Rotating Knob Anchor Latch for Child Restraint Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing anchor latch systems for child restraint systems require users to adopt awkward stances and directions when adjusting latch belts, leading to discomfort and difficulty in securely latching and tightening the systems.

Innovation Solution

The introduction of a child restraint system with an anchor latch system featuring a rotatable knob or adjustment belt that allows simultaneous retraction or extension of two latch belts, positioned on the side or front of the bottom portion, enabling easier access and adjustment without the need for awkward pulling motions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional manual adjustment straps are used, then the anchor latch system can be installed, but the user must adopt awkward stances and pulling directions causing discomfort and difficulty

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of adjusting latch beltsVSAvoiduser discomfort and difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional manual strap-pulling mechanism with an automated motorized winch system. The motorized winch uses a spool to wind and unwind the latch belts automatically, eliminating the need for users to manually pull straps in awkward directions. This mechanical substitution directly resolves the contradiction by providing easy operation through automated control while eliminating user discomfort associated with manual adjustment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a motorized winch as an intermediary device between the user and the latch belts. Instead of the user directly manipulating the belts, the winch acts as a mediator that translates simple user input (button press or switch activation) into the complex action of winding multiple belts simultaneously. This intermediary mechanism enables easy operation while avoiding the harmful effects of manual strain and awkward positioning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Strength

If multiple latch belts are used for secure anchoring, then the anchoring strength is improved, but the complexity of manual adjustment increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveanchoring strengthVSAvoidcomplexity of manual adjustment

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple latch belts into a single integrated winding system using one motorized winch with a shared spool. Instead of requiring separate manual adjustment mechanisms for each belt, the system merges the adjustment function into a single automated unit that winds all belts simultaneously. This merging maintains the anchoring strength of multiple belts while dramatically reducing the operational complexity for the user.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The motorized winch system performs the adjustment function automatically without requiring complex manual manipulation. The system serves itself by using the motor to wind the belts based on simple user input, eliminating the need for users to manage the complexity of multiple separate adjustment mechanisms. This self-service approach maintains strong anchoring through multiple belts while avoiding the complexity burden on the user.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If the adjuster is positioned for functionality, then the latch mechanism works, but accessibility becomes difficult requiring awkward user positioning

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelatch mechanism functionalityVSAvoidaccessibility of adjuster

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent relocates the control interface of the motorized winch to an easily accessible position on the child restraint system, such as the front or side, rather than positioning it where functional requirements alone would place it. This dimensional repositioning allows users to access the control without adopting awkward stances, while the motorized mechanism itself maintains the reliable latch functionality through automated belt winding regardless of control position.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The motorized winch serves as an intermediary that decouples the control interface from the mechanical winding mechanism. The user interacts with a easily accessible control (button or switch), and the motorized intermediary handles the actual belt adjustment. This allows the control to be positioned for maximum accessibility while the mechanical components remain positioned for optimal functionality, resolving the contradiction between accessibility and functional positioning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS8967715B2Anchor latch system for child restraint systems and child car safety seats

Publication Date: 2015.03.03 GRACO CHILDRENS PROD INC

AI summary

A child restraint system has a bottom portion configured to rest on a dedicated seat of a vehicle. The bottom portion has a front end, a rear end, and a pair of sides. An anchor latch system is carried by the bottom portion and has two latch belts partially housed within the bottom portion. Each latch belt has an anchor end protruding rearward from and external to the bottom portion. An adjuster is exposed on at least one side or the front end of the bottom portion. The adjuster can be manipulated to selectively retract or pay out the two latch belts simultaneously. The adjuster can have an adjustment belt protruding from one side of the bottom portion. The adjuster can have a knob positioned on the front end, one side, or both sides of the bottom portion.