Claims:WE CLAIM:
1. An adjustable vehicle restraint system (100) comprising:
a. a first base frame (102) having:
i. a first base (102A) defined in said first base frame (102) and configured to fasten said base frame (102) to a vehicle body; and
ii. a pair of first arms (102B) extending from said first base (102A),
b. a second base frame (104) having:
i. a second base (104A) defined in said second base frame (104);
ii. a first lobe (104C) having a through hole (104D) with gear teeth configured on said second base (104A) to facilitate pivotal connection of said second base frame (104) about an axis passing through said pair of first arms (102B); and
iii. a pair of second arms (104B) extending from said second base (104A), said second base frame (104) configured to be pivotably connected about an axis passing through the first arms (102B),
c. a spool frame (106) having:
i. a third base (106A) defined in said spool frame (106);
ii. a second lobe (106C) with a through hole (106D) having gear teeth configured on said third base (106A) to facilitate pivotal connection of said spool frame (106) about an axis passing through said pair of second arms (104B); and
iii. a pair of third arms (106B) extending from said third base (106A) and a spool (108) having a plurality of apertures (111) rotatably attached between said pair of third arms (106B) and configured to allow a wire (110) to be reeled thereon, and
d. a buckle head (112) configured to be engaged with said wire (110) and configured to be displaced along the length of said wire (110) to unwind said wire (110), said second base frame (104) and said spool frame (106) being configured to facilitate adjustment of the orientation of said buckle head (112).
2. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein first coaxial holes (118A) are configured on said pair of first arms (102B), and axis of said first coaxial holes (118A) is being parallel to said first base (102A).
3. The system (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein a through hole is configured on said second base (104A), and axis of said through hole is perpendicular with the axis of second coaxial holes (118B) configured on said second arms (104B).
4. The system (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein said first coaxial holes (118A) are configured to receive a first gear shaft (114) therein to facilitate pivoting of said second base frame (104) about said axis passing through said first arms (102B).
5. The system (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein said second coaxial holes (118B) are configured to receive a second gear shaft (116) to facilitate pivoting of said spool frame (106) about said axis passing through said second arms (104B).
6. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said buckle head (112) has a riveted peg (120) disposed therein configured to support a portion of said wire (110) therein to facilitate displacement of said buckle head (112) along the length of said wire (110).
7. The system (100) as claimed in claim 6, wherein one end of said wire (110) is crimped at said spool frame (106) and is made to pass through said riveted peg (120), said spool (108) and other end is crimped at said first base frame (102).
8. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said first base frame (102) is fastened to the vehicle body by welding.
9. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said first base frame (102) is fastened to the vehicle body by riveting.
10. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said first base frame (102) is fastened to the vehicle body by screw tightening.
11. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said spool (108) is securely attached between said pair of third arms (106B) via an eccentric bearing lock (108A) and an integrated bearing (108B).
12. The system (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein said second gear shaft (118B) is configured to be locked eccentrically within said second coaxial holes (118B) to facilitate pivoting of said spool frame (106) with respect to said second base frame (102).
13. The system (100) as claimed in claims 4, wherein the inner dimension of said first coaxial holes (118A) matches with the outer dimension of said first gear shaft (114).
14. The system (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the inner dimension of said second coaxial holes (118B) matches with the outer dimension of said second gear shaft (116).
15. The system (100) as claimed in claim 13 or 14, wherein each of said first gear shaft (114) and said second gear shaft (116) is hollow and having screw threads configured therein.
16. The system (100) as claimed in claim 15, wherein said first gear shaft (114) is configured to receive a first fastener (122A) to secure said first base frame (102) with said second base frame (104) pivotally.
17. The system (100) as claimed in claim 15, wherein said second base frame (104) is configured to receive a second fastener (122B) to secure said second base frame (104) with said spool frame (106) pivotally.
18. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, which includes a weld nut and bolt (108C) configured to be engaged with said apertures (111) to allow locking of rotation of said spool (108).
19. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said wire (110) is of stainless steel.
, Description:FIELD
The present disclosure relates to the field of vehicle restraint systems.
BACKGROUND
The background information herein below relates to the present disclosure but is not necessarily prior art.
Restraint systems are widely used in automobile industry for protecting passengers from injury in the event of an impact or sudden braking. Since the structure of each vehicle model is different, a different mounting arrangement is provided for fastening the components of the restraint system. A conventional restraint system comprises webbing, a tongue, a buckle, and a retractor. The buckle secures and releases the tongue which is attached to the webbing. The buckle is designed to hold the tongue firmly and allow the seat belt to be fastened and unfastened with little force. The body in white (BIW) of each vehicle model is structurally different which provides different seating positions for passenger/drivers. Therefore, a different mounting structure is needed to be provided in the BIW to facilitate the mounting of the buckle of the respective type of restraint system.
