Movable ISOFIX Anchors for Easier Child Seat Coupling
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing child restraint systems face difficulties in easily and reliably coupling and decoupling from ISOFIX anchors, especially when these anchors are located within the vehicle seat bight, due to limited spatial access and variability in attachment mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A child restraint anchoring system with automatically movable ISOFIX U-bolts, utilizing linear actuators or worm gear systems, that can extend or retract from the vehicle seat frame, equipped with sensors and a processor for proper coupling verification and indication, and user-controlled movement based on input or safety conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If ISOFIX anchors are disposed within the vehicle seat bight, then the rigid connection of the CRS to the anchors is improved, but the accessibility for coupling and decoupling the CRS deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The ISOFIX anchors are made movable between a retracted position (within the seat bight for strong connection) and an extended position (outside the seat bight for easy access). This dynamic positioning allows the system to switch between maintaining rigid connection strength and providing user accessibility, resolving the contradiction between these two requirements.
2Ease of operation
If automatic movement of anchors is implemented, then the ease of coupling and decoupling CRS is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses sensors to automatically detect when a CRS is being coupled or decoupled, and the anchors autonomously move between retracted and extended positions based on these detections. This self-service approach eliminates the need for manual control mechanisms, improving ease of operation while managing device complexity through automated sensing and actuation.
3Reliability
If sensors and processors are added for coupling verification, then the reliability of attachment is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Sensors detect the coupling status of the CRS to the anchors and provide feedback to a processor, which then provides visual or audible confirmation to the user. This feedback mechanism ensures reliable attachment verification by automatically monitoring the coupling state and communicating it to the user, improving reliability while keeping the added complexity minimal and focused on safety.
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
Facilitates easier and more reliable coupling and decoupling of child restraint systems by automatically positioning ISOFIX anchors, enhancing accessibility and safety through audible, visible, or haptic feedback, and ensuring secure attachment and detachment based on sensor data and vehicle conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The system further includes one or more linear actuators for coupling the one or more anchors to the support frame. The one or more linear actuators cause the one or more anchors to move between the retracted position and the extended position.
Implementation Method 2
The system further includes one or more worm gear systems for coupling the one or more anchors to the support frame. The one or more worm gear systems cause the one or more anchors to move between the retracted position and the extended position.
Data Source
AI summary
Various implementations include a child restraint anchoring system. The system includes one or more anchors configured for coupling to a support frame of a vehicle seat. The one or more anchors are automatically movable from a retracted position to an extended position. The one or more anchors are closer to the support frame in the retracted position than in the extended position.