Electromagnetic seatbelt energy management devices
US6863236B2 · kind B2 · utility
22Cited by
5References
7Claims
0Family size
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 25, 2003 |
| Grant date | Mar 8, 2005 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 2, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB60R22/343
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An energy management device has a plurality of electromagnets positioned between a shaft and a seatbelt spool. When energized, the electromagnets move radially outwardly to engage the inside surface of a hub of the seatbelt spool. By adjusting the amount of current supplied to the electromagnets, the amount of friction, and thus the amount of energy dissipated, can be controlled. A D-ring can be supported on the cable which goes to a spool so that during a crash the ring moves forward as cable is pulled out of the spool which in turn is braked by the energy management device.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.