WO2022132107A1

WO2022132107A1 - A seat belt misuse detection method and system thereof

Info

Publication number: WO2022132107A1
Application number: PCT/TR2021/051421
Authority: WO
Inventors: Cemal AKYUZ
Original assignee: Arge-Emre Makina Tasarim Sanayi Ticaret Ltd. Sti.
Priority date: 2020-12-16
Filing date: 2021-12-15
Publication date: 2022-06-23
Also published as: WO2022177522A1

Abstract

The present invention relates to a seat belt (10) misuse detection method that allows the driver to be warned by detecting the usage status of the seat belt (10) by means of various sensors (30) placed in the seat belt (10) transition guide (20) in vehicles that have a seat belt (10) device that is attached to the seat (60) or that comes out of a fixed point, independent of the vehicle, such as an autonomous or sports car.

Description

A SEAT BELT MISUSE DETECTION METHOD AND SYSTEM THEREOF

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a method and system of a seat belt specially which attached to the seat independently of the vehicle such as an autonomous or sports car, misuse detection method that prevents vehicle drivers to pass the seat belt behind or in front of the vehicle seat (on the back of the driver or passenger) and to place an external seat belt buckle inside the seat belt slot (adapter) in order to silence warning system of the seat belt.

More specifically, the present invention relates to a seat belt misuse detection method that allows the driver to be warned by detecting the usage status of the seat belt by means of various sensors placed in the seat belt transition guide in vehicles that have a seat belt device that is attached to the seat or that comes out of a fixed point, independent of the vehicle, such as an autonomous or sports car.

State of The Art

Autonomous vehicles are automatic vehicles that detect the traffic flow and surrounding structures by eliminating the need for drivers, thanks to automatic control systems. With the advancement of technology, autonomous vehicle models are becoming more and more common day by day. The seat belts in such vehicles are attached to the passenger seat independently of the vehicle. The use of this type of seat belt models, which are mostly used in sports car models other than autonomous vehicles, is also increasing in new generation vehicles. For this reason, the seat belt embodiments attached to the seat in autonomous or sports cars is gaining importance.

Seat belts in vehicles are vital importance. It saves lives by preventing the driver from hitting various points in the vehicle or being thrown out of the vehicle by ensuring that the driver is fixed in the vehicle in cases such as the sudden stop of the vehicles in traffic or an accident. With the use of seat belts, it is prevented to reduce the concussion that occurs in the driver's body at the time of an accident, to distribute the impact effect by not collecting it at a single point, and to prevent damage to the head and spinal cord.

When the statistical data of the Directorate General of Security of Turkey, Traffic Department is examined, the risk of injury for drivers using three-point seat belts is reduced by 45% in cars and 60% in pick-up trucks. While it is seen that 24.8% of drivers using seat belts in fatal accidents survived the accident without any damage, this rate drops to 6.3% in those who do not use seat belts. It was determined that 66% of deaths and injuries in the back seat and 6% of deaths in the front seat were prevented when using seat belts of passengers. Generally, the death and injury rates in countries where the use of seat belts is mandatory was found 40% less than in countries where the use of seat belts is not mandatory. Despite all these statistical data, there are many vehicle drivers who do not use seat belts.

Thanks to the development of technology, the use of seat belts by drivers, which is of vital importance, can be detected by various methods with vehicle warning systems. The driver fastens the seat belt by fixing the loop of the seat belt buckle in the slot. It is assumed that the seat belt is installed correctly when the seat belt is inserted into the slot. Sensors such as RFID are used to detect seat belt buckle insertion to the slot. However, these methods cannot offer an economical and practical solution. In addition, drivers who do not want to use seat belts use an external seat belt buckle to silence the vehicle warning system. In another situation, driver pass the seat belt behind or in front of the seat, making the vehicle warning system perceived as if the seat belt is fastened. It is important to prevent the incorrect use of seat belts by the drivers and the current methods mentioned are insufficient. There is no solution for detecting the misuse of seat belts, especially in seat-related seat belt systems in autonomous or sports cars. This situation has revealed the need for a low-cost seat belt misuse warning system and a related method that allows vehicle drivers to prevent misuse of seat belts and to prevent drivers from deceiving the vehicle warning system with various methods.

