Removable Seat Restraint Electrical Coupling via Webbing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Integrating occupant restraint devices into removable vehicle seats poses challenges related to sensing, power, and connectivity, particularly due to the complexity of attaching wire harnesses during seat installation.
Innovation Solution
A motor vehicle occupant restraint system that includes a removable seat with integrated occupant restraint mechanisms, a vehicle electronic control unit, and an electrical coupling using conductors embedded in the seatbelt webbing to provide control and power signals, enabling seamless activation of restraints when the seat is mounted, along with inductive coupling for wireless power transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate wire harnesses are attached to provide power and control signals to the removable seat, then reliable electrical connection is achieved, but the installation process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the wire harness with the seatbelt assembly into a single integrated unit. The electrical conductors are routed through the seatbelt webbing and connector components, merging two separate systems (wire harness and seatbelt) into one unified assembly that is installed as a single unit, thereby simplifying installation while maintaining reliable electrical connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The seatbelt assembly serves multiple functions: it provides the traditional seatbelt restraint function while simultaneously serving as the electrical connection medium for power and control signals to the removable seat. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate wire harnesses and reduces installation steps.
2Device complexity
If the seatbelt assembly provides both mechanical restraint and electrical connectivity, then installation is simplified, but the reliability of electrical connection during seatbelt extension and retraction may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the seatbelt webbing itself as an intermediary medium to protect and guide the electrical conductors. The conductors are routed through the webbing structure, which provides mechanical protection and maintains conductor positioning during seatbelt extension and retraction, thereby preserving electrical connection reliability while enabling movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The seatbelt webbing acts as a flexible protective sheath for the electrical conductors. This flexible structure allows the conductors to move with the seatbelt during extension and retraction while maintaining electrical connectivity and protecting the conductors from damage, thus ensuring reliability despite the dynamic nature of the seatbelt assembly.
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
Simplifies the installation process by eliminating the need for separate wire harnesses and ensures reliable power and control signals to occupant restraints, ensuring proper deployment and functionality of safety devices while maintaining seat integration.
Implementation Method 1
inductive coupling for wireless power transfer
Data Source
AI summary
A motor vehicle occupant restraint system is provided. The system may include an occupant seat, a vehicle electronic control unit, a seat electrical circuit, and an electrical coupling between the vehicle electronic control unit and the seat electrical circuit. The occupant seat may have a mounting mechanism for enabling the seat to be removably mounted to a structural component of the motor vehicle, the occupant seat may further include at least one occupant restraint mechanism. The vehicle electronic control unit may be affixed to the motor vehicle for controlling the occupant restraint mechanism. The electronic coupling may utilize electrical conductors that are attached to and extend along the webbing of the seatbelt.