US20130146699A1 - Restraint System - Google Patents
Restraint System Download PDFInfo
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- US20130146699A1 US20130146699A1 US13/681,272 US201213681272A US2013146699A1 US 20130146699 A1 US20130146699 A1 US 20130146699A1 US 201213681272 A US201213681272 A US 201213681272A US 2013146699 A1 US2013146699 A1 US 2013146699A1
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- Prior art keywords
- spool
- trigger
- assembly
- restraint system
- trigger assembly
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- 230000007246 mechanism Effects 0.000 claims description 22
- 230000001133 acceleration Effects 0.000 claims description 11
- 230000001960 triggered effect Effects 0.000 claims description 4
- 230000000452 restraining effect Effects 0.000 abstract description 2
- 208000027418 Wounds and injury Diseases 0.000 description 3
- 230000009977 dual effect Effects 0.000 description 3
- 238000007373 indentation Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000006835 compression Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000007906 compression Methods 0.000 description 2
- 241000282472 Canis lupus familiaris Species 0.000 description 1
- 238000013459 approach Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000006378 damage Effects 0.000 description 1
- 208000014674 injury Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 230000013011 mating Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000036316 preload Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000005096 rolling process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000035945 sensitivity Effects 0.000 description 1
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Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60R22/00—Safety belts or body harnesses in vehicles
- B60R22/34—Belt retractors, e.g. reels
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60R22/00—Safety belts or body harnesses in vehicles
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B64—AIRCRAFT; AVIATION; COSMONAUTICS
- B64D—EQUIPMENT FOR FITTING IN OR TO AIRCRAFT; FLIGHT SUITS; PARACHUTES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF POWER PLANTS OR PROPULSION TRANSMISSIONS IN AIRCRAFT
- B64D25/00—Emergency apparatus or devices, not otherwise provided for
- B64D25/02—Supports or holding means for living bodies
- B64D25/06—Harnessing
Definitions
- Vehicles such as aircraft, often include restraint systems to prevent occupants from unwanted movement and injury.
- these restraint systems restrain the occupant from movement by releasably strapping the occupant to a chair or similar vehicle furniture.
- some vehicles such as helicopters or air cargo delivery planes may require an occupant to move about the interior of the vehicle. Intentional or unintentional vehicle motion such as turbulence or banking into a turn can cause an occupant to lose their balance or be thrown about the vehicle's interior. In some open vehicles such as rescue helicopters and military cargo planes, the occupant is in further danger of being thrown from the vehicle.
- a restraint system for restraining a standing occupant in a vehicle such as a plane or helicopter.
- the restraint system includes a webbing strap that winds and unwinds from a spool assembly.
- the spool assembly includes a trigger assembly that locks a spool from rotation, a manual release assembly for manually releasing the trigger assembly and lock, and an adjustable payout assembly that determines the maximum length that the webbing strap can be pulled out before stopping (i.e., the number of rotations of the spool).
- the trigger assembly can trigger the lock assembly from one or more sensors. Further, the trigger assembly can be arranged to automatically unlock after a triggering event, manually unlocked after a triggering event or a combination of the two for different sensors.
- FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a restraint system attached to an occupant within a vehicle according to a preferred embodiment
- FIG. 2 illustrates a magnified perspective view of the restraint system and occupant of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of a spool assembly of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of the ratchet and pawl assembly according to a preferred embodiment
- FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of only the ratchet and pawl assembly of FIG. 4 .
- FIG. 6 illustrates a disassembled perspective view of a trigger assembly and manual release assembly according to a preferred embodiment
- FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of the trigger assembly and manual release assembly of FIG. 6 ;
- FIG. 8 illustrates a magnified perspective view of the trigger assembly of FIG. 7 ;
- FIG. 9 illustrates a perspective view of an adjustable payout assembly according to a preferred embodiment
- FIG. 10 illustrates an exploded cross sectional view of the adjustable payout assembly of FIG. 9 ;
- FIG. 11 illustrates a perspective view of an dual trigger assembly according to a preferred embodiment
- FIG. 12 illustrates a perspective view of the dual trigger assembly of FIG. 10 ;
- FIG. 13 illustrates an exploded perspective view of the dual trigger assembly of FIG. 11 .
- FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate a preferred embodiment of an occupant restraint system 100 for a vehicle, such as a plane or helicopter.
- the occupant restraint system 100 includes a spool assembly 106 and a webbing strap 108 that is selectively wound and unwound from the spool assembly 106 .
- the spool assembly is pivotally mounted to the side or ceiling of a vehicle's interior 102 by pivot bracket 112 .
- This arrangement allows the spool assembly 106 to pivot in any direction as the occupant 110 moves through the vehicle's interior 102 .
- the webbing strap 108 is preferably latched to a harness 110 worn by an occupant. As the occupant 110 moves within the vehicle's interior 102 , the spool assembly 106 releases and retracts the webbing strap 108 as needed. However, during sudden or forceful movement, the spool assembly 106 locks, preventing further extension of the webbing strap 108 and thereby preventing excessive movement of the occupant 110 .
