Seatbelt Retractor Blocking Lever for Fast Electrical Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional mechanical blocking devices for belt rollers require precise alignment with the vehicle's axes, leading to complex designs and potential unintentional blocking issues, especially in vehicles with adjustable seating configurations.
Innovation Solution
An electrically operational blocking device with a second spring that supports the blocking lever independently of its position, allowing for a more robust and reliable blocking mechanism that can be installed without specific alignment requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a mechanical blocking device with inertial mass is used, then the blocking function is provided, but the device requires precise alignment with vehicle axes and becomes complex in adjustable seating configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical inertial mass-based blocking device with an electrically actuated blocking device. The electromagnet actuates the blocking lever to engage or disengage from the control disc toothing, eliminating the need for precise alignment with vehicle axes and removing the complexity associated with mechanical inertial masses while maintaining the blocking function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the activation mechanism from mechanical (inertial mass deflection) to electrical (electromagnet actuation). This parameter change allows the blocking device to function without precise alignment requirements and simplifies the design for adjustable seating configurations, as the electrical actuation is not dependent on gravitational or inertial forces related to vehicle orientation.
2Device complexity
If an electrically actuated blocking device is used, then alignment requirements are eliminated, but the blocking time may be insufficient without additional spring support
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a second spring that pre-loads the blocking lever, preparing it in advance for rapid engagement with the control disc toothing. This preliminary action ensures that when blocking is required, the lever is already positioned and spring-loaded to achieve engagement within the required time frame, compensating for the absence of mechanical inertial mass.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a dynamic system where the blocking lever can be rapidly actuated by the electromagnet and return quickly via the second spring. This dynamic design allows the system to achieve fast blocking times despite using electrical actuation instead of mechanical inertial mass, as the spring provides the necessary force for rapid movement in both directions.
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 reduces the time required to block the belt wave to less than 4 ms, enhances the reliability of the blocking mechanism, and prevents unwanted blocking noises, ensuring safe and reliable operation across various vehicle configurations.
Implementation Method 1
an electromagnet 3, which can be actuated by an electrical signal from a control device, have an attracting action on the blocking lever 2
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a seatbelt retractor having - a toothed control disc (21) rotatably mounted on a belt shaft and - an electrically actuatable blocking device (100) and - a blocking lever (2) which is pivotably mounted in a pivot bearing of the upright first limb (16), wherein - the electrically actuatable blocking device (100) stops the control disc (21) in relation to the belt shaft and, as a result, blocks the belt shaft in the extraction direction, wherein - the blocking lever (2) has a lever arm (22) upon which a first spring (4) acts, which spring preloads into position the blocking lever (2) having an arranged blocking tip (25) so that this blocking tip engages in the toothing (26) of the control disc (21), and - an electromagnet (3) that is arranged in the housing (1) and exerts a force, wherein the blocking tip (25) is retracted from the toothing (26) of the control disc (21), wherein a second spring (17) is provided and arranged in such a way that the blocking lever (2), irrespective of the position thereof, rests with its blocking arm (23) against the second spring and, during a pivoting movement out of the toothing (26) of the control disc (21), is loaded by the blocking arm (23).