Telescopic Connecting Bar for Child Restraint Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing child safety seat mounting systems are not user-friendly and require separate, space-consuming adjustment mechanisms that complicate the secure mounting of portable child safety seats in vehicles, especially with varying vehicle seat inclinations and dimensions.
Innovation Solution
A connecting bar system featuring telescopically interconnected elongated bar members with a coupling device and an operating mechanism that includes a rotatable manoeuvring shaft and displacement converter, allowing for easy adjustment and indication of the coupling device's status through a translatory motion, enabling space-efficient operation and secure fastening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a manually operable adjustment mechanism is used to adjust connector length, then the mounting system can adapt to varying vehicle seat configurations, but the device complexity increases and space is consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the adjustment mechanism and connectors into a single integrated unit. The connecting bar itself becomes the adjustment mechanism through its telescopic capability, eliminating the need for separate adjustment devices. This merging reduces overall device complexity while maintaining adaptability to different vehicle seat configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting bar performs multiple functions: it provides structural support, enables length adjustment through telescopic movement, and incorporates the latching mechanism for securing to anchoring members. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining versatility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If adjustment mechanisms are arranged between connectors, then adjustment functionality is provided, but the space occupied increases
Solution Approach 1:
The telescopic connecting bar features nested bar members where one bar is inserted within another, allowing the structure to adjust its length while maintaining a compact form. This nesting arrangement enables adjustment functionality without requiring additional space between connectors, as the adjustment mechanism is contained within the connecting bar itself.
3Strength
If connectors are made rigidly coupled to the vehicle seat, then firm and rigid connection is achieved, but adaptability to varying seat inclinations and dimensions is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting bar incorporates a telescopic mechanism that allows dynamic adjustment of its length, enabling the connector to adapt to varying vehicle seat inclinations and dimensions. Despite this dynamic adjustment capability, the latching mechanism ensures a firm and rigid connection when engaged with the anchoring members, thus maintaining both adaptability and connection strength.
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 provides a user-friendly, space-efficient mechanism for adjusting the length of connectors, ensuring secure mounting of child safety seats across varying vehicle seat configurations, enhancing safety and convenience.
Implementation Method 1
The displacement converter is arranged to convert a rotating motion of the manoeuvring shaft to the translatory motion and/or to convert the translatory motion to a rotating motion of the manoeuvring shaft
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
The present invention relates to a connecting bar (3) for a releasable fastening of an object (1) to a mounted anchoring member (2) of a vehicle seat (S). The connecting bar (3) comprises a first and a second elongated bar member (7, 10) telescopically interconnected. The first elongated bar member (7) comprising a coupling device (4) such as an ISOFIX comprising a displaceable hook member (5) for engaging the anchoring member (2). The coupling device (4) further comprises a latch member (6) arranged to engage the hook member (5) in a lock position and an unlock position via a translatory motion, and an operating mechanism (15) operable to displace or be displaced by the latch member (6) using the translatory motion. The operating mechanism (15) comprises a rotatable manoeuvring shaft (21) and a displacement converter (30), the displacement converter (30) is operable to convert a rotating motion of the manoeuvring shaft (21) to the translatory motion.