Height Adjusting Device Spacer Element Spring Canting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing height adjustment devices for belt deflectors in motor vehicle seat belt systems face reliability issues due to canting of return springs within constrained space, leading to impaired adjustability and potential pressure points or incorrect guidance of the belt strap.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating spacer elements within the guide rail to maintain the return spring away from the side limbs, preventing direct contact and canting, while ensuring reliable displacement and adjustment of the belt deflector, and utilizing a helical spring configuration for efficient tensioning and space optimization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the return spring is arranged within the guide rail to facilitate displacement of the carriage, then the adjustability of the belt deflector is improved, but the return spring can bear against the side limb and cant, which reduces the reliability of the restoring movement
Solution Approach 1:
A spacer element is introduced as an intermediary component between the return spring and the side limb of the guide rail. This spacer element prevents direct contact between the return spring and the side limb, eliminating the canting problem while maintaining the space-saving arrangement of the return spring within the guide rail. The spacer element thus mediates between the conflicting requirements of compact design and reliable operation.
2Area of stationary object
If all components are configured to be of small size to fit within interior trim parts, then the inconspicuous mounting is improved, but the constricted space conditions cause canting of the return spring which impairs reliable adjustability
Solution Approach 1:
The guide rail is segmented by introducing a spacer element that divides the internal space into distinct zones. This segmentation allows the return spring to be positioned in a dedicated space away from the side limb, preventing canting while maintaining the overall compact dimensions of the guide rail for inconspicuous mounting within interior trim parts.
3Volume of moving object
If the return spring is positioned close to the side limb to save space, then the compact design is improved, but the contact area between the return spring and side limb increases the tendency to become wedged
Solution Approach 1:
The spacer element serves as a mediator that maintains an optimal distance between the return spring and the side limb. This intermediate positioning reduces the contact area to minimal necessary levels, preventing the return spring from becoming wedged against the side limb while still maintaining a compact overall design that saves space compared to external spring arrangements.
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
Enhances the reliability of the height adjustment mechanism by reducing the tendency for jamming and canting, ensuring optimal belt guidance and restraint action, while maintaining a compact design.
Implementation Method 1
a return spring which is fastened to the carriage and is guided within the guide rail
Implementation Method 2
the return spring can bear against the side limb and can cant there
Implementation Method 3
at least one of the side limbs has at least one spacer element for spacing the return spring away from the side limb
Data Source
AI summary
A height adjustment device for a belt deflector having a guide rail (10) which has a C-shaped cross section with a base (11) and two side limbs (13) which project in the same direction from the base (11), a carriage (20) which is guided in the guide rail (10) such that it can be displaced and fixed, and a return spring (70) which is fastened to the carriage (20) and is guided within the guide rail (10). At least one of the side limbs (13) having at least one spacer element (15) for spacing the return spring (70) away from the side limb (13).