- the spool assembly can be connected to a trolley device that runs along a track as seen in U.S. Pat. No. 7,275,710, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.
- the user can walk along an extended length of a vehicle (e.g., the length of an airplane) while attached to the restrain system.
- FIG. 3 illustrates a magnified view of the spool assembly 106 , including a framework 126 , outer coverings 114 and 116 , a webbing strap payout adjustment mechanism 118 and a manual lock reset handle.
- the spool assembly 106 is caused to lock further spooling of the webbing strap 108 (e.g., due to rapid webbing payout velocity)
- the user can release the spool assembly 106 by pulling on the spring-biased manual reset handle 122 .
- FIGS. 4-8 illustrate various views of the trigger mechanism of the spool assembly 106 .
- this assembly prevents the spool 150 from rotating during a triggering event (e.g., a crash or sudden acceleration) by way of a first pawl member 142 that selectively engages a first spool ratchet 150 and a second pawl member 156 that selectively engages a second spool ratchet 154 .
- the first pawl member 142 is biased towards the first spool ratchet 150 by pawl spring 140 .
- the second pawl member 156 is linked to the first pawl member 142 via a connecting shaft 155 , allowing the second pawl member 156 to move in unison with the first pawl member 142 .
- a trigger mechanism 121 (seen best in FIGS. 6 and 7 ) maintains a pawl pin 142 A and therefore the first pawl member 142 and second pawl member 156 in a raised position, away from the jagged surfaces of ratchets 150 and 154 .
- the trigger mechanism 121 “triggers”, it releases any resistance on the pawl pin 142 A and thereby allows the pawls 142 and 156 to be biased against the ratchets 150 and 154 . This released pawl position stops the movement of the spool 152 .
- the trigger mechanism 121 includes a rotationally mounted trigger plate 120 having a plurality of radial engagement members 120 B and a plurality of perpendicular engagement members 120 A.
- the radial engagement members have various uses in the trigger mechanism 121 .
- a first radial engagement member is in contact with a fixed spring 124 which biases the trigger plate 120 for movement in a counter clockwise rotational direction.
- a second radial engagement member 120 B contacts and maintains the unlocked spool position by pressing against the pawl pin 142 A.
- a third radial engagement member 120 B contacts lever 136 of an acceleration sensor 128 .
- the acceleration sensor 128 includes a spherical weight 130 that is freely positioned over cup 132 .
- an additional enclosure is provided around the weight 130 to prevent it from completely moving off of cup 132 .
- a lower post portion of the cup 132 contacts a lever pin 136 A, biasing the lever 136 downward against radial engagement member 120 B of the trigger plate 120 .
- the spring 134 preferably reduces the amount of weight that weight 130 places on the pin 136 A to allow for greater sensitivity of the acceleration sensor 128 .
- the interior surface of the cup 132 includes conical or ramped surfaces for sideways or rolling acceleration.
- the weight 130 increases pressure on the pin 136 A (e.g., from the sudden stop in acceleration) and thereby the lever 136 .
- the trigger plate 120 rotates in a clockwise direction, allowing the pawls 142 and 156 to move downward and stop the ratchets 150 and 154 from rotating.
- the weight 130 will move to the side of the cup 132 against the conical or ramped surface. Since the previously described weight enclosure prevents the weight 130 from moving upwards, away from the cup 132 , the cup 132 and its pin are pushed downward, triggering the trigger plate 120 as previously described.
- the trigger mechanism 121 can also be activated when the spool 152 is rotated too quickly as opposed to rotating with too much acceleration.
- Prior restraint trigger mechanisms tend to trigger a locking mechanism at different angular speeds when pulling out the webbing strap. For example, pulling a webbing strap at a constant linear speed away from a restraint device can result in the spool moving more slowly initially (the spool is larger in diameter when fully wound with the webbing) and more quickly after the webbing has been pulled out a distance (the spool is smaller in diameter when less webbing is on the spool).
- the trigger mechanism 121 reduces this behavior by with two opposed, biased plates 144 and 146 .
- first velocity plate 144 and the second velocity plate 146 are positioned against the trigger plate 120 and rotate with the spool 152 .
- Both velocity plates 144 and 146 include a mounting groove that allows the plates 144 and 146 to be captured for rotational movement and slide away from the axial.
- Two springs 146 bias the plates 144 and 146 against each other during normal operation. When these plates 144 and 146 rotate too quickly, the rotational velocity pulls the plates 144 and 146 away from each other, against the bias of the springs 138 . As the plates 144 and 146 move away from each other, their engagement members 144 A and 146 A contact the perpendicular engagement members 120 A, causing the trigger plate 120 to rotate and trigger the pawl 142 . It should be understood that changing the tension or spring constant of springs 138 can adjust the threshold at which the plates 144 and 146 engage the perpendicular engagement members 120 A.
