Modular Seat-Belt Retractor Layout for Tight Backrest Space
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing seat-belt retractors have a large space requirement due to their external dimensions, making installation in vehicle seats problematic, especially in modern vehicles with limited backrest space and varying seat orientations, which complicates design and production for cost-effective mass production.
Innovation Solution
A modular seat-belt retractor design comprising a seat-belt spool module and a drive-device module that are interconnectable in different orientations via a structural interface, allowing for flexible arrangement and production in large quantities to fit various vehicle seat geometries.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the seat-belt retractor is designed with all necessary components for tensile force absorption and occupant restraint, then the safety performance is improved, but the installation space requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The seat-belt retractor is divided into modular sub-assemblies including the seat-belt spool, drive device, force-limiting device, and sensor units. These modules can be independently designed, manufactured, and assembled, allowing for compact arrangement within limited backrest space while maintaining all necessary safety functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent integrates multiple functional components within nested structures. For example, the force-limiting device is arranged coaxially with the seat-belt spool, and sensor units are positioned within the available space in the backrest. This nesting approach maximizes space utilization while preserving complete safety functionality.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the seat-belt retractor is designed to fit various vehicle seat configurations, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The modular design with standardized interfaces enables the seat-belt retractor to be universally applied to different vehicle seat types and configurations. The same basic modules can be arranged in different orientations and positions to accommodate various backrest geometries, eliminating the need for multiple specialized designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs adjustable and reconfigurable mounting arrangements that allow the modular components to be positioned flexibly within the backrest. This dynamic adaptability enables installation in different orientations without requiring complex custom designs for each seat type.
Data Source
AI summary
A seat-belt retractor having a seat-belt spool and a drive device, both the seat-belt spool and the drive device being modular sub-assemblies and designed as a seat-belt spool module and a drive device module, and said seat-belt spool module and drive device module being interconnectable in different orientations relative to one another via a structural interface.