Seatbelt D-Ring Positioning Assembly with Telescoping Extender
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing seatbelt assemblies with fixed D-rings on vehicle pillars lack the ability to be three-dimensionally positioned relative to the seat assembly, making it difficult to comfortably position the seatbelt for vehicle passengers.
Innovation Solution
A seatbelt positioning assembly comprising a base member attached to the vehicle pillar, an extensible member with a D-ring, a positioning mechanism, and an electronic controller that moves the D-ring between a stowed and extended position using motors and telescoping structures, allowing for precise adjustment to accommodate different passenger preferences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the D-ring is fixed to the pillar structure, then the structure is simple and reliable, but the seatbelt cannot be positioned comfortably for different passengers
Solution Approach 1:
The D-ring is transformed from a fixed static structure to a dynamic adjustable structure. The extensible member with telescoping sections allows the D-ring to move between retracted and extended positions, enabling three-dimensional positioning relative to the seat assembly while maintaining structural reliability through controlled mechanical movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The extensible member is divided into multiple telescoping sections that can extend and retract independently. This segmentation allows for precise positioning adjustments while keeping each individual section manageable in size and complexity, resolving the contradiction between positioning flexibility and structural simplicity.
2Ease of operation
If the D-ring is moved to an extended position away from the pillar, then the seatbelt can be positioned for passenger comfort, but the D-ring occupies more space and may interfere with vehicle interior
Solution Approach 1:
The extensible member employs a telescoping design where multiple sections nest within each other during retraction. This nesting mechanism allows the D-ring to occupy minimal space when not in use while providing full extension capability when needed, effectively resolving the space occupation contradiction.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic extension and retraction capability allows the D-ring to adapt its volume occupancy based on operational needs. When extended, it provides comfortable positioning; when retracted, it minimizes space usage, eliminating permanent interference with vehicle interior space.
3Measurement precision
If a positioning mechanism with motors is added to move the D-ring, then precise positioning is achieved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning mechanism incorporates memory functionality that automatically recalls and reproduces previously stored positioning settings. This self-service capability eliminates the need for complex manual adjustment mechanisms while maintaining high positioning precision, as the system autonomously returns to preferred positions without requiring complex control interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical positioning systems with an electronically controlled mechanism featuring memory and automatic positioning. This substitution reduces mechanical complexity while achieving precise positioning through electronic control and stored position data, resolving the contradiction between precision and complexity.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the D-ring is made adjustable to multiple positions, then adaptability to different passengers is improved, but the reliability of the fixed connection to the pillar is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The connection transitions from a permanently fixed static joint to a controlled dynamic joint. The extensible member maintains a reliable connection to the pillar structure through its base attachment while allowing controlled movement along its length. This dynamic connection preserves structural reliability at the anchor point while providing positioning flexibility throughout the extension range.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection system is segmented into a fixed anchor point at the pillar and a movable extensible member. This segmentation maintains the reliability of the fixed connection to the vehicle structure while allowing the D-ring portion to be adjustable, resolving the contradiction between connection stability and positioning flexibility.
Data Source
AI summary
A seatbelt positioning assembly, includes a base member, an extensible member, a positioning mechanism and an electronic controller. The base member is configured to attach to a vehicle pillar structure of a vehicle adjacent to a vehicle seat assembly. The extensible member is coupled to the base member and has a D-ring of a seatbelt assembly fixed a distal end thereof. The positioning mechanism is connected to the extensible member and is supported to the base member. The position mechanism is configured to move the extensible member such that the D-ring is positioned and re-positioned between a stowed position adjacent the vehicle pillar structure and an extended position adjacent to the vehicle seat assembly. The electronic controller is connected to the positioning mechanism and configured to operate the positioning mechanism to move the extensible member positioning the D-ring between the stowed position and the extended position.