- the relative spring rates or spring constants of the previously described triggering mechanisms are such that once the triggering mechanism 121 has been triggered it will not disengage until manually released by the user.
- manual release of the triggering mechanism 121 is controlled by pulling back the manual reset handle 122 .
- the trigger plate 120 When triggered, the trigger plate 120 has rotated in a clockwise direction, bringing one of the radial engagement members 120 B closer to or in contact with the pin 122 A of the handle 122 .
- the user pulls back on the handle 122 , against the bias of spring 123 to press the pin 122 A against the radial engagement member 120 B, thereby rotating the trigger plate 120 .
- a radial engagement member 120 B near the pawl 142 lifts pawl pin 142 A up to unlock the spool 152 .
- the spool assembly 106 can again extend and retract the webbing strap 108 as needed by the occupant.
- FIGS. 9 and 10 illustrate the previously mentioned adjustable payout assembly 160 that stops the webbing strap 108 from unwinding from the spool 152 . More specifically, the payout assembly 160 triggers a payout pawl 174 that engages the ratchet 154 (seen in FIG. 4 ) or alternately a third ratchet.
- the payout assembly 160 is actuated by rotation of a lead screw 162 that is keyed or captured by the spool 152 .
- the lead screw 162 is free to move along an axis of the spool 152 while also rotating with the spool 152 .
- a compression spring 178 is coupled to an interior of the lead screw 162 to preload the screw 162 away from the spool 152 .
- a trigger nut 166 is threaded over the lead screw 162 and captured by a keyway 182 A of the housing 182 , allowing the trigger nut 166 to move axially within the keyway 182 A.
- a pin 180 contacts and bottoms out on one of the plurality of indentations 164 . Since the trigger nut 166 can no longer move axially away from the spool 154 , the lead screw 162 unscrews from the trigger nut 166 and thereby move toward the spool 154 . As the end of the lead screw 162 approaches the trigger plate 172 , a trigger post 168 on the lead screw 162 contacts and engages one of the locking dogs 170 which are raised from the surface of the trigger plate 172 .
- the spring 176 biases the trigger plate 172 in a clockwise direction so that the trigger member 172 A lifts up the payout pawl pin 174 A and therefore the payout pawl 174 , allowing the spool 152 to rotate freely.
- the trigger plate 172 rotates in a counterclockwise direction, driven by the rotation of the lead screw 162 , the trigger member 172 A moves away from the payout pawl pin 174 A, allowing the payout pawl 174 to drop on to the ratchet 154 and stop further movement of the spool 152 .
- the spring 174 urges the trigger plate 172 and the trigger member 172 A back in a clockwise position so as to lift the payout pawl pin 174 A and thus the payout pawl 174 in a raised position, away from the ratchet 154 .
- the spool 152 is free to rotate again (to wind up the webbing strap 108 .
- the point at which the payout assembly 160 locks can be adjusted by a user by rotating the adjustment knob 118 .
- the previously discussed pin 180 is eccentrically positioned inside the adjustment knob 118 . Therefore, rotation of the knob 118 aligns the pin 180 with different indentations 164 on the trigger nut 166 .
- Each of the indentations 164 are located at different depths from the surface of the trigger nut 166 and therefore allow the trigger nut 166 to move to various distances from the trigger plate 172 .
- the payout assembly 160 will lock at various, user adjustable positions.
- FIGS. 11-13 illustrate an alternate preferred embodiment of a trigger assembly 190 that engages a first trigger mechanism that automatically releases when tension is released and a second trigger mechanism that must be manually released.
- the spool 152 can be locked by pulling on the webbing strap 108 , and then unlocked by releasing tension on the webbing strap 108 . However, if the pulling exceeds a certain threshold, the spool 152 must be manually released.
- an automatic reset pawl 198 is pivotally mounted via pivot 198 B underneath ratchet 150 .
- a pawl pin 198 A is connected to a side of the pawl 198 and extends through an aperture in the framework 126 .
- trigger assembly 190 includes an automatic-unlock trigger plate 192 that is engaged by velocity plates 144 and 146 as previously described in this specification.
- the automatic-unlock trigger plate 192 is rotationally biased in a counter clockwise direction via a spring (not shown) similarly to the previously described plate 120 . This rotational bias urges radial engagement member 192 B toward the pawl pin 198 A, preventing the pawl 198 from contacting the ratchet 150 .
- the plate 192 When the velocity plates 144 and 146 engage the axial engagement members 192 A, the plate 192 is rotated in a clockwise direction, causing member 192 B to release pressure on pawl pin 198 A and thereby causing the pawl 198 to engage the ratchet 150 .
- the velocity plates 144 and 146 release their engagement of the plate 192 , allowing the spring to rotate the plate 192 back in a counter-clockwise direction to reengage the pawl pin 198 A and thereby release the pawl 198 from the ratchet 150 .
