Shape Memory Alloy Buckle Release for Consistent Restraint Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional motor vehicle restraint systems with electrically controllable buckle arrangements lack efficient and reliable mechanisms for selective release, often requiring manual intervention which can be cumbersome and prone to errors.
Innovation Solution
An electrically releasable buckle assembly utilizing a shape memory alloy component coupled to a release button, which transitions from a latched to a release position upon heating above its transition temperature, allowing for electrical or manual actuation to decouple the tongue member from the buckle assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual release mechanism is used, then ease of operation is maintained, but reliability and consistency of release are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the purely manual mechanical release system with an electrically actuated system using shape memory alloy. The shape memory alloy component transforms electrical energy into mechanical motion to actuate the release button, providing consistent and reliable electrical actuation while maintaining the mechanical release mechanism as a backup, thus resolving the contradiction between reliability and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the temperature-dependent phase transformation properties of shape memory alloy. By applying electrical energy to change the temperature parameter of the shape memory alloy component, it transforms from austenite to martensite phase, causing dimensional change that actuates the release button. This parameter-based actuation ensures consistent and reliable release operation.
2Extent of automation
If electrical actuation is added, then release consistency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shape memory alloy component is self-actuating through its inherent phase transformation properties. When electrical energy is applied, the material automatically transforms phases and generates mechanical motion without requiring additional motors, solenoids, or complex control mechanisms. This self-service characteristic adds electrical actuation capability while minimizing the increase in overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs shape memory alloy, a composite material exhibiting both metallic properties and memory effect. This material integrates structural and actuation functions into a single component, allowing the buckle assembly to gain electrical actuation capability without proportionally increasing complexity, as the shape memory alloy component serves multiple functions simultaneously.
3Reliability
If shape memory alloy component is used, then release reliability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shape memory alloy component is designed as a relatively simple, standardized part that can be manufactured using established processes. While shape memory alloy material itself is specialized, the component geometry and integration into the buckle assembly are kept simple, allowing for cost-effective manufacturing and assembly without excessive complexity.
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
Enables a reliable and efficient release mechanism that combines the benefits of electrical actuation with manual override, enhancing safety and convenience by ensuring consistent and controlled disengagement of the restraint system.
Implementation Method 1
the at least one shape memory alloy component responsive to heating thereof by electrical energy supplied by the source to a temperature at or above a transition temperature thereof
Implementation Method 2
the at least one shape memory alloy component operatively coupled to the release button, the at least one shape memory alloy component responsive to heating thereof by electrical energy supplied by the source to a temperature at or above a transition temperature thereof to move the release button from the latched position to the release position
Data Source
AI summary
An electrically releasable buckle assembly (12) for a motor vehicle restraint (10) may include latch components (18) configured to releasably engage a tongue member (14B) of the motor vehicle restraint (10), a release button (16) operatively coupled to the latch components (18), the release button (16) having a latched position in which the latching components engage the tongue member (14B) and a release position in which the latch components (18) release the tongue member (14B), an electrical energy source (32), at least one shape memory alloy component (26) operatively coupled to the release button (16), the at least one shape memory alloy component (26) responsive to heating thereof by electrical energy supplied by the source (32) to a temperature at or above a transition temperature thereof to move the release button (16) from the latched position to the release position, and means (34) for selectively supplying electrical energy from the electrical energy source (32) to the at least one shape memory alloy component (26).