Variable-Length Anti-Tilt Strap for Rotating Child Car Seat

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing child car seats face challenges in securing the seat effectively in both forward and rear-facing positions, especially during accidents or sudden movements, due to limitations in the anti-tilt strap system which may not maintain a taut length across different positions, and lack flexibility in installation and transport configurations.

Innovation Solution

A child car seat design featuring variable-length connecting means that secure the base to the backrest, allowing the seat to rotate between transport and installation positions while maintaining a fixed anti-tilt strap length, with control mechanisms to lock or unlock the strap length for secure retention in various positions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed-length anti-tilt strap is used to secure the car seat base to the vehicle, then the seat can be retained in position, but the seat cannot rotate or tilt between transport and installation positions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveposition adjustment capabilityVSAvoidseat retention security
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by implementing a variable-length connecting means (strap or chain) that can dynamically adjust its length. The connecting means transitions from a fixed state during rotation/tilt operations to a locked state during transport, allowing the system to adapt to different operational requirements. This resolves the contradiction by making the retention mechanism flexible during position changes while maintaining security during actual transport.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If the anti-tilt strap is secured to the upper part of the backrest to allow rotation, then the seat can move between positions, but the strap cannot remain taut during impacts or sudden braking

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveposition conversion easeVSAvoidstrap tautness during impact
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The connecting means is designed to be dynamic during position conversion (easy to extend/ retract) but becomes static and taut during impact events. The locking mechanism ensures that during collisions or sudden braking, the strap maintains its tension and does not become slack, thereby resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and reliability during critical events.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the length parameter of the connecting means based on operational requirements. During normal operation and position changes, the length is variable to allow movement. During impact or sudden braking, the length parameter is fixed at a taut state, ensuring the strap remains effective for retention during critical events.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If a minimum length anti-tilt strap of 2m is used according to Isofix regulations, then the seat can be secured in any vehicle type, but the strap cannot remain taut when the seat is in tilted or rotated positions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevehicle compatibilityVSAvoidstrap effectiveness in tilted position
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the fixed 2m strap with a dynamic connecting means that can adjust its length. This allows the system to maintain the required vehicle compatibility (by having sufficient length when extended) while ensuring tautness during tilted or rotated positions (by locking at the appropriate length). The dynamic nature resolves the contradiction between regulatory compliance and operational effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Reliability

If the connecting means length is fixed to ensure safety during impact, then the seat is securely retained, but the seat cannot be rotated or tilted between positions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveseat retention during impactVSAvoidposition flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The connecting means is designed with dynamic length adjustment capability, allowing it to be flexible during position transitions and fixed during transport. This resolves the contradiction by making the retention system adaptable: it provides position flexibility when needed and ensures reliable impact retention when the locking mechanism is engaged.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP2701943B1Child car seat to be fitted to a vehicle seat
Publication Date: 2015.08.12 DOREL FRANCE SA
  • EP2701943B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2701943B1 patent drawingFigure 2~5
  • EP2701943B1 patent drawingFigure 6~9

AI summary

The invention relates to a child car seat to be fitted to a vehicle seat, comprising: a chair part (2) comprising a seating part (3) and a back rest (4); and a base (5) in relation to which the chair part (2) is rotatably mobile between at least one transport position and at least one position for sitting the child in the seat. The car seat is secured to the vehicle by fastening clips or by a safety belt and an anti-tipping strap (10) that connects said base (5) to an anchoring point of the vehicle and also comprises connection means of a variable length having one end that is secured to the base (5) and another end that is secured to an upper part (16) of the back rest, said variable-length connection means thus connecting the base (5) to the upper part (16) of the back rest (4).