Maintaining an inventory of different types of buckles is challenging. Even changing a single bolt causes change of part number for which the supplier charges significantly higher considering new part development. Complete carryover of an existing buckle design is not an easy task due to packaging constraints for the different type and category of vehicles. Further, even a minor modification on the BIW requires huge investment in modifying dies and tooling.
There is, therefore, felt a need of an adjustable restraint system that overcomes the aforementioned drawbacks.

OBJECTS
Some of the objects of the present disclosure, which at least one embodiment herein satisfies, are as follows:
An object of the present disclosure is to provide an adjustable vehicle restraint system.
Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a vehicle restraint system that is adjustable.
Still another object of the present disclosure is to provide an adjustable restraint system that mitigates investment cost by eliminating unplanned modifications in the structure of a vehicle.
Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide an adjustable restraint system that helps to reduce product development cycle times.
Still yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide an adjustable restraint system that facilitates a designer with design flexibility.
Other objects and advantages of the present disclosure will be more apparent from the following description, which is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.
SUMMARY
The present disclosure envisages an adjustable vehicle restraint system. The adjustable vehicle restraint system comprises a first base frame, a second base frame, a spool frame, a wire and a buckle head. The first base frame has a first base and a pair of first arms. The first base is defined in the first base frame. The pair of first arms is extending from the first base. The first base frame is configured to be fastened to a vehicle body. The second base frame has a second base, a first lobe, and a pair of second arms. The second base is defined in the second base frame. The first lobe has a through hole with gear teeth configured on the second base to facilitate pivotal connection of the second base frame about an axis passing through the pair of first arms extending from the first base. The spool frame has a third base, a second lobe, and a pair of third arms. The third base is defined in the spool frame. The second lobe having a through hole having gear teeth is configured on the third base to facilitate pivotal connection of the spool frame about an axis passing through the second arms. The pair of third arms is extending from the third base and a spool with plurality of apertures is rotatably attached between the third arms. The spool is configured to allow a wire to be reeled thereon. The buckle head is configured to be engaged with the wire and is configured to be displaced along the length of the wire to unwind the wire. The second base frame and the spool frame are being configured to facilitate adjustment of orientation of the buckle head.
In an embodiment, first coaxial holes are configured on the pair of first arms. The axis of the first coaxial holes is being parallel to the first base.
In an embodiment, a through hole is configured on the base of the second base frame. The axis of the through hole is perpendicular to the axis of second coaxial holes configured on the pair of second arms.
In an embodiment, the first coaxial holes are configured to receive a first gear shaft therein. The first gear shaft is configured to facilitate pivoting of the second base frame about the axis passing through the pair of first arms.
In an embodiment, the second coaxial holes are configured to receive a second gear shaft to facilitate pivoting of the spool frame about the axis passing through the pair of second arms.
In an embodiment, the buckle head has a riveted peg disposed therein. The riveted peg is configured to receive a portion of the wire therein to facilitate displacement of the buckle head along the length of the wire.
In an embodiment, one end of the wire is crimped at the spool frame and is made to pass through the peg, the spool and the other end is crimped at the first base frame. In an embodiment, the wire is of stainless steel.
In an embodiment, the first base frame is fastened to the vehicle body by welding. In another embodiment, the first base frame is fastened to the vehicle body by riveting. In still another embodiment, the first base frame is fastened to the vehicle body by screw tightening.
In an embodiment, the spool is securely attached between the pair of third arms via an eccentric bearing lock and an integrated bearing.
In an embodiment, the inner dimension of the first coaxial holes matches with the outer dimensions of the first gear shaft. In another embodiment, the inner dimension of the second coaxial holes matches with the outer dimension of the second gear shaft.
In an embodiment, the each of the first gear shaft and the second gear shaft is hollow and has screw threads configured therein. In another embodiment, the first gear shaft is configured to receive a first fastener to secure the first base frame with the second base frame pivotally. In an embodiment, the second base frame is configured to receive a second fastener to secure the second base frame with the spool frame pivotally.
In an embodiment, the system includes a weld nut and bolt. The weld nut and bolt is configured to be engaged with the apertures to allow locking of rotation of the spool.
In an embodiment, the second gear shaft is configured to be locked eccentrically within the second coaxial holes to facilitate pivoting of the spool with respect to the second base frame.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWING
An adjustable vehicle restraint system of the present disclosure will now be described with the help of the accompanying drawing, in which:
Figure 1 illustrates an isometric view of the adjustable vehicle restraint system;
Figure 2 illustrates an exploded view of a first base frame, a second base frame and a spool frame;
Figure 3 illustrates an exploded view of the adjustable vehicle restraint system;
Figure 4 illustrates an enlarged view of a weld nut and bolt being fitted on a spool of the adjustable vehicle restraint system of Figure 1; and
Figure 5 illustrates an isometric view of the spool frame and eccentric bearing lock.
LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS USED IN DETAILED DESCRIPTION AND DRAWING
100 – Adjustable restraint system
102 – First base frame
102A – First base
102B – Pair of first arms
104 – Second base frame
104A – Second base
104B – Pair of second arms
104C – First lobe
104D – First through hole with gear teeth
106 – Spool frame
106A – Third base
106B – Pair of third arms
106C – Second lobe
106D – Second through hole with gear teeth
107 – Splined shaft/spindle
108 – Spool with teeth
108A – Eccentric bearing lock
108B – Integrated bearing
108C – Weld nut and bolt
110 – Wire
111 – Apertures
112 – Buckle head
114 – First gear shaft with screw threads
116 – Second gear shaft with screw threads
118A – First coaxial holes
118B – Second coaxial holes
120 – Riveted peg
122A – First fastener
122B – Second fastener
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Embodiments, of the present disclosure, will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawing.
Embodiments are provided so as to thoroughly and fully convey the scope of the present disclosure to the person skilled in the art. Numerous details are set forth, relating to specific components, and methods, to provide a complete understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to the person skilled in the art that the details provided in the embodiments should not be construed to limit the scope of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, well-known processes, well-known apparatus structures, and well-known techniques are not described in detail.
The terminology used, in the present disclosure, is only for the purpose of explaining a particular embodiment and such terminology shall not be considered to limit the scope of the present disclosure. As used in the present disclosure, the forms "a”, "an”, and "the" may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly suggests otherwise. The terms "comprises”, "comprising”, “including”, and “having”, are open ended transitional phrases and therefore specify the presence of stated features, elements, modules, units and/or components, but do not forbid the presence or addition of one or more other features, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.
When an element is referred to as being "mounted on”, “engaged to”, "connected to”, or "coupled to" another element, it may be directly on, engaged, connected or coupled to the other element.
The terms first, second, third, etc., should not be construed to limit the scope of the present disclosure as the aforementioned terms may be only used to distinguish one element, component, region, or section from another component, region, or section. Terms such as first, second, third etc., when used herein do not imply a specific sequence or order unless clearly suggested by the present disclosure.
Terms such as “inner”, “outer”, "beneath”, "below”, "lower”, "above”, "upper”, and the like, may be used in the present disclosure to describe relationships between different elements as depicted from the figures.
The present disclosure envisages an adjustable vehicle restraint system. The adjustable vehicle restraint system (herein after referred to as “system 100”) of the present disclosure will now be described with reference to Figure 1 through Figure 5. The system 100 is configured to be fitted to the vehicle body in proximity of an occupant.
The system 100 comprises a first base frame 102, a second base frame 104, a spool frame 106, and a buckle head 112.
The first base frame 102 has a first base 102A defined therein, and a pair of first arms 102B extending from the first base 102A. The first base 102A is configured to be fastened to a vehicle body. In an embodiment, the first base frame 102 is fastened to the vehicle body by welding. In another embodiment, the first base frame 102 is fastened to the vehicle body by riveting. In still another embodiment, the first base frame 102 is fastened to the vehicle body by screw tightening. In an embodiment, first coaxial holes 118A are configured on the pair of first arms 102B of the first base frame 102. The axis of the first coaxial holes 118A is being parallel to the first base 102A of the first base frame 102.
The second base frame 104 has a second base 104A defined therein, a first lobe 104C, and a pair of second arms 104B extending from the second base 104A. The first lobe 104C has a first through hole 104D with gear teeth configured on the second base 104A to facilitate pivotal connection of the second base frame 104 about an axis passing through the pair of first arms 102B of the first base frame 102. In an embodiment, the first through hole 104D is configured on the first lobe 104C such that the axis of the first through hole 104D is perpendicular with the axis of the second coaxial holes 118B configured on the pair of second arms 104B of the second base frame 104.
The first coaxial holes 118A are configured to receive a first gear shaft 114 therein. The first gear shaft 114 is configured to facilitate pivoting of the second base frame 104 about the axis passing through the first arms 102B of the first base frame 102. The second coaxial holes 118B are configured to receive a second gear shaft 116 therein to facilitate pivoting of the spool frame 106 about the axis passing through the second arms 104B of the second base frame 104. In an embodiment, the second gear shaft 116 is configured to be locked eccentrically within the second coaxial holes 118B to facilitate pivoting of the spool frame 106 with respect to the first base frame 102. In an embodiment, the inner dimension of the first coaxial holes 118A matches with the outer dimensions of the first gear shaft 114. In another embodiment, the inner dimension of the second coaxial holes 118B matches with the outer dimension of the second gear shaft 116.
