Seatbelt Tongue Angle Sensing for Improper Belt Position Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current seatbelt systems in vehicles fail to effectively detect improper use, such as the diagonal belt being positioned in front of the abdomen or behind the back, which can compromise occupant safety.
Innovation Solution
A seatbelt device with a diagonal belt portion and a lap belt portion, equipped with sensors to detect the rotational angular position of a fitting connected to the seatbelt tongue and buckle, allowing for the detection of improper use and triggering warnings or adaptations in safety systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a sensor is added to detect the rotational angular position of the fitting, then the ability to detect improper seatbelt use is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical detection mechanisms with a sensor-based detection system. The sensor (e.g., Hall sensor, rotary encoder) detects the rotational angular position of the fitting electrically/magnetically, eliminating the need for complex mechanical linkages or switches, thus improving measurement precision while keeping the added complexity minimal.
Solution Approach 2:
The fitting itself serves as the detection target by incorporating a magnet that works with the sensor to detect its own rotational position. The seatbelt device uses its own components (fitting, magnet, sensor) to perform the detection function, eliminating the need for separate detection mechanisms.
2Measurement precision
If a magnet and sensor system is implemented to detect fitting position, then the detection accuracy is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses inexpensive components such as Hall sensors and small magnets that are cost-effective and widely available. These components can be easily manufactured and integrated into the seatbelt device without requiring expensive materials or complex production processes.
Solution Approach 2:
By replacing mechanical measurement mechanisms with electronic sensors and magnets, the patent achieves high detection accuracy using low-cost electronic components that are easier and cheaper to manufacture than precision mechanical systems.
3Ease of manufacture
If the sensor is arranged on the seatbelt buckle, then the electrical connection is simplified, but the installation space requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The seatbelt buckle serves multiple functions: it provides the mechanical locking mechanism for the seatbelt tongue and also houses the sensor for detecting the fitting's rotational position. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate detection components, optimizing space utilization.
4Measurement precision
If the sensor is arranged on the seatbelt tongue, then the detection capability is improved, but the use of dummy seatbelt tongues becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor on the seatbelt tongue provides real-time feedback about the fitting's rotational position. This feedback mechanism enables the system to detect when a real tongue is properly inserted versus when a dummy tongue is used, as the magnetic interaction and rotational detection will differ between genuine and fraudulent insertion attempts.
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 accurate detection of improper seatbelt use, allowing for adaptive responses from safety systems and improved occupant safety by categorizing the belt position into specific ranges indicating correct or incorrect usage.
Implementation Method 1
the sensor is a Hall sensor
Data Source
AI summary
A seatbelt device for a motor vehicle, including: a diagonal belt portion and a lap belt portion, each of which is connected to a seatbelt retractor that can be fixedly secured to the vehicle, a seatbelt buckle that can be fixedly secured to the vehicle, and a seatbelt tongue that can be locked to the seatbelt buckle. One end of the lap belt portion is secured to the seatbelt tongue, and one end of the diagonal belt portion is secured to a fitting, the fitting being rotatably connected to the seatbelt tongue. At least one sensor is provided and designed to detect the rotational angular position of the fitting with respect to the seatbelt tongue and/or the seatbelt buckle. The invention further relates to a corresponding method.