Self-Adjusting Webbing Guide for Child Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional seat belt systems are unsuitable for children due to poorly positioned torso belts, leading to increased injury risk and discomfort, and existing solutions either require manual adjustment or do not comply with safety regulations.
Innovation Solution
A fully automatic seat belt system with a self-adjusting webbing guide and vertical strap mechanism that automatically adjusts to the occupant's shoulder height, incorporating a pivoting guide and locking mechanism with serrated teeth, and a shock-absorbing spring to ensure proper belt positioning and load distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a conventional adult seat belt system is used, then the seat belt can restrain the occupant, but the torso portion passes too close to or adjacent to the child's neck causing injury risk and discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The webbing guide is made movable along the seat belt webbing instead of being fixed, allowing it to dynamically adjust its position based on the occupant's size. The guide can slide vertically to accommodate different shoulder heights, transforming a static system into a dynamic one that adapts to children and adults alike
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the occupant's own body (shoulder height) as the reference for automatic adjustment. When the occupant enters the vehicle and the seat belt is engaged, the webbing guide automatically positions itself at the correct height without requiring manual intervention, making the system self-adjusting
2Adaptability or versatility
If the shoulder belt fastening point is positioned for average adults, then the seat belt structure is simple, but the belt cannot be properly positioned for children
Solution Approach 1:
The webbing guide is extracted from the fixed anchor point and separated as an independent movable component. This allows the guide to be positioned independently from the anchor, enabling height adjustment while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure
Solution Approach 2:
The webbing guide is made movable along the seat belt webbing instead of being fixed, allowing it to dynamically adjust its position based on the occupant's size. The guide can slide vertically to accommodate different shoulder heights, transforming a static system into a dynamic one that adapts to children and adults alike
3Reliability
If a friction-based shoulder support is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the support position cannot be retained under high crash loads
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed to engage automatically when the webbing guide reaches the correct position or under load, preventing backward movement. This preliminary locking action ensures the guide remains securely positioned during crash loads without requiring continuous friction-based holding
Solution Approach 2:
A locking mechanism acts as an intermediary between the webbing guide and the webbing, providing a positive mechanical connection that prevents slippage under load while allowing controlled movement during normal use
4Ease of operation
If manual adjustment of the webbing guide is required, then the device complexity is reduced, but user error may occur in proper fitting
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the occupant's own body (shoulder height) as the reference for automatic adjustment. When the occupant enters the vehicle and the seat belt is engaged, the webbing guide automatically positions itself at the correct height without requiring manual intervention, making the system self-adjusting
Solution Approach 2:
The webbing guide is made movable along the seat belt webbing instead of being fixed, allowing it to dynamically adjust its position based on the occupant's size. The guide can slide vertically to accommodate different shoulder heights, transforming a static system into a dynamic one that adapts to children and adults alike
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 system effectively adjusts to fit occupants from children to adults, reducing injury risk by correctly positioning the seat belt, enhancing comfort, and ensuring compliance with safety regulations without manual intervention.
Implementation Method 1
a shock-absorbing spring to ensure proper belt positioning and load distribution
Implementation Method 2
The rotatable wedge has a plurality of serrated teeth or edges for gripping the vertical strap webbing upon activation
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle seat belt system (20) has a seat belt webbing (22) which is attached to a tongue (30) that fastens into a buckle mechanism (6) fixed to a load bearing part of the vehicle. The belt system (20) has a seat belt retractor (40), a seat belt webbing (22) with a lap belt portion (23) appropriately anchored and shoulder harness portion (25), a self-adjustable webbing guide (65) and a vertical strap webbing (55). The self-adjusting webbing guide (65) includes a pivoting guide (66) connected to a locking mechanism (70) activated by a forward movement of the occupant (1, 100) extending the shoulder webbing (25).