Claims:
1. An anchorage mechanism (302) for securing a seat belt assembly (301) in a vehicle, the anchorage mechanism (302) comprising:
a link (303) having a stationary end (304) and a movable end (305), the movable end (305) being configured to secure a seat belt webbing (311), wherein the movable end (305) is movable from a first position to a second position creating an angle from a floor (307) of the vehicle; and
a retraction mechanism (306) operatively connected to the stationary end (304) of the link (303) at a first end and to the floor (307) of the vehicle at a second end, wherein the retracting mechanism (306) facilitates movement of the movable end (305) of the link (303) between the first position and the second position.

2. The anchorage mechanism (302) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the retraction mechanism (306) includes a spring (306) for facilitating movement of the movable end (305) of the link (303) between the first position and the second position.

3. The anchorage mechanism (302) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the spring (306) is a torsion spring.

4. The anchorage mechanism (302) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the spring (306) is a linear spring.

5. The anchorage mechanism (302) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the link (303) is a rigid link.

6. The anchorage mechanism (302) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the movable end (305) of the link (303) is at the first position when the seat belt webbing (311) is in a retracted condition.

7. The anchorage mechanism (302) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the movable end (305) of the link (303) is at the second position when the seat belt webbing (311) is in an extended condition.

8. A seat belt assembly (301) for a vehicle, the seat belt assembly (301) comprising:

a seat belt webbing (311);
a guide (312) having a slot for the seat belt webbing (311) to pass through;
a retractor (309) comprising a rotatable spool mounted in a frame (313), the rotatable spool being configured to withdraw and pull back the seat belt webbing (311) into the retractor (309); and
an anchorage mechanism (302) comprising:
a link (303) having a stationary end (304) and a movable end (305), the movable end (305) being configured to secure a seat belt webbing (311), wherein the movable end (305) is movable from a first position to a second position creating an angle from the floor (307) of the vehicle; and
a retraction mechanism (306) operatively connected to the stationary end (304) of the link (303) at a first end and to the floor (307) of the vehicle at a second end, wherein the retraction mechanism (306) facilitates movement of the movable end (305) of the link (303) between the first position and the second position.

9. The seat belt assembly (301) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the seat belt webbing (312) is made of a synthetic resin.

10. The seat belt assembly (301) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the seat belt webbing (312) is made of a polyester.
, Description:FORM 2

THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 of 1970)
&
THE PATENT RULES, 2003

COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
(See Section 10 and Rule 13)

Title of invention:
AN ANCHORAGE MECHANISM FOR A SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY

Applicant:
Tata Motors Limited
A company Incorporated in India under the Companies Act, 1956
Having address:
Bombay House, 24 Homi Mody Street,
Hutatma Chowk, Mumbai 400001,
Maharashtra, India