- a manually released trigger mechanism is activated.
- This threshold is created, in part, by a resistance spring 195 in a recessed spring well 194 B.
- the resistance spring 195 is engaged with the spring well 194 B and a ramp (not shown) on the back of plate 192 .
- the resistance spring 195 compresses when the plate 192 is rotated with a relatively slow or low acceleration. However, faster rotational speed or acceleration overcomes the compression of the spring 195 , causing the mating plate 194 to rotate in a clockwise direction.
- a pin on radial engagement member 194 C contacts and pushes radial engagement member 196 B of the manual unlock trigger plate 196 , thereby causing trigger plate 196 to rotate in a clockwise direction. This rotation releases pressure of radial engagement member 196 A on the pawl pin 142 A, causing the pawl 142 to lower onto the ratchet 150 and lock the spool 152 .
- the trigger plate 196 is spring biased in a counterclockwise position, but with a force that will not overcome rotation of the trigger plate in the locked position. In other words, once the trigger plate 196 locks, it remains in its locked, rotated position.
- a manual release mechanism can be used to release the trigger plate 196 , thereby rotating the plate 196 back to its original position and lifting the pawl 142 .
- the manual release mechanism shown in FIGS. 5-8 i.e., the handle 122 , spring 123 and pin 122 A
- the handle 122 , spring 123 and pin 122 A can be used to release the trigger plate 196 .
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- Emergency Management (AREA)
- Aviation & Aerospace Engineering (AREA)
- Automotive Seat Belt Assembly (AREA)
Abstract
In a preferred embodiment, a restraint system is described for restraining a standing occupant in a vehicle such as a plane or helicopter. The restraint system includes a webbing strap that winds and unwinds from a spool assembly. The spool assembly includes a trigger assembly that locks a spool from rotation, a manual release assembly for manually releasing the trigger assembly and lock, and an adjustable payout assembly that determines the maximum length that the webbing strap can be pulled out before stopping (i.e., the number of rotations of the spool). The trigger assembly can trigger the lock assembly from one or more sensors. Further, the trigger assembly can be arranged to automatically unlock after a triggering event, manually unlocked after a triggering event or a combination of the two for different sensors.
Description
- This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/372,658 filed Feb. 17, 2009 entitled Restraint System, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/028,753 filed Feb. 14, 2008 entitled Crew Restrain System, both of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.
- Vehicles, such as aircraft, often include restraint systems to prevent occupants from unwanted movement and injury. Typically, these restraint systems restrain the occupant from movement by releasably strapping the occupant to a chair or similar vehicle furniture.
- However, some vehicles, such as helicopters or air cargo delivery planes may require an occupant to move about the interior of the vehicle. Intentional or unintentional vehicle motion such as turbulence or banking into a turn can cause an occupant to lose their balance or be thrown about the vehicle's interior. In some open vehicles such as rescue helicopters and military cargo planes, the occupant is in further danger of being thrown from the vehicle.
- Therefore, what is needed is an occupant restraint system that allows an occupant to move about the interior of a vehicle, yet restrains them from unwanted movement and other dangers.
- In a preferred embodiment, a restraint system is described for restraining a standing occupant in a vehicle such as a plane or helicopter. The restraint system includes a webbing strap that winds and unwinds from a spool assembly. The spool assembly includes a trigger assembly that locks a spool from rotation, a manual release assembly for manually releasing the trigger assembly and lock, and an adjustable payout assembly that determines the maximum length that the webbing strap can be pulled out before stopping (i.e., the number of rotations of the spool). The trigger assembly can trigger the lock assembly from one or more sensors. Further, the trigger assembly can be arranged to automatically unlock after a triggering event, manually unlocked after a triggering event or a combination of the two for different sensors.
- These and other aspects, features and advantages of which embodiments of the invention are capable of will be apparent and elucidated from the following description of embodiments of the present invention, reference being made to the accompanying drawings, in which
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FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a restraint system attached to an occupant within a vehicle according to a preferred embodiment; -
FIG. 2 illustrates a magnified perspective view of the restraint system and occupant ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of a spool assembly ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of the ratchet and pawl assembly according to a preferred embodiment; -
FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of only the ratchet and pawl assembly ofFIG. 4 . -
FIG. 6 illustrates a disassembled perspective view of a trigger assembly and manual release assembly according to a preferred embodiment; -
FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of the trigger assembly and manual release assembly ofFIG. 6 ; -
FIG. 8 illustrates a magnified perspective view of the trigger assembly ofFIG. 7 ; -
FIG. 9 illustrates a perspective view of an adjustable payout assembly according to a preferred embodiment; -
FIG. 10 illustrates an exploded cross sectional view of the adjustable payout assembly ofFIG. 9 ; -
FIG. 11 illustrates a perspective view of an dual trigger assembly according to a preferred embodiment; -
FIG. 12 illustrates a perspective view of the dual trigger assembly ofFIG. 10 ; and -
FIG. 13 illustrates an exploded perspective view of the dual trigger assembly ofFIG. 11 . - Specific embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. The terminology used in the detailed description of the embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings is not intended to be limiting of the invention. In the drawings, like numbers refer to like elements.
- Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.
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FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate a preferred embodiment of anoccupant restraint system 100 for a vehicle, such as a plane or helicopter. Generally, theoccupant restraint system 100 includes aspool assembly 106 and awebbing strap 108 that is selectively wound and unwound from thespool assembly 106. - Preferably the spool assembly is pivotally mounted to the side or ceiling of a vehicle's
interior 102 bypivot bracket 112. This arrangement allows thespool assembly 106 to pivot in any direction as theoccupant 110 moves through the vehicle'sinterior 102. - The
webbing strap 108 is preferably latched to aharness 110 worn by an occupant. As theoccupant 110 moves within the vehicle'sinterior 102, thespool assembly 106 releases and retracts thewebbing strap 108 as needed. However, during sudden or forceful movement, thespool assembly 106 locks, preventing further extension of thewebbing strap 108 and thereby preventing excessive movement of theoccupant 110. - In addition to or in place of the pivot bracket, the spool assembly can be connected to a trolley device that runs along a track as seen in U.S. Pat. No. 7,275,710, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference. Hence, the user can walk along an extended length of a vehicle (e.g., the length of an airplane) while attached to the restrain system.
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FIG. 3 illustrates a magnified view of thespool assembly 106, including aframework 126,outer coverings payout adjustment mechanism 118 and a manual lock reset handle. When thespool assembly 106 is caused to lock further spooling of the webbing strap 108 (e.g., due to rapid webbing payout velocity), the user can release thespool assembly 106 by pulling on the spring-biasedmanual reset handle 122. -
FIGS. 4-8 illustrate various views of the trigger mechanism of thespool assembly 106. Turning first to the ratchet and pawl engagement assembly (seen best inFIGS. 4 and 5 ), this assembly prevents thespool 150 from rotating during a triggering event (e.g., a crash or sudden acceleration) by way of afirst pawl member 142 that selectively engages afirst spool ratchet 150 and asecond pawl member 156 that selectively engages asecond spool ratchet 154. Thefirst pawl member 142 is biased towards thefirst spool ratchet 150 bypawl spring 140. Thesecond pawl member 156 is linked to thefirst pawl member 142 via a connectingshaft 155, allowing thesecond pawl member 156 to move in unison with thefirst pawl member 142. - During normal operation, a trigger mechanism 121 (seen best in
FIGS. 6 and 7 ) maintains apawl pin 142A and therefore thefirst pawl member 142 andsecond pawl member 156 in a raised position, away from the jagged surfaces ofratchets trigger mechanism 121 “triggers”, it releases any resistance on thepawl pin 142A and thereby allows thepawls ratchets spool 152. - The
trigger mechanism 121 includes a rotationally mountedtrigger plate 120 having a plurality ofradial engagement members 120B and a plurality ofperpendicular engagement members 120A. The radial engagement members have various uses in thetrigger mechanism 121. For example, a first radial engagement member is in contact with a fixedspring 124 which biases thetrigger plate 120 for movement in a counter clockwise rotational direction. In another example, a secondradial engagement member 120B contacts and maintains the unlocked spool position by pressing against thepawl pin 142A. In yet another example, a thirdradial engagement member 120B contacts lever 136 of anacceleration sensor 128. - The
acceleration sensor 128 includes aspherical weight 130 that is freely positioned overcup 132. Preferably, an additional enclosure is provided around theweight 130 to prevent it from completely moving off ofcup 132. A lower post portion of thecup 132 contacts alever pin 136A, biasing thelever 136 downward againstradial engagement member 120B of thetrigger plate 120. Thespring 134 preferably reduces the amount of weight thatweight 130 places on thepin 136A to allow for greater sensitivity of theacceleration sensor 128. Additionally, the interior surface of thecup 132 includes conical or ramped surfaces for sideways or rolling acceleration. - When the vehicle suddenly accelerates (e.g., drops downward and abruptly stops from a crash), the
weight 130 increases pressure on thepin 136A (e.g., from the sudden stop in acceleration) and thereby thelever 136. As thelever 136 moves downward against theradial engagement member 120B, thetrigger plate 120 rotates in a clockwise direction, allowing thepawls ratchets weight 130 will move to the side of thecup 132 against the conical or ramped surface. Since the previously described weight enclosure prevents theweight 130 from moving upwards, away from thecup 132, thecup 132 and its pin are pushed downward, triggering thetrigger plate 120 as previously described. - The
