ISOFIX-Based Mounting Stand Fixation for Vehicle Test Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for fixing a mounting stand on a vehicle seat during performance tests are insecure in the front-back direction, prone to shifting or tilting, and complicate the fixing process due to varying vehicle types and structures under the seat and backrest, leading to increased operation time and risk of damage to vehicle parts.

Innovation Solution

The use of an ISOFIX anchor, conforming to international standards, allows for secure fixation of the mounting stand to the vehicle seat with a simple and adjustable extensible mechanism, ensuring strong contact with both the seating and backrest surfaces, regardless of vehicle type, thereby reducing the complexity and time required for fixing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a belt is tightened to fix the mounting stand to the driver's seat, then the mounting stand is brought into close contact with the seating surface and fixed in vertical direction, but the mounting stand is not securely fixed in front-back direction and may shift or tilt

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefixation securityVSAvoidfixing method complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The fixing system is segmented into multiple independent fixing points (first fixing point on seating surface, second fixing point on backrest) connected by separate belts. This segmentation allows each belt to handle specific directional forces, with the first belt preventing vertical movement and the second belt preventing front-back movement, thereby securing the mounting stand without requiring an overly complex single-belt solution

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The fixing solution transitions from a single-dimensional vertical fixation to a multi-dimensional fixation system. By adding the second belt connecting to the backrest, the system gains control in the front-back direction, creating a two-dimensional fixation plane that comprehensively restrains the mounting stand against multiple movement vectors

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If connection points are increased to secure the mounting stand to both seating surface and backrest, then fixation security is improved, but the work of fixing becomes complicated and working time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemounting stand stabilityVSAvoidfixing operation time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The ISOFIX anchor serves multiple functions: it provides a standardized connection point that can be used across different vehicle types, replaces the need for multiple separate attachment points under the seat, and offers predetermined positioning that eliminates the need for operators to search for suitable connection points, thereby reducing fixing time while maintaining stability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Strength

If the belt is tightened with strong force to secure fixation, then fixation strength is improved, but vehicle parts such as bars under the driver's seat may be damaged

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefixation forceVSAvoiddamage risk to vehicle parts
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses the ISOFIX anchor, which is a standardized connection interface designed specifically to handle strong fixation forces. This standardized anchor point replaces fragile vehicle parts like under-seat bars, allowing operators to apply strong tightening force to the belts without risking damage to vehicle components, as the ISOFIX anchor is engineered to withstand such loads

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

4Adaptability or versatility

If the fixing method is adapted to different vehicle types by finding appropriate connection positions, then adaptability is improved, but the fixing operation becomes more complicated and operation time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompatibility with different vehicle typesVSAvoidfixing operation simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The ISOFIX anchor provides a universal standardized connection point that works across different vehicle types. The first and second belts connect to this standardized interface, eliminating the need for operators to search for or adapt to different connection positions for each vehicle type. This universal interface maintains adaptability while dramatically simplifying the fixing operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3667285B1Holding apparatus and method of fixing mounting stand for use in vehicle test
Publication Date: 2023.03.22 HORIBA LTD
  • EP3667285B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3667285B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3667285B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A holding apparatus is adapted for holding a vehicle test device to be used for testing a test sample that is a vehicle or a part of the vehicle on a seat of the test sample, and includes: a mounting stand on which the vehicle test device is mounted; and a fixing mechanism configured to be connected to an ISOFIX anchor provided in the test sample to fix the mounting stand to the seat.