Occupant Restraint System with Automated Electric Locking
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional seat restraint mechanisms in mass transit vehicles require manual verification to ensure occupants are properly latched, which is time-consuming and prone to human error, as occupants can unlatch restraints without notification, compromising safety and compliance with regulations.
Innovation Solution
An occupant restraint system that includes a processor-controlled electric lock mechanism integrated with a latchable buckle and occupancy sensors, allowing for wireless communication and automatic locking/unlocking of restraints, ensuring all occupants are securely restrained with minimal attendant intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual verification of seat restraints is used, then occupants can be secured with simple mechanisms, but safety monitoring becomes time-consuming and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual verification with an automated electronic monitoring system that uses sensors, processors, and communication networks to detect and report restraint status, eliminating the need for attendants to manually check each seat
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous feedback by monitoring restraint status through sensors and immediately communicating latch status to attendants via display devices, enabling real-time safety verification without manual intervention
2Device complexity
If manual latch mechanisms are used, then device complexity is reduced, but occupants can unlatch restraints without notification
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces simple mechanical latches with electronically monitored latch mechanisms that incorporate sensors and communication capabilities to detect when restraints are unlatched and notify attendants automatically
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary monitoring layer between the occupant and the restraint mechanism, where sensors and communication networks act as mediators to detect unlatching events and transmit this information to attendants
3Productivity
If automated locking systems are implemented, then safety and productivity are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the automated restraint system into modular functional components including sensors, processors, communication modules, and display devices, allowing the system to be implemented incrementally and maintained independently
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses universal communication protocols and standardized sensor interfaces that can be applied across multiple seat types and restraint mechanisms, reducing overall system complexity through standardization
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 efficiently and reliably secures multiple occupants by automating the locking process, reducing the burden on attendants and enhancing safety by providing real-time status updates and ensuring all restraints are properly engaged before and after travel.
Implementation Method 1
the electric lock mechanism includes an electromagnet
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~4
Figure 5
AI summary
An occupant restraint system (20) includes a plurality of occupant residences (22) each including a restraint assembly (34) having a latch mechanism (68) manually movable between a latched state (72) and an unlatched state (74) and an electric lock mechanism (42) movable from an unlocked state (74) to a locked state (76) when the latch mechanism (68) is in the latched state (72). A control console (28) includes an electronic display of the plurality of occupant residences (22) and a user interface (90) for actuating the electric lock mechanism (42) between the locked state (76) and the unlocked state (74). An occupancy tabulation system (32) is constructed and arranged to send a signal to the control console (28) indicative of occupied residences (102, 104) of the plurality of occupant residences (22) for displaying an occupied condition associated with the occupied residences (102, 104) on the electronic display.