Contoured Bracket for 3-Point Seat Belt Retrofit in Convertibles
Solution Overview
Problem
Convertible vehicles lack a third anchor point for a 3-point seat belt system, making existing devices unsuitable, as they require installation in the upper frame adjacent to the user's head, which is not present in convertibles, compromising safety and aesthetics.
Innovation Solution
A three-point seat belt anchor assembly and retrofitting method that includes a contoured bracket to create a third anchor point above the shoulder, compatible with existing vehicle frames, allowing for a 3-point seat belt system without altering the vehicle's design or requiring new holes, and a kit for converting 2-point to 3-point seat belts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a 3-point seat belt system is installed in a convertible vehicle, then safety is improved, but the vehicle structure must be modified to add an upper anchor point
Solution Approach 1:
A mounting bracket serves as an intermediary component between the existing convertible roof structure and the 3-point seat belt system. The bracket attaches to existing factory holes in the vehicle frame and provides the necessary upper anchor point for the shoulder belt, avoiding direct modification of the vehicle structure while enabling 3-point belt installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting bracket is designed to utilize existing factory holes in the vehicle frame that were originally intended for other components. By adapting these pre-existing openings for seat belt anchorage, the solution achieves multi-functionality without requiring new structural modifications or additional holes in the convertible vehicle body.
2Reliability
If the upper frame adjacent to the user's head is used for anchor point installation, then the 3-point seat belt system can be installed, but the vehicle's original design and aesthetics are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting bracket acts as a mediator that relocates the anchor point from the traditional upper frame position (adjacent to the user's head) to a position on the convertible roof structure. This intermediary component enables proper 3-point belt geometry while preserving the vehicle's original design lines and aesthetic appearance.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of installing the anchor point in the vertical dimension adjacent to the user's head, the mounting bracket positions the anchor point on the convertible roof structure, utilizing a different spatial dimension. This dimensional shift allows the seat belt system to function properly while maintaining the vehicle's exterior and interior aesthetics.
3Ease of manufacture
If existing factory holes are utilized for bracket installation, then no new holes need to be drilled, but the bracket must have a specific contoured profile to match the vehicle make and model
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting bracket features a contoured profile with specific local geometries tailored to match the frame structure and hole positions of particular vehicle makes and models. This localized customization of the bracket shape enables precise alignment with existing factory holes, facilitating easy installation without drilling new holes while accommodating variations across different vehicle platforms.
Data Source
AI summary
A three-point installation bracket for converting a two-point seat belt system included factory in a convertible vehicle to a three-point seat belt system without requiring modifications/changes to the existing vehicle frame. The disclosure also includes methods for installing the bracket, as well as kits including same.