2063results about "Belt anchoring devices" patented technology

System and method for preventing vehicle accidents in which GPS ranging signals relating to a host vehicle's position on a roadway on a surface of the earth are received on a first communication link from a network of satellites and DGPS auxiliary range correction signals for correcting propagation delay errors in the GPS ranging signals are received on a second communication link from a station or satellite. The host vehicle's position on a roadway on a surface of the earth is determined from the GPS, DGPS, and accurate map database signals with centimeter accuracy and communicated to other vehicles. The host vehicle receives position information from other vehicles and determines whether any other vehicle from which position information is received represents a collision threat to the host vehicle based on the position of the other vehicle relative to the roadway and the host vehicle. If so, a warning or vehicle control signal response to control the host vehicle's motion is generated to prevent a collision with the other vehicle.

Method for enabling interaction with a vehicle including coupling a smartphone to the vehicle via a coupling element whereby the smartphone is removable from the coupling element and thus removable from the vehicle, and transferring data between the smartphone and the vehicle while the smartphone is coupled to the vehicle via the coupling element. The data transfer enables a large number of operations to be performed when the smartphone is coupled to the vehicle, including vehicle ignition authorization, accident prediction, collision avoidance, vehicular diagnostics and prognostics, remote communication capabilities, and optimization of emergency response personnel.

Method for obtaining information about objects in an environment around a vehicle in which infrared light is emitted into a portion of the environment and received and the distance between the vehicle and objects from which the infrared light is reflected is measured. An identification of each object from which light is reflected is determined and a three-dimensional representation of the portion of the environment is created based on the measured distance and the determined identification of the object. Icons representative of the objects and their position relative to the vehicle are displayed on a display visible to the driver based on the three-dimensional representation. Additionally or alternatively to the display of icons, a vehicular system can be controlled or adjusted based on the relative position and optionally velocity of the vehicle and objects in the environment around the vehicle to avoid collisions.

Arrangement and method for obtaining information about a vehicle occupant in a compartment of the vehicle in which a light source is mounted in the vehicle, structured light is projected into an area of interest in the compartment, rays of light forming the structured light originating from the light source, reflected light is detected at an image sensor at a position different than the position from which the structured light is projected, and the reflected light is analyzed relative to the projected structured light to obtain information about the area of interest. The structured light is designed to appear as if it comes from a source of light (virtual or actual) which is at a position different than the position of the image sensor.

Method for obtaining information about objects in an environment around a vehicle in which infrared light is emitted into a portion of the environment and received and the distance between the vehicle and objects from which the infrared light is reflected is measured. An identification of each object from which light is reflected is determined and a three-dimensional representation of the portion of the environment is created based on the measured distance and the determined identification of the object. Icons representative of the objects and their position relative to the vehicle are displayed on a display visible to the driver based on the three-dimensional representation. Additionally or alternatively to the display of icons, a vehicular system can be controlled or adjusted based on the relative position and optionally velocity of the vehicle and objects in the environment around the vehicle to avoid collisions.

Vehicular monitoring arrangement for monitoring an environment of the vehicle including at least one active pixel camera for obtaining images of the environment of the vehicle and a processor coupled to the active pixel camera(s) for determining at least one characteristic of an object in the environment based on the images obtained by the active pixel camera(s). The active pixel camera can be arranged in a headliner, roof or ceiling of the vehicle to obtain images of an interior environment of the vehicle, in an A-pillar or B-pillar of the vehicle to obtain images of an interior environment of the vehicle, or in a roof, ceiling, B-pillar or C-pillar of the vehicle to obtain images of an interior environment of the vehicle behind a front seat of the vehicle. The determined characteristic can be used to enable optimal control of a reactive component, system or subsystem coupled to the processor. When the reactive component is an airbag assembly including at least one airbag, the processor can be designed to control at least one deployment parameter of the airbag(s).

Arrangement and method for obtaining information about a vehicle occupant in a compartment of the vehicle in which a light source is mounted in the vehicle, structured light is projected into an area of interest in the compartment, rays of light forming the structured light originating from the light source, reflected light is detected at an image sensor at a position different than the position from which the structured light is projected, and the reflected light is analyzed relative to the projected structured light to obtain information about the area of interest. The structured light is designed to appear as if it comes from a source of light (virtual or actual) which is at a position different than the position of the image sensor.