The document DE102010023491 discloses a lock detection mechanism developed to detect the closing state of a seat belt lock. A belt information sensor detects the length of the belt straps of the seat belt. Accordingly, when a lock detection unit detects the closing status of the seat belt lock and the extension length of the belt, it is detected that the belt is fastened. However, there is no mention of a method for detecting incorrect use of seat belts by means of optical or capacitive sensors placed in the seat belt outlet chamber.

The document JP2007083942A discloses a seat belt warning system. Depending on whether the seat belt is fastened or not, the user is alerted by starting a vibration motor for the seat belt. Therefore, there is no mention of a solution method that can prevent the seat belt warning system from being silenced by inserting only an external seat belt buckle into slot.

The document US10227057B2 discloses a method developed for detecting misuse of vehicle seat belts. A belt buckle sensor and an extension sensor signals are detected and a probability check is carried out for misuse. The system in question also includes a door sensor, a seat occupancy sensor, and a vehicle acceleration sensor. Therefore, a low-cost and practical seat belt warning system is not offered in the document, which allows drivers to misuse their seat belts and prevent drivers from misleading the vehicle warning system in various ways.

As a result, there is a need for a practical and economical seat belt misuse detection method that allows vehicle drivers to avoid operations such as passing the seat belt behind or in front of the vehicle seat, placing an external seat belt buckle in the seat belt slot in order to silence the seat belt warning system. So, the solution of the present invention is required.

Objectives and Brief Description of the Invention

The aim of the present invention is to provide a seat belt misuse detection method in vehicles, which have a seat belt attached to the seat regardless of the vehicle in order to silence the warning system related to the seat belt, that allows drivers to prevent seat belt misuse, such as passing the seat belt behind or in front of the seat, placing an external seat belt buckle in the seat belt slot.

Another aim of the present invention; is to provide a seat belt misuse detection method that allows the driver to be warned by detecting the use of the seat belt by means of various sensors placed on the seat belt transition guide in vehicles with a seat belt attached to the seat, such as an autonomous or sports car.

Another aim of the present invention; is to detect the improper use movements of drivers, especially for vehicle-independent seat belt structures, and thus to warn drivers.

Description of the Figures

In Figure 1 , seat belt structure independent of vehicle, which is the subject of the present invention, is shown.

In Figure 2, seat belt transition guide, is shown.

In Figure 3, detailed perspective views of the seat belt transition guide sensor structure for seat belt systems on the seat, is shown.

In Figure 3a, sensors located at the top of the seat belt transition guide, is shown.

In Figure 3b, sensors located at the bottom of the seat belt transition guide, is shown.

In Figure 4, situation where the seat belt is not fastened, is shown.

In Figure 5, situation where the seat belt is fastened, is shown. In Figure 6, perspective views of the seat belt situations that occur when the seat belt is fastened behind the seat, is shown.

In Figure 6a, situation where the seat belt is not fastened, is shown.

In Figure 6b, situation when the seat belt is fastened in the X direction from the back of the seat, is shown.

In Figure 6c, situation when the seat belt is fastened in the Y direction from the back of the seat, is shown.

In Figure 7, seat belt systems on the vehicle middle pillar (b pillar), is shown.

In Figure 7a, vehicle middle pillar section, is shown.

In Figure 7b, sensors located at the bottom of a seat belt transition guide on the vehicle middle pillar, is shown.

In Figure 7c, sensors located at the top of a seat belt transition guide on the vehicle middle pillar, is shown.

In Figure 8, seat belt systems in the rear seats of the vehicle, is shown.

