Integrated Seat Belt Loop for Off-Axis Load Redirection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle restraint systems face challenges in managing off-axis loads on seat belt retractors and latches, which can lead to inefficient load distribution and potential failure during side impacts.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a seat belt energy management loop, comprising a flat bracket with an integral loop and mounting openings, is designed to be welded to the vehicle chassis, featuring a seat belt guide segment, curved end segments, and a straight segment forming an oval opening for the retractable seat belt, along with a curved lip to redirect off-axis loads and reduce stress on the retractor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional seat belt mounting system is used without an energy management loop, then the retractor is directly mounted to the chassis, but off-axis loads during side impacts are not effectively managed, leading to increased stress and potential failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an energy management loop as an intermediary component between the retractor and the chassis. This loop acts as a mediator that redirects off-axis loads away from the retractor during side impacts, preventing excessive stress on the retractor while maintaining reliable restraint functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting system is segmented into distinct functional components: the retractor, the energy management loop, and the chassis mounting points. This segmentation allows the energy management loop to independently manage off-axis loads while the retractor focuses on providing restraint force, resolving the contradiction between reliability and force management.
2Force
If an energy management loop is integrated into the seat belt system, then off-axis loading on the retractor is reduced, but the complexity of the restraint system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The energy management loop is merged with the existing seat belt mounting structure, integrating load management functionality into the structural components that are already present in the vehicle. This combining approach reduces the need for separate, additional components while achieving off-axis load reduction.
Solution Approach 2:
The energy management loop serves multiple functions: it redirects off-axis loads during side impacts, provides structural support for the retractor, and maintains normal seat belt operation during everyday use. This multi-functionality reduces the need for specialized components, thereby limiting the increase in system complexity.
3Strength
If the retractor is directly mounted to the chassis without load redirection, then the system structure is simple, but the strength and durability during side impacts are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The energy management loop introduces a new dimensional aspect to the mounting structure by creating a loop configuration that provides load paths in multiple directions. This dimensional change allows the structure to manage off-axis loads effectively while maintaining a relatively simple overall design.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting structure utilizes composite construction combining the energy management loop with the chassis mounting points, creating a integrated system that provides both strength during side impacts and structural stability during normal operation without requiring overly complex individual components.
Data Source
AI summary
A seat belt energy management loop to reduce off-axis loading is disclosed. The seat belt energy management loop includes a substantially flat bracket welded to the chassis of a vehicle and including a plurality of openings for mounting a roll hoop and a seat belt retractor to the bracket. An integral loop is formed as an integral part of the bracket and extends from the bracket in substantially perpendicular relation to the bracket. The integral loop includes a seat belt guide segment extending from the bracket, a pair of curved end segments extending from the seat belt guide segment, and a straight segment extending between the pair of curved end segments, together forming a seat belt opening through which a retractable seat belt of the retractor extends.