Infant Carrier Latch Plate Locking Against Impact Disengagement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing child restraint systems fail to securely retain an infant carrier during sudden vehicle stops, as deformation of the seat shell can inadvertently move the latch plate, potentially causing unauthorized disengagement from the base.
Innovation Solution
The infant carrier incorporates a latch plate with a finger-receiving aperture and a spring-biased plunger that engages with a motion-blocking finger to maintain the shell-retaining position, even during deformation, and can be easily transferred between a vehicle base and a stroller frame using a secure anchor system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the latch plate is mounted on the seat shell to allow easy transfer between base and stroller frame, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability of preventing unauthorized disengagement deteriorates during sudden vehicle stops
Solution Approach 1:
The motion-blocking finger acts as an intermediary element between the latch plate and the anchor holder, physically preventing the latch plate from moving to a disengaged position during impact events while allowing normal operation
Solution Approach 2:
The motion-blocking finger is positioned in advance to counteract the harmful movement of the latch plate that would occur during sudden vehicle stops, preventing unauthorized disengagement before it can happen
2Ease of manufacture
If the latch plate is allowed to move freely on the seat shell during deformation, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the reliability of retaining the infant carrier deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The motion-blocking finger serves as a simple mechanical intermediary that prevents excessive movement of the latch plate during seat shell deformation, maintaining retention reliability without complicating the manufacturing process
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
The system effectively prevents unauthorized disengagement of the infant carrier during vehicle stops by ensuring the latch plate remains engaged with the motion-blocking finger, while allowing easy transfer between modes of use, enhancing safety and convenience.
Implementation Method 1
The middle shell anchor includes a spring-biased plunger mounted for back-and-forth sliding movement along a plunger-movement line through a channel formed in the middle portion of the seat shell
Data Source
AI summary
A child restraint system includes an infant carrier and a base adapted to be mounted on a passenger seat in a vehicle in a vehicle mode. The infant carrier is also configured to be mounted on a stroller frame in a stroller mold. The infant carrier includes a seat shell and a carrying handle coupled to the seat shell.