Seatback Webbing Retaining Member with Magnetic Coupling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current seatbacks in vehicles fail to properly accommodate both very large and very small occupants with seatbelt assemblies, as they do not allow for adequate fitting of four-point or five-point harness systems.

Innovation Solution

A seatback design featuring upper seatbelt webbing contact portions and retaining members with medial and lateral ends, where one end is affixed and the other is releasably coupled, forming a gap to retain seatbelt webbing sections, and utilizing magnetic attraction for coupling, allowing for adjustable positioning to fit various occupant sizes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional seatback designs are used, then the structure is simple, but the seatbelt assembly cannot fit properly for very large or very small occupants

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseatbelt fit for various occupant sizesVSAvoidseatback structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The retaining member is designed with one end affixed to the seatback and the other end releasably coupled, allowing dynamic adjustment of the seatbelt webbing position. This enables the seatbelt assembly to adapt to different occupant sizes while maintaining a relatively simple seatback structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The retaining member is divided into distinct portions: an affixed end, a releasably coupled end, and a middle portion that forms a gap. This segmentation allows the webbing to be positioned at different locations along the middle portion, providing versatility for different occupant sizes without requiring complete structural redesign.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If the retaining member has both ends affixed, then the structure is stable, but the webbing cannot be adjusted for different occupant sizes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewebbing position adjustmentVSAvoidretaining member stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The retaining member transitions from a fully fixed structure to one with dynamic adjustability. By making one end releasably coupled rather than permanently affixed, the system allows webbing position adjustment while maintaining sufficient stability during normal use through the releasable coupling mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The position of the webbing along the middle portion of the retaining member can be changed to accommodate different occupant sizes. The releasable coupling allows the parameter of webbing position to be adjusted while the affixed end maintains the overall structural stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If the retaining member is made adjustable for different occupant sizes, then adaptability improves, but the coupling mechanism becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseatbelt positioning flexibilityVSAvoidcoupling mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The releasable coupling mechanism replaces complex mechanical adjustment systems with a simpler magnetic coupling approach. The magnetic coupling provides sufficient holding force for webbing retention while allowing easy adjustment and release, reducing overall mechanism complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The middle portion of the retaining member acts as an intermediary element between the affixed end and the releasably coupled end. This intermediary structure provides the gap for webbing insertion and allows adjustment without requiring complex direct coupling mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Enables proper fitting and retention of seatbelt webbing sections for occupants of all sizes, ensuring secure seating and convenient storage when not in use, overcoming the limitations of traditional seatback designs.

Implementation Method 1

the lateral end of the first seatbelt webbing retaining member is releasably coupled through magnetic attraction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic attraction: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentUS10179529B1Seatback with a seatbelt webbing retaining member with a releasably coupled end to allow the insertion of and to retain a webbing section of a seatbelt assembly

Publication Date: 2019.01.15 FORD GLOBAL TECH LLC

AI summary

A seatback for a vehicle comprises a midline. A first upper seatbelt webbing contact portion is disposed to a first side of the midline. A first seatbelt webbing retaining member is disposed to the first side. The first seatbelt webbing retaining member has a medial end, a lateral end further away from the midline than the medial end, and a middle portion between the medial end and the lateral end. Either the medial end or the lateral end of the first seatbelt webbing retaining member is affixed to the seatback and the other of the medial end or the lateral end is releasably coupled to the seatback. The middle portion is disposed above the first upper seatbelt webbing contact portion forming a gap configured to retain a first webbing section of a seatbelt assembly.