Vehicle telematics system including an occupant sensing system arranged to determine one or more properties or characteristics of occupancy of the vehicle, a crash sensor system for determining when the vehicle experiences a crash and a communications device arranged to enable a communications channel to be established between the vehicle and a remote facility after the vehicle is determined to have experienced a crash. Information determined by the occupant sensing system is transmitted via the communications channel to the remote facility, even in the absence of initiation of the communications channel by the occupant. The occupant sensing system may include an image-obtaining sensor for obtaining images of the passenger compartment of the vehicle, a motion sensor, receivers arranged to receive waves, energy or radiation from seating locations in the passenger compartment, heartbeat sensors, weight sensors associated with seats in the vehicle and / or chemical sensors.

Method and arrangement for obtaining and conveying information about occupancy of a passenger compartment of a vehicle including at least one sensor for obtaining data from the passenger compartment. Information about the occupancy is generated based on the data and transmitted, e.g., through a cellular phone system, to emergency response personnel to enable them to respond accordingly. The information about the occupancy may be generated by a processor applying pattern recognition techniques so that any occupants of the seat may be classified and such classification transmitted to the emergency response personnel. The data may also be used to determine the number of occupants in the vehicle and / or whether the occupants are moving after a crash. The sensors may be a variety of sensors such as an ultrasonic sensor, an electromagnetic wave sensor, an electric field sensor, a chemical sensor, a weight sensor, a motion sensor, a microphone, a heartbeat sensor, a vibration sensor, an acceleration sensor and a capacitance sensor.

A seat back (35) with a headrest (40) on a vehicle seat (33). To reduce the whiplash effect during a front-end accident to a significant degree, the head rest (40) rests on a headrest support (38) that can be pivoted outward and forward around a horizontal axis (39), with the backward displacement of the support being restricted in terms of movement.

A restraint system for moving a vehicle seat and occupant toward the vehicle floor. In one embodiment a fluid cylinder pivotally mounted to the floor has an extendable piston rod connected to a linkage mounted to the vehicle seat. A three point belt assembly mounted to the seat is connected to the cylinder rod. Retraction of the cylinder rod pretensions or tightens the three point buckle assembly and subsequently moves the seat towards the vehicle floor. In an alternate embodiment a displacement member including at least a flexible portion is connected at one end to a piston within a fluid cylinder and is connected at the other end to the linkage. An angle between 0 and 180 degrees is imparted to the flexible portion of the displacement member, allowing the cylinder to be oriented in alternate directions for space efficiency. Retraction of the cylinder rod tightens the three point buckle assembly and moves the seat towards the vehicle floor.

A passenger restraint system for use with a vehicle having a seat includes an inflatable member fixed to the seat and having a guide channel. The passenger restraint system further includes a safety belt system having a torso section extending through the guide channel, wherein the torso section is moveable with respect to the inflatable member.

A seat restraint system whose torso belt includes an inflatable structure that inflates upon impact to protect the occupants of a vehicle such as an automobile. The inflatable structure is linked to a gas generator and crash sensor. When an impact above a predetermined level of severity is detected, the gas generator is ignited, inflating the inflatable structure which contracts in length as it inflates. In a preferred embodiment, the inflatable structure is a braided tube. As the braided tube inflates, the diameter of the tube increases significantly and its length decreases significantly, due to the orientation of the fibers comprising the braided tube. The contraction in length pretensions the seat belt system by pulling any slack out of the seat belt systems. In a frontal impact, the inflated structure restricts the forward motion of an occupant and distributes crash loads over a larger occupant surface area to reduce both primary and secondary injuries. In a side impact, the inflated structure passes over the occupant's shoulder, restricts occupant motion, distributes crash loads and provides head and neck protection.

Method and system for monitoring structures such as bridges includes arranging sensors on the structure, obtaining data via the sensors, analyzing the data to determine the presence of a non-optimal condition relating to the integrity of the structure and transmitting the data or a signal indicative of the analysis with an identification or location of the sensors and the structure to a remote monitoring facility. Transmission of the signal may be performed via satellite and / or the Internet to the monitoring facility which can schedule maintenance or repair of the structure. The monitoring facility would receive the identification or location of the structure to know where maintenance is required and the location of the sensor(s) reporting the condition which give rises to the need for maintenance and thus can accurately direct the personnel to the damaged area of the structure.