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

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to an anchorage mechanism for a seat belt assembly in vehicles. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to an anchorage mechanism including a retractable mechanism that facilitates movement of the anchorage mechanism.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] A seat belt assembly in a vehicle is a primary restraint system designed to keep an occupant in position in case of an accident. The restraining performance of the seat belt assembly heavily depends on anchorage positions relative to a seating H point. Generally, a position of a lower seat belt anchorage in a vehicle is fixed. However, to improve the restraining performance by shifting the seating H point, the current position of the lower seat belt anchorage may need to be shifted in forward or rearward direction.
[0003] However, shifting of the anchorage positions is constrained by design style, structural layout, interior package, and occupant comfort requirements. For example, shifting the position of the lower seat belt anchorage to a desired position may cause an obstruction to the occupant of the vehicle entering or exiting the vehicle. The contact of the lower seat belt anchorage with the occupant of the vehicle entering and/or exiting the vehicle is undesirable and results in discomfort.
[0004] The present disclosure is directed to overcome one or more limitations stated above and any other limitations associated with the prior arts.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
[0005] One object of the present disclosure is to provide an anchorage mechanism for a seat belt assembly in a vehicle that is configured to move from its original position based on the retraction of a seat belt webbing.
[0006] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide an anchorage mechanism for a seat belt assembly to eliminate discomfort of an occupant entering and/or exiting the vehicle.
[0007] Another object of the present disclosure is to maximize a rearward position of fixed effective anchorage for maximum safety of occupants of a vehicle.
[0008] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide an anchorage mechanism for a vehicle that is simple and cost-effective.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] Before the present anchorage mechanism is described, it is to be understood that this application is not limited to a particular anchorage mechanism for a seat belt assembly, as there may be multiple possible embodiments, which are not expressly illustrated in the present disclosures. It is also to be understood that the terminology used in the description is for the purpose of describing the particular implementations, versions, or embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present application. This summary is provided to introduce aspects related to an anchorage mechanism. This summary is not intended to identify essential features of the claimed subject matter nor is it intended for use in determining or limiting the scope of the claimed subject matter.
[0010] In one embodiment, an anchorage mechanism for securing a seat belt assembly in a vehicle comprises a link having a stationary end and a movable end. The movable end of the link is configured to secure a seat belt webbing. Further, the movable end of the link is movable from a first position to a second position creating an angle from a floor of the vehicle. Furthermore, a retraction mechanism is operatively connected to the stationary end of the link at a first end and to the floor of the vehicle at a second end. The retracting mechanism is configured to facilitate movement of the movable end of the link between the first position and the second position.
[0011] In other embodiment, a seat belt assembly for a vehicle is disclosed. The seat belt assembly comprises a seat belt webbing, a guide, a retractor and an anchorage mechanism. The seat belt webbing is configured to pass through a slot of the guide. The retractor further comprises a rotatable spool mounted in a frame. The rotatable spool is configured to retract the seat belt webbing into the retractor. The anchorage mechanism comprises a link having a stationary end and a movable end. The movable end of the link is configured to secure a seat belt webbing. The movable end of the link is movable from a first position to a second position creating an angle from a floor of the vehicle. Furthermore, the anchorage mechanism comprises a retraction mechanism. The retraction mechanism is operatively connected to the stationary end of the link at a first end and to a floor of the vehicle at a second end. The retracting mechanism facilitates movement of the movable end of the link between the first position and the second position.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0012] The foregoing detailed description of embodiments is better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the present subject matter, an example of construction of the present subject matter is provided as figures; however, the present subject matter is not limited to the specific anchorage mechanism disclosed in the document and the figures.
