Seatbelt Webbing Marker and Proximity Sensor for Occupant Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle seatbelt retraction systems face challenges in accommodating occupants of varying sizes and types, such as children, as they require distinct load management to ensure safety during vehicle impacts, which current systems fail to address effectively.

Innovation Solution

A system incorporating a marker on the seatbelt webbing and a proximity sensor to differentiate between adult and child occupants, operating the seatbelt retractor in high-load or low-load modes based on the detected marker's position, allowing for tailored load management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a single load management setting is used for all occupants, then the system is simple to operate, but it cannot provide appropriate load management for different occupant sizes and types

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to different occupant sizesVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical sensing systems with an optical detection system. A marker attached to the seatbelt webbing is detected by an optical sensor (proximity sensor) that identifies occupant type based on the marker's position, enabling adaptive load management without complex mechanical switches or sensors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a marker as an intermediary element between the occupant and the detection system. The marker, positioned at specific locations on the seatbelt webbing, serves as a mediator that carries information about occupant type to the optical sensor, enabling the system to distinguish between different occupant categories.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the seatbelt retractor uses a fixed load management mode, then the mechanism is simple, but it cannot ensure safety for both small occupants and child seats requiring different load limits

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesafety for different occupant typesVSAvoidretractor mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the seatbelt retractor dynamic by enabling it to switch between different load management modes (first mode for higher load limits, second mode for lower load limits) based on real-time detection of occupant type through the optical sensor and marker system, rather than being fixed in a single mode.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the load management parameters of the retractor mechanism based on detected occupant type. The system adjusts critical parameters such as load limits and retraction forces according to whether a small occupant or child seat is detected, optimizing safety parameters for each scenario.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If the marker is positioned to detect child seats, then child seat safety is improved, but adult occupant detection may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvechild seat detection accuracyVSAvoidadult occupant detection accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the detection approach by placing multiple markers at different positions on the seatbelt webbing (first marker for child seat detection, second marker for adult occupant detection). This segmentation allows the optical sensor to distinguish between different occupant types based on which marker is detected, improving both child seat and adult occupant detection accuracy simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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

This solution enables the seatbelt retractor to adapt to different occupant sizes and types, ensuring appropriate load management and enhanced safety by distinguishing between adult and child occupants, thereby improving the system's ability to restrain effectively during impacts.

Implementation Method 1

A proximity sensor is fixed relative to the seatbelt retractor. The proximity sensor is designed to detect the marker when the marker is within sensing range of the proximity sensor.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectProximity sensing:

Data Source

PatentUS11541842B2Seatbelt assembly including proximity sensor and marker

Publication Date: 2023.01.03 FORD GLOBAL TECH LLC

AI summary

A system includes a seatbelt retractor and a webbing payable from the seatbelt retractor. A marker is fixed to the webbing. A proximity sensor is fixed relative to the seatbelt retractor. The proximity sensor is designed to detect the marker when the marker is within sensing range of the proximity sensor. The marker is positioned along the webbing to be out of sensing range of the proximity sensor when the webbing is engaged with a 6-year-old anthropomorphic test device and to be in sensing range of the proximity sensor when the webbing is engaged with a child seat.