Anchor Attachment Detection Sensor for Child Safety Seat Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current child safety seat securing systems in vehicles lack effective detection methods to ensure proper attachment to anchors, leading to potential safety issues due to redundant or improper usage of safety mechanisms, such as airbag deployment and seatbelt combinations.
Innovation Solution
An anchor attachment detection sensor system that includes a slide mount, a spring-biased plate, and a sensing device to determine the presence and type of child safety seat connectors attached to lower and upper anchors, using control signals to differentiate between secure connections, foreign objects, and improper attachments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If weight sensing systems are used to automatically deactivate airbags, then airbag deactivation can be achieved for small occupants, but the system fails when the combined weight of child and child safety seat exceeds the threshold
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the detection function into two independent sensors: a weight sensing system for detecting occupant presence and mass, and an anchor attachment detection sensor for verifying proper child safety seat installation. This segmentation allows each sensor to specialize in its specific detection task, ensuring that airbag deactivation decisions are based on both weight information and attachment verification, thereby resolving the reliability issue when combined weight exceeds thresholds.
Solution Approach 2:
The anchor attachment detection sensor acts as an intermediary verification mechanism between the weight sensing system and the airbag control system. When the weight sensor detects a child safety seat configuration, the anchor attachment sensor provides additional verification by detecting the presence and proper installation of LATCH connectors, serving as a mediator to confirm whether deactivation is appropriate even when weight thresholds are exceeded.
2Reliability
If manual deactivation is required for child safety seats exceeding weight thresholds, then safety can be maintained, but system automation and convenience are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback through the anchor attachment detection sensor that continuously monitors the status of LATCH connectors and communicates this information to the vehicle's control system. When proper attachment is detected, the system automatically provides feedback to enable or maintain airbag deactivation, eliminating the need for manual intervention while preserving safety through automated verification of correct installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The anchor attachment detection sensor enables the system to self-verify proper child safety seat installation by automatically detecting the presence and configuration of LATCH connectors. This self-service capability allows the system to autonomously determine whether airbag deactivation is appropriate, removing the burden of manual deactivation from the user while maintaining high safety standards through automated detection and verification.
3Reliability
If anchor attachment detection sensors are implemented, then proper securing can be verified, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the anchor attachment detection sensor with existing vehicle structures, specifically integrating it with the LATCH anchor assembly. The sensor is positioned to utilize the existing anchor geometry and mounting points, combining the detection function with the structural components already present in the vehicle. This merging approach enables attachment verification without adding significant complexity, as the sensor leverages existing structural elements rather than requiring entirely new mounting systems.
4Measurement precision
If sensing devices are positioned to detect connector presence, then attachment status can be determined, but the system may detect foreign objects or improper attachments
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing device is positioned at a specific location that exploits the local geometric qualities of properly installed LATCH connectors. The sensor detects the unique spatial configuration and dimensional characteristics of authentic connectors at their intended installation position, allowing it to distinguish between properly attached connectors and foreign objects based on local quality differences in shape, size, and position rather than relying solely on presence detection.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system provides accurate detection of child safety seat connectors, preventing unnecessary airbag deployment and ensuring proper securing, thereby enhancing passenger safety by determining the type of attachment and alerting for potential foreign objects or improper installations.
Implementation Method 1
a spring, wherein the spring biases the plate against the anchor attachment loop bar
Implementation Method 2
a sensing device configured to transmit a control signal having a value, wherein the value of the control signal is based on a location of a portion of the slide
Data Source
AI summary
An anchor attachment detection sensor for a vehicle including an anchor including an anchor attachment loop bar; a slide mount defining an opening, wherein the slide mount is positioned aft of the anchor attachment loop bar; a slide positioned in the opening of the slide mount, a plate secured to a first end of the slide, a spring, wherein the spring biases the plate against the anchor attachment loop bar; and a sensing device configured to transmit a control signal having a value, wherein the value of the control signal is based on a displacement of a portion of the slide.