[0013] The present subject matter is described in detail with reference to the accompanying figures. In the figures, the left-most digit(s) of a reference number identifies the figure in which the reference number first appears. The same numbers are used throughout the drawings to refer various features of the present subject matter.
[0014] FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic representation of a conventional seat belt assembly in an extended condition.
[0015] FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic representation of a conventional seat belt assembly in a retracted condition.
[0016] FIG. 3 illustrates a schematic representation of an anchorage mechanism for a seat belt assembly in a retracted condition, in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0017] FIG. 4 illustrates a schematic representation of an anchorage mechanism for a seat belt assembly in an extended condition, in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0018] Some embodiments of this disclosure, illustrating all its features, will now be discussed in detail. The words "comprising," "having," "containing," and "including," and other forms thereof, are intended to be open ended in that an item or items following any one of these words is not meant to be an exhaustive listing of such item or items, or meant to be limited to only the listed item or items. It must also be noted that as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Although any anchorage mechanism and, similar or equivalent to those described herein may be used in the practice or testing of embodiments of the present disclosure, the exemplary, anchorage mechanism is now described.
[0019] Various modifications to the embodiment will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art and the generic principles herein may be applied to other embodiments. However, one of ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize that the present disclosure is not intended to be limited to the embodiments described, but is to be accorded the widest scope consist in this regard, in a generic sense.
[0020] As discussed above, during collision, safety of the occupant may be ensured by effective functioning of the seat belt assembly, which primarily depends on the restraining performance of the seat belt assembly. The restraining performance of the seat belt, which relies heavily on anchorage positions relative to a seating H point, can be improved by shifting the position of the fixed lower anchorage, in a forward or a rearward direction. However, shifting of the lower anchorage position in the forward or the rearward direction is constrained by design style, structural layout, interior package, and occupant comfort requirements. The present disclosure is aimed at solving the above mentioned limitations using a novel anchorage mechanism that facilitates movement of the lower anchorage.
[0021] The present disclosure highlights an anchorage mechanism adopted in the seat belt assembly. The position of the lower seat belt anchorage is shifted rearward, with respect to the earlier fixed position, to achieve the expected restraining performance of the seat belt, in case of collision. As the position of the lower seat belt anchorage is shifted rearward, movement of the occupant entering and/or exiting the vehicle may be obstructed, by the anchorage mechanism. To prevent contact of the occupant with the anchorage mechanism and simultaneously achieve the restraining performance of the seat belt, the anchorage mechanism is designed to maintain different positions, during usage and non-usage of the seat belt assembly. The different positions may be achieved or maintained using a retraction mechanism connected to the seat belt webbing. The retraction mechanism may comprise a spring. The retraction mechanism is connected to a link. The link has two ends- one stationary and other movable. The stationary end of the link is connected to the spring whereas the moveable end of the link is connected to the seat belt webbing through the lower seat belt anchorage. When the seat belt assembly is not in use, the retraction mechanism i.e. the spring, which is connected to the link is configured to maintain the position of the link parallel to the floor of the vehicle. As the position of the link is maintained parallel to the floor of the vehicle during non-usage of the seat belt assembly, the occupant entering and/or exiting the vehicle is not subjected to any obstruction. When the tongue plate of the seat belt assembly is inserted in the buckle, the anchorage mechanism is actuated. The stationary end of the link is pivoted about the spring, during actuation of the anchorage mechanism. Further, as the anchorage mechanism is actuated, the movable end of the link connected to the seat belt webbing is uplifted from the floor of the vehicle creating an angle from the floor of the vehicle. The actuation of the anchorage mechanism, may improve the restraining performance of the seat belt assembly, during collision.
[0022] Figures 1-4 are now described using the reference numbers stated in the below table.
Description Referral Numerals
Fixed Anchorage position in conventional seat belt assembly 101
Rearward position of seat belt anchorage 102
Seat Belt Assembly 301
An anchorage mechanism 302
Link 303
Stationary end of link 304
Movable end of link 305
Retraction mechanism 306
Floor of the vehicle 307
Seat belt lower anchorage 308
Retractor 309
Tongue plate 310
Seat belt webbing 311
Guide 312
Frame of the vehicle 313
Buckle 314
Platform 315

