Deformable Cable Positioner for Safety Belt Tensioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing positioning devices for safety belts in vehicles require guiding means that occupy space and can be damaging due to compression loading, limiting their efficiency and lifespan.
Innovation Solution
A positioning device featuring a deformable load-bearing element coupled with a shaped part that changes shape to define its position, allowing movement without a separate guide, using a flexible cable loaded in tension and optimized materials for reduced wear and friction, with a spring element for precise positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If guiding means are used to define the position of the load-bearing element, then positioning precision is improved, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the guiding function with the load-bearing element itself by giving it a specific deformable shape. The shaped part of the load-bearing element defines the movement path through its geometry rather than requiring a separate guiding structure. This merging eliminates additional guiding components while maintaining positioning precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The load-bearing element is designed to be deformable, changing its shape from a first configuration to a second configuration as it moves from the first position to the second position. This dynamic shape change allows the element to define its own movement path without rigid guides, reducing device complexity while maintaining positioning accuracy.
2Reliability
If the load-bearing element is subjected to compression loading, then positioning function is achieved, but reliability decreases due to potential damage
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using compression loading to achieve positioning, the patent inverts the approach by using tension loading. The load-bearing element is pulled from the first position to the second position through tensile forces applied to its free end, eliminating the harmful compression effects while maintaining the positioning function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the loading parameter from compression to tension. By applying tensile forces instead of compressive forces to the load-bearing element, the system achieves positioning while avoiding the damage associated with compression loading, thereby improving reliability.
3Duration of action of moving object
If conventional materials are used for the holder and shaped part, then manufacturing is simple, but wear increases reducing cycle number
Solution Approach 1:
The patent specifies using plastic material for the holder and metal material for the shaped part, creating a composite material system. This combination provides superior wear resistance compared to conventional single materials, significantly increasing the cycle number while remaining manufacturable through standard processes like injection molding and metal forming.
4Stability of the object's composition
If the friction contact surface between shaped part and holder is large, then stability is improved, but operational forces increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the friction contact surface parameters by designing the shaped part with specific geometric features that reduce the contact area with the holder. This parameter optimization reduces the friction force, thereby lowering the operational forces required to move the load-bearing element while maintaining sufficient stability through the constrained movement path.
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
Enables space-saving, efficient, and durable positioning of safety belts with reduced wear and lower operational forces, enhancing the cycle number and precision of movement paths.
Implementation Method 1
This change in position can be forced by a spring element, for example, which exerts an axial force onto the shaped part.
Data Source
AI summary
A positioning device has a deformable load-bearing element (10), a shaped part (12) coupled to the load-bearing element (10), and a holder (24). The load-bearing element (10) is adapted to be shifted from a first position in which the shaped part (12) is held in a first shape by the holder (24), into a second position in which the shaped part (12) is at least partially no longer held by the holder (24) and takes a second shape which is transmitted to the load-bearing element (10).