Plus-Two-Point Belt Occupant Classification via Webbing Markers
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current plus-two-point belt systems, also known as backpack belts, lack an effective measurement system to collect information about the occupant's size and weight for adjusting restraint performance during vehicle impacts, which limits their ability to optimize airbag deployment and seatbelt operation.
Innovation Solution
A belt assembly with sensors and markers that determine the length of webbing paid out by the belt retractor, allowing classification of the occupant based on size, and adjust the seatbelt's operation accordingly, including the use of a second sensor to track belt movement and a processor to communicate this information for airbag and seatbelt adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a traditional three-point belt system is used, then the belt assembly is simple in structure, but it cannot collect information about occupant size and weight for adjusting restraint performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces markers as intermediary objects attached to the belt webbing that serve as information carriers. These markers are detected by sensors to indirectly obtain occupant size and weight information without requiring direct measurement of the occupant, thus resolving the contradiction between information collection and system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces direct mechanical measurement of occupant dimensions with an optical/electronic detection system using sensors and markers. This substitution allows information collection about occupant characteristics without complex mechanical measurement devices, addressing the contradiction between information availability and system complexity
2Reliability
If plus-two-point belt systems are used, then supplemental restraint is provided, but they lack measurement systems to optimize airbag deployment and seatbelt operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the belt assembly multi-functional by integrating both the restraint function (plus-two-point belt) and the measurement function (occupant classification) into a single system. The same belt webbing serves as both the restraint mechanism and the carrier for measurement markers, eliminating the need for separate measurement systems and reducing overall complexity while improving reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the restraint system and measurement system into a unified belt assembly. The markers are integrated onto the belt webbing itself, and the sensors are incorporated into the existing belt retractor or anchorage structure, combining multiple functions without proportionally increasing complexity
3Adaptability or versatility
If sensors and markers are added to determine webbing length for occupant classification, then airbag and seatbelt adjustments are enabled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses parameter changes in the form of detectable markers with specific physical characteristics (reflectivity, color, size) that allow the sensor to determine webbing payout length and classify occupant size. This approach enables adaptable restraint system adjustment through simple detectable parameter changes rather than complex measurement mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses markers as simplified copies or representations of occupant characteristics. Instead of directly measuring the occupant, the system uses markers that copy the information needed for classification, allowing the sensor to infer occupant size and weight from the marker detection data, thus enabling adaptability without proportionally increasing complexity
Data Source
AI summary
A plus-two-point belt system is disclosed. The plus-two-point belt system includes a longitudinal webbing anchored at a first end to a seat and fixed at a second end to a retractor. The webbing is extendable from the retractor to allow an occupant to slip their arm under the webbing to provide a supplemental restraint. The webbing includes first and second portions where the second portion is retractably coiled on the retractor and the second portion has at least one conductive marker. A sensor is provided to sense the marker and a processor is provided to set an alarm when the marker is not detected.