Seatbelt Buckle Assembly Stabilization via Spring and Apertures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle seatbelt buckles often deflect towards the seat back when adjusted, potentially causing damage and unwanted noise due to gravity, as existing designs lack effective stabilization mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A seatbelt buckle assembly featuring a buckle supporting member with spaced apertures and a spring that contacts both the supporting member and the structural frame, securing the buckle with a fastener and reducing rotation or deflection through torsional stress and positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional buckle assembly is used without additional stabilization mechanisms, then the structure remains simple and cost-effective, but the buckle deflects towards the seat back causing damage and unwanted noise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the stabilization function with the existing buckle supporting member by adding apertures and a spring mechanism, merging multiple functions (support, positioning, stabilization) into a single integrated component rather than adding separate stabilization devices
Solution Approach 2:
The spring acts as an intermediary element between the buckle supporting member and the structural frame, providing the necessary stabilization force while allowing controlled movement, thus mediating between the buckle and the frame structure
2Stability of the object's composition
If spaced apertures and a spring mechanism are added to the buckle supporting member, then buckle deflection and rotation are reduced, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The buckle supporting member is segmented into functional zones with apertures positioned at specific locations, allowing the spring and fastener to engage at defined points, which simplifies the assembly process despite adding components
Solution Approach 2:
The spring mechanism automatically engages with the spaced apertures and fastener to provide stabilization, eliminating the need for additional adjustment mechanisms or complex control systems, thus reducing operational complexity
3Strength
If the buckle supporting member includes spaced apertures for fastener assembly, then the buckle is securely positioned to the structural frame, but the number of components and assembly steps increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spaced apertures serve multiple functions: they guide the fastener during assembly, provide positioning reference, and enable the spring mechanism to engage, reducing the need for separate positioning features and alignment holes
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 solution effectively reduces the likelihood of buckle deflection and damage, minimizing noise from unwanted twist and rotation, while simplifying the structure and reducing costs by eliminating the need for additional positioning members.
Implementation Method 1
a spring to contact the buckle supporting member and the structural frame
Data Source
AI summary
The seatbelt buckle assembly comprises a buckle; a buckle supporting member connected to the buckle and including thereupon a first aperture and an opposing second aperture spaced apart along a width direction together to receive a fastener for assembling the buckle supporting member to the structural frame; and a spring to contact the buckle supporting member and the structural frame.