trigger mechanism 121 can also be activated when thespool 152 is rotated too quickly as opposed to rotating with too much acceleration. Prior restraint trigger mechanisms tend to trigger a locking mechanism at different angular speeds when pulling out the webbing strap. For example, pulling a webbing strap at a constant linear speed away from a restraint device can result in the spool moving more slowly initially (the spool is larger in diameter when fully wound with the webbing) and more quickly after the webbing has been pulled out a distance (the spool is smaller in diameter when less webbing is on the spool). Thetrigger mechanism 121 reduces this behavior by with two opposed, biasedplates - More specifically, the
first velocity plate 144 and thesecond velocity plate 146 are positioned against thetrigger plate 120 and rotate with thespool 152. Bothvelocity plates plates springs 146 bias theplates plates plates springs 138. As theplates engagement members perpendicular engagement members 120A, causing thetrigger plate 120 to rotate and trigger thepawl 142. It should be understood that changing the tension or spring constant ofsprings 138 can adjust the threshold at which theplates perpendicular engagement members 120A. - Preferably, the relative spring rates or spring constants of the previously described triggering mechanisms (i.e., springs 124, 134 and 140) are such that once the triggering
mechanism 121 has been triggered it will not disengage until manually released by the user. As seen best inFIG. 7 , manual release of the triggeringmechanism 121 is controlled by pulling back themanual reset handle 122. When triggered, thetrigger plate 120 has rotated in a clockwise direction, bringing one of theradial engagement members 120B closer to or in contact with thepin 122A of thehandle 122. The user pulls back on thehandle 122, against the bias ofspring 123 to press thepin 122A against theradial engagement member 120B, thereby rotating thetrigger plate 120. When thehandle 122 has been pulled back far enough, aradial engagement member 120B near thepawl 142lifts pawl pin 142A up to unlock thespool 152. Hence, thespool assembly 106 can again extend and retract thewebbing strap 108 as needed by the occupant. -
FIGS. 9 and 10 illustrate the previously mentionedadjustable payout assembly 160 that stops thewebbing strap 108 from unwinding from thespool 152. More specifically, thepayout assembly 160 triggers apayout pawl 174 that engages the ratchet 154 (seen inFIG. 4 ) or alternately a third ratchet. - The
payout assembly 160 is actuated by rotation of alead screw 162 that is keyed or captured by thespool 152. In this respect, thelead screw 162 is free to move along an axis of thespool 152 while also rotating with thespool 152. Acompression spring 178 is coupled to an interior of thelead screw 162 to preload thescrew 162 away from thespool 152. Atrigger nut 166 is threaded over thelead screw 162 and captured by a keyway 182A of thehousing 182, allowing thetrigger nut 166 to move axially within the keyway 182A. - As the
trigger nut 166 moves axially outward, away from thespool 152, apin 180 contacts and bottoms out on one of the plurality ofindentations 164. Since thetrigger nut 166 can no longer move axially away from thespool 154, thelead screw 162 unscrews from thetrigger nut 166 and thereby move toward thespool 154. As the end of thelead screw 162 approaches thetrigger plate 172, atrigger post 168 on thelead screw 162 contacts and engages one of the lockingdogs 170 which are raised from the surface of thetrigger plate 172. - Normally, the
spring 176 biases thetrigger plate 172 in a clockwise direction so that thetrigger member 172A lifts up thepayout pawl pin 174A and therefore thepayout pawl 174, allowing thespool 152 to rotate freely. However, when thetrigger plate 172 rotates in a counterclockwise direction, driven by the rotation of thelead screw 162, thetrigger member 172A moves away from thepayout pawl pin 174A, allowing thepayout pawl 174 to drop on to theratchet 154 and stop further movement of thespool 152. - When pressure from the
lead screw 162 is removed from thetrigger plate 172, thespring 174 urges thetrigger plate 172 and thetrigger member 172A back in a clockwise position so as to lift thepayout pawl pin 174A and thus thepayout pawl 174 in a raised position, away from theratchet 154. In this respect, thespool 152 is free to rotate again (to wind up thewebbing strap 108. - The point at which the
payout assembly 160 locks can be adjusted by a user by rotating theadjustment knob 118. The previously discussedpin 180 is eccentrically positioned inside theadjustment knob 118. Therefore, rotation of theknob 118 aligns thepin 180 withdifferent indentations 164 on thetrigger nut 166. Each of theindentations 164 are located at different depths from the surface of thetrigger nut 166 and therefore allow thetrigger nut 166 to move to various distances from thetrigger plate 172. Hence, thepayout assembly 160 will lock at various, user adjustable positions. -
FIGS. 11-13 illustrate an alternate preferred embodiment of atrigger assembly 190 that engages a first trigger mechanism that automatically releases when tension is released and a second trigger mechanism that must be manually released. In this respect, thespool 152 can be locked by pulling on thewebbing strap 108, and then unlocked by releasing tension on thewebbing strap 108. However, if the pulling exceeds a certain threshold, thespool 152 must be manually released. - In addition to the previously described
pawl 142, anautomatic reset pawl 198 is pivotally mounted viapivot 198B underneathratchet 150. Apawl pin 198A is connected to a side of thepawl 198 and extends through an aperture in theframework 126. - As best seen in
