Automatic Child Seat Anchors With Tension-Verified Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current child seat installation systems in vehicles are often physically difficult and confusing for users, leading to a high rate of mis-installation, which compromises the safety of children in the event of an impact.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising movable lower anchors that can extend and retract to securely attach a child seat or other removable items to a vehicle seat, with an actuator and controller to facilitate easy and correct installation, and sensors to monitor tension and ensure secure attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional manual child seat installation systems are used, then the system structure is simple, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to physical difficulty and confusion for users
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automatic child seat installation through self-service mechanisms where the lower anchors automatically extend and engage with the child seat, and the tensioning system automatically tightens the installation without requiring manual adjustment by the user
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical installation operations with an automated electromechanical system that uses actuators to extend/retract lower anchors and apply tension, substituting user physical effort and manual manipulation with automated mechanical action
2Reliability
If traditional manual child seat installation systems are used, then the device complexity is low, but the reliability deteriorates due to high rate of mis-installation
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates sensors that detect whether the lower anchors are properly engaged with the child seat and provide feedback signals to indicate correct installation, enabling verification of installation status and reducing mis-installation errors
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by automatically extending the lower anchors and positioning them for engagement before the child seat is fully installed, ensuring proper alignment and reducing the likelihood of mis-installation
3Ease of operation
If movable lower anchors with actuators are implemented, then the ease of operation improves through automated extension and retraction, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs dynamic lower anchors that can automatically extend and retract based on operational requirements, transitioning between static and movable states to provide both ease of installation and secure retention without requiring complex permanent mechanical structures
Data Source
AI summary
An attachment system is provided to automatically engage and secure a child seat or other removable items to a vehicle seat. The system includes an actuator configured to moves one or more anchors between retracted and extended positions to engage hooks or other attachment on a child seat. A physical switch can activate the actuator to move the anchors. A controller can be configured to control the actuator based at least in part on trigger signal or tension information coming from a sensor. A processing component can be configured to enable wired or wireless communication to monitor various conditions of the child seat or determine operational parameters of the system.