Seat Belt Control Mechanism Using Multi-Motion Activation Thresholds
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motive systems activate based on a single motion characteristic, leading to unwanted activations and reduced accuracy in determining the need for activation.
Innovation Solution
A variable behavior control mechanism that measures and responds to a plurality of motion characteristics, using sensors to determine activation thresholds based on a combination of these characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single motion characteristic is measured for activation, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability and accuracy of activation decrease leading to unwanted activations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from measuring a single motion characteristic (one-dimensional) to measuring multiple motion characteristics simultaneously (multi-dimensional). By incorporating sensors that detect various parameters such as acceleration, velocity, and position, the system creates a multi-dimensional measurement space that enables more accurate differentiation between genuine activation events and false triggers, thereby improving activation reliability without excessive complexity increase
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs multiple motion characteristics (different physical parameters) rather than relying on a single parameter. By monitoring changes in acceleration, velocity, position and other motion parameters simultaneously, the system can analyze the pattern and context of motion events, enabling more reliable activation decisions through multi-parameter analysis rather than single-parameter thresholds
2Measurement precision
If multiple motion characteristics are measured, then the accuracy and reliability of activation improve, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the measurement function into multiple specialized sensors, each responsible for measuring a specific motion characteristic (acceleration, velocity, position). This segmentation allows each sensor to be optimized for its specific measurement task, improving overall measurement precision while enabling modular system design that manages complexity through functional decomposition
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs sensors and processing systems that can handle multiple motion characteristics within a unified framework. The control system is designed to process various types of motion data (acceleration, velocity, position) through common algorithms and decision-making logic, reducing the need for separate processing paths for each parameter and thereby managing system complexity while maintaining high measurement precision
3Ease of operation
If a single threshold value is used for activation, then the ease of operation is improved, but the adaptability to different motion dynamics decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from static single-threshold activation to dynamic multi-threshold activation based on multiple motion characteristics. The system adapts its activation criteria by evaluating combinations of motion parameters (acceleration, velocity, position) and their relationships, allowing the effective threshold to vary dynamically based on the specific motion pattern detected, thereby improving adaptability to different motion dynamics while maintaining operational simplicity through automated multi-parameter evaluation
Data Source
AI summary
Variable behaviour control mechanism with a variety of motion characteristics, the mechanism comprising means to measure a plurality of motion characteristics and to activate systems when a threshold of the motion characteristics is reached. The mechanism described is, for example, a vehicle seat belt and the mechanism minimises or prevents unwanted activation of line extension or retraction of the seat belt. A first mechanism is described where activation occurs between at least one primary system and at least one secondary system when a combination of the sensed motion characteristics achieves a threshold. A second mechanism is described where activation occurs between at least one primary system and at least one secondary system when at least one sensed motion characteristic achieves a threshold, the threshold being modified based on at least one further motion characteristic. A method of use of the above mechanisms is also described.