Remotely Lockable Seat Belt Buckle with Motion Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional seat belt arrangements are unsafe for transporting individuals who tend to unbuckle themselves during vehicle motion, as they can be easily released by children or become cumbersome and obstructive, failing to meet modern safety standards.
Innovation Solution
A remotely lockable seat belt arrangement featuring a buckle with integrated magnetic locking and release mechanisms, allowing secure engagement and remote activation to prevent accidental release, combined with indication lights for status monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional seat belt buckle is used, then the seat belt can be easily released by pressing the release button, but this makes it unsafe for transporting individuals who may accidentally unbuckle during vehicle motion
Solution Approach 1:
The buckle system transitions from a static release mechanism to a dynamic one where the locking state can change based on vehicle motion detection. The control unit activates the locking mechanism only when acceleration sensors detect vehicle motion, allowing easy release when stationary but preventing accidental unbuckling during motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the purely mechanical release button system with an electronically controlled locking mechanism. A motor-driven locking component is integrated into the buckle, controlled by an electronic control unit that receives signals from acceleration sensors, thereby substituting mechanical operation with electromechanical control.
2Reliability
If a buckle cover is added to prevent access to the release button, then accidental release is prevented, but the cover can be removed by children or remains on the buckle after engine shutdown
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a physical buckle cover that blocks access to the release button, the patent employs an electronic locking mechanism integrated into the buckle itself. The locking component is actuated by a motor driven by a control unit, providing automated prevention of accidental release without requiring a separate cover structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically detects vehicle motion through acceleration sensors and activates the locking mechanism without user intervention. When the vehicle is in motion, the buckle self-locks to prevent accidental unbuckling, and automatically releases when the vehicle stops, eliminating the need for manual cover management.
3Reliability
If a bulky plate and main body cover are used to lock the buckle, then the release button is protected, but the arrangement becomes too cumbersome and bulky for modern vehicles
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is nested within the existing buckle structure. The motor-driven locking component is integrated into the buckle housing, and the release button mechanism is incorporated within the same assembly. This nested arrangement provides locking functionality without adding external bulk or complexity to the overall seat belt system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single integrated buckle assembly: the traditional release button mechanism, the motor-driven locking component, the acceleration sensor, and the control unit are all merged into one compact structure. This consolidation provides robust locking capability while minimizing the overall size and complexity of the system.
4Reliability
If the locking mechanism is always active, then accidental unbuckling is prevented, but the passenger cannot be released in the event of an accident
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed to be dynamic rather than static, automatically adjusting its state based on vehicle motion detection. The system locks when acceleration sensors detect vehicle motion to prevent accidental unbuckling, but automatically releases when the vehicle stops or detects emergency conditions, ensuring passenger safety in all scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit continuously monitors acceleration sensor signals and adjusts the locking mechanism state accordingly. When the sensor detects vehicle motion, the system activates locking; when motion stops or emergency conditions are detected, the system automatically releases the lock, providing adaptive response to changing conditions and ensuring both safety and emergency release capability.
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
Ensures safe transportation by preventing accidental unbuckling during vehicle motion while maintaining a standard seat belt appearance and functionality, adhering to current safety standards.
Implementation Method 1
said locking means comprises at least one magnetising means being operatively associated with at least one magnetic locking plate, such that upon activation of said remote activation means is energised such that said magnetic locking plate configures said locking means in said first position
Implementation Method 2
a biasing means is preferably configured to locate the magnetic locking plate to the second position upon de-energising said magnetising means
Data Source
AI summary
A seat belt buckle for engaging a latch inserted into buckle and retained in a latched mode until released by depressing a press release button. In a locked mode, with the vehicle ignition switch ON and the latch inserted into buckle, a complementary lock is activated preventing press the release button from effecting release of latch from buckle.