[0023] Referring to Figure 1, a conventional seat belt assembly is disclosed, wherein a seat belt webbing is in extended condition. In the conventional assembly, a position of an anchorage (101) is fixed. However, the location as shown in Figure 1 may not result in optimal performance of the assembly, as restraining performance of the seat belt assembly depends on anchorage positions relative to a seating H point. For optimal performance of the seat belt assembly, it is favourable that the current position of the anchorage be changed to a rearward position (102) as shown by dotted webbing in Figure 1.
[0024] Referring to Figure 2, a conventional seat belt assembly is disclosed, wherein a seat belt webbing is in retracted condition. In the conventional assembly, a position of the anchorage (101) is fixed as shown in Figure 1. As discussed earlier, to improve the restraining performance of the seat belt assembly, the anchorage position needs to be shifted to the rearward position (102), marked by a dotted seat belt webbing lines in Figure 2. However, changing the position of the anchorage to the rearward position (102) may result in discomfort to an occupant of the vehicle entering and/or exiting the vehicle. Further, changing the position of the fixed anchorage may result in narrower legroom / leg space available for the occupant seating at a rear of the vehicle.
[0025] Figure 3 and Figure 4 disclose an anchorage mechanism (302) for a seat belt assembly (301), in a retracted condition and an extended condition, respectively, in accordance with the present disclosure. When the seat belt assembly (301) is not in use, the anchorage mechanism (302) maintains a retracted condition as shown in Figure 3. The retractor (309) mounted on the frame (313) is connected to a seat belt webbing (311). A rotatable spool is positioned inside the retractor (309) and configured to pull back the seat belt webbing (311) into the retractor (309). The anchorage mechanism (302) comprises a seat belt lower anchorage (308), a link (303) and a retraction mechanism (306). The seat belt lower anchorage (308) is further connected to the seat belt webbing (311). The retraction mechanism (306) is configured to actuate the link (303) during usage of the seat belt assembly (301). The link (303) may have two ends i.e. a stationary end (304) and a movable end (305). Further, the link (303) may be configured to maintain a position parallel to the ground of the vehicle because of the retraction mechanism (306), during non-usage of the seat belt assembly (301). The parallel positon of the link (303) with respect to the floor (307) of the vehicle maintained during non-usage of the seat belt assembly (301) is also referred to as a first position of the link (303). Further, the retraction mechanism (306) may comprise a spring (306). The spring (306) may be a torsion spring or a linear spring. One end of the retraction mechanism (306) is connected to the floor (307) of the vehicle whereas other end of the retraction mechanism (306) is connected to the stationary end (304) of the link (303).
[0026] When the seat belt assembly (301) is in use by an occupant of the vehicle, the anchorage mechanism (302) maintains an extended condition as shown in Figure 4. During usage of the seat belt assembly (301) by the occupant, the seat belt webbing (311) is pulled out from the retractor (309), and a tongue plate (310) attached to the seat belt webbing (311) is inserted into the buckle (314) across the body of the occupant. The insertion of the tongue plate (310) attached to the seat belt webbing (311) results in actuation of the anchorage mechanism (302).
[0027] The anchorage mechanism (302) is located on the frame (313) side of the seat belt assembly (301). On the other hand, the buckle (314) is located on the opposite side of the anchorage mechanism (302) across the seat belt assembly (302). The location of the anchorage mechanism (302) can be understood by referring to Figure 4. Further, the location of the buckle (314) of the seat belt assembly (301) can be understood by referring to Figure 4 where the buckle (314) is shown by dotted lines. The buckle (314) is mounted on a platform (315) as shown in Figure 4.
[0028] In one embodiment of the present invention, the retraction mechanism (306) may comprise a spring (306). The spring (306) is connected to the link (303) having the stationary end (304) and the movable end (305). When the seat belt webbing (311) is in retracted condition, the spring (306) ensures the first position of the link (303) as shown in Figure 3. The first position maintained by the link (303) is a position parallel to the floor (307) of the vehicle. When the seat belt webbing (311) is in extended condition, the link (303) is lifted from the movable end (305). The lifting of the movable end (305) of the link (303) creates an angle with respect to the floor (307) of the vehicle resulting in a second positon as evident from Figure 4. The retraction mechanism (306) that includes the spring (306) facilitates movement of the link (303) from the first position to the second positon during retracted and extended condition of the seat belt webbing (311), respectively.
[0029] In one embodiment of the present invention, the spring (306) used may be a torsion spring. Torsion spring used in the retraction mechanism (306) is crucial for maintaining the first position of the link (303) during retracted condition of the seat belt webbing (311).
[0030] In one embodiment of the present invention, the spring (306) used may be a linear spring. The linear spring (306) may act as a retraction mechanism (306) to maintain position of the link (303) parallel to the floor (307) of the vehicle during retracted condition of the seat belt webbing (311).
[0031] In one embodiment of the present invention, the link (303) may be a rigid link (303). The rigid link (303) may be made of a material with high mechanical strength. The rigid link (303) may have two ends- the stationary end (304) and the movable end (305). Further, the stationary end (304) and the movable end (305) of the rigid link (303) may comprise a provision for connecting with other parts of the seat belt assembly (301). The provision may include a hole drilled in the rigid link (303) at the stationary end (304) and the movable end (305). Further, the movable end (304) of the rigid link (303) may be connected to the seat belt webbing (311) through the seat belt lower anchorage (308).
[0032] In one embodiment of the present invention, the seat belt webbing (311) is made of synthetic resin. The seat belt webbing (311) may be made of high strength woven material such as a polyester.
[0033] Exemplary embodiments discussed above may provide certain advantages. Though not required to practice aspects of the disclosure, these advantages may include the following:
[0034] Some embodiments of the present subject matter disclose an anchorage mechanism that prevents discomfort to the occupant entering and/or exiting the vehicle.
[0035] Some embodiments of the present subject matter disclose an anchorage mechanism that ensures safety of the occupant in case of collision.
[0036] Some embodiments of the present subject matter disclose an anchorage mechanism that can be easily assembled.
[0037] Some embodiments of the present subject matter disclose an anchorage mechanism that is cost effective.
[0038] Some embodiments of the present subject matter disclose an anchorage mechanism that can be easily serviced.
[0039] Some embodiments of the present subject matter disclose an anchorage mechanism enables optimal performance of the seat belt.
[0040] Although implementations for anchorage mechanisms have been described in language specific to structural features and/or system, it is to be understood that the appended claims are not necessarily limited to the specific features or described. Rather, the specific features are disclosed as examples of implementations.