Retractable Pet Restraint With Webbing Stop to Prevent Slack
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current pet restraining devices for vehicles are inadequate as they do not effectively manage slack, are not crash-tested, and often suffer from stitching damage due to repeated abrasion, failing to provide sufficient restraint during accidents.
Innovation Solution
A crash-tested single point restraining device with a retraction limiting component, tensioning and retracting mechanism, and anti-twist features, integrated with a reel assembly and seat belt webbing, which prevents stitching damage and provides secure pet restraint using multiple attachment means.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a retractable webbing system is used to allow pet movement, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to slack during impact events
Solution Approach 1:
The retraction limiting component is pre-positioned on the retractable webbing to prevent excessive extension before an impact event occurs. This component stops the webbing from extending beyond a predetermined length, thereby eliminating slack before it can compromise restraint effectiveness during a collision.
2Reliability
If the webbing is looped back to prevent hook retraction, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases and stitching damage occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The retraction limiting component extracts the function of preventing webbing over-retraction from the complex looped-back webbing configuration. By introducing this dedicated component, the system eliminates the need for complicated webbing folding and stitching arrangements, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The retraction limiting component acts as an intermediary element between the hook and the webbing reel. It mediates the retraction process by physically blocking the webbing at a predetermined point, preventing the hook from being pulled back into the housing without requiring complex webbing configurations.
3Ease of operation
If the webbing is repeatedly extended and retracted, then ease of operation is improved, but durability deteriorates due to stitching abrasion
Solution Approach 1:
The retraction limiting component is pre-installed on the webbing to prevent excessive extension before repeated use begins. By limiting the extension length from the start, the component reduces the range of motion and minimizes abrasion on the stitching area during each extension-retraction cycle, thereby extending the lifespan of the stitching.
Data Source
AI summary
A crash-tested single point restraining device comprising a housing having a tensioning and retracting mechanism which is mechanically coupled to a reel assembly secured within the housing, a first end having a standard seat belt insert member and/or an anchoring point connecting element, an extendable and retractable seat belt webbing anchored within the housing having a harness connecting member at a second end which is distal from the first end, a stitched area formed near said distal end of the retractable seat belt webbing, the stitched area being formed by looping a length of the seat belt webbing about a looping bar and collar adaptor and sewing the looped end upon itself, and a retraction limiting component integrated on the seat belt webbing between the housing and the stitching to prevent damage to the stitching. In an alternate embodiment, the housing is affixed permanently to an interior location of a vehicle.