Reference Numbers

10. Seat belt

20. Transition guide

21. Position A1

22. Position A2

23. Position A1.1

24. Position A2.1

25. Position B

30. Sensor

40. Optical source

50. Middle pillar (B pillar)

60. Seat Detailed Description of the Invention

The present invention relates to a seat belt (10) misuse detection method that allows the driver to be warned by detecting the usage status of the seat belt (10) by means of various sensors (30) placed in the seat belt (10) transition guide (20) in vehicles that have a seat belt (10) device that is attached to the seat (60) or that comes out of a fixed point, independent of the vehicle, such as an autonomous or sports car. Seat belt (10) systems attached to the seat (60) independent of the vehicle; although it is mostly found in vehicles such as autonomous, cabrio, coupe and other sports vehicles, it is also found in vehicles other than these. The seat belt (10) structure independent of the vehicle in question is shown in figure 1 . The seat belt (10) transition guide (20) is fixed on the seat (60) independently of the vehicle. Sensors (30) are placed at position a1 (21 ), position a2 (22) and position b (25) also optical sources (40) are placed at position a1 .1 (23) and position a2.1 (24), on the seat belt (10) transition guide (20), shown in figure 2. The locations and types of sensors (30) mentioned are given as examples to better explain the method of the present invention, and it is possible to place different types of sensors (30) in different locations. Depending on the use of the seat belt (10), the position of the seat belt (10) in the transition guide (20) is changed to interact with the sensors (30). The data coming from the sensors (30) placed at different locations on the transition guide (20) are interpreted in a seat belt (10) control unit, and it is determined whether the seat belt (10) is fastened or not. In addition, the seat belt (10) warning system can be created by placing the sensor (30) placement and detection method at any point along the pulling line of the seat belt (10). The system in question can also be applied to the vehicle seat or any point in the vehicle. When the seat belt (10) is not fastened, the position a1 .1 (23) at the bottom of the transition guide (20) is covered by the seat belt (10). In this case, it is understood that the seat belt (10) is fastened by obtaining data from the sensors (30). By interpreting the sensor (30) data regarding the said cases in a seat belt (10) control unit, it is determined whether the driver is fastening the seat belt (10).

The detailed seat belt (10) transition guide (20) sensor (30) structure for the seat belt (10) systems on the seat (60) is shown in figure 3. In Figure 3a; a sensor (30) at position a1 (21) on the upper part of the seat belt (10) transition guide (20), a sensor (30) at position a2 (22), and another sensor (30) at position b (25), also in figure 3b; an optical source (40) located at position a1 .1 (23) and another optical source (40) located at position a2.1 (24) are shown in the lower part of the seat belt (10) transition guide (20). While sensors (30) placed in position a1 (21 ) and position a2 (22) are used as receivers, optical sources (40) placed in position a1.1 (23) and position a2.1 (24) are used as transmitters. The positions of the said receivers and transmitters can be changed. Instead of the receivers and transmitters placed at the position a1 (21 ), position a2 (22), position a1 .1 (23) and position a2.1 (24) on the transition guide (20), stand-alone sensors (30) can also be placed. Although the sensor (30) placed in position b (25) is a sensor (30) used alone, it is also possible to use it by placing a receiver or transmitter. Aforementioned sensors (30); mechanical electrical switch types, capacitive, inductive, laser, infrared, ultraviolet, etc. optical sensor (30) can be types. With the method of the present invention, when the sensors (30) are placed as a receiver at the position a1 (21 ) and position a2 (22) located on the upper part of the transition guide (20) shown in figure 3a, optical sources (40) are placed as transmitters at position a1 .1 (23) and a2.1 position (24) at the bottom of the transition guide (20) shown in figure 3b.

In case the driver's seat belt (10) is passed behind the seat (60), the top of the position b (25) located on the upper part of the transition guide (20) is covered with the seat belt (10). In this state, it is determined that the seat belt (10) is passed behind the seat (60) thanks to the sensor (10) data obtained. The situation that occurs when a seat belt (10) is not fastened by the driver is shown in figure 4. When the seat belt (10) is not fastened, the sensor (30) at position a1 positioned as the receiving sensor (30) on the upper part of the transition guide (20) when the top of the sensor (30) is open, at position a1 .1 (23) positioned as the transmitter at the lower part of the transition guide (20) the top of the optical source (40) is covered with the seat belt (10). Therefore, the sensor (30) at position a1 (21 ), which is used as a receiver, cannot receive data from the optical source (40) at position a1 .1 (23) which is used as transmitter. The optical source (40) used as a transmitter located at position a2.1 (24) at the bottom of the transition guide (20) and the sensor (30) the seat belt (10) on at position a2 (22) used as a receiver at the top of the transition guide (20) since it is not closed with the seat belt (10), data flow is provided. Data flow is provided because the optical source (40) used as the transmitter located at position a2.1 (24) at the bottom of the transition guide (20) and the sensor (30) used as the receiver located at position a2 (22) at the top of the transition guide (20) are not covered with a seat belt (10). This situation is interpreted as the seat belt (10) not fastened information in the vehicle's seat belt (10) control unit.

