Electronic Web Retractor Lock Control for Occupant Restraints
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing restraint systems for motor vehicle occupant seats lack efficient electronic control mechanisms for locking and unlocking web retractors, which are crucial for ensuring safety under varying operating conditions.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising sensors, a control circuit, and a memory unit that processes sensor signals to determine operating conditions and generates control signals for a magnet actuator to lock or unlock the web retractor, enabling precise control of the locking mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If mechanical locking mechanisms are used in web retractors, then the retractor can lock under various operating conditions to prevent web payout, but the system lacks efficient electronic control mechanisms for locking and unlocking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical control mechanisms with an electronic control system comprising sensors, a control circuit, and a magnet actuator. The control circuit receives sensor signals and generates control signals to electrically actuate the locking mechanism, thereby substituting manual or purely mechanical control with an automated electronic system that enhances automation while managing complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The web retractor system is equipped with sensors that automatically detect operating conditions and trigger locking or unlocking actions without external intervention. The control circuit processes sensor signals autonomously and actuates the magnet to lock or unlock the retractor based on sensed conditions, enabling the system to serve itself and respond dynamically to operational requirements.
2Measurement precision
If electronic control mechanisms are added to web retractors, then precise control of locking and unlocking is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control circuit is configured to receive sensor signals that provide feedback on the operating conditions of the web retractor. Based on this feedback, the control circuit dynamically adjusts its control signals to the magnet actuator, enabling precise control of locking and unlocking operations. The feedback mechanism ensures accurate response to operational conditions while maintaining controlled system complexity through targeted sensing and actuation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If sensors and control circuits are integrated into the web retractor system, then automatic locking and unlocking based on sensed conditions is achieved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control circuit is designed to perform multiple functions: receiving signals from various sensors, processing operating condition data, determining appropriate locking or unlocking actions, and actuating the magnet accordingly. This multi-functional design allows the system to adapt to different operating conditions (such as crash detection, web payout rate, or manual override) while using a single integrated control unit, thereby enhancing versatility without proportionally increasing manufacturing 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
This solution provides enhanced safety by automatically locking or unlocking the web retractor based on sensed conditions, ensuring the web is securely retained or released as needed, thereby improving occupant protection and system reliability.
Implementation Method 1
a magnet actuator of the web retractor to cause the web retractor to lock or unlock
Data Source
AI summary
A system is provided for controlling operation of an electrically controlled and magnetically actuated locking web retractor of an occupant restraint coupled to an occupant seat of a motor vehicle. A control circuit may monitor output signals produced by one or more sensors configured to produce one or more respective sensor output signals indicative of one or more corresponding sensed conditions of the motor vehicle, vehicle seat or occupant restraint, process the output signals produced by the one or more sensors to determine one or more values of the one or more sensed conditions, compare the one or more determined values of the one or more sensed conditions to one or more corresponding threshold or range values, and then provide a control signal, based on the one or more comparisons, to a magnet actuator of the web retractor to cause the web retractor to lock or unlock.