Intelligent Seat Belt Retractor Noise Removal Unit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing seat belt retractors face challenges in implementing multiple functions such as automatic locking, emergency locking, and occupant identification with a single unit due to complex structures and noise issues from ball members, while stricter safety regulations require more sophisticated occupant classification systems.
Innovation Solution
An intelligent retractor design featuring a spool, flywheel, locking unit, noise removal unit, and mode switching lever, which includes gear teeth, a magnetic portion, and a tension generating portion to prevent vibration and allow for various functions like automatic and emergency locking, and occupant size detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple functions (automatic locking, emergency locking, block out) are implemented in a single retractor, then functional integration is improved, but device complexity increases due to increased number of components
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed to perform multiple functions (automatic locking, emergency locking, block out) through a single integrated structure. The locking lever and locking ball work together to provide all three locking functions without requiring separate mechanisms for each function, thereby reducing component count while maintaining functional versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the locking mechanism components (locking lever, locking ball, locking groove) into a single integrated assembly that handles multiple locking scenarios. By merging the automatic locking, emergency locking, and block out functions into one mechanism, the overall device complexity is reduced while achieving multi-functionality.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a locking mechanism with ball member is used to implement multiple locking functions, then functional versatility is improved, but noise is generated due to vibration of the ball member
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful vibration of the locking ball into a beneficial self-centering mechanism. The spherical shape of the locking ball causes it to naturally rotate and align with the locking groove under vibration, ensuring reliable engagement while the noise removal unit suppresses excessive noise. This transforms the harmful vibration into a self-correcting alignment feature.
Solution Approach 2:
The noise removal unit acts as an intermediary between the vibrating locking ball and the surrounding environment. It absorbs and dampens the vibration-induced noise while allowing the locking ball to maintain its locking function, thereby eliminating the harmful noise effect without compromising the versatility of the locking mechanism.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the number of retractor components is increased to implement all locking functions, then functional completeness is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed as a universal system where the locking lever, locking ball, and locking groove work together to provide complete locking functionality (automatic locking, emergency locking, block out) without requiring additional components. This universal design simplifies manufacturing by reducing the number of parts that need to be produced and assembled.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple locking functions into a single integrated locking mechanism, reducing the total number of components that need to be manufactured. By combining the automatic locking, emergency locking, and block out functions into one mechanism, manufacturing complexity and cost are reduced while maintaining functional completeness.
4Device complexity
If a simple retractor structure is used, then ease of manufacture and reduced size are achieved, but the ability to implement multiple locking functions is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism achieves multi-functionality through a simple universal design where the locking lever and locking ball can perform automatic locking, emergency locking, and block out functions without requiring complex additional components. This universal approach maintains structural simplicity while enabling multiple locking functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is segmented into functional zones within the locking groove (first locking groove for automatic locking, second locking groove for emergency locking, third locking groove for block out). This segmentation allows a simple overall structure to accommodate multiple functions by dividing the locking space into distinct operational regions.
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 intelligent retractor effectively reduces noise, implements multiple functions in a single unit, and identifies occupant types, enhancing safety and reducing size and weight through a simplified structure.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic portion, and a pressing member which is pressed by a rotation of the rotating gear and has a magnetic material
Data Source
AI summary
An intelligent retractor having a noise removal unit includes: a spool around which webbing is wound; a flywheel which is provided at one side of the spool and rotates along with the rotation of the spool; a locking unit which fixes the flywheel when a predetermined condition for preventing an extension of the webbing is satisfied; and a noise removal unit which rotates along with the rotation of the flywheel when the webbing is retracted, and prevents vibration from being generated in the locking unit.