FIG. 13 ,trigger assembly 190 includes an automatic-unlock trigger plate 192 that is engaged byvelocity plates unlock trigger plate 192 is rotationally biased in a counter clockwise direction via a spring (not shown) similarly to the previously describedplate 120. This rotational bias urgesradial engagement member 192B toward thepawl pin 198A, preventing thepawl 198 from contacting theratchet 150. - When the
velocity plates axial engagement members 192A, theplate 192 is rotated in a clockwise direction, causingmember 192B to release pressure onpawl pin 198A and thereby causing thepawl 198 to engage theratchet 150. When pressure is released on thewebbing strap 108, thevelocity plates plate 192, allowing the spring to rotate theplate 192 back in a counter-clockwise direction to reengage thepawl pin 198A and thereby release thepawl 198 from theratchet 150. - As previously discussed, if the force and or acceleration of the webbing strap exceeds a threshold, a manually released trigger mechanism is activated. This threshold is created, in part, by a
resistance spring 195 in a recessedspring well 194B. Theresistance spring 195 is engaged with thespring well 194B and a ramp (not shown) on the back ofplate 192. Theresistance spring 195 compresses when theplate 192 is rotated with a relatively slow or low acceleration. However, faster rotational speed or acceleration overcomes the compression of thespring 195, causing themating plate 194 to rotate in a clockwise direction. A pin onradial engagement member 194C contacts and pushesradial engagement member 196B of the manualunlock trigger plate 196, thereby causingtrigger plate 196 to rotate in a clockwise direction. This rotation releases pressure ofradial engagement member 196A on thepawl pin 142A, causing thepawl 142 to lower onto theratchet 150 and lock thespool 152. - Preferably, the
trigger plate 196 is spring biased in a counterclockwise position, but with a force that will not overcome rotation of the trigger plate in the locked position. In other words, once thetrigger plate 196 locks, it remains in its locked, rotated position. - While not shown in
FIGS. 11-13 , a manual release mechanism can be used to release thetrigger plate 196, thereby rotating theplate 196 back to its original position and lifting thepawl 142. For example, the manual release mechanism shown inFIGS. 5-8 (i.e., thehandle 122,spring 123 andpin 122A) can be used to release thetrigger plate 196. - Although the invention has been described in terms of particular embodiments and applications, one of ordinary skill in the art, in light of this teaching, can generate additional embodiments and modifications without departing from the spirit of or exceeding the scope of the claimed invention. Accordingly, it is to be understood that the drawings and descriptions herein are proffered by way of example to facilitate comprehension of the invention and should not be construed to limit the scope thereof.
Claims (13)
1. A restraint system for a standing occupant in a vehicle comprising:
a framework mounted to an interior of a vehicle;
a spool disposed within said framework;
a strap coupled to said spool and connectable to an occupant harness; and
a trigger assembly disposed on said framework and coupled to said spool to lock said spool; said trigger assembly comprising a first plate and a second plate connected by a biasing member.
2. The restraint system of claim 1 , further comprising a trigger release assembly disposed on said framework and coupled to said trigger assembly to release said trigger assembly from a locked position that prevents movement of said spool to an unlocked position that allows movement of said spool
3. The restraint system of claim 1 , wherein said first plate and said second plate rotate with said spool.
4. The restraint system of claim 1 , wherein said first plate and said second plate are slidingly engaged to an axle.
5. The restraint system of claim 4 , wherein said trigger assembly is sensitive to a threshold of force on said spool and wherein a force below said threshold causes said trigger assembly to unlock by releasing tension on said strap and wherein a force above said threshold causes said trigger assembly to unlock by a user-actuated lever on said framework.
6. The restraint system of claim 1 , further comprising a payout assembly disposed on said framework and connected to said spool to limit rotation of said spool; and a user control disposed on said framework for adjusting said limit of said spool.
7. A vehicle restraint system for an occupant of a vehicle comprising;
a spool housing coupled inside a vehicle;
a spool disposed within said spool housing;
a strap coupled to said spool and connectable to an occupant harness; and,
a trigger assembly disposed on said housing and coupled to said spool for selectively stopping rotation of said spool;
wherein said trigger assembly is triggered by a first sensor mechanism sensitive to acceleration of said housing.
8. The vehicle restraint system of claim 7 , further comprising a trigger release assembly disposed on said housing and coupled to said trigger assembly to release said trigger assembly from a triggered position that prevents movement of said spool to an unlocked position that allows movement of said spool.
