Belt Retractor Load Limiter with Detachable Bar
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current belt retractors in vehicles have limited options for load levels during load-limiting phases, which restrict the flexibility and effectiveness of seat belt deployment in crash scenarios.
Innovation Solution
The load limiter is detachably coupled to the belt reel using a load-transmitting bar retained by a support ring, allowing for easy adjustment of load levels, with a torsion rod and a second load limiter providing different phases of load limitation, and a pyrotechnical actuator for precise release, optimizing space and reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the load limiter is fixedly coupled to the belt reel, then the coupling is reliable and stable, but the load level cannot be adjusted or changed
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling between the load limiter and belt reel is made dynamic rather than static. The support ring can be moved between a supporting position (where it retains the bar and maintains coupling) and a release position (where it releases the bar and disconnects the coupling). This dynamic capability allows the system to switch between coupled and uncoupled states, enabling load level adjustment while maintaining reliability during active coupling.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling mechanism is segmented into separable components: the bar, the support ring, and the belt reel connection. This segmentation allows the bar to be retained or released independently by moving the support ring, enabling easy adjustment of the load limiter configuration without compromising the integrity of the individual components or their connections.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a second load limiter is added to provide multiple load levels, then the adaptability increases, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The single load limiter is designed to perform multiple functions by being detachably coupled to the belt reel. Through the actor mechanism that moves the support ring between supporting and release positions, the same load limiter can be activated or deactivated to provide different load levels. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for multiple separate load limiters, reducing device complexity while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The first load limiter can be discarded (deactivated by releasing the bar from the support ring) when the second load limiter becomes active. This allows the system to transition between different load-limiting phases using different limiters sequentially, providing multiple load levels without requiring all limiters to operate simultaneously, thus managing complexity effectively.
3Ease of operation
If the support ring is made easily movable for adjustment, then the ease of operation improves, but the reliability of the coupled position may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The support ring's position is made dynamic with two distinct stable states: a supporting position where it reliably retains the bar, and a release position where it reliably releases the bar. The actor mechanism provides controlled transition between these states. This dynamic design ensures that when the support ring is in the supporting position, the coupling is as reliable as a fixed connection, while still allowing easy movement to the release position for adjustment when needed.
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 configuration provides enhanced flexibility in load levels during load-limiting phases, ensuring effective seat belt deployment by allowing adjustable load levels and precise activation of the load limiter, enhancing occupant safety.
Implementation Method 1
a pyrotechnical actuator for precise release
Implementation Method 2
a torsion rod which at one end is fixedly coupled to the belt reel and at the other end is fixedly coupled to the frame
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a belt retractor comprising a frame (10), a belt reel (12) rotatably arranged within the frame, a blocking mechanism (18) by which the belt reel (12) can be blocked within the frame (10), and a load limiter (14) which is detachably coupled to the belt reel (12), characterized in that for coupling the load limiter (14) at least one load-transmitting bar (28) is used which is arranged at the belt reel (12) and is retained in a coupling position by a support ring (32), wherein the support ring (32) can be moved from a supporting position to a release position by means of an actor (70).