Claims:We Claim:

1. A seat belt warning system (100) for a vehicle, the system (100) comprising:
a position sensor (101) disposed in a body (103) of a vehicle proximal to a seat belt anchor bracket (102), wherein the position sensor (101) is configured to detect an angular position of the seat belt anchor bracket (102) relative to the body (103) of the vehicle;
a control unit (108) communicatively coupled to the position sensor (101), wherein the control unit (108) is configured to:
receive, a signal from the position sensor (101) corresponding to the angular position;
compare, received signal with a threshold angular position relative to a horizontal position of a seat (104) in the vehicle; and
generate, a warning signal based on the comparison.

2. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprises a seat position detection module (113) communicatively coupled to the control unit (108), wherein the seat position detection module (113) is configured to generate a signal corresponding to the horizontal position of the seat (104).

3. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprises an indication unit (114) communicatively coupled to the control unit (108), wherein the control unit (108) generates the warning signal through the indication unit (114).

4. The system (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the indication unit (114) is at least one of an audio unit, a visual unit, and an audio-visual unit.

5. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the control unit (108) compares the received signal with the threshold angular position and generates the warning signal, when the received signal is lesser than the threshold angular position relative to the horizontal position of the seat (104).

6. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the control unit (108) comprises a memory module (112) configured to store data corresponding to threshold angular position for different horizontal position of the seat (104).

7. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the position sensor (101) is a potentiometer.

8. A vehicle comprising a system (100) as claimed in claim 1.

9. A method for generating a seat belt (105) warning signal in a vehicle, the method comprising:
receiving, by a control unit (108), a signal from a position sensor (101), corresponding to an angular position of a seat belt anchor bracket (102) relative to a body (103) of a vehicle;;
comparing, by the control unit (108), a received signal with a threshold angular position relative to a horizontal position of the seat (104); and
generating, by the control unit (108), a warning signal based on the comparison.

10. The method as claimed in claim 9, comprising comparing by the control unit (108), the received signal with the threshold angular position and generate the warning signal, when the received signal is lesser than the threshold angular position, relative to the horizontal position of the seat (104).

Dated this 24th day of August, 2021

GOPINATH A S
IN/PA 1852
OF K & S PARTNERS
AGENT FOR THE APPLICANT
, Description:FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT 1970
[39 OF 1970]
&
THE PATENTS RULES, 2003

COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
[See section 10; rule 13]

TITLE: “A SEAT BELT WARNING SYSTEM AND A METHOD THEREOF”

Name and Address of the Applicant: TATA MOTORS LIMITED; Bombay House, 24 Homi Mody Street, Hutatma Chowk, Mumbai 400 001 Maharashtra, India.

Nationality: IN

The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[001] Present disclosure generally relates to a field of automobiles. Particularly, but not exclusively, the present disclosure relates to a seat belt warning system for a vehicle. Further embodiments of the present disclosure discloses the seat belt warning system and a method for generating a seat belt warning signal for proper use of the seat belt in the vehicle.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

[002] Vehicles such as passenger vehicles and commercial vehicles and the like include restraints in the form of various types and styles of seatbelts, which are intended to be worn by an occupant of each of the seats of the vehicle. In general seatbelts are designed to secure the occupant in position within a respective seat in the event of an accident or other abrupt movements of the vehicle. Seatbelt typically include a shoulder belt intended to be worn across the occupant's upper torso and a lap belt intended to be worn across the lap.

[003] Wearing of seat belts is up to the occupants of the seats of the vehicle in order for the seatbelt to be effective for its intended purpose. However, occupants do not always wear the seatbelts as indented. For example, occupants have been observed wearing the shoulder belt portion behind their backs and the shoulder belt portion under their arms, which is undesired.

[004] With rising concerns over safety of the occupants inside the vehicle, various systems or devices to monitor use of seatbelts by the occupants of the vehicle have been developed and used in vehicles. Conventional monitoring systems include a switch or other sensor coupled with the seatbelt buckle that functions to determine whether or not the buckle insert is received within the buckle receptacle. An audible tone and/or a visible indication may be generated, which can be a warning signal for use of the seat belt by the occupant. However, such monitoring systems can be defeated by coupling the seat buckle, by wearing the seat belt behind the back of the occupant, the shoulder belt portion under the arms and the like, which is a concern over safety of the occupants.