A four-point seat belt system for restraining a vehicle occupant in a vehicle seat is disclosed. Two shoulder belts are provided which are buckled together with a pair of lap belts. The convergence of the shoulder belts created at the buckles defines a V-shaped configuration which aids in occupant safety and comfort. Movably-adjustable retractors are provided to anchor the upper end of each shoulder belt to the vehicle seat. A movable headrest having a pair of laterally-adjustable belt loops is provided to further enhance occupant security and comfort.

A seat cushion airbag unit is provided at each seat and includes a seat cushion airbag. The seat cushion airbag is disposed in an inboard portion of a seat cushion of the seat so as to support an inboard portion of buttocks of an occupant in the seat. The seat cushion airbag is changed from its inflated state from its shrunk state when the side crash or rollover of the vehicle is predicted by a controller. Thereby, the occupant's head is moved toward the center of the vehicle. Accordingly, the occupant protection device can promptly move the occupant's head toward the center of the vehicle, preventing the head from hitting against the vehicle roof, at the vehicle side crash or rollover.

A method and apparatus is provided that classifies a seat occupant into one of several different weight classes based on an estimated value of the seat occupant weight. An occupant's measured weight varies when the occupant's seating position changes or when the vehicle travels over adverse road conditions. A plurality of weight sensors are used to measure the weight exerted by a seat occupant against a seat bottom and are used to determine center of gravity for the seat occupant. A seat belt force sensor is also used to assist in classifying the seat occupant. Compensation factors using the seat belt force and center of gravity information are used to generate an estimated weight value. The estimated value of the occupant weight is compared to a series of upper and lower weight thresholds assigned to each of the weight classes to generate an occupant weight sample class. Over a period of time, several estimated weight values are compared to the weight class thresholds. Once a predetermined number of consistent and consecutive occupant weight sample classes is achieved, the occupant is locked into a specific occupant weight class. When the weight class is locked, the separation value between the upper and lower thresholds is increased to account for minor weight variations due to adverse road conditions and changes in occupant position.

An apparatus (40) pretensions seat belt webbing (16) which is extensible about an occupant of a vehicle seat (14). The apparatus (40) includes a movable first member (140), a connector (42) for connecting the first member (140) with the seat belt webbing (16), a movable second member (200), a pyrotechnic device (120) for applying a force to the second member (200) to move the second member, and force limiting coupling device (240). The force limiting coupling device (240) couples the first member (140) and the second member (200). The coupling device (240) moves the first member (140) with the second member (200) until a predetermined force is applied by the connector (42) to the first member (140) resisting movement of the first member with the second member. Thereafter, the coupling device (240) enables the second member to move relative to the first member.

Arrangement and method for determining weight of an occupying item in a seat including one or more weight sensors arranged to obtain a measurement of the force applied to the seat, a forcing function determination arrangement for measuring a forcing function of the seat and a processor coupled to the weight sensor(s) and forcing function determination arrangement for receiving the measurement of the force applied to the weight sensor(s) and the measurement of the forcing function from the forcing function measurement system and determining the weight of the occupying item based thereon. The forcing function determination arrangement may include an accelerometer and measures effects on the seat caused by load of a seatbelt associated with the seat and / or effects on the seat of road roughness, steering maneuvers, and a vehicle suspension system.

A utility vehicle including: a vehicle body frame; a pair of left and right front wheels and at least a pair of left and right rear wheels that are supported on the vehicle frame; a front seat that is provided to the rear of the front wheels; a rear seat that is provided to the rear of the front seat having an in-use position, a transition position, and a non-use position; a cargo bed, disposed to the rear of the front seat including: a bottom wall portion whereon the seat cushion portion of the rear seat is provided movably; a left side wall portion and a right side wall portion that are provided on the left and right side portions of the bottom wall portion, wherein the left side wall portion and the right side wall portion extend forward to the rear seat in its non-use position; and a rear wall portion that is provided at the rear end portion of the bottom wall portion; and a rear floor provided between the front seat and the rear seat and lower than the bottom wall portion of the cargo bed.

