Safety Belt Latch Assembly with Adjustable Strap Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional multi-point safety belt latches are not versatile as they cannot adjust the length of the pull strap under the crotch to accommodate users of different statures, limiting their usability.
Innovation Solution
A safety belt latch assembly featuring an adjusting section with symmetrically arranged bent side plates and a snap-fit piece that allows for adjustable strap length, integrated with a strap winding bar and anti-skid portion for secure and customizable fitting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the pull strap length is fixed in conventional multi-point safety belt latches, then the structure is simple, but the adaptability for users of different statures deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic adjustment mechanism where the strap winding bar can slide along the elongate slots in the side plates, allowing the pull strap length to be dynamically adjusted according to user needs. This resolves the contradiction by making the previously fixed structure adjustable while maintaining overall structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The strap winding bar is nested within the adjusting section, sliding along the elongate slots that are integrated into the side plates of the adjusting section. This nested arrangement allows for length adjustment without adding external components, thus improving adaptability while keeping the device structure compact and simple.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the pull strap length is adjustable, then the versatility improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adjusting section serves multiple functions: it provides the structural framework, contains the elongate slots for adjustment, and houses the strap winding bar mechanism. This multi-functionality allows the latch assembly to accommodate different user sizes without proportionally increasing complexity, as one component performs multiple roles.
Solution Approach 2:
The snap-fit piece is integrated with the adjusting section as a single formed structure, combining the fastening function with the adjustment mechanism. This merging reduces the number of separate components and simplifies the overall device structure while maintaining the ability to adjust strap length for different users.
3Ease of operation
If the strap winding bar is slidable, then the strap length adjustment is enabled, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The strap winding bar utilizes the elongate slots in the side plates as built-in guides, eliminating the need for separate rails or guides. The slots themselves serve as the tracking mechanism, allowing the bar to slide smoothly for adjustment while keeping the structure simple and self-contained.
Solution Approach 2:
The elongate slots are positioned asymmetrically within the side plates, allowing the strap winding bar to slide in one dimension (along the slot length) while being constrained in other directions. This asymmetric slot arrangement enables straightforward linear adjustment motion without requiring complex multi-axis mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A safety belt latch assembly includes an adjusting section, a snap-fit piece, and a strap winding bar. The adjusting section is provided with an opening and two side plates. Each of the side plates of the adjusting section is provided with an elongate slot. The snap-fit piece has a first end provided with a torsion portion twisted from the adjusting section, with a torsion angle of ninety degrees (90°) being defined between the snap-fit piece and the adjusting section. The snap-fit piece has a second end provided with a fastening portion having a fastening hole. The strap winding bar is provided with two contact portions. Each of the contact portions of the strap winding bar is inserted into the elongate slot of one of the side plates of the adjusting section.