Adaptive Seatbelt Shoulder Anchor for Automatic Belt Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current seatbelt systems require manual adjustment of the shoulder anchor height and webbing angle, which may not be suitable for the individual user's conditions, leading to potential safety issues due to lack of automatic adjustment and dependency on user memory and knowledge of optimal settings.
Innovation Solution
A seatbelt system with a movable shoulder anchor and sensors, controlled by a processor, that automatically adjusts the height and angle of the seatbelt based on sensor data, such as images and movement detection, to ensure the seatbelt is properly positioned and angled for the user's current conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If manual adjustment of shoulder anchor height and webbing angle is used, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability of proper seatbelt positioning deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The seatbelt system automatically adjusts the shoulder anchor height and webbing angle without requiring user intervention. Sensors detect user characteristics and the system autonomously positions the seatbelt optimally, making the system self-configuring and eliminating dependency on user knowledge or memory
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical adjustment mechanisms are replaced with an automated electromechanical system comprising sensors, processors, and motorized actuators that control shoulder anchor position and webbing tension based on detected user parameters
2Ease of operation
If manual adjustment by user is required, then ease of operation is improved, but adaptability to different conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Sensors continuously monitor user characteristics, seat position, and vehicle conditions, providing feedback to the control system which automatically adjusts seatbelt parameters. This closed-loop system adapts to changing conditions without requiring user awareness or action
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-adjustment based on sensor data about the user and environmental conditions, eliminating the need for user intervention while achieving optimal positioning adapted to specific users and conditions
3Device complexity
If static shoulder anchor position is used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to changing conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The shoulder anchor and webbing system transitions from a static fixed-position design to a dynamic adjustable system that can change position and tension in real-time based on sensor feedback about user characteristics and vehicle conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically detects changes in user position, vehicle terrain, or other conditions and self-adjusts the seatbelt configuration without requiring manual readjustment by the user
Data Source
AI summary
Various implementations include a system for adjusting the position of a seatbelt in a vehicle. The system includes a shoulder anchor, at least one sensor, and a processor. The shoulder anchor is for receiving a seatbelt. The shoulder anchor is movable relative to a seat disposed within the vehicle. The processor is in electrical communication with the sensor and a memory. The processor executes computer-readable instructions stored on the memory. The instructions cause the processor to receive sensor data from the sensor, determine whether the seatbelt is within an expected area on a person in the seat based on the received sensor data, and cause the shoulder anchor to move relative to the seat in response to the seatbelt being outside of the expected area on the person in the seat such that the seatbelt is moved into the expected area.