A seat restraint system whose torso belt includes an inflatable structure that inflates upon impact to protect the occupants of a vehicle such as an automobile. The torso belt is secured to an anchor arm that is pivotally mounted on a side surface of a seat of the vehicle or a side structure of the vehicle. The anchor arm is rotationally biased to remove slack in the torso belt and locks up in the event of a vehicle crash or sudden stop. The inflatable structure is linked to a gas generator and crash sensor. The gas generator may be mounted in the seat or within the anchor arm itself. When an impact above a predetermined level of severity is detected, the gas generator is ignited, inflating the inflatable structure which contracts in length as it inflates. In a preferred embodiment, the inflatable structure is a braided tube. As the braided tube inflates, the diameter of the tube increases significantly and its length decreases significantly, due to the orientation of the fibers comprising the braided tube. The contraction in length pretensions the seat belt system by pulling any additional slack out of the seat belt systems. In a frontal impact, the inflated structure restricts the forward motion of an occupant and distributes crash loads over a larger occupant surface area to reduce both primary and secondary injuries. In a side impact, the inflated structure passes over the occupant's shoulder, restricts occupant motion, distributes crash loads and provides head and neck protection.

The present invention relates to a roll bar structure of a vehicle equipped with side panels and an open top, comprising a crossbar having a closed section and extending in a vehicle width direction between both of the side panels, roll bars having a reverse-U shape and at least part thereof projecting above the crossbar, and through holes formed at upper and lower portions of the crossbar, wherein an one-side part of roll bar extending substantially vertically penetrates the through holes, and the roll bars are connected respectively with the upper and lower portions of the crossbar which the roll bars penetrate. Accordingly, a resistance of the roll bar structure against a vehicle rollover can be increased by connecting firmly the roll bars with the crossbar.

A method and apparatus is provided that classifies a seat occupant into one of several different weight classes based on an estimated value of the seat occupant weight. An occupant's measured weight varies when the occupant's seating position changes or when the vehicle travels over adverse road conditions. A plurality of weight sensors are used to measure the weight exerted by a seat occupant against a seat bottom and are used to determine center of gravity for the seat occupant. A seat belt force sensor is also used to assist in classifying the seat occupant. Compensation factors using the seat belt force and center of gravity information are used to generate an estimated weight value. The estimated value of the occupant weight is compared to a series of upper and lower weight thresholds assigned to each of the weight classes to generate an occupant weight sample class. Over a period of time, several estimated weight values are compared to the weight class thresholds. Once a predetermined number of consistent and consecutive occupant weight sample classes is achieved, the occupant is locked into a specific occupant weight class. When the weight class is locked, the separation value between the upper and lower thresholds is increased to account for minor weight variations due to adverse road conditions and changes in occupant position.

A buckle device that includes a buckle with which a tongue supported by a seat belt becomes engaged, and buckle-moving device which moves the buckle between a storage position at which the buckle is stored when the buckle is not used and a use position at which the buckle is retained in a used state in which the seat belt is fastened. The buckle may be hidden in the vehicle seat at the storage position. The buckle does not obstruct the occupant when the occupant sits on or gets off the vehicle seat, and the occupant can smoothly sit on or get off the vehicle seat.

A personal restraint system for a seat in a motor vehicle including a three-point belt system and a two-point belt system. The three-point belt system including a first belt retractor, and a first belt web having a first belt latch plate, and a first belt buckle. The two-point belt system including a second belt retractor, and a second belt web having a second belt latch plate, and a second belt buckle. The second belt retractor including a blocking device which engages a spool of the second belt retractor when both belt webs are wound up on their respective retractors to prevent engagement of the two-point belt system if the three-point belt system is not engaged.

A vehicle occupant restraint system includes a belt web, a belt retractor, a belt buckle, an insertion tongue, two belt tensioners, one of which is a retractor tensioner and the other a buckle tensioner, as well as at least one control unit coupled to the belt tensioners, this control unit activating the belt tensioners in a restraint situation. Instead of the buckle tensioner a end fitting tensioner can be provided.