Deployable Seat Belt Retraction Linked to Airbag Seat Positioning
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing seat assemblies lack effective mechanisms for managing seat occupant position, particularly in deploying and retracting belt assemblies in conjunction with airbag systems for enhanced safety and comfort.
Innovation Solution
A seat assembly with a retraction mechanism comprising interconnected brackets and a tether member, where an actuator moves the second bracket from a first to a second position, causing the tether member and belt member to transition from a deployed to a stowed position, integrated with a displaceable platform and airbag assembly for synchronized deployment and retraction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a deployable belt assembly is integrated with airbag deployment, then seat occupant safety and positioning capability is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional retraction mechanisms and coordinated control systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the belt retraction function with the existing airbag deployment mechanism by integrating the retraction mechanism into the frame assembly that already supports airbag deployment. The actuator, brackets, and tether member work in coordination with the airbag system, allowing a single integrated structure to perform both safety functions rather than adding separate independent systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame assembly is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides structural support for the seat, serves as the mounting structure for airbag deployment, and houses the belt retraction mechanism. The actuator and bracket system performs dual functions of both retracting the belt and coordinating with airbag deployment timing, reducing overall system complexity through multi-functionality.
2Productivity
If the belt member is rapidly retracted after airbag deployment, then seat occupant position management efficiency is improved, but force requirements increase on the retraction mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The retraction mechanism uses a dynamically adjustable tether member that can change its effective length and tension characteristics during retraction. The bracket system allows for controlled movement that adjusts the retraction rate, enabling faster retraction when needed while managing force requirements through the mechanical advantage provided by the bracket lever arms and the progressive engagement of the tether member.
Data Source
AI summary
A seat assembly includes a seatback and a seat portion supported by a frame assembly. The seat portion includes a carrier assembly and a displaceable platform pivotally coupled thereto for pivoting movement between a use position and a deployed position. A retraction mechanism includes a first bracket operably coupled to the frame assembly, and a second bracket operably coupled to the displaceable platform. The first and second brackets are operably coupled to one another by an actuator, and the second bracket is operable between first and second positions relative to the first bracket. A belt assembly includes a tether member and a belt member. The tether member is coupled between the first and second brackets, and the belt member is operable between a deployed position outside of the seatback, and a stowed position within an interior of the seatback.