Child Restraint Harness with Automatic Side-Belt Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing child restraint systems require caregivers to manually handle and position shoulder-gripping portions of belts, making it difficult to seat and unseat children efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A side-belt mover system that automatically raises and lowers shoulder-gripping portions of the side belts using elastic strips and an actuator strap, allowing caregivers to seat and remove children without manual handling of the belts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual handling of shoulder-gripping portions of side belts is required, then the device structure remains simple, but the ease of operation deteriorates as caregivers must manually position belts during seating
Solution Approach 1:
The side belts are automatically raised to a pre-positioned location above the child's shoulders before the caregiver needs to secure the child. This preliminary positioning action eliminates the need for manual belt handling during the critical seating moment, directly improving ease of operation while introducing automated positioning mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The restraint system performs self-positioning of the side belts through automatic raising mechanisms that activate when the child is placed in the seat. The system serves itself by automatically adjusting belt positions without requiring external manual intervention, thereby improving operational ease while adding automated control systems
2Ease of operation
If side belts are automatically raised above the seat bottom, then the ease of operation improves by allowing easy child placement, but the device complexity increases due to automated positioning mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The side belts transition from a static fixed position to a dynamic automatically adjustable position. The belts can now move between raised and lowered states based on whether a child is being seated or restrained, providing adaptability that improves ease of child placement while requiring dynamic positioning mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically raises side belts to a predetermined position above the seat bottom before the child needs to be secured. This preliminary positioning prepares the restraint system in advance, making child placement straightforward while implementing automated raising mechanisms that add complexity
3Ease of operation
If the side-belt mover automatically lowers side belts after seating, then the ease of operation improves by enabling automatic restraint engagement, but the use of energy increases due to actuator operation
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator operates periodically rather than continuously - it activates to lower side belts after seating, then remains inactive during the restraint phase. This periodic operation reduces overall energy consumption compared to continuous actuation, while still achieving automatic restraint engagement when needed
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical action of pulling and positioning side belts is replaced with an automated actuator system. This substitution enables automatic restraint engagement after seating, improving ease of operation while the actuator consumes energy to perform the mechanical work that previously required human effort
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
Facilitates easier seating and unseating of children by automating the positioning of side belts, reducing caregiver effort and improving safety by ensuring proper restraint engagement and disengagement.
Implementation Method 1
elastic strips and an actuator strap
Data Source
AI summary
A child restraint, in accordance with the present disclosure, includes a juvenile seat and a child-restraint harness. The child-restraint harness may be configured to move to make it easier for a caregiver to seat and unseat a child.