Flexible Tube Gas Passage Securing in Vehicle Safety Belt

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing seat belt technologies face challenges in maintaining a stable gas flow and preventing damage during deflection, particularly at the transitional region between the lap and shoulder belt parts, due to the whiplash effect and relative movement between the belt strap and gas passage.

Innovation Solution

A flexible tube gas passage is secured within the belt interior, with one end fixed to the end fitting and the other end bonded to a belt strap layer, preventing slipping and uncontrolled movement, ensuring consistent gas flow and reduced damage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a flexible tube gas passage is used to connect belt interior sections, then the gas flow connection is maintained during deflection, but the tube may slip or move uncontrollably within the belt interior causing damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegas flow connection stabilityVSAvoidwhiplash effect damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The gas passage is pre-secured within the belt interior at both ends before operation. The first end is fastened in the end fitting region and the second end is bonded to a belt strap layer, preventing any whiplash effect or uncontrolled movement during subsequent deflection operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary bonding arrangement between the gas passage and the belt strap layers. This intermediary connection prevents direct relative movement between the tube and belt strap while maintaining the flexible gas flow path needed for inflation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If the gas passage is not additionally secured within the belt interior, then the structure remains simple, but the tube ends may move causing whiplash effect and damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegas passage structureVSAvoidbelt strap integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The gas passage is designed as a flexible tube that can bend and deflect with the belt strap during operation. This flexibility allows the tube to maintain its function while the bonding arrangements prevent harmful relative movements, resolving the contradiction between flexibility and stability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Adaptability or versatility

If the gas passage opening cross-section is small, then the tube is more flexible and easier to route, but the filling efficiency of the belt interior is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetube flexibilityVSAvoidbelt interior filling speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes the parameter of the gas passage opening cross-section to achieve a balance between flexibility and filling efficiency. The cross-section is designed to be sufficiently large for effective inflation while maintaining the flexibility needed to route through the belt strap layers

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

This solution enhances the filling of the belt interior, prevents damage, and ensures effective inflation of the seat belt by maintaining an open cross-section and reducing relative movement, thereby improving the restraint capabilities during collisions.

Implementation Method 1

a gas passage connecting at least two sections of the belt interior is provided between the at least two belt strap layers

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGas flow:

Data Source

PatentUS8882140B2Belt strap for a safety belt of a vehicle

Publication Date: 2014.11.11 MERCEDES BENZ GROUP AG

AI summary

A belt strap for a safety belt of a vehicle includes a belt interior located between two belt strap layers, to which belt interior a gas can be applied. A gas passage connecting at least two sections of the belt interior is provided between the at least two belt strap layers. The gas passage is secured at a first end in the region of an end fitting of the safety belt. The gas passage, which is designed as a flexible tube, is secured within the belt interior with at least a second end, which is located opposite the secured first end.