[005] Further, the occupants try to defeat the monitoring system by coupling readymade buckle inserts within the buckle receptacle, without the need to wear the seat belts, which again is undesired.

[006] The present disclosure is directed to overcome one or more limitations stated above or other limitations associated with the existing art.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[007] One or more shortcomings of conventional systems are overcome, and additional advantages are provided through the system and method as claimed in the present disclosure. Additional features and advantages are realized through the techniques of the present disclosure. Other embodiments and aspects of the disclosure are described in detail herein and are considered as a part of the claimed disclosure.

[008] In one non-limiting embodiment of the disclosure, a seat belt warning system for a vehicle is disclosed. The system includes a position sensor disposed in a body of a vehicle proximal to a seat belt anchor bracket. The position sensor is configured to detect angular position of the seat belt anchor bracket relative to the body of the vehicle. Further, the system includes a control unit communicatively coupled to the position sensor. The control unit is configured to receive a signal from the position sensor corresponding to the angular position, compare received signal with a threshold angular position relative to a horizontal position of a seat in the vehicle and generate a warning signal based on the comparison.

[009] In an embodiment of the disclosure, the system includes a seat position detection module communicatively coupled to the control unit. The seat position detection module is configured to generate a signal corresponding to the horizontal position of the seat.

[010] In an embodiment of the disclosure, the system includes an indication unit communicatively coupled to the control unit. The control unit generates the warning signal through the indication unit. The indication unit is at least one of an audio unit, a visual unit and an audio-visual unit.

[011] In an embodiment of the disclosure, the control unit compares the received signal with the threshold angular position and generates the warning signal, when the received signal is lesser than the threshold angular position relative to the horizontal position of the seat.

[012] In an embodiment of the disclosure, the control unit comprises a memory module, which is configured to store data corresponding to threshold angular position for different horizontal positions of the seat.

[013] In an embodiment of the disclosure, the position sensor is a potentiometer.

[014] In another non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, a method for generating a seat belt warning signal in a vehicle is disclosed. The method includes receiving by a control unit, a signal from a position sensor, corresponding to an angular position of a seat belt anchor bracket. Further, the method includes comparing by the control unit, a received signal with a threshold angular position, relative to a horizontal position of the seat. Furthermore, the method includes generating by the control unit, a warning signal based on the comparison.

[015] In an embodiment of the disclosure, the method includes comparing by the control unit, the received signal with the threshold angular position and generate the warning signal, when the received signal is lesser than the threshold angular position relative to the horizontal position of the seat.

[016] It is to be understood that the aspects and embodiments of the disclosure described above may be used in any combination with each other. Several of the aspects and embodiments may be combined together to form a further embodiment of the disclosure.

[017] The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS

[018] The novel features and characteristic of the disclosure are set forth in the appended claims. The disclosure itself, however, as well as a mode of use, further objectives, and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description of an embodiment when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. One or more embodiments are now described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein like reference numerals represent like elements and in which:

[019] Figure. 1 is a block diagram of a seat belt warning system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[020] Figure. 2 illustrates a schematic view a cabin of a vehicle, depicting seat belt in normal condition, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[021] Figure. 3 illustrates a schematic view the cabin of the vehicle, depicting seat belt in intended use condition, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[022] Figure. 4 is a flow chart depicting operational sequence of the seat belt warning system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[023] The figures depict embodiments of the disclosure for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[024] While the embodiments in the disclosure are subject to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the figures and will be described below. It should be understood, however, that it is not intended to limit the disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternative falling within the scope of the disclosure.

[025] It is to be noted that a person skilled in the art would be motivated from the present disclosure and modify various features of a seat belt warning system and method of generating the seat belt warning, without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Therefore, such modifications are considered to be part of the disclosure. Accordingly, the drawings show only those specific details that are pertinent to understand the embodiments of the present disclosure, so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skilled in the art having benefit of the description herein.

[026] The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any other variations thereof used in the disclosure, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a system that comprises a list of components does not include only those components but may include other components not expressly listed or inherent to such system. In other words, one or more elements in a system or device proceeded by “comprises… a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the system or device.

