Predictive Seatbelt Tightening for Bend Entry Warning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for dynamic seatbelt fixation in vehicles do not effectively warn occupants of impending bends, leading to potential lateral displacement and accidents, as they rely on reactive tightening rather than predictive haptic warnings.
Innovation Solution
A method that determines lateral acceleration and road curvature ahead, proactively tightening the seatbelt with a predetermined force before entering a bend, providing a haptic warning to the occupant, and adjusting the tightening force based on predicted acceleration thresholds, with optional pulsating warnings for increased awareness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the seatbelt is tightened reactively after lateral acceleration is detected, then the occupant is secured during the bend, but the occupant is not warned in advance and cannot reduce speed to prevent accidents
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by determining road course data and predicting future lateral acceleration before it occurs. The system calculates expected lateral acceleration based on road geometry and vehicle parameters, then activates the seatbelt tensioner in advance of the actual hazardous condition, allowing the occupant to be warned and react before the bend is entered
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring actual lateral acceleration sensors and comparing them with predicted values. The control unit adjusts the seatbelt tightening based on the difference between predicted and actual acceleration, ensuring the system responds appropriately to real-world conditions while maintaining the predictive warning function
2Reliability
If the seatbelt is tightened continuously at high force, then the occupant is securely fixed, but the occupant experiences discomfort and the tightening is noticeably unpleasant
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the seatbelt tensioning force variable rather than static. The control unit continuously adjusts the tightening force based on actual sensor data, applying higher forces only when necessary to counteract actual lateral acceleration, and reducing or releasing tension when the hazard passes or actual acceleration is lower than predicted, thereby maintaining security while improving comfort
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by dynamically modifying the seatbelt tensioning parameters (force magnitude, duration, timing) based on real-time comparison of predicted versus actual lateral acceleration. The system adapts the tightening parameters to match the actual hazard level, avoiding excessive or unnecessary tensioning that would cause discomfort
3Force
If the seatbelt tightening force is increased to counteract high lateral acceleration, then the occupant is securely held, but the excessive force causes discomfort and is perceived as unpleasant
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements parameter changes by dynamically modifying the seatbelt tensioning parameters (force magnitude, duration, timing) based on real-time comparison of predicted versus actual lateral acceleration. The system adapts the tightening parameters to match the actual hazard level, avoiding excessive or unnecessary tensioning that would cause discomfort
Data Source
AI summary
A method for the dynamic fixation of an occupant wearing a seatbelt on a vehicle seat involves determining a lateral acceleration of the vehicle and a road course ahead of the vehicle. The seatbelt is tightened with a predetermined belt force for a predetermined period of time before entering a bend having a certain curvature.