The situation when a seat belt (10) is correctly fastened by the driver is shown in figure 5. If the seat belt (10) is fastened correctly by the driver, the optical source (40) located in the position a2.1 (24) at the bottom of the transition guide (20) is covered and the data flow is interrupted by the sensor (30) located at position a2 (22) at the top of the transition guide (20). Data flow is provided because the sensor (30) at the a1 position (21 ) used as the receiver at the top of the transition guide (20) and the optical source (40) used as the transmitter at the a1 .1 position (23) at the bottom of the transition guide (20) are not covered with a seat belt (10). This situation is interpreted as the seat belt (10) fastened information in the vehicle's seat belt (10) control unit. In Figure 6, the seat belt (10) situations that occur when the seat belt (10) is fastened behind the seat (60) are shown. The situation where the seat belt (10) shown in Figure 6a is not fastened becomes the situation shown in Figure 6b when the driver passes the seat belt (10) behind the seat (60) in the X direction. Error information is received when the connection between the sensor (30) located at the position a1 (21 ) at the top of the transition guide (20) and the optical source (40) located at the position a1 .1 (23) at the bottom of the transition guide (20) is cut off with the seat belt (10). The situation shown in Figure 6a becomes the situation shown in Figure 6c by passing the seat belt (10) behind the seat (60) as shown in the Y direction. The seat belt (10) is detected by the sensor (30) located at the position b (25) on the upper part of the transition guide (20), and the information that the seat belt (10) fastened incorrectly, is received. By interpreting the data information coming from the sensors (30) in a seat belt (10) control unit, it is ensured that the drivers are warned to fasten their seat belts (10) by visual, auditory or other means.

The seat belt (10) systems on the vehicle middle pillar (50) regarding an alternative embodiment of the method subject to the present invention are shown in figure 7. The overview of the vehicle middle pillar (50) section is shown in figure 7a. Figure 7b shows optical sources (40) at the bottom of a seat belt (10) transition guide (20) on the vehicle middle pillar (50), and in figure 7c, sensors (30) located at the top of a seat belt (10) transition guide (20) on the vehicle middle pillar (50). In the seat belt (10) systems on the vehicle middle pillar (50), the seat belt (10) depending on the vehicle, depending on the optical source (40) at position a1 .1 (23) or the optical source (40) at position a2.1 (24). With the seat belt (10) closed according to the usage situation, the data flow related to the sensors (30) is checked, and whether the seat belt (10) is fastened or whether it is passed behind the seat (60) and the driver's back is determined. In the seat belt (10) systems on the vehicle middle pillar (50), the seat belt (10) usage status can be detected without using the sensor (30) at the position b (25). However, if needed, the sensor (30) can be positioned in various parts of the seat belt (10) transition guide (20).

A system applied for the vehicle middle pillar (50) or seat (60) connected seat belt (10) systems for the vehicle rear seats (60) regarding an alternative embodiment of the method subject to the present invention is shown in figure 8. In systems related to the rear seat (60), the sensors (30), the seat belt (10) depending on the vehicle, depending on the optical source (40) at position a1 .1 (23) or the optical source (40) at position a2.1 (24). With the seat belt (10) closed according to the usage situation, the data flow related to the sensors (30) is checked, and whether the seat belt (10) is fastened or whether it is passed behind the seat (60) and the driver's back is determined. In the said system, the seat belt (10) usage status can be detected without using a sensor (30) at the position b (25). However, if needed, the sensor (30) can be positioned in various parts of the seat belt (10) transition guide (20). With the method of the present invention, in vehicles with a seat belt (10) attached to the seat (60) independently of the vehicle, such as an autonomous or sports car, the drivers pass the seat belt (10) behind or in front of the vehicle seat (60) in order to silence the warning system related to the seat belt (10). A seat belt (10) warning system has been developed that allows preventing misuse of seat belts (10), such as placing an external seat belt (10) buckle inside the seat belt (10) slot. The correct fastening of the seat belt (10) is determined by interpreting the sensor (30) data obtained by the method in question and the data obtained by switching to an electrical warning circuit, in a seat belt (10) control unit of the vehicle. By combining the method of the present invention with several different methods, it has become possible to provide warning of the drivers with various methods, audible, visual or auditory. For example, sensor (30) data obtained by the method of the present invention; the data related to the methods that can detect the belt position or distance with the seat belt (10) movement, combined with the seat position data and similar data obtained from the vehicle memory or the positioners positioned on the seat, will be interpreted in the seat belt (10) control unit and the drivers will be warned.