[027] Embodiments of the present disclosure disclose a seat belt warning system. With rising concerns over safety of the occupants inside the vehicle, various systems or devices to monitor use of seatbelts by the occupants of the vehicle have been developed and used in vehicles. Conventional monitoring systems include a switch or other sensor coupled with the seatbelt buckle that functions to determine whether or not the buckle insert is received within the buckle receptacle. An audible tone and/or a visible indication may be generated, which can be a warning signal for use of the seat belt by the occupant. However, such monitoring systems can be defeated by coupling the seat buckle, by wearing the seat belt behind the back of the occupant, the shoulder belt portion under the arms and the like, which is a concern over safety of the occupants.

[028] Accordingly, the present disclosure discloses a seat belt warning system and a method of generating the seat belt warning signal for proper use of a seat belt by an occupant in the vehicle. The system and method of the disclosure is configured to generate a warning signal even if the occupant couples the seat belt buckle by wearing the seat belt behind their back, shoulder and in any other undesired way. The system of the present disclosure may include a position sensor, which may be disposed in a body of the vehicle, proximal to a seat belt anchor bracket. The position sensor may be configured to detect angular position of the seat belt anchor bracket relative to the body of the vehicle. Further, the system may include a seat position module, which may be configured to generate a signal corresponding to a horizontal position of the seat. Furthermore, the system may include a control unit, which may be communicatively coupled to the position sensor and the seat position detection module. The control unit may be configured to receive a signal from the position sensor corresponding to the angular position of the seat belt anchor bracket relative to a body of the vehicle. Further, the control unit may compare a received signal with a threshold angular position relative to the horizontal position of the seat in the vehicle. Based on the comparison, the control unit may generate the waning signal, if the determined angular position is lesser than the threshold angular position. Additionally, the system may include an indication unit, which may be communicatively coupled to the control unit. The control unit may generate the alert signal through the indication unit.

[029] The configuration of the system ensures proper use of the seat belt by the occupant by the generating alert signal, unlike conventional alert systems which can be circumvented to avoid alert signal even without proper use of the seat belt.

[030] The following paragraphs describe the present disclosure with reference to Figures. 1 to 4. In the figures, the same element or elements which have similar functions are indicated by the same reference signs.

[031] Figure. 1 illustrates a block diagram of a seat belt warning system (100) for a vehicle. The seat belt warning system (100) may be adapted to generate warning signal for proper use of the seat belt (105) in front and rear seats of the vehicle. Further, the seat belt warning system (100) may generate the warning signal even when buckle of the seat belt (105) is coupled, without wearing the seat belt (105) by the occupant or wearing the seat belt (105) in an undesired way.

[032] As seen in Figure. 1, the system (100) may include a position sensor (101), which may be disposed in a body (103) of the vehicle. In an embodiment, the body (103) of the vehicle may be inferred as a B-pillar, a C-pillar and a D-pillar of the vehicle. As an example, the position sensor (101) may be positioned proximal to or on a pivot point of seat belt anchor bracket (102) [as seen in Figure. 2]. The position sensor (101) may be configured to detect an angular position of the seat belt anchor bracket (102) relative to the body (103) of the vehicle. As seen in Figure. 3, when the seat belt anchor bracket (102) changes its angular position [e.g., denoted by ?], the position sensor (101) detects the angular position of the seat belt anchor bracket (102). In an embodiment, the position sensor (101) may be but not limiting to a potentiometer. The potentiometer may determine vary in resistance, which is a result of change in angular position of the seat belt anchor bracket (102). The change is resistance may be a reference to the angle of seat belt anchor bracket (102). Further, the system (100) may include a control unit (108), which may be communicatively coupled to the position sensor (101). As apparent from Figure. 1, the system (100) may further include a seat position detection module (113), which may be communicatively coupled to the control unit (108). The seat position detection module (113) may be configured to generate a signal corresponding to a horizontal position of a seat (104) with a vehicle cabin. In an embodiment, the seat position detection module (113) may include one or more sensors which may be provided proximal to the seat (104), which may be configured to detect different horizontal positions of the seat (104). Furthermore, the system (100) may include an indication unit (114), which may be communicatively coupled to the control unit (108). The control unit (108) may generate a warning signal through the indication unit (114).

