17932396. LOAD LIMITING SEATBELT RETRACTOR simplified abstract (Ford Global Technologies, LLC)
Contents
- 1 LOAD LIMITING SEATBELT RETRACTOR
LOAD LIMITING SEATBELT RETRACTOR
Organization Name
Inventor(s)
Dean M. Jaradi of Macomb MI (US)
Mohammad Omar Faruque of Ann Arbor MI (US)
S.M. Iskander Farooq of Novi MI (US)
Saeed D. Barbat of Novi MI (US)
LOAD LIMITING SEATBELT RETRACTOR - A simplified explanation of the abstract
This abstract first appeared for US patent application 17932396 titled 'LOAD LIMITING SEATBELT RETRACTOR
Simplified Explanation
The patent application describes a vehicle seatbelt retractor with a load limiter that can absorb energy in the event of a crash.
- The seatbelt retractor includes a housing and a spool that can rotate within the housing.
- A load limiter is attached to the spool and can lock with the housing.
- The load limiter has two couplings with energy absorbers that can compress in the event of a crash.
- The first coupling has a first energy absorber in a cavity that can compress between male and female segments.
- The second coupling has a second energy absorber in a cavity that can compress between male and female segments.
Potential Applications
This technology can be applied in various vehicles, including cars, trucks, buses, and other modes of transportation that use seatbelts.
Problems Solved
This technology helps improve safety in vehicles by providing a mechanism to absorb energy during a crash, reducing the impact on the occupants.
Benefits
The benefits of this technology include increased safety for vehicle occupants, reduced risk of injury during accidents, and improved overall vehicle safety features.
Potential Commercial Applications
This technology can be utilized by automotive manufacturers to enhance the safety features of their vehicles, making them more attractive to consumers concerned about safety.
Possible Prior Art
One possible prior art for this technology could be existing seatbelt retractor systems with load limiters, although the specific design and energy absorption mechanisms may vary.
Unanswered Questions
How does this technology compare to other seatbelt retractor systems on the market?
This article does not provide a direct comparison to other seatbelt retractor systems in terms of performance, cost, or ease of installation.
What are the potential limitations or drawbacks of this technology?
The article does not address any potential limitations or drawbacks of this technology, such as maintenance requirements, durability over time, or compatibility with different vehicle models.
Original Abstract Submitted
A vehicle includes a seatbelt retractor including a housing and a spool rotatably supported by the housing. The seatbelt retractor includes a load limiter fixed to the spool and lockable with the housing. The load limiter has a first coupling and a second coupling spaced from the first coupling on the rotational axis. The first coupling has a first energy absorber retained in a first cavity. The first energy absorber is compressible relative to a first male segment and a first female segment of the coupling. The second coupling has a second energy absorber retained in a second cavity. The second energy absorber is compressible relative to a second male segment and a second female segment of the second coupling.
