Movable Restraint Anchor Control for Deep Recline Occupants
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional restraint systems fail to effectively control occupant motion during high recline angles, increasing the risk of submarining during rapid decelerations or collisions, as they are designed for upright positions and limited recline angles.
Innovation Solution
A safety system that includes a restraint with an anchor and an anchor energy-absorbing device, controlled by a processor that moves the anchor along a guide based on imminent vehicle events and recline angle thresholds, using EA elements like notches or cables to manage movement and prevent submarining.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional restraints are designed for upright positions with limited recline angles, then they can effectively control occupant motion during normal operation, but they fail to prevent submarining during high recline angles during rapid deceleration or collision
Solution Approach 1:
The anchor is made movable along the anchor guide rather than being fixed, allowing it to dynamically adjust its position in response to vehicle events and recline angles. The controller enables the anchor to move to optimal positions based on detected conditions, transforming a static restraint system into a dynamic one that adapts to varying operational scenarios including deep recline angles
Solution Approach 2:
The controller receives information about imminent vehicle events and current recline angle in advance, allowing the system to proactively adjust the anchor position before the actual collision or rapid deceleration occurs. This preliminary action ensures the restraint system is optimally configured to prevent submarining during high recline events
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the anchor is allowed to move freely along the anchor guide during high recline events, then submarining is prevented, but excessive movement may reduce restraint effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the operational parameters of the anchor by enabling controlled movement along the anchor guide based on detected recline angles and vehicle events. The controller adjusts the anchor's position parameter dynamically, allowing it to move to positions that maintain effective restraint force while preventing submarining during deep recline scenarios
Solution Approach 2:
The anchor guide serves as an intermediary mechanism that enables controlled movement of the anchor between fixed positions. It provides a guided path that allows the anchor to adjust its position for deep recline protection while maintaining connection to the restraint system, mediating between the need for movement and the need for stable restraint
3Reliability
If the anchor is kept fixed in position, then restraint force is maintained, but submarining occurs during deep recline angles during vehicle events
Solution Approach 1:
The anchor is transformed from a fixed component to a dynamic one that can move along the anchor guide. The controller enables this movement based on detected recline angles and vehicle events, allowing the system to adapt to deep recline scenarios while maintaining restraint effectiveness through controlled position adjustment
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 effectively controls axial and bending forces on occupants at deep recline angles, preventing submarining and maintaining sufficient restraint force, reducing strain on the spine and legs by allowing controlled movement of the anchor, seat, and footrest during vehicle events.
Implementation Method 1
The EA element can include notches spaced along a longitudinal axis of the anchor guide. The anchor EA device can comprise a cable coupled to the anchor and configured to payout from a cable guide above a predetermined load threshold to control movement of the anchor along the anchor guide.
Data Source
AI summary
A restraint system includes a restraint, an anchor coupled to the restraint and movable along an anchor guide, an anchor energy-absorbing (EA) device configured to control movement of the anchor along the anchor guide, and a controller that includes a processor configured to receive information indicative of an imminent event, receive information indicative of a recline angle being above a recline threshold, and send a command to enable the anchor to move along the anchor guide under control of the anchor EA device based on the information indicative of the imminent event and the recline angle being above the recline threshold.