Four-Point Harness Tracks for Occupant Kinematic Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle safety systems, such as airbags and seatbelts, may not effectively control the kinematics of occupants during vehicle impacts, particularly when using personal mobility devices, and regulatory frameworks may not yet permit the use of four-point harnesses, which could provide better safety.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle system featuring a four-point harness with webbings movable along elongated tracks supported by the vehicle body, controlled by a computer and actuators, to securely position and restrain occupants, including those using personal mobility devices, by moving webbings along specific axes to optimize kinematic control during impacts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If current vehicle safety systems (airbags and seatbelts) are used, then the system complexity remains low, but the effectiveness in controlling occupant kinematics during impacts is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The harness system is divided into four separate webbing segments (first, second, third, and fourth webbings) that can be independently positioned and controlled along different tracks. This segmentation allows each webbing to be optimized for specific kinematic control functions during impacts, improving overall safety effectiveness while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The harness system employs movable webbings that can dynamically adjust their positions along elongated tracks during vehicle operation and impacts. The webbings transition from static restraint positions to dynamic configurations that adapt to impact forces and occupant movement, enhancing kinematic control effectiveness without requiring a completely complex new system architecture
2Reliability
If four-point harnesses are implemented to improve occupant restraint, then safety effectiveness increases, but regulatory approval is currently unavailable
Solution Approach 1:
The four-point harness system is designed with universal applicability across different vehicle types and occupancy scenarios, including compatibility with personal mobility devices. The system's multi-functional design allows it to serve various restraint needs while maintaining a standardized configuration that could facilitate future regulatory approval and adaptation to different operational contexts
3Reliability
If traditional seatbelts are used, then ease of operation is high, but kinematic control during impacts is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The harness system incorporates self-adjusting mechanisms where the webbings automatically position themselves along the tracks based on occupant presence and vehicle motion conditions. The system performs self-service functions including automatic engagement, positioning, and tensioning without requiring complex manual adjustment by the occupant, thereby maintaining ease of operation while achieving superior kinematic control
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle includes a vehicle body. The vehicle includes a first track and a second track supported by the vehicle body. The first track and the second track are elongated along a longitudinal axis. The vehicle includes a third track and a fourth track supported by the vehicle body. The third track and the fourth track are elongated along a vertical axis. The vehicle includes a harness having a first webbing movable along the first track, a second webbing movable along the second track, a third webbing movable along the third track, and a fourth webbing movable along the fourth track.