Child Seat Anchor Strap with Internal Locking Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

The installation of child safety seats in vehicles can be cumbersome and prone to improper installation due to the complexity of internal harnesses, particularly for booster seats, which require a simpler and easier-to-operate restraint system that securely anchors the seat.

Innovation Solution

A child seat design featuring a seat shell with an internal restraint system comprising an anchor strap, fasteners, and a lock that allows for easy adjustment and secure attachment to a vehicle's anchor structure, using a single continuous web material for the anchor strap and a guide structure to prevent twisting, with the lock clamping the strap segments for secure holding.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If an internal harness is implemented in child safety seats, then the seat can securely anchor with the vehicle seat, but the construction becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecure anchoringVSAvoidconstruction complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The anchor strap assembly is segmented into multiple functional portions: a web material formed from a single piece, folded to define a looped tab and two strap segments. Each portion serves a specific function (attachment, locking, adjustment) while collectively providing secure anchoring with simplified construction

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The anchor strap assembly serves multiple functions: it anchors the child seat to the vehicle, provides adjustable positioning, and includes self-locking capability. The single web material structure performs all these functions without requiring separate complex harness components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If a conventional vehicle seatbelt is used to secure the child safety seat, then the seatbelt can restrain and protect the occupant, but the installation becomes cumbersome and prone to improper installation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection capabilityVSAvoidinstallation ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The anchor strap assembly is pre-configured with the looped tab and strap segments in specific orientations before installation. The fasteners are pre-positioned on the vehicle seat, allowing the user to simply connect the pre-prepared strap segments to the pre-positioned fasteners, making installation straightforward and reducing errors

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The anchor strap assembly acts as an intermediary between the child seat and the vehicle seatbelt system. It provides a simplified interface with pre-configured connection points that easily interface with standard vehicle fasteners, bridging the gap between complex safety requirements and simple user installation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP4035936A1Child seat
Publication Date: 2022.08.03 WONDERLAND SWITZERLAND AG
  • EP4035936A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4035936A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4035936A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A child seat (200) includes a seat shell (202) having an inner cavity (211) located near a rear of the child seat (200), and a restraint system (210) and a casing (213) assembled with each other, the casing (213) being installed in the inner cavity (211) of the seat shell (202). The restraint system (210) includes an anchor strap (212), two fasteners (214), and a lock (216) held with the casing (213), the anchor strap (212) being guided through an interior of the casing (213) and folded to define a looped tab (212C) and form two strap segments (SI, S2) respectively having two end portions (212A, 212B) that are respectively connected with the two fasteners (214), the two end portions (212A, 212B) and the looped tab (212C) respectively extending outside the seat shell (202) through three slits (218A, 218B, 218C) of the casing (213), and the lock (216) being operable to releasibly clamp the two strap segments (S1, S2) against each other between an actuator arm (232) and a base (230).