Seat Belt Webbing Height Adjuster With Shock-Absorbing Clamp

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional webbing height adjusting mechanisms in seat belt systems are inconvenient to operate, provide limited height adjustment, and lack effective shock absorption, often requiring manual repositioning and failing to maintain a stable position during use.

Innovation Solution

A webbing height adjusting device with a shock absorbing component and a webbing height adjusting unit, featuring a D-loop, supplementary webbing, and elastic elements, allows for automatic clamping and stepless height adjustment, providing shock absorption and stable positioning through an elastic member that maintains the device's position without manual repositioning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a conventional webbing height adjusting unit is used, then the top position can be height-adjustable, but the device cannot provide shock absorbing function and requires frequent re-adjustment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheight adjustment functionVSAvoidstability of webbing position
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the webbing height adjusting unit and shock absorbing component into a single integrated device. The adjusting unit includes a slider that moves along a guide rail, while the shock absorbing component uses elastic elements (springs) to absorb impact forces. Both functions share common structural elements like the guide rail and slider assembly, allowing the device to simultaneously provide height adjustment and shock absorption without requiring separate mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated device performs multiple functions: height adjustment through the slider mechanism and shock absorption through the elastic elements. The guide rail serves both as a movement guide for the slider and as a mounting structure for the shock absorbing components. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by making a single device adaptable to both positioning and safety requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Device complexity

If the webbing height adjusting unit is not integrated with shock absorbing component, then the structure is simpler, but the shock absorption function is lost and webbing position stability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural simplicityVSAvoidshock impact on occupant
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the shock absorbing component with the height adjusting unit by mounting elastic elements (springs) directly on the guide rail and connecting them to the slider or frame. This integration adds shock absorption capability without requiring a completely separate mechanism, thus limiting the increase in structural complexity while effectively addressing the harmful shock impact.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Device complexity

If the webbing height adjusting unit passively clamps webbing by tension, then the clamping mechanism is simpler, but the device shifts easily and requires hanging on guiding ring

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveclamping mechanism simplicityVSAvoidconvenience of webbing adjustment
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The elastic elements (springs) in the shock absorbing component automatically exert clamping force on the webbing through the slider mechanism. When the webbing tension changes or shock occurs, the elastic elements self-adjust to maintain proper clamping force without requiring manual intervention or additional active control mechanisms. This self-service capability prevents device shifting while maintaining operational convenience.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 device offers convenient, stepless height adjustment, automatic clamping, and effective shock absorption, ensuring the seat belt system securely fits various occupants without needing manual repositioning, enhancing user comfort and safety.

Implementation Method 1

an elastic member disposed between the slider and the adjuster base and configured to provide a restoring force

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

at least one elastic element located on the shock absorbing component

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP4523978B1Webbing height adjusting device
Publication Date: 2026.04.22 HORNLING INDAL
  • EP4523978B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4523978B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4523978B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3D

AI summary

A webbing height adjusting device has a shock absorbing component (2) and a webbing height adjusting unit (3). The shock absorbing component (2) has a D-loop (2C), a supplementary webbing (2A), and an elastic element (2B) connected to the supplementary webbing (2A) for shock absorbing. The webbing height adjusting unit (3) has an adjuster base (30), a slider (40), an elastic member (50), and an outer shell (60). A main webbing (1A) is mounted through the D-loop (2C) and the adjuster base (30); the supplementary webbing (2A) is clamped by the slider (40) and the adjuster base (30) pressed by the elastic member (50). The outer shell (60) allows an operator to move the slider (40) and the adjuster base (30) relatively so as to unclamp the supplementary webbing (2A) and adjust the height of a top position.