Seat belt retractor
US6443381B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 14, 2000 |
| Grant date | Sep 3, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 14, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB60R22/3413
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A seat belt retractor has a rotatable spool mounted in a frame, a primary locking mechanism for arresting rotation of the spool and a load absorbing mechanism arranged to come into effect at a predetermined load for absorbing a portion of the spool locking load. The load absorbing mechanism may be a section of an inwardly facing peripheral edge of the frame having a serrated or roughened texture and which is positioned and adapted so that above a predetermined load it co-operates with a smooth surfaced spool bearing face to absorb some of the load. Spool rotation is prevented on engagement of the primary locking mechanism and the load on the primary mechanism rises causing the frame side walls to deform and the serrated or roughened section is pushed closer to, and eventually against the spool bearing face, roughening the smooth surface and increasing its coefficient of friction to absorb some of the load and resist rotation of the spool.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.