Seat Belt Retractor Angle Compensation During Seat Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing seat belt retractor systems fail to function properly when the relative position between the seat cushion and backrest changes, such as in seats with adjustable inclination or height, causing the vehicle sensing device to deviate from the vertical orientation and preventing normal seat belt operation.
Innovation Solution
A control assembly with three electric motors and a control module that adjusts the retractor's angle in real-time by collecting signals from the seat cushion and backrest motors, ensuring the vehicle sensing device remains vertical despite changes in seat configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the backrest inclination is adjusted to improve comfort, then the seat comfort is improved, but the vehicle sensing device deviates from vertical orientation causing seat belt malfunction
Solution Approach 1:
The control module receives rotation signals from the first and second electric motors that adjust the seat cushion and backrest, calculates the resulting angle change of the retractor, and outputs compensation signals to the third electric motor to maintain the sensing device in vertical orientation, thus resolving the contradiction between seat adjustment freedom and sensing device orientation stability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical angle-adjusting module assembly with an electric motor-driven system. The third electric motor, controlled by the control module through compensation signals, electronically adjusts the retractor angle to maintain vertical orientation of the sensing device, eliminating the need for complex mechanical compensation mechanisms
2Ease of operation
If the seat cushion inclination is adjusted separately to improve ergonomics, then the ergonomic performance is improved, but the vehicle sensing device deviates from vertical orientation
Solution Approach 1:
The control module monitors the rotation signal from the first electric motor that adjusts the seat cushion inclination, calculates the corresponding angle change of the retractor, and outputs compensation signals to the third electric motor to counteract the deviation and maintain the sensing device in vertical orientation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the third electric motor to replace the mechanical angle-adjusting module assembly, enabling electronic control of the retractor angle through compensation signals based on feedback from the seat cushion adjustment motor, thus maintaining sensing device orientation without mechanical complexity
3Reliability
If a mechanical angle-adjusting module assembly is used to compensate backrest angle, then the vehicle sensing device orientation can be maintained, but the system does not work when the relative position between seat cushion and backrest does not change
Solution Approach 1:
The control module is designed to universally handle multiple types of seat adjustments including backrest inclination changes, seat cushion inclination changes, and combinations thereof. By monitoring rotation signals from both the first and second electric motors and calculating the composite angle change of the retractor, the system provides compensation for any adjustment scenario, making it adaptable to various seat configurations and adjustment modes
Solution Approach 2:
The control module receives and processes rotation signals from both the first electric motor (seat cushion adjustment) and the second electric motor (backrest adjustment), calculating the combined effect on retractor angle and outputting appropriate compensation signals to the third electric motor, enabling the system to function across all adjustment scenarios
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided is a control assembly (3) for a seat belt retractor, the control assembly comprising a first electric motor (31), a second electric motor (32), a control module (33), a third electric motor (34) and a retractor (35), wherein the control module (33) is separately connected to the first electric motor (31), the second electric motor (32) and the third electric motor (34), and collects rotation signals of the first electric motor (31) and the second electric motor (32) and outputs a compensation signal to the third electric motor (34); the rotation of the first electric motor (31) and the rotation of the second electric motor (32) are both related to the angle of the retractor (35); and the third electric motor (34) is connected to the retractor (35) and directly compensates the angle of the retractor (35). Further provided is a vehicle seat comprising the control assembly (3). The control module (33) collects the signals of the first electric motor (31) and the second electric motor (32) and outputs the compensation signal in real time and transmits same to the third electric motor (34), and then the third electric motor (34) adjusts the retractor (35) accordingly, so that a seat belt can be normally used during the full adjustment process of the vehicle seat.