Seat Belt Guide Barb-and-Stop Mounting for Tool-Free Frame Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing seat belt guide attachment methods require complex assembly processes, often involving power tools that risk damaging the seat belt and failing crash test requirements, and are costly and time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
A seat belt guide with a barb and stop design that allows for tool-free, screwless attachment to a vehicle frame, using resiliently biased components to create a secure pinching grip without the need for welding or additional fixings, ensuring a robust and lightweight solution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If power tools are used to attach the seat belt guide to the frame, then the attachment strength is improved, but the seat belt may be damaged (burning) and crash test requirements may not be met
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the harmful element (power tools) from the attachment process by using a tool-free barb and stop mechanism. The connecting portion is designed to be inserted through a frame aperture and secured without any power tools, eliminating the risk of burning or damaging the seat belt while maintaining secure attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The barb and stop mechanism is designed to self-secure within the frame aperture. The barb engages with the frame wall and the stop prevents removal, creating a self-locking attachment that does not require external tools or additional fixings, thus avoiding damage to the seat belt.
2Reliability
If complex assembly processes with multiple components are used, then the attachment reliability is improved, but the assembly time and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single connecting portion component. The connecting portion integrates the barb for engagement and the stop for retention, replacing multiple separate components (bracket, screws, welded nuts) with one unified part that achieves the same attachment reliability in a single installation step.
Solution Approach 2:
The barb and stop are pre-configured in the connecting portion during manufacturing, so that during assembly, the installer simply needs to insert the connecting portion through the frame aperture. The barb and stop are already positioned to automatically engage with the frame, eliminating the need for alignment and multiple assembly steps.
3Stability of the object's composition
If traditional brackets with keyholes and screws are used, then the attachment security is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the complex bracket structure with keyholes, screws, and welded nuts. Instead, it uses a simple connecting portion with a barb and stop that attaches directly to the frame aperture, maintaining attachment security while dramatically reducing device complexity and the number of components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the attachment mechanism from a multi-component mechanical fastening system to a single-component resilient barb-and-stop system. The barb is resiliently biased to engage the frame wall, and the stop prevents removal, providing secure attachment with a fundamentally different, simpler design.
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 provides a secure, easy-to-use, and cost-effective attachment method that reduces the risk of seat belt damage, simplifies assembly, and meets safety standards without requiring additional tools or complex assembly steps.
Implementation Method 1
the barb comprises a biting surface, and the barb is resiliently biased in a direction different to a direction that the biting surface is arranged to bite in
Implementation Method 2
the at least one stop is resiliently biased. The stop may be sprung such that vibrations in the frame or movement of the seat guide (such as by nefarious or mischievous persons urging the seat guide away from the frame) are resisted and a secure fit of the seat belt guide to the frame is maintained
Data Source
Figure 1~1(D)
Figure 2~2(B)
Figure 3~3(C)
AI summary
The application relates to a seat belt guide (402) comprising a guide portion (210) for slidably retaining a seat belt and at least one connecting portion (404) for attaching the seat belt guide to a frame. The at least one connecting portion comprises at least one barb (406) and at least one stop (412). The barb is arranged in opposition to the at least one stop. The barb comprises a biting surface (408). The barb is resiliantly biased in a direction different to a direction that the biting surface is arranged to bite in.