Segmented Belt Webbing for Reducing Chest Pressure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing seat belt webbing systems struggle to reduce chest pressure on vehicle occupants during crashes without increasing costs or structural complexity, as inflatable webbings require gas generators and additional space.
Innovation Solution
A seat belt webbing design with a wider first section and a narrower second section, allowing for a transitional area with increasing weft threads/cm, which can be rolled up using standard retractors, distributing impact forces evenly and reducing pressure on occupants without additional components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stress or pressure
If inflatable belt webbings with gas generators are used to increase unit surface area, then chest pressure on occupants is reduced, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The belt webbing is divided into multiple sections with different widths: a first section (40-60 mm wide) that contacts the occupant's chest to distribute pressure, and a second section (25-35 mm wide) that fits through standard retractor openings. This segmentation allows the pressure-distributing function to be achieved without requiring the entire webbing to be wide, thus avoiding the need for gas generators while still reducing chest pressure.
Solution Approach 2:
The webbing is designed with non-uniform width where the first section has greater width specifically at the location where it contacts the occupant's chest. This local quality change concentrates the pressure-reducing effect exactly where needed (on the chest) without increasing the overall complexity of the system, as only a portion of the webbing requires the expanded geometry.
2Stress or pressure
If belt webbing width is increased to reduce chest pressure, then impact pressure distribution improves, but retractor compatibility and winding capability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The webbing is segmented into a first section with width of 40-60 mm for pressure distribution and a second section with width of 25-35 mm for retractor compatibility. The transition between these sections is gradual, allowing the webbing to maintain structural integrity while adapting to different functional requirements. The narrower second section ensures compatibility with standard retractor openings and winding mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The webbing features local quality variation where only the first section (contacting the occupant) has increased width for pressure distribution, while the second section maintains standard dimensions for retractor compatibility. This localized approach allows the system to achieve both pressure reduction and retractor compatibility without compromise.
3Stress or pressure
If uniform wide webbing is used throughout, then chest pressure is reduced, but the webbing cannot be properly wound on standard retractors
Solution Approach 1:
The webbing is divided into functional segments: a first section with width 40-60 mm for pressure distribution and a second section with width 25-35 mm for winding. This segmentation enables the webbing to be properly wound on standard retractors using the narrower second section, while still providing pressure reduction through the wider first section during occupant contact.
Solution Approach 2:
The webbing implements local quality by maintaining standard narrow dimensions in the second section (for winding operations) while expanding the first section width (for pressure distribution). This localized dimensional variation allows the webbing to satisfy both winding capability requirements and pressure reduction goals.
Data Source
AI summary
A belt webbing for a safety belt device of a motor vehicle, the belt webbing being wider in a first section than in a second section relative to its longitudinal direction.