School Bus Seat Mount with Loop-Through D-Ring and Hip Deterrent
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current school bus restraint systems are inadequate for passengers with mental or physical disabilities, as they can be easily undone by students, and existing solutions are either expensive or difficult for drivers to install and adjust.
Innovation Solution
An improved bus seat restraint system with a modified seat mount featuring loop-through shoulder attachments, independent shoulder strap adjustments, and a deterrent device at the hip clip-in location, making it difficult for students to unclip without assistance, while allowing easy installation and adjustment by drivers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a simple restraint system is used, then the cost is reduced, but the restraint can be easily undone by students with disabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (the loop-through D-ring configuration with the restraint strap passing through it) that mediates between the simple snap hook connection and the need for enhanced security. This intermediary structure requires students to perform multiple actions (unclip snap hook, remove from D-ring, retrieve strap) rather than a single simple action, thereby increasing restraint security without significantly increasing system complexity or cost
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by designing the restraint system to anticipate and prevent the intended harmful action (students undoing restraints). The loop-through configuration creates a preliminary barrier that makes the undoing process significantly more difficult, requiring students to first unclip the snap hook, then manually retrieve the strap from the D-ring, and finally remove it from their clothing, thereby preventing easy escape from the restraint
2Reliability
If a secure restraint system is used, then student safety is improved, but the installation and adjustment becomes complex for drivers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the restraint system into distinct functional components: the vest with integrated D-rings, the seat mount with separate D-rings, the restraint strap with snap hooks, and the loop-through configuration. This segmentation allows each component to be independently manufactured and assembled, simplifying the overall installation process for drivers while maintaining security through the coordinated interaction of these modular elements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-attaching the D-rings to the vest and seat mount during manufacturing, rather than requiring drivers to attach them during installation. The restraint strap is also pre-configured with snap hooks. This preliminary preparation of components significantly reduces the complexity and time required for drivers to install and adjust the restraint system in the field
3Ease of operation
If traditional seat mounts are used, then installation is simple, but students can easily unclip and stand up
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimensionality change by transitioning from a traditional single-point or two-point connection to a multi-dimensional loop-through configuration. The restraint strap passes through the D-ring in a specific spatial path, creating a dimensional complexity that prevents easy removal. Students must navigate through multiple spatial steps (unclip, reach through, retrieve) rather than a simple linear unclipping action, thereby reducing student mobility while maintaining installation simplicity
Data Source
AI summary
A seat mount, to be used with a school bus restraint vest or harness that provides a means where the passenger seated in the restraint cannot easily remove himself or herself from the seat mount without the assistance of another individual. The upper attachment of the seat mount loops-through D-rings on the passenger's vest, and then returns and attaches to the backside of the seat, out of reach of the passenger. The straps of the upper attachment may also be independently adjusted after the seat mount is attached to the passenger wearing the vest. The lower attachment at the hips includes a deterrent in which the passenger cannot easily remove the snap hook from the D-ring. This is accomplished by using a metal O-ring that is slipped over the snap hook tongue preventing it from opening. These improvements to the upper and lower attachments of the seat mount inhibit a student from getting up from a school bus seat when the child is not permitted to do so, thus providing protection for the student, driver and other passengers on the school bus.