Seatback Belt Retraction Mechanism for Occupant Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current seat assemblies lack effective mechanisms for managing seat occupant position, particularly in deploying and retracting belt assemblies in conjunction with airbag systems for optimal safety and comfort.
Innovation Solution
A seat assembly with a retraction mechanism integrated into the seatback, featuring an airbag and tether members that move from a stowed to a deployed position, with a belt member that deploys and retracts synchronously, utilizing an actuator and routing mechanisms to interlace tether members between brackets for efficient retraction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a deployable belt assembly is integrated with the seatback, then seat occupant position management capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The belt assembly is merged with the seatback structure, integrating the retraction mechanism, tether members, and belt member into the seatback interior. This consolidation provides occupant position management functionality while containing the complexity within a unified structure rather than adding separate independent systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The seatback is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides structural support, houses the retraction mechanism, contains the belt assembly, and enables occupant position management. This multi-functionality approach allows the same structure to deliver both comfort/support and safety/position management capabilities.
2Reliability
If the belt member is deployed from the seatback interior to the front, then occupant restraint capability is improved, but the retraction mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retraction mechanism utilizes the deployment force of the airbag to automatically retract the belt member after deployment. The airbag's inflation and deflation cycle directly drives the retraction action through the tether member, eliminating the need for separate powered retraction actuators or complex mechanical reel systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The tether member serves as an intermediary element that couples the airbag to the belt member. It transmits the motion and force from the airbag deployment to the belt member, enabling synchronized deployment and retraction while simplifying the overall mechanism by using a flexible coupling rather than rigid mechanical linkages.
3Productivity
If the tether member is operably coupled to the airbag for synchronized movement, then deployment coordination is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the state parameter of the airbag (from inflated to deflated) to drive the retraction process. This parameter change approach allows the belt member to be retracted passively as the airbag deflates, avoiding the need for precise mechanical synchronization mechanisms and reducing manufacturing precision requirements.
4Volume of moving object
If the belt member is received within the seatback interior when not in use, then space utilization is improved, but access complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The belt member and tether member are nested within the seatback interior structure. The retraction mechanism is also contained within the same interior space. This nesting arrangement maximizes space utilization by storing all deployable components within the existing seatback volume rather than requiring additional external storage spaces.
Data Source
AI summary
A seat assembly includes a seatback having an interior portion with a seatback frame disposed therein. A retraction mechanism includes a first bracket operably coupled to the seatback frame. A second bracket is operably coupled to the first bracket by an actuator that is operable between at-rest and actuated positions. A tether member includes a body portion that is operably coupled between the first and second brackets of the retraction mechanism for movement therewith. The tether member moves from a deployed position to a retracted position when the actuator moves from the at-rest position to the actuated position. A belt member is operably coupled to the tether member. The belt member is operable between a deployed position, wherein the belt member is disposed in front of the back support portion of the seatback, and a stowed position, wherein the belt member is received in the interior portion of the seatback.