Active Seat Belt Control for Occupant Posture Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle seat belt systems fail to provide adaptive protection for occupants in varying seat positions and sitting postures, especially with the changes brought about by autonomous driving.
Innovation Solution
An integrated safety domain control unit that utilizes an in-vehicle observation system, collision prediction system, and active seat belt components to adaptively adjust the seat belt based on occupant posture, seat position, and collision probability, including components like 3D cameras, radars, and sensors to formulate protective strategies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional seat belt system is used, then the structure is simple and cost is low, but it cannot provide adaptive protection for occupants in varying seat positions and sitting postures
Solution Approach 1:
The seat belt system transitions from a static configuration to a dynamic one by incorporating an active retractor that can adjust the retraction force and timing based on real-time occupant position detection. The system dynamically adapts the seat belt tensioning characteristics to match different occupant scenarios, enabling protective adaptation without requiring complete system redesign for each scenario
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical adjustment mechanisms with an electronically controlled active retractor system. The retractor uses motorized actuation and electronic control units to adjust seat belt parameters, substituting complex mechanical linkages with more compact electromechanical systems that offer better control precision and adaptability
2Ease of operation
If the seat belt buckle is automatically lifted or lowered, then the operating comfort is improved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The seat belt buckle lifting and lowering functions operate autonomously based on sensor inputs and pre-programmed logic. The system automatically detects when the buckle needs to be adjusted and executes the adjustment without requiring manual intervention, making the system serve itself and eliminating the need for complex user interfaces or manual control mechanisms
3Reliability
If the seat belt system is adjusted in real-time based on occupant posture, then the protection effectiveness is improved, but the response time and control complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary adjustments to the seat belt configuration based on predicted collision scenarios and pre-determined optimal positions. By anticipating the need for adjustment and executing it before the collision occurs, the system eliminates response time delays during the critical impact moment while maintaining protection effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors occupant position, seat configuration, and collision risk through integrated sensors, and uses this feedback to dynamically adjust seat belt parameters. The closed-loop control system processes sensor data in real-time and automatically modifies retractor force, buckle position, and belt tension to optimize protection while maintaining fast response through efficient feedback processing
Data Source
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AI summary
An object of the present invention is to provide a system for improving safety of an occupant by a vehicle seat belt, which can provide adaptive protection for an occupant in different seat positions and different sitting postures. Another object of the present invention is to provide a method for improving safety of an occupant by a vehicle seat belt, and still another object of the present invention is to provide a computer-readable medium. The a system for improving safety of an occupant by a vehicle seat belt includes an in-vehicle observation system, an active seat belt system, and an integrated safety domain control unit. The integrated safety domain control unit formulates a vehicle seat belt protection strategy based on received data from the in-vehicle observation system, and a slack state of an active retractor and a positional state of an active lift buckle in the active seat belt system, to implement selective tightening or loosening of the active retractor and/or selective lifting or lowering of the active lift buckle.