9. The vehicle restraint system of claim 8 , wherein said first sensor mechanism comprises a biased weight.
10. The vehicle restraint system of claim 9 , further comprising a second sensor mechanism sensitive to velocity of rotation of said spool wherein said second sensor mechanism comprises a first plate member and a second plate member connected by a biasing member; said first plate member and said second plate member expanding from each other to trigger said trigger assembly during a threshold of velocity of said spool.
11. The vehicle restraint system of claim 10 , further comprising a strap limit assembly disposed on said housing and connected to said spool to limit a length of extension of said strap; wherein said strap limit assembly further comprises a lead screw coupled to a first pawl member.
12. The vehicle restraint system of claim 11 , wherein said trigger assembly triggers a second pawl to contact a ratchet member.
13. The vehicle restraint system of claim 12 , wherein said lead screw is captured by said spool; said lead screw free to move along an axis of said spool.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US13/681,272 US20130146699A1 (en) | 2008-02-14 | 2012-11-19 | Restraint System |
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US2875308P | 2008-02-14 | 2008-02-14 | |
US12/372,658 US8328166B2 (en) | 2008-02-14 | 2009-02-17 | Restraint system |
US13/681,272 US20130146699A1 (en) | 2008-02-14 | 2012-11-19 | Restraint System |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US12/372,658 Division US8328166B2 (en) | 2008-02-14 | 2009-02-17 | Restraint system |
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US20130146699A1 true US20130146699A1 (en) | 2013-06-13 |
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US12/372,658 Active 2031-04-15 US8328166B2 (en) | 2008-02-14 | 2009-02-17 | Restraint system |
US13/681,272 Abandoned US20130146699A1 (en) | 2008-02-14 | 2012-11-19 | Restraint System |
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US12/372,658 Active 2031-04-15 US8328166B2 (en) | 2008-02-14 | 2009-02-17 | Restraint system |
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Cited By (1)
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EP4309743A1 (en) * | 2022-07-20 | 2024-01-24 | Honeywell International Inc. | Mounting device for a fall protection device and methods of using the same |
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AT12216U1 (en) * | 2010-11-11 | 2012-01-15 | Fasching Salzburg Gmbh | LOCKING UNIT WITH END LOCK LOCK FOR A BELT ROLLER |
US8662436B2 (en) * | 2010-12-23 | 2014-03-04 | Carleton Life Support Systems Inc. | Apparatus for adjusting the payout of tether from a reel assembly |
US8746739B2 (en) * | 2011-06-22 | 2014-06-10 | Carlston Life Support Systems, Inc. | Aircrew restraint system with integrated communications and controls |
AU2014331897B2 (en) * | 2013-10-08 | 2017-11-16 | Wolf Technical Services, Inc. | Mechanically actuated cargo restraint system |
USD802844S1 (en) * | 2015-04-16 | 2017-11-14 | Fasching Salzburg Gmbh | Safety belt for the seats of vehicles |
CN106553614A (en) * | 2016-11-25 | 2017-04-05 | 奇瑞商用车(安徽)有限公司 | Seat belt apparatus and the automobile with which |
USD929074S1 (en) * | 2018-04-05 | 2021-08-31 | Braunability Uk Limited | Safety belt |
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GB2310786B (en) * | 1996-03-05 | 2000-06-14 | Alliedsignal Ltd | Retractor locking mechanism |
US5779319A (en) * | 1997-02-03 | 1998-07-14 | Indiana Mills And Manufacturing, Inc. | Child seat retractor |
US5785269A (en) * | 1997-02-06 | 1998-07-28 | Alliedsignal Inc. | Dual level retractor for oblique or offset impacts |
US5934596A (en) * | 1998-01-16 | 1999-08-10 | Breed Automative Technology, Inc. | Automatic locking retractor with timing clutch mechanism |
US6655718B2 (en) * | 2001-08-28 | 2003-12-02 | Cee Restraint Systems, Inc. | Safety restraint device for police vehicle |
US7137649B2 (en) * | 2001-08-28 | 2006-11-21 | C.E.E. Restraint Systems, Inc. | Safety restraint device for police vehicle |
US7140571B2 (en) * | 2003-06-11 | 2006-11-28 | Autoliv, Asp, Inc. | Electric seat belt retractor system |
DE10340237B4 (en) * | 2003-08-29 | 2006-11-23 | Schroth Safety Products Gmbh | Position assurance for persons in land vehicles and aircraft |
US7413247B2 (en) * | 2004-08-19 | 2008-08-19 | H. Koch & Sons Co., Inc. | Occupant retraction system |
-
2009
- 2009-02-17 US US12/372,658 patent/US8328166B2/en active Active
-
2012
- 2012-11-19 US US13/681,272 patent/US20130146699A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
EP4309743A1 (en) * | 2022-07-20 | 2024-01-24 | Honeywell International Inc. | Mounting device for a fall protection device and methods of using the same |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US20090212159A1 (en) | 2009-08-27 |
US8328166B2 (en) | 2012-12-11 |
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