Spring-Loaded Seat Belt Quick-Release Closure Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing quick-release closures for vehicle-mounted seat belts have complex designs that increase assembly time and cost, and there is a need for a cost-efficient solution that can be assembled in fewer steps without requiring specialized tools or skills.
Innovation Solution
A spring-loaded quick-release closure with a simple design, utilizing a spring element that moves from a mounting position to a locking position, secured by a snap contour and spring arms, allowing assembly in two steps with basic elements that can be mass-produced at low cost, and featuring a locking head with grooves and flanges for secure positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a two-layer end fitting with spring-loaded pincer elements is used, then the locking function is achieved, but the device complexity increases and assembly time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The quick-release closure is divided into three basic elements (end fitting, locking head, spring element) that can be manufactured separately and assembled independently, eliminating the need for complex two-layer end fittings and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining the locking function
Solution Approach 2:
The spring element is extracted as a separate component that can be pre-mounted in the end fitting, allowing the locking head to be simply inserted and locked without complex assembly steps, thereby reducing device complexity and assembly time
2Reliability
If a two-layer end fitting with pincer elements is used, then the locking function is achieved, but the assembly time and expense increase
Solution Approach 1:
The spring element is pre-mounted in the end fitting during manufacture, so that during vehicle assembly only the locking head needs to be inserted and a simple relative movement executed to complete the locking, significantly reducing assembly time while maintaining reliable locking function
Solution Approach 2:
The closure is segmented into separately manufacturable components that can be prepared in advance, allowing rapid final assembly without complex on-site assembly procedures
3Reliability
If a complex quick-release closure design is used, then the locking function is achieved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The closure system is divided into three basic elements that can be mass-produced using standard manufacturing processes and then assembled, eliminating the need for expensive complex integrated designs while maintaining reliable locking function
Solution Approach 2:
The spring element is designed as a simple, inexpensive component that can be easily manufactured and replaced if needed, reducing overall manufacturing cost while maintaining the reliability of the locking mechanism
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 solution enables rapid, cost-effective assembly of the quick-release closure with enhanced security against unintentional release, even under lateral accelerations, and allows for separate manufacturing and delivery of components, reducing assembly effort and expense.
Implementation Method 1
a spring element (14) is provided which can be moved from a mounting position (I) into a locking position (II)
Implementation Method 2
The spring element resting against the snap contour prevents the spring element and the locking head, which is secured in the locking position by the spring element, from being unintentionally released
Data Source
AI summary
A quick-release closure for a vehicle-mounted end of a seat belt in a motor vehicle having a fitting part, and a vehicle-mounted attachment part. A first opening is provided in the fitting part, in which one end of the seat belt can be attached by means of a loop which is guided through the first opening. A second opening is provided, in which the attachment part can be locked to a locking head. In the second opening a spring element is provided that can be moved from a mounting position) into a locking position. The locking head of the attachment part can be inserted into the opening in which the spring element is arranged in the mounting position, and the spring element can be moved into the locking position by a relative movement of the locking head with respect to the fitting part, securing the locking head in position.