Rotatable Seat Belt Anchor Bracket Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing seat belt anchors in vehicles require significant modifications to switch between fixed and rotatable anchorage, which complicates adaptation and can compromise the structural integrity of the vehicle's side structure.
Innovation Solution
A seat belt anchor design featuring a bracket with nested plates and a shoulder bolt system allows for easy rotation or fixation to a vehicle side structure, enhancing structural integrity and load detection accuracy while minimizing manufacturing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a seat belt anchor is fixedly attached to a vehicle structure, then the structural integrity is maintained, but the adaptability to different anchorage configurations is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The anchor plate is designed to be rotatable relative to the bracket, allowing the system to dynamically switch between fixed and rotatable anchorage configurations. The plate can rotate about an axis perpendicular to the bracket, enabling adaptation to different installation requirements while maintaining structural integrity through the bracket's fixed attachment to the vehicle structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The anchor assembly is segmented into distinct components: a bracket fixedly attached to the vehicle structure, and an anchor plate that can rotate relative to the bracket. This segmentation allows the bracket to maintain structural integrity while the plate provides adaptability through rotation, resolving the contradiction between strength and versatility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If existing anchors are modified to change between fixed and rotatable anchorage, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The design uses a simple rotational mechanism where the anchor plate rotates about an axis on the bracket, providing adaptability without complex modification systems. This dynamic capability is achieved through a straightforward mechanical design rather than complex adjustable mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket and plate assembly serves multiple functions: it can be fixedly attached or rotatably configured, accommodating different anchorage requirements with a single universal design. This multi-functionality reduces the need for multiple specialized components, simplifying the overall device complexity.
3Ease of operation
If a plate pivots on a shoulder bolt within a range of motion, then the rotatability is achieved, but the structural strength is weakened due to material omission
Solution Approach 1:
The rotational function is segmented into a separate anchor plate component that pivots on the bracket, rather than cutting arcuate slots into the vehicle structure itself. This keeps the vehicle structure intact and strong, while the removable plate provides the necessary rotatability for operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The anchor plate acts as an intermediary between the fixed bracket and the seat belt webbing. It provides the rotational movement capability without requiring modifications to the vehicle structure, thus maintaining structural strength while enabling ease of operation through controlled rotation.
Data Source
AI summary
A seat belt anchor (“anchor”) for a vehicle. The anchor is comprised of a bracket and a pair of nested plates. The bracket has a first plate portion and a second plate portion extending from the first plate portion. The second plate portion is attached to the nested plates, which extend substantially across the second plate portion. The nested plates are comprised of an intermediate plate and an outer plate. The intermediate plate is fixedly attached to the second plate portion. Also, the outer plate is rotatably attached to the intermediate plate.