] A speed sensor is integrated into the housing 1. This sensor monitors the speed at which the latch plate releases from the buckle. The speed sensor consists of a magnet mounted on the latch plate and a Hall-effect sensor embedded in the body 1 of the device. As the latch plate moves, the magnet's magnetic field fluctuates, resulting in a corresponding change in the voltage output by the Hall-effect sensor. This voltage change is proportional to the speed at which the bolt releases. The sensor then processes this voltage signal to calculate the speed of the latch movement and provide real-time feedback to the microcontroller.By continuously monitoring these speed fluctuations, the sensor allows the microcontroller to evaluate the speed at which the buckle tongue releases from the buckle, and based on the combined signals from both sensors, the microcontroller assesses the probability of the buckle tongue colliding with the user's body part 1.

[0027] An L-shaped rod is connected to the body 1, which is operated by the microcontroller to extend and position a curved flap 4 connected to the rod in front of the user's torso. Several inflatable bags are arranged on the flap 4, which are operated by the microcontroller to be inflated to provide the user with a cushioning effect when struck by the locking plate, only in the event that the microcontroller determines that the assessed probability exceeds a threshold. The inflatable bag is equipped with a compressor, the air compressor works by compressing the atmospheric air and storing the air in the inflatable bag, which is then inflated. The compressor works by converting the potential energy of the air into kinetic energy. This occurs by compressing the air, which increases the air pressure and temperature.The air is then released through a nozzle and directed into the inflatable bag, assisting in the inflation of the inflatable bag so that it inflates and provides the user with a cushioning effect when hit by a bar plate.

[0028] A capacitance sensor is installed on the shearing machine to detect the webbing fabric type. The capacitance sensor consists of two conductive plates separated by a dielectric material, which is the webbing. When the scissors grip the webbing, the capacitance between the plates changes due to the different dielectric properties of different fabric types. This change in capacitance is detected by the sensing circuit and converted into a signal proportional to the fabric type. By analyzing this signal, the microcontroller can differentiate between the different webbing materials and adjusts the gripping action of the scissors accordingly to ensure optimal gripping force and safety for the user.

[0029] A plurality of ball rollers 5 are arranged on the inner circumference of the body 1 to allow the user to adjust the position of the body 1 on the belt webbing, thus facilitating the proper safety of the user accommodated in the vehicle. Furthermore, a motorized ball joint is arranged between the rod and the flap 4 to enable multi-axis rotation of the flap 4 so that the front part of the user's body 1 is properly covered. The ball joint allows 360-degree rotation of the flap 4, allowing the flap 4 to be rotated to a desired angle. The ball joint is a coupling consisting of a ball joint securely locked in a socket joint, the ball joint being able to rotate 360 ​​degrees in the socket, thus enabling the required rotation of the flap 4.The ball joint is driven by a DC motor actuated by the microcontroller, allowing multidirectional movement of the flap 4 to properly cover the front part of the user's body 1.

[0030] The device is connected to a battery that supplies the required power to the electronically and electrically operated components of the device, including the microcontroller, electrically operated sensors, motorized components, and the like. The battery in the device is preferably a rechargeable lithium-ion battery that recharges by drawing the required power from an external power source. The derived energy is further stored in the form of chemical energy within the battery, which, when needed, draws the required power in the form of electrical current from the device's components to ensure the smooth and proper functioning of the device.

[0031] The present invention works best in the following manner, where the U-shaped body 1 is designed to be attached to webbing of a vehicle's seat belt, the imaging unit 2 is installed on the body 1 to determine dimensions of the webbing and the microcontroller actuates the motorized drawer assembly within the body 1 to expand / contract the dimensions of the body 1. The ultrasonic sensor is synchronized with the imaging unit 2 to monitor the distance of the seat belt buckle plate with respect to the user enclosed in the seat belt. The speed sensor is integrated into the body 1 to monitor the speed at which the buckle tongue releases from the buckle.The L-shaped rod is connected to the body 1, which is actuated by the microcontroller to extend to position a curved-shaped flap 4, connected to the rod, in front of the user's torso. Several inflatable bags are arranged on the flap 4, which are actuated by the microcontroller to be inflated to provide the user with a cushioning effect when struck by the lock plate, only in the event that the microcontroller determines that the evaluated probability exceeds a threshold. The capacitance sensor is installed on the scissors to detect the webbing type. A plurality of ball rollers 5 are arranged on the inner periphery of the body 1 to facilitate the user in adjusting the position of the body 1 on the webbing, with a view to facilitating the user's proper safety while accommodated in the vehicle.Furthermore, the motorized ball joint is arranged between the rod and the flap 4 to allow the flap 4 to rotate in multiple axes in order to properly cover the front part of the user's body 1.

[0032] Although the scope of the invention has been described herein with limited reference to specific embodiments, this description is not intended to be construed in a limiting sense. Various modifications of the disclosed embodiments, as well as alternative embodiments of the invention, will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reference to the description of the invention. 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] CN 204182047U

[0004]

Claims

[1] A safety device for vehicle seat belts, comprising: i) a U-shaped body 1 designed to be connected to the webbing of a vehicle seat belt, with an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 2 installed on the body 1 and paired with a processor for capturing and processing a plurality of images of the surroundings; ii) a microcontroller connected to the processes and processing the captured images to determine the dimensions of the webbing, the microcontroller on this basis actuating a motorised drawer assembly integrated into the body 1 to expand / contract in order to increase / decrease the dimensions of the body 1 so that it can be properly accommodated over the webbing, followed by the actuation of a plurality of motorised scissors 3 arranged on the inner periphery of the body 1 to grip the webbing to fasten the body 1 to the webbing in a secured manner; iii) an ultrasonic sensor integrated into the body 1 and synchronized with the imaging unit 2 for monitoring the distance of the safety belt locking plate relative to a user enclosed in the safety belt, wherein a speed sensor is integrated into the body 1 for monitoring the speed at which the locking plate releases from the safety belt buckle, wherein the microcontroller assesses the probability of collision of the locking plate with the body part of the user 1 based on the combined signals of both sensors; and iv) an L-shaped rod connected to the body 1, which is actuated by the microcontroller to extend to position a curved-shaped flap 4 connected to the rod in front of the user's torso, with a plurality of inflatable bags arranged on the flap 4, which are actuated by the microcontroller to be inflated to provide the user with a cushioning effect when hit by the locking plate, only in the event that the microcontroller detects that the assessed probability exceeds a threshold; [2] The device of claim 1, wherein a capacitance sensor is installed on the clamps to detect the webbing type of the seat belt, after which the microcontroller controls the operation of the clamps to grip the seat belt webbing. [3] The device according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of ball rollers 5 are arranged on the inner circumference of the body 1 to facilitate the user to adjust the position of the body 1 on the webbing to ensure proper safety of the user accommodated in the vehicle. [4] Device according to claim 1, in which a motorized ball joint is arranged between the rod and the flap 4 to impart a multi-axis rotational movement to the flap 4 in order to properly cover the front part of the user's body 1. [5] The device of claim 1, wherein a battery is connected to the device to power electrical and electronically operated components connected to the device.

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