Seat Belt Locking Mechanism

Technology: seat belt locking mechanism;

Industry & Application: Automobiles, Passenger vehicle, Civil Vehicle;

Market: The global automotive seat belt retractor market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 6.72% during 2024-2028.

It is noted that sudden braking/stopping and/or collision/crash of the vehicle, especially when the vehicle is cruising at higher speeds, results in passengers experiencing inertial forces towards front the vehicle, which leads to severe injuries or even deaths depending on speed with which the vehicle collided.
Conventional seat belts make use of a friction type spool mechanism to dispense & retract the seat belts. Said friction-based seat belt mechanism is extremely tough & complicated, especially when the ranges are too small, & may lead to hazards. Hence, there is a need to address the limitations.

A clip disposed proximally to the compliant body where the clip is actuatable to a first portion through a contact by complaint body.
A follower movable disposed on the shaft and it’s one arm is supported on the clip and its toothed element engages with the connecting body.
As the seat belt is pulled above a predefined velocity it rotates the connecting body which is responsible to expand the complaint body that actuates the clip to the first position, and it disengages the follower from the clip.
Hence causing the follower to engage the connecting body to arrest rotation of the connecting body and the shaft.
Therefore, in case of an impact, sudden stop or a collision of the vehicle the seat belt is pulled above a predefined velocity leading to the locking of the belt.

Technical Perspective & Indusrty Perspective:

Present invention facilitates the locking mechanism which is the simplicity in constructions using readily available & easy-to-manufacture members like shaft, gears, cam, etc.
The claimed invention eliminates the frictional contact between the elements constituting the mechanism.
Ensures reliable operation of the mechanism & also ensures durability of the members/elements constituting the mechanism.
Use of gravitational force & centrifugal force operating the mechanism makes the mechanism highly reliable & ensures proper response of the mechanism in proportion to pulling force of the seat belt.
Applicable in the automobile manufacturing industries e.g. 12/8/6 wheeler vehicles, Four/two/ three wheeler vehicle manufacturing industries, & others.

User Perspective:

The claimed invention is having high demand for the use of Individual vehicle, rental vehicle and commercial vehicles.
Eliminate the need of seeking assistance during any uncertain condition such as sudden stop or a collision of the vehicle, the seat belt is pulled above a predefined velocity leading to the locking of the belt.
By utilizing the belt, easily avoid the major accident or death calamity.

Prof. Jayaganthan

Department of Engineering Design

TRL-4

Proof of Concept ready, tested in lab.

Technology Transfer