Car Seat Harness Buckle Automatic Retraction Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing car seat harness buckle systems require manual intervention to retract the buckle, making it difficult to manage as children grow heavier, and previous magnetic solutions require manual placement of the buckle.
Innovation Solution
An automatic harness buckle retraction device using a loop, elastic cord, clip, and cord lock mechanism that encircles and captures the buckle, allowing it to be automatically retracted and stored out of the way.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual placement of buckle on magnet is used, then magnetic retention is achieved, but user effort and manual intervention are required
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic cord mechanism automatically retrieves and retracts the buckle when released, eliminating the need for manual intervention. The system serves itself by using the cord's elasticity to automatically return the buckle to its storage position without user action.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical placement with an automatic elastic cord retrieval system. The elastic cord provides mechanical force to automatically retract the buckle, substituting the need for manual user action while maintaining reliable retention.
2Ease of operation
If child is lifted to retrieve buckle from bottom of seat, then buckle access is achieved, but user effort increases with child weight
Solution Approach 1:
The buckle is extracted from the bottom of the seat and repositioned to hang freely accessible near the child's seating area. This extraction eliminates the need to lift the child to access the buckle, as it is now within easy reach throughout the ride.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic cord system automatically manages the buckle position, retrieving it when released and keeping it accessible during use. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for manual intervention regardless of child weight.
3Device complexity
If buckle rests at bottom of seat, then simple positioning is achieved, but child safety is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The buckle is extracted from the hazardous position at the bottom of the seat where it could contact the child, and repositioned to hang freely in a safe location. This maintains simple positioning while eliminating the safety hazard.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic cord acts as an intermediary mechanism that holds the buckle in a safe position during use and automatically retrieves it when not in use. This mediator ensures the buckle remains accessible during harnessing while preventing contact with the child during travel.
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
Enables effortless and automatic retraction of the car seat harness buckle, reducing user effort and accommodating various buckle materials, ensuring the buckle does not sit at the bottom of the seat, even as children grow heavier.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic cord
Data Source
AI summary
Car seat harness buckle retract system which by encircling the harness buckle that includes a cord lock with a length of elastic cord, where both ends pass through the cord lock to present a loop to encircle the harness buckle at the base wherein the loop is adjusted to secure the harness buckle. The other end is attached to the material or the like near the harness adjust opening of the car seat. This is then adjusted by releasing and adjusting the cord lock device to prevent the harness buckle from resting in the bottom of car seat.