The spool frame 106 has a third base 106A defined therein, and a pair of third arms 106B extending from the third base 106A. A second lobe 106C with a second through hole 106D with gear teeth is configured on the third base 106A to facilitate pivotal connection of the spool frame 106 about an axis passing through the pair of second arms 104B. A spool 108 having teeth is rotatably attached on a splined shaft/spindle 107 and in between the arms 106B. An integrated bearing 108B is coupled to one end of the splined shaft/spindle 107. An eccentric bearing lock 108A is disposed on the integrated bearing 108B, and is configured to facilitate prevention of axial movement of the splined shaft 107. In an embodiment, the spool 108 has a plurality of apertures 111 configured thereon to receive the weld nut and bolt 108C to allow locking rotation of the spool 108 between the pair of arms 106B. The eccentric bearing lock 108A and the weld nut and bolt 110 are responsible for the buckle length adjustment along the length of the buckle head 112. The spool 108 is configured to allow a wire 110 to be reeled thereon.
Each of the first gear shaft 114 and the second gear shaft 116 is hollow and having screw thread configured therein. The first gear shaft 114 is configured to receive a first fastener 122A to secure the first base frame 102 with the second base frame 104 pivotally. The second gear shaft 116 is configured to receive a second fastener 122B to secure the second base frame 104 with the spool frame 106 pivotally.
The buckle head 112 is configured to be engaged with the portion of wire 110 and is configured to be displaced along the length of the wire 110 to unwind the wire 110 at a desired orientation. The second base frame 104 and the spool frame 106 are being configured to allow adjustment of the orientation of the buckle head 112 in an operative configuration. In an embodiment, the buckle head 112 provides three degrees of freedom to the system 100. The buckle head 112 has a riveted peg 120 disposed therein. The riveted peg 120 is configured to receive a portion of the wire 110 therein to facilitate displacement of the buckle head 112 along the length of the wire 110.
In an embodiment, one end of the wire 110 is crimped at the spool frame 106 and is made to pass through the riveted peg 120, the spool 108 and the other end is crimped at the first base frame 102. In an embodiment, the wire 110 is of stainless steel.
The system 100 of the present disclosure is adjustable. The system 100 helps to mitigate investment cost by eliminating unplanned modifications in the structure of a vehicle. The system 100 provides an adjustable restraint system that helps to reduce inventory at manufacturer’s end.
The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided for purposes of illustration and not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Individual components of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment, but, are interchangeable. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the present disclosure, and all such modifications are considered to be within the scope of the present disclosure.
TECHNICAL ADVANCES AND ECONOMICAL SIGNIFICANCE
The present disclosure described herein above has several technical advantages including, but not limited to, the realization of an adjustable vehicle restraint system, that:
• helps to mitigate investment cost by eliminating unplanned modifications in the structure of a vehicle;
• can be easily standardized for different type and category of vehicles;
• has three degrees of freedom to facilitate desired length and orientation of the buckle;
• helps to reduce product development cycle times;
• facilitates a designer with design flexibility;
• facilitates packaging flexibility in terms of length and orientation; and
• improves lead time of the project from both OEM and supplier end.
The disclosure has been described with reference to the accompanying embodiments which do not limit the scope and ambit of the disclosure. The description provided is purely by way of example and illustration.
The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained with reference to the non-limiting embodiments in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.
The foregoing description of the specific embodiments so fully revealed the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein.
Throughout this specification the word “comprise”, or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising”, will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps, but not the exclusion of any other element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps.
Any discussion of devices, articles or the like that has been included in this specification is solely for the purpose of providing a context for the disclosure. It is not to be taken as an admission that any or all of these matters form a part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the disclosure as it existed anywhere before the priority date of this application.
The numerical values mentioned for the various physical parameters, dimensions or quantities are only approximations and it is envisaged that the values higher/lower than the numerical values assigned to the parameters, dimensions or quantities fall within the scope of the disclosure, unless there is a statement in the specification specific to the contrary.
While considerable emphasis has been placed herein on the components and component parts of the preferred embodiments, it will be appreciated that many embodiments can be made and that many changes can be made in the preferred embodiments without departing from the principles of the disclosure. These and other changes in the preferred embodiment as well as other embodiments of the disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the disclosure herein, whereby it is to be distinctly understood that the foregoing descriptive matter is to be interpreted merely as illustrative of the disclosure and not as a limitation.