Molded Belt Deflecting Device with Dual Run-on Geometry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing safety belt deflecting devices are either expensive due to bent wire geometries or face issues with belt webbing fusion when made of plastic, and struggle to accommodate varying occupant heights and postures effectively.
Innovation Solution
A deflecting device formed as a molded part with a dual run-on geometry, where the belt run-on element is slightly wider than the belt webbing to guide it smoothly, and the belt deflecting element is much wider to adapt to different occupant heights and postures, featuring a friction-reducing surface coating and an arcuate curvature for optimal belt routing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If deflecting devices are made of plastic molded parts, then manufacturing cost is reduced and production is simplified, but the belt webbing may fuse together with the deflecting device during rapid movement
Solution Approach 1:
The deflecting device incorporates a dual run-on geometry with differentiated surface properties: a first run-on surface with high friction coefficient and a second run-on surface with low friction coefficient. This local quality variation allows the belt webbing to be gripped initially for proper routing while preventing fusion during rapid movement, resolving the contradiction between plastic material benefits and fusion risk.
Solution Approach 2:
The dual run-on geometry acts as an intermediary mechanism between the belt webbing and the plastic molded part. By providing two distinct surface characteristics, it mediates the interaction to achieve both proper belt routing and prevention of fusion, allowing plastic material to be used without the fusion problem.
2Reliability
If a bent wire geometry is used for the deflecting device, then belt webbing fusion is prevented, but manufacturing cost increases and attachment becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces expensive bent wire geometries with a plastic molded part that achieves the same fusion prevention function through its dual run-on geometry. This allows the use of cheaper plastic material while maintaining reliability, effectively substituting an expensive solution with a cheaper alternative that serves the same purpose.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the surface friction parameters of the plastic molded part by incorporating two run-on surfaces with different friction coefficients. This parameter change allows the plastic material to exhibit behavior similar to bent wire geometries in preventing fusion, while maintaining the manufacturing advantages of molded plastic parts.
3Ease of manufacture
If the deflecting device is designed with fixed geometry, then manufacturing is simplified, but adaptability to different occupant heights and postures is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The deflecting device incorporates a dual run-on geometry that dynamically adapts to different belt routing requirements. The belt webbing can engage with either the first or second run-on surface depending on the occupant's position and height, allowing a fixed manufactured part to provide dynamic adaptability without complex adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The dual run-on geometry enables a single deflecting device design to serve multiple functions: it can accommodate different occupant heights, postures, and belt routing scenarios. This universal design approach maintains manufacturing simplicity while achieving versatility across different usage conditions.
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 solution provides a cost-effective, reliable, and adaptable safety belt routing system that minimizes friction and ensures comfortable belt placement across a range of occupant sizes and positions, preventing belt webbing fusion and accommodating individual adjustments.
Implementation Method 1
The belt deflecting element and/or the belt run-on element are provided with a friction-reducing surface coating
Data Source
AI summary
A deflecting device for a safety belt in a motor vehicle includes a belt deflection element, which is designed to deflect a safety belt brought from a first direction in a second direction. The belt deflection element is formed on a molded part, and a belt guiding element is provided on the molded part and directs the safety belt brought onto the molded part towards the belt deflection element.