Seat Belt Buckle Indicator Areas for Low-Light Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional seat belt designs lack effective visual indicators for the location and function of the release button, particularly in low-light conditions or when the seat is occupied, which can lead to user confusion and increased risk of improper use.
Innovation Solution
The safety restraint incorporates small holes through opaque surfaces, allowing light to be emitted through them to create indicator areas on the buckle and release button, which can be illuminated to display information such as the location of the buckle slot and the function of the release button, using light-emitting diodes or video displays controlled by a programmable controller.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional seat belt designs are used without indicator areas, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to lack of visual cues for release button location and function
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies color changes by using illuminated indicator areas that change appearance when lit. The indicator areas on the buckle housing and release button emit light or reflect light differently when illuminated, providing visual cues to users about the release button location and function, thereby improving ease of operation without significantly increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces indicator areas as intermediary elements between the release button and the user. These indicator areas serve as visual mediators that communicate the location and function of the release button, especially in low-light conditions, improving ease of operation while adding minimal complexity to the overall device
2Illumination intensity
If indicator areas with lighting devices are added to the buckle and release button, then the illumination intensity is improved for visual indication, but the use of energy increases due to additional lighting components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by using lighting devices that illuminate the indicator areas only when needed, such as when the seat belt is engaged or when the release button is pressed. The lighting operates in cycles rather than continuously, providing sufficient illumination intensity for visual indication while minimizing energy consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies self-service by designing the lighting system to automatically activate based on sensor detection or system state changes. The indicator areas illuminate themselves when the seat belt is engaged or when the release button is pressed, eliminating the need for continuous power supply while maintaining adequate illumination intensity for user guidance
3Manufacturing precision
If small holes are formed through opaque surfaces for light emission, then the manufacturing precision is improved for creating indicator areas, but the device complexity increases due to additional manufacturing steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies porous materials by forming an array of small holes through the opaque surfaces of the buckle housing and release button. These holes create a porous structure that allows light to pass through while maintaining the structural integrity and aesthetic appearance of the components. The holes are precisely positioned to form indicator areas that provide visual cues to users
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements segmentation by dividing the opaque surfaces into multiple small holes arranged in arrays. This segmentation creates distinct indicator areas on the buckle housing and release button, allowing precise control over light emission patterns while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through standardized hole formation processes
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 provides clear visual cues for the user regarding the operation of the safety restraint, enhancing usability and safety by illuminating specific areas on the buckle and release button, thus reducing confusion and improving the user's ability to correctly engage and disengage the seat belt.
Implementation Method 1
a lighting device that is located in an interior space that is behind the opaque surface
Data Source
AI summary
A restraint includes a belt, a connecting structure that is connected to the belt, a buckle housing that includes a connector opening for insertion of the connecting structure, a latch assembly that is configured to retain the connecting structure in the connector opening, and a release button that is connected to the buckle housing and is configured to cause the latch assembly to release the connecting structure when the release button is operated. A first indicator area is located on the buckle portion adjacent to the connector opening. A second indicator area is located on the release button. A third indicator area is located on the release button and is surrounded by the second indicator area.