Seatbelt Buckle with Deformable Plug for Impact Energy Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current seatbelt systems do not effectively manage the distribution of force during a vehicle impact, leading to increased chest compression for occupants, as they lack a mechanism to absorb and distribute energy efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A restraint system featuring a seatbelt buckle that moves from a first to a second position, allowing for plastic deformation of either the housing or plug, which absorbs energy by changing shape, thereby reducing the force exerted on the occupant during impacts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a traditional seatbelt system is used, then the structure is simple, but the force distribution during impact is ineffective leading to increased chest compression
Solution Approach 1:
The restraint system is segmented into distinct functional components: a housing containing a deformable plug, a separate buckle mechanism, and webbing. The plug itself is segmented from the housing, allowing independent deformation. This segmentation enables the system to absorb impact energy through controlled plastic deformation of the plug while maintaining the overall structural integrity of the restraint system.
Solution Approach 2:
The deformable plug is designed in advance to undergo plastic deformation during impact, creating a cushioning effect before the full force of the impact reaches the occupant. The plug's material properties and geometric design are predetermined to ensure it deforms at the appropriate force threshold, providing proactive energy absorption rather than reactive resistance.
2Loss of energy
If the housing or plug is made rigid to maintain structural integrity, then the system strength is high, but the energy absorption capability during impact is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The plug is designed with non-uniform cross-sectional geometry, featuring varying thickness or curvature in different regions. This local variation in geometry creates zones of different stress concentration, allowing the plug to deform in a controlled sequence from high-stress to low-stress regions. The local quality variation enables progressive energy absorption while maintaining overall structural coherence.
Solution Approach 2:
The material properties of the plug are specifically selected to exhibit plastic deformation characteristics at impact force levels. The plug's yield strength, elongation, and hardening characteristics are engineered to change parameters during deformation, transitioning from an elastic rigid state to a plastic deformable state during impact, thereby absorbing energy while maintaining pre-impact structural integrity.
3Ease of operation
If the seatbelt buckle is fixed in position, then the system is simple, but the ability to manage force distribution during impact is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The buckle mechanism is designed to move dynamically from a first retracted position to a second extended position during impact. This dynamic positioning allows the buckle to initially absorb some impact force through its own deformation and movement, then transition to a locked position that distributes remaining forces through the webbing and deformable plug. The dynamic nature of the buckle enhances overall force management while maintaining ease of normal operation.
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
The system effectively reduces chest compression by absorbing energy through the deformation of the housing or plug, thereby minimizing the force exerted on the occupant during a vehicle impact.
Implementation Method 1
One of the housing and the plug is plastically deformable by the other of the housing and the plug during movement from the first position to the second position
Data Source
AI summary
A restraint system includes a housing defining a cavity tapering to an end and a plug disposed in the cavity. The plug is larger than the end of the housing. A seatbelt buckle is fixed relative to one of the housing and the plug and is moveable from a first position to a second position relative to the other of the housing and the plug. The plug is moveable relative to the housing toward the end during movement from the first position to the second position. One of the housing and the plug is plastically deformable by the other of the housing and the plug during movement from the first position to the second position.