[033] In an embodiment, the indication unit (114) is at least one of an audio unit, a visual unit and an audio-visual unit. The audio unit generate an audio warning signal, the visual unit generates a visual warning signal, typically on an instrument cluster and the audio-visual unit generated both audio and video warning signal.

[034] Referring further to Figure. 1, the control unit (108) may include a receiving module (109), a processing module (110), a memory module (112) and an activation module (111). The control unit (108) may be configured to generate a warning signal for proper use of the seat belt (105), to ensure safety of the occupant inside the vehicle. Working of the control unit (108) to generate the warning signal is described hereinafter.

[035] The receiving module (109) of the control unit (108) may be configured to receive a signal from the position sensor (101) when a trigger signal corresponding to occupant occupying the seat of the vehicle is generated. In an embodiment, the trigger signal may be generated by an occupant detection sensor associated with the seat of the vehicle. As an example, occupant detection sensor is a strain gauge or weight sensor, which triggers a signal when the vehicle is operated to ON-condition. The signal received by the receiving module (109) may correspond to angular position of the seat belt anchor bracket (102) relative to the body (103) of the vehicle. Further, the receiving module (109) may be configured to receive a signal from the seat position detection module (113), which may correspond to the horizontal position of the seat (104). Now, the processing module (110) may receive a signal [i.e., angular position relative to the horizontal position of the seat (104)] from the receiving module (109) and may compare the received signal with a threshold value. That is, the processing module (110) may compare the angular position of the seat belt anchor bracket (102) relative to the horizontal position of the seat (104), with a threshold angle at that particular horizontal position of the seat (104), which may be stored in the memory module (112). In an embodiment, the memory module (112) may be configured to store data corresponding to a threshold angular position of the seat belt anchor bracket (102) for different horizontal positions of the seat (104). Based on the comparison i.e., if the compared angular position of the seat belt anchor bracket (102) is lesser than the threshold angular position at that particular horizontal position of the seat (104), the processing module (110) may generate a signal to the activation module (111). The activation module (111) upon receiving the signal from the processing module (110) may activate the indication unit (114), which may generate the warning signal. The warning signal may act as an alert to the occupant for proper use of the seat belt (105).

[036] In an embodiment, the position sensor (101) may continuously monitor change in angular position of the seat belt anchor bracket (102) and the seat position detection module (113) may continuously detect horizontal position of the seat (104), which may be received by the control unit (108). Based on the comparison of the angular position of the seat belt anchor bracket (102) at that particular horizontal position of the seat (104) with the threshold value, the control unit (108) may generate the warning signal through the indication unit (114).

[037] In an embodiment, the system (100) may be configured to generate the warning signal even when the seat belt (105) buckle is not coupled. In other words, the system (100) of the present disclosure aids in generating warning signal in two stages. That is, the system (100) may generate the warning signal when the seat belt (105) buckle is not engaged and also if the buckle is engaged without proper use of the seat belt (105), unlike conventional system (100) which generate the warning signal only when the seat belt (105) buckle is not engaged.

[038] Turning now to Figure. 4, which is a flowchart depicting operational sequence of the system (100) for generating the warning signal for proper use of the seat belt (105). The operation sequence of the system (100) is described in relation to the seat belt (105) which is adapted in one of a front seat (104) of the vehicle and the same cannot be construed as a limitation, since the system (100) may be adapted to generate warning signal in relation to seat belt (105) associated with any seat (104) of the vehicle.

[039] As illustrated in flowchart of Figure. 4, the one or more blocks illustrates a sequence of operation of the system (100). The operation may be described in the general context of computer executable instructions. Generally, computer executable instructions may include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, procedures, modules, and functions, which perform functions or implement abstract data types.

[040] The order in which the operation is described is not intended to be construed as a limitation, and any number of the described method blocks can be combined in any order to implement the method. Additionally, individual blocks may be deleted from the methods without departing from the scope of the subject matter described herein. Furthermore, the method can be implemented in any suitable hardware, software, firmware, or combination thereof.

