Compact Vehicle Seat Belt System with Integrated Guide Rod

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing safety belt systems in vehicles, particularly in coaches and buses, face issues with belt length incompatibility for varying passenger sizes and increased seat thickness due to the location of the recoil and restraint device, leading to comfort and safety concerns, and the need for sliding means that are costly and require maintenance.

Innovation Solution

A compact safety belt system with a guiding system featuring a curved vertical rod for height adjustment, where all components including the recoil and restraint device, deflection points, and anchor points are integrated on the same side of the seat-back, eliminating sliding means and optimizing belt length and friction, allowing for automatic height adjustment and easy installation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If the recoil and restraint device is located in the lower part of the seat-back, then the system structure is simplified, but the seat thickness increases and comfort is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem structureVSAvoidseat thickness
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention relocates the recoil and restraint device from the lower part of the seat-back to the upper part, utilizing the vertical dimension of the seat-back structure. This dimensional repositioning allows the device to be integrated into the upper seat-back framework without increasing overall seat thickness, thereby maintaining passenger comfort while simplifying the guiding system structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The guiding system is segmented into distinct functional components: the first deflection point at the upper part of the seat-back, the second deflection point at the lower part, and the recoil and restraint device positioned at the upper part. This segmentation allows each component to be optimally positioned, reducing the need for excessive belt length and minimizing seat thickness while maintaining structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If sliding means are used for height adjustment, then automatic adjustment is achieved, but cost and maintenance requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomatic height adjustmentVSAvoidcost and maintenance
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The invention introduces a reel mechanism as an intermediary component that enables automatic height adjustment of the safety belt. The reel is guided by the first and second deflection points, allowing the belt to move vertically along a predetermined path. This intermediary mechanism achieves automatic adjustment functionality while being simpler and more cost-effective than traditional sliding means, with reduced maintenance requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The height adjustment system is made dynamic through the reel mechanism that can freely rotate to accommodate belt movement. The system automatically adapts to different height requirements without requiring complex sliding structures, providing ease of operation while minimizing manufacturing cost and maintenance needs through its simple rotational dynamics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If the belt web is made longer to accommodate varying passenger sizes, then adaptability is improved, but belt twisting and blocking risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to passenger sizeVSAvoidbelt operation reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention employs curved guiding paths for the belt web, with the first deflection point positioned at the upper part of the seat-back and the second at the lower part. This curved configuration allows the belt to naturally follow a smooth path that adapts to different passenger heights and body types, reducing the risk of twisting and blocking while maintaining adequate belt length for various occupant sizes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Solution Approach 2:

The belt path is segmented into distinct sections guided by multiple deflection points, allowing each section to be optimized for its specific function. The first deflection point handles the upper diagonal portion, while the second manages the lower horizontal portion, enabling the belt to adapt to varying passenger dimensions without creating twisting hazards in any single section.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Stability of the object's composition

If the guiding system components are distributed on opposite sides of the seat, then structural balance is achieved, but system complexity and installation difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural balanceVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges multiple guiding system components onto the same side of the seat-back structure. The first deflection point, second deflection point, and recoil and restraint device are all positioned on one side, creating a compact integrated system. This merging reduces overall system complexity and simplifies installation while maintaining structural balance through careful positioning within the seat-back framework.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP2828128B1A vehicle seat provided with compact fast-installing safety belt system
Publication Date: 2016.05.11 LAZZERINI ONSABILITA LIMITATA
  • EP2828128B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2828128B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2828128B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4A

AI summary

The present invention relates to a vehicle seat provided with safety belt system characterized by compact size and rapid installation, which can be preassembled and installed simultaneously with the framework of the seat-back.