Claims

9

CLAIMS The invention is a seat belt (10) misuse detection method that allows drivers to prevent misuse of seat belts (10), characterized in that it includes the following steps: by means of a seat belt (10) transition guide (20) and sensors (30) positioned on the said seat belt (10) transition guide (20);

- when the seat belt (10) is not fastened, position a1 .1 (23) at the bottom of the transition guide (20) is covered with the seat belt (10) and data is received from the sensors (30),

- or when the seat belt (10) is fastened, the position a2.1 (24) at the bottom of the transition guide (20) is covered with the seat belt (10) and data is received from the sensors (30),

- or if the seat belt (10) is passed behind the seat (60), the top of the position b (25) on the top of the transition guide (20) is covered with the seat belt (10) and data is received from the sensors (30),

- sending the sensor (10) data regarding said seat belt (10) usage situations to a seat belt (10) control unit,

- interpreting sensor (30) data in a seat belt (10) control unit and detecting incorrect use cases. . A method related to a seat belt (10) misuse detection that allows drivers to prevent misuse of seat belts (10), according to claim 1 , characterized in that, controlling the data flow of a sensor (30) at the position a1 (21 ) on the transition guide (20) or a sensor (30) at the position a2 (22) on the seat belt (10) systems on the vehicle’s middle pillar (50) in order to detect misuse of the seatbelt (10) . A method related to a seat belt (10) misuse detection that allows drivers to prevent misuse of seat belts (10), according to claim 1 , characterized in that, controlling the data flow of a sensor (30) at the position a1 (21 ) on the transition guide (20) or a sensor (30) at the position a2 (22) on the seat belt (10) systems related to the rear seat (60), in order to detect misuse of the seatbelt (10) . A method related to a seat belt (10) misuse detection that allows drivers to prevent misuse of seat belts (10), according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, determining the usage status of the seat belt (10) by positioning different sensors (30) in various areas of the seat belt (10) transition guide (20), without use of a sensor (30) placed at position b (25) in seat belt (10) systems on the vehicle's middle pillar (50) or seat belt (10) systems for the rear seat (60) The invention is a seat belt (10 a seat belt (10) misuse detection system that allows drivers to prevent misuse of seat belts (10), characterized in that it comprises;

- a seat belt (10) for a vehicle seat,

- a transition guide (20) with at least one sensor (30) on a seat belt (10),

- at least one sensor (30) that can be placed in different locations on the aforementioned transition guide (20) and used to obtain data on the position of the seatbelt (10) on the transition guide (20) . A system related to a seat belt (10) misuse detection that allows drivers to prevent misuse of seat belts (10), according to claim 5, characterized in that, by placing sensors (30) on the aforementioned transition guide (20) at position a1 (21 ), position b (25), and position a2 (22). . A system related to a seat belt (10) misuse detection that allows drivers to prevent misuse of seat belts (10), according to claim 5, characterized in that, by placing sensors (30) on the aforementioned transition guide (20) at a1 .1 position (23) and a2.1 position (24). . A system related to a seat belt (10) misuse detection that allows drivers to prevent misuse of seat belts (10), according to claim 5, characterized in that, placing the sensor (30) on the said transition guide (20) at position a1 (21 ) and the position a2 (22), and placing the optical source (40) at position a1 .1 (23) and the position a2.1 (24) or placing the sensor (30) at position a1 .1 (23) and the position a2.1 (24), and placing the optical source (40) at position a1 (21 ) and the position a2 (22).