Compact Buffer Device for Seat Belt Webbing Impact Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional buffer devices in seat belt mechanisms are bulky due to their design, which compromises their ability to effectively reduce impact forces during vehicle braking, and they can become disabled if the main springs are damaged.
Innovation Solution
A buffer device comprising a plate, a moveable ring, and an elastic member, where the moveable ring is pulled by the webbing, providing a cushioning effect through the elastic member, and the plate can support the webbing even if the elastic member is damaged, maintaining functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the conventional buffer device uses a fixed frame structure with main springs to provide cushioning resilience, then the cushioning effect is improved, but the device volume becomes large and the structure complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the buffer device into separate functional components: a movable seat that can move independently along the webbing direction, and a fixed frame. The main springs are segmented into multiple units arranged in parallel, allowing the cushioning function to be distributed across multiple smaller elements rather than requiring a single large structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces movement in the webbing direction (third dimension) by allowing the movable seat to translate along the webbing. This dimensional change enables the buffer to achieve cushioning效果 through the movement space created by the movable seat's translation, rather than requiring a large fixed structure.
2Reliability
If the conventional buffer device uses multiple springs arranged in a fixed frame to provide cushioning, then the cushioning resilience is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the cushioning function with the movable seat structure. The movable seat integrates the function of supporting the webbing and providing cushioning through its movement, eliminating the need for separate complex fixing mechanisms. The multiple spring units are merged into a coordinated system that works through the movable seat's translation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transforms the static fixed frame structure into a dynamic system where the movable seat can translate along the webbing direction. This dynamic capability allows the buffer to adapt to impact forces more efficiently, providing cushioning resilience through controlled movement rather than relying on a complex static structure.
3Reliability
If the conventional buffer device uses a large fixed frame to accommodate main springs and moving seat, then the cushioning effect is maintained, but the device cannot be compacted and the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the buffer device into compact modular components: the movable seat with its spring units, and the fixed frame with guiding structures. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently at smaller scales, reducing overall material usage and manufacturing cost while maintaining the cushioning effect.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses thin webbing material that passes through the buffer device structure, allowing the cushioning mechanism to function with minimal material thickness. The webbing itself serves as both the restraint element and the medium through which cushioning forces are transmitted, eliminating the need for bulky housing structures.
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 buffer device effectively reduces impact forces while being compact in size, allowing for reduced volume and cost without compromising cushioning effectiveness, and ensures continued functionality even if the elastic member fails.
Implementation Method 1
The elastic member is connected with the connecting portion of the plate and the moveable ring. The elastic member has a top section and a bottom section. The top section of the elastic member is wound on the connecting portion of the plate. The bottom section of the elastic member is wound on the top section of the moveable ring and passes through the slot of the moveable ring.
Implementation Method 2
Resilience members of the conventional buffer device provide a cushioning resilience to reduce the impact force.
Data Source
AI summary
A buffer device has a plate, a moveable ring, and an elastic member. The plate has an insertion hole formed through the plate, a connecting portion, and a retaining hole. The connecting portion and the retaining hole are formed on the plate and are located above the insertion hole of the plate. The moveable ring is moveably mounted out of a front side of the plate and has a slot. The slot is formed through the moveable ring. The elastic member is connected with the connecting portion of the plate and the moveable ring. A top section of the elastic member is wound on the connecting portion of the plate. A bottom section of the elastic member is wound on a top section of the moveable ring and passes through the slot of the moveable ring.