Vehicle sensitive seat belt retractor control with suppressed Z-axis sensitivity
US7568649B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 23, 2007 |
| Grant date | Aug 4, 2009 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 7, 2027 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB60R22/40
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A vehicle sensitive retractor control system having reduced sensitivity to Z-axis acceleration experienced during normal driving. The retractor control system incorporates a rolling mass and a locking lever which, in a resting position, are arranged such that the locking lever does not engage a ratchet wheel of a seat belt retractor spool. In response to accelerations in the horizontal plane, the rolling ball mass becomes unseated from its resting position and engages the locking lever, causing it to pivot and lock the retractor. In response to Z-axis acceleration, the rolling mass is prevented from contacting the locking lever by a mass restrictor. A soft damping spring is also provided to bias the locking lever against a lever rest. The spring is sized to overcome the inertia of the locking lever and prevent it from “bouncing up” and engaging the ratchet wheel in response to Z-axis accelerations.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.