Buckle Assembly Hall Effect Sensor Reliability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional buckle engagement indicating devices in personal restraint systems are hindered by contamination and space constraints, making reliable operation difficult, especially in harsh environments.
Innovation Solution
The buckle assembly incorporates a magnetically actuated electronic switch, utilizing a Hall effect sensor to change its operational state upon latch engagement or disengagement, providing a signal to indicate the buckle's status, which is integrated into a child seat system to ensure proper restraint.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional mechanical indicating devices are used in buckles, then the buckle engagement status can be indicated, but contamination hinders operation of the moving parts and reduces reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical indicating devices with an electronic system comprising a magnetically actuated switch and Hall effect sensor. This substitution eliminates moving mechanical parts that are susceptible to contamination, using instead a magnetic field-based detection system that operates reliably in contaminated environments. The magnet is coupled to the latch mechanism, and its movement relative to the Hall effect sensor detects latch position without requiring direct mechanical contact between sensing components and the latch.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a magnetic field as an intermediary between the latch mechanism and the sensing system. The magnet attached to the latch creates a magnetic field that the Hall effect sensor detects, allowing indirect measurement of latch position. This intermediary approach allows the sensing system to remain isolated from contaminated mechanical components while still accurately detecting engagement status.
2Loss of information
If electronic indicating devices are incorporated in conventional buckles, then engagement status can be signaled, but space constraints make reliable incorporation difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the magnetic field strength parameter as the basis for detection rather than requiring physical space for mechanical indicators. The Hall effect sensor detects changes in magnetic field strength caused by magnet movement, allowing engagement status indication without requiring additional mechanical space within the buckle assembly. This parameter-based approach converts a spatial problem into a field-based measurement problem.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnet serves multiple functions: it is coupled to the latch mechanism to move with it, creates the magnetic field for sensing, and acts as the actuating element for the electronic switch. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, thereby reducing overall space requirements within the buckle assembly while still providing reliable engagement status indication.
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 reliability of buckle engagement indication, providing a clear status signal to the vehicle operator, even in contaminated conditions, and ensures proper restraint of occupants, enhancing safety by alerting operators to correct or incorrect buckle engagement.
Implementation Method 1
The switch can include a Hall effect sensor, and movement of the magnet relative to the switch can change an output signal from the sensor
Data Source
AI summary
Buckle assemblies having electronic engagement indicating devices for use with child seats and other restraint systems are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, a restraint system for use with a child seat can include first and second web connectors which each have a corresponding tongue, and a buckle assembly including a housing that encloses a latch configured to engage the tongues. The buckle assembly can further include a magnet operably coupled to the latch, and an electronic switch operably positioned in the housing. The latch is configured to move between a first latch position in which the latch is disengaged from the tongues, and a second latch position in which the latch is engaged with the tongues. Movement of the latch from the first latch position to the second latch position moves the magnet relative to the electronic switch. In some embodiments, the electronic switch can include a Hall effect sensor that outputs a signal in response to movement of the magnetic field that is indicative of the engagement status of the latch.