Movable Seat Buckle Assembly for Easier Vehicle Exit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing seatbelt buckle mechanisms in vehicles do not efficiently facilitate easy engagement and disengagement, particularly in scenarios where the buckle position needs to be adjusted based on the vehicle's operational mode or occupant's intent to exit.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle seat buckle assembly with a movable mechanism, actuated by an actuator system, that transitions between retracted and deployed positions based on vehicle mode and occupant intent, using a track and gear system for smooth movement and a computer-controlled actuation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the buckle is fixed at the seatback, then the structure is simple, but the ease of operation for engagement and disengagement is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The buckle is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing it to transition between retracted and deployed positions along a track. This dynamic positioning enables the buckle to move closer to the seat cushion for easier engagement and disengagement, resolving the contradiction between operational ease and structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The buckle mechanism is divided into separate functional components: the buckle body, the actuator system, and the track structure. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, with the actuator handling movement control and the buckle focusing on engagement functionality, thus managing complexity while improving operation.
2Ease of operation
If the buckle is movable with actuator control, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator system is designed to perform multiple functions: moving the buckle along the track, positioning it for engagement, and retracting it after use. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate mechanisms for each operation, managing the overall device complexity while maintaining improved ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The track serves as an intermediary structure that guides and constrains the buckle's movement. By providing a predefined path, the track simplifies the actuator's control task and ensures reliable buckle positioning, thereby managing complexity while enabling easy engagement and disengagement.
3Ease of operation
If the buckle is positioned away from the seatback, then the ease of engagement is improved, but the stability of the buckle position deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator system incorporates feedback control to maintain the buckle at the correct deployed position. Sensors detect the buckle's position along the track and adjust actuator output accordingly, ensuring stable positioning when the buckle is extended for engagement while still allowing easy access.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator positions the buckle in advance at the optimal engagement location before the user needs to interact with it. This preliminary positioning ensures the buckle is already in the correct stable position when the user approaches, combining ease of engagement with position stability.
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 occupant comfort and convenience by optimizing buckle positioning for easy engagement/disengagement, improving safety and usability in various driving conditions.
Implementation Method 1
an actuator operatively coupled to the buckle to move the buckle from the retracted position to the deployed position
Implementation Method 2
using a track and gear system for smooth movement
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle includes a seat having a seat bottom and a seatback. The vehicle includes a buckle movable from a retracted position at the seatback to a deployed position spaced from the seatback. The vehicle includes an actuator operatively coupled to the buckle to move the buckle from the retracted position to the deployed position. The vehicle includes a computer having a processor and a memory storing instructions executable by the processor to receive an indication that an occupant of the seat will exit the vehicle and, in response, command the actuator to move the buckle from the retracted position to the deployed position.