Integrated Shoulder Adjuster Button for Smooth Latch Pin Movement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional shoulder position adjuster devices for vehicle seat belts have complex constructions and high costs due to multiple components, and their operation can be cumbersome with non-smooth latch pin movement.
Innovation Solution
A shoulder position adjuster device with a single-button mechanism that includes a guide rail, slide member, through anchor, latch member, latch spring, and a cover with an open window, where the button's displacement direction aligns with the latch member's movement, reducing component count and complexity, and ensuring smooth operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the button is divided into two members with individual springs, then the button can return to its original position reliably, but the number of components increases and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the left and right button members into a single integrated button component. This single button includes both the pressing portion and the oscillating portion, eliminating the need for separate left and right button members and their individual springs, thereby reducing component count while maintaining functional reliability
2Ease of operation
If the button is attached to the garnish to oscillate freely, then the latch pin can be pulled out with small force, but the construction becomes complex and assemblage becomes troublesome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the button and garnish into a single integrated component. The button is formed as an integral part of the garnish structure, with the oscillating portion being a built-in feature rather than a separately attached component. This eliminates the need for hinge portions and separate attachment mechanisms, simplifying construction and assembly while maintaining the ability to pull the latch pin out with small force
3Ease of operation
If the button oscillates freely on the garnish, then the button can be operated easily, but the movement of the latch pin becomes unsmooth due to curved button movement versus straight latch pin movement
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of allowing the button to oscillate freely in a curved path, the patent inverts the approach by providing guided linear movement. The button is constrained to move linearly in the vertical direction through guide portions and grooves, which directly translates to smooth linear movement of the latch pin. The oscillating function is achieved through the pressing motion that activates the release mechanism, rather than through lateral oscillation
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 simplifies construction and assembly, reduces costs, and ensures smooth latch pin movement by aligning the button's displacement direction with the latch member's movement, enhancing operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a latch spring which biases the latch member so as to insert the latch member into the latch hole
Data Source
AI summary
A button of a shoulder position adjuster device is provided including an outer surface portion which, at a normal state, is generally continuous with an outer surface of a cover facing an inner space of a passenger compartment. Flexible left and right outer lateral walls are formed continuously with the outer surface portion and have lock portions which are locked on to a side member at the normal state and which are released from the locked state at the time of a pulling operation. Additionally, a pair of connecting walls are provided which extend from the outer surface portion towards a guide rail side in the left and right outer lateral walls and connect the latch pin.