[041] As seen in Figure. 4, at block 201, the position sensor (101) may detect angular position of the seat belt anchor bracket (102) relative to the body (103) of the vehicle and the seat position detection module (113) may detect and generate a signal corresponding to the horizontal position of the seat (104), when a trigger signal corresponding to occupant occupying the seat of the vehicle is generated. Further, the detected angular position of the seat belt anchor bracket (102) and the horizontal position of the seat (104) may be received by the receiving module (109) of the control unit (108) [as seen in block 202].

[042] As seen in block 203, the processing module (110) may receive signals (i.e., detected angular position of the seat belt anchor bracket (102) relative to the horizontal position of the seat (104) from the receiving module (109) and may analyze the signals. Upon analyzing the signals, the processing module (110) may compare the received signals with the threshold angular position relative to the horizontal position of the seat (104). Based on the comparison, the processing module (110) may generate an input signal when the detected angular position of the seat belt anchor bracket (102) is lesser than the threshold value. At block 204, the activation module (111) based on the input signal from the processing module (110) may activate the indication unit (114) to generate the warning signal, which is indication for proper use of the seat belt (105) in form of an audio signal or a visual signal or audio-visual signal.

[043] In an embodiment, the system (100) may be fitted in the existing vehicles without substantial modification.

[044] In an embodiment, the system (100) is modular, simple, and effectively facilitates in generating the warning signals for proper use of the seat belt (105), thereby ensures safety of the occupant.

[045] In an embodiment, the system (100) may be configured to operate in relation with the monitoring system, which may generate corresponding to non coupling of the seat belt buckle with occupant residing on the seat of the vehicle.

[046] In an embodiment of the disclosure, the control unit (108) may be a centralized control unit (108), or a dedicated control unit (108). The control unit (108) may be implemented by any computing systems that is utilized to implement the features of the present disclosure. The processing module (110) of the control unit (108) may comprise at least one data processor for executing program components for executing user or system generated requests. The processing module (110) may be a specialized processing module (110) such as integrated system (bus) controllers, memory management control units, floating point units, graphics processing modules, digital signal processing modules, etc. The processing module (110) may include a microprocessor, such as AMD Athlon, Duron or Opteron, ARM’s application, embedded or secure processors, IBM PowerPC, Intel’s Core, Itanium, Xeon, Celeron or other line of processors, etc. The processing module (110) may be implemented using a mainframe, distributed processor, multi-core, parallel, grid, or other architectures. Some embodiments may utilize embedded technologies like application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), digital signal processors (DSPs), Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), etc.

[047] In some embodiments, the control unit (108) may be disposed in communication with one or more memory devices (e.g., RAM, ROM etc.) via a storage interface. The storage interface may connect to memory devices including, without limitation, memory drives, removable disc drives, etc., employing connection protocols such as serial advanced technology attachment (SATA), integrated drive electronics (IDE), IEEE-1394, universal serial bus (USB), fiber channel, small computing system interface (SCSI), etc. The memory drives may further include a drum, magnetic disc drive, magneto-optical drive, optical drive, redundant array of independent discs (RAID), solid-state memory devices, solid-state drives, etc.

[048] It is to be understood that a person of ordinary skill in the art may develop a system (100) of similar configuration without deviating from the scope of the present disclosure. Such modifications and variations may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. Therefore, it is intended that the present disclosure covers such modifications and variations provided they come within the ambit of the appended claims and their equivalents.

Equivalents:

[049] With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context and/or application. The various singular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity.

[050] It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as “open” terms (e.g., the term “including” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to,” the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes but is not limited to,” etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles “a” or “an” limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to inventions containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases “one or more” or “at least one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or “an” (e.g., “a” and/or “an” should typically be interpreted to mean “at least one” or “one or more”); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of “two recitations,” without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, and C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, and C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instances, where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, or C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, or C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase “A or B” will be understood to include the possibilities of “A” or “B” or “A and B.” While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.

Referral Numerals:

Particular Reference number
Seat belt warning system 100
Position sensor 101
Seat belt anchor bracket 102
Body of vehicle 103
Seat 104
Seat belt 105
Control unit 108
Receiving module 109
Processing module 110
Activation module 111
Memory module 112
Seat position detection module 113
Indication unit 114