Anchor Latch Assembly for Child Restraint Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing child restraint systems require duplicate LATCH assembly parts and complex strap arrangements to accommodate both forward and rear facing installations, increasing cost and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A child safety seat design featuring a single anchor strap with anchoring connectors that slide along a track between forward and rear facing positions, eliminating the need for duplicate straps and bars by using a single bar to capture the strap, allowing it to remain permanently attached while switching between installation orientations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If two separate LATCH straps are used for forward and rear facing orientations, then the CRS can be installed in both orientations, but the cost and complexity of the CRS increases due to duplicate parts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single LATCH strap that can serve both forward-facing and rear-facing installation orientations. The strap is equipped with a slider mechanism that allows it to be repositioned along the belt path, enabling the same strap to function in multiple installation configurations without requiring duplicate straps for each orientation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by incorporating a slider mechanism into the LATCH strap assembly. This slider allows the strap to dynamically reposition itself along the belt path, transitioning between forward-facing and rear-facing positions. The dynamic element enables the strap to adapt its configuration based on the desired installation orientation, eliminating the need for static, orientation-specific straps.
2Adaptability or versatility
If two separate LATCH straps are used for forward and rear facing orientations, then the CRS can be installed in both orientations, but the weight of the CRS increases due to duplicate straps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single LATCH strap that can serve both forward-facing and rear-facing installation orientations. The strap is equipped with a slider mechanism that allows it to be repositioned along the belt path, enabling the same strap to function in multiple installation configurations without requiring duplicate straps for each orientation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies merging by combining the functions of two separate orientation-specific straps into a single multi-functional strap. By integrating the slider mechanism, the patent merges the capabilities of forward-facing and rear-facing straps into one unified component, reducing the overall weight of the LATCH assembly while maintaining installation flexibility.
3Device complexity
If a leash type design with a single LATCH strap is used, then the number of parts is reduced, but the user must manually route the strap through correct belt paths and remove soft goods to access anchor points
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring the belt path with guide features and positioning elements that direct the strap along the correct routing path. The slider mechanism is pre-positioned to automatically align with the belt path guides, eliminating the need for users to manually route the strap through complex paths or remove soft goods to access anchor points.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies the intermediary principle by introducing guide features and positioning elements as intermediaries between the strap and the belt path. These intermediaries facilitate smooth strap routing by providing physical guidance and alignment, making the installation process easier without requiring manual manipulation or removal of soft goods.
4Adaptability or versatility
If rigid bars are used on each side of the seat for strap routing, then the strap can switch between orientations, but the cost, complexity and weight of the CRS increases due to duplicate parts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies merging by consolidating the functions of multiple rigid bars into a single integrated bar structure. The single bar incorporates routing features for both forward-facing and rear-facing orientations, eliminating the need for separate bars on each side of the seat. This reduces the number of parts while maintaining the ability to switch between orientations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies universality by designing a single rigid bar that serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, guides the LATCH strap for both forward-facing and rear-facing installations, and incorporates positioning features for orientation switching. This multi-functional bar eliminates the need for duplicate bars while maintaining full adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
A child safety seat has a seat shell with a seat back portion, a seat bottom portion, and a seating surface. A track is provided on the child safety seat. A slot has a slot length along the track and a slot width defined between two parts of the track. An anchor strap has a belt, two anchoring connectors coupled to and spaced apart along the belt, and a central section between the two anchoring connectors. The central section has a thickness less than the slot width and captured in the slot between the two parts of the track. The two anchoring connectors are sized larger than the slot width thereby preventing removal of the anchor strap from the child safety seat. The anchor strap can slide along the slot length between at least a forward facing anchor position and a rear facing anchor position on the seat shell.