Motor Vehicle Seat Belt Outer Face Sensor Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensor arrangements on motor vehicle safety belts impair the mechanical properties and smooth inner face structure, leading to suboptimal deployment of the safety belt during movements and potentially inadequate protection in accidents.
Innovation Solution
Sensors are positioned on the outer face of the safety belt, with housings attached via welding, adhesion, or sewing, and reinforced with additional threads to maintain glide properties, using conductive materials for power and signal transmission, and a selection device to optimize signal quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If sensors are attached to the safety belt using fittings or attachments, then the sensors can be mounted on the belt, but the mechanical properties of the belt are impaired and the smooth structure of the inner face is disturbed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent moves the sensors from the inner face to the outer face of the safety belt, changing the spatial dimension of sensor placement. This allows sensor mounting without interfering with the smooth inner face structure, resolving the contradiction between sensor attachment reliability and belt mechanical strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the safety belt into distinct functional zones: the inner face remains smooth and unchanged for optimal glide properties, while the outer face accommodates sensor housings and fittings. This segmentation allows each zone to fulfill its specific function without compromising the other.
2Reliability
If fittings or attachments are provided on the safety belt for sensor mounting, then sensors can be fixed on the belt, but the glide properties of the safety belt are impaired
Solution Approach 1:
By relocating sensors to the outer face of the belt, the patent eliminates interference with the inner face smoothness that is critical for glide properties. The sensor housings and fittings are positioned in a dimension (outer face) that does not affect the operational surface (inner face).
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different structural qualities to different parts of the belt: the inner face maintains a smooth, uniform structure optimized for gliding over deflection elements, while the outer face accommodates sensor housings with appropriate fixation methods. Each region has optimized local quality for its specific function.
3Reliability
If the inner face of the safety belt is modified to attach sensors, then sensors can be mounted, but the smooth structure essential for easy-running glide is disturbed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by placing sensors on the outer face of the belt rather than the inner face. This dimensional change ensures that sensor attachment structures do not interfere with the smooth inner face surface that is essential for the belt to glide easily over deflection elements and the vehicle body.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the belt surface into two distinct functional areas: the inner face maintained as smooth and unchanged for optimal glide properties, and the outer face modified to accommodate sensor housings and attachment structures. This segmentation allows sensor mounting without compromising glide performance.
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 ensures the safety belt's protective function is maintained without hindering its glide properties, allowing for effective deployment and operation, even in emergency situations, by isolating sensors from the inner face and enhancing mechanical strength.
Implementation Method 1
The housing can be attached to the outer face of the safety belt by welding with the material forming the outer face of the safety belt
Implementation Method 2
The sensors of the sensor arrangement are appropriately connected to conductors integrated in the safety belt, into which or from which the required operating energy of the sensor arrangement and signals of the sensors can be inductively coupled or uncoupled
Data Source
AI summary
A safety belt has an inner face turned toward the body of a user and an outer face turned away from the user. A plurality of sensor are mounted on the outer face, and the inner face is devoid of sensors. A selector connected to the sensors determines which sensor is best positioned for signal quality and for using the signal therefrom.