Compact dual-level load limiting seat belt retractor
US7410114B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 12, 2006 |
| Grant date | Aug 12, 2008 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 8, 2027 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB60R2022/288
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A seat belt retractor having first and second serially arranged torsion bars and a switching mechanism provides two levels of load limiting. A bridge bolt rotationally fixed to the inboard ends of the torsion bars is threaded into a locking base, and the switching mechanism prevents bridge bolt translation relative to the locking base in a default condition to limit seat belt load with the first torsion bar. Activation of the switching mechanism permits limited translation of the bridge bolt relative to the locking base to limit seat belt load with the second torsion bar. Additional translation of the bridge bolt relative to the locking base is prevented to re-establish load limiting with the first torsion bar. The switching mechanism includes a set of detent wedges, a retaining band and an electrically activated cutting mechanism, all disposed within the retractor frame.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.