Abstract: Various systems and methods are presented regarding controlling respective positions of a seat back and seat base to mitigate the risk of a vehicle occupant submarining in the event of the vehicle being involved in a collision/rapid deceleration. Positioning of the seat back/seat base can be controlled in accordance with the occupant's physiology and posture, e.g., reclining. Cameras/radar sensors in the passenger compartment in conjunction with seat sensors can be generate physiology/positioning data, which can be processed, and based thereon, the seat back/base positions can be controlled by one or more motors.

Abstract: An embodiment related to a system, wherein the system comprising an alertness detector unit configured to detect an alertness signal of an occupant an alertness determination unit configured to determine an alertness of the occupant based on the alertness signal, an environment sensing unit configured to sense external data in a route, an analysis unit configured to analyze the external data to determine an external condition, a risk assessment unit configured to determine a risk level in real-time based on an analysis of the external data and the alertness of the occupant, and a control unit configured to adjust a seat if determined that the real-time risk level was above a threshold.

Abstract: A collision protection system for a vehicle, the collision protection system including a seat having a seat back and at least one lateral support coupled to the seat back, where the at least one lateral support deploys based on one or more collision policies. The collision protection system further includes a side airbag, where the side airbag deploys based on the one or more collision policies, and where the at least one lateral support deploys between the seat and the side airbag to protect a user occupying the seat during a collision.

Abstract: A seat belt buckle pre-tensioning system that is integrated into a seat assembly including a seat bottom and seat back pivotably coupled together. When an impact event is detected (or anticipated), a seat belt assembly anchorage point is rapidly moved forwards and downwards such that a coupled lap belt is pre-tensioned and moved into a position that optimizes lap belt geometry and prevents submarining during an impact event. This may be done using an explosive pre-tensioner, a mechanical pre-tensioner, and/or an electronic pre-tensioner with an appropriate controller and may be applied to the lap belt anchorage points on one or both sides of the seat. This serves to ensure that the occupant's pelvic bone adequately engages the lap belt of the seat assembly and does not slide under the lap belt during the impact event, thus preventing submarining.

Abstract: A seat belt anchorage assembly adapted to be coupled to an interior structure (e.g., a seat) of a vehicle, including: a seat belt attachment point adapted to receive one of a seat belt retention assembly and a seat belt buckle assembly; a translation mechanism coupled to the seat belt attachment point and adapted to translate the seat belt attachment point one or more of forwards and downwards with respect to the interior structure (e.g., the seat) of the vehicle responsive to a seat back of the vehicle being reclined. Optionally, the translation mechanism includes a mechanical linkage coupled between the seat back and the seat belt attachment point. Alternatively, the translation mechanism includes an electronic actuator coupled between the seat back and the seat belt attachment point.

Abstract: A seat belt anchorage assembly adapted to be coupled to an interior structure (e.g., a seat) of a vehicle, including: a seat belt attachment point adapted to receive one of a seat belt retention assembly and a seat belt buckle assembly; a translation mechanism coupled to the seat belt attachment point and adapted to translate the seat belt attachment point one or more of forwards and downwards with respect to the interior structure (e.g., the seat) of the vehicle responsive to a seat back of the vehicle being reclined. Optionally, the translation mechanism includes a mechanical linkage coupled between the seat back and the seat belt attachment point. Alternatively, the translation mechanism includes an electronic actuator coupled between the seat back and the seat belt attachment point.

Abstract: A seat belt is wound around a spool and a spring biases the spool to rotate in a belt retraction direction. A sensor detects a retraction speed of the belt when the spool rotates in the belt retraction direction and generating a belt speed signal. An electrical drive unit receives the belt speed signal and applies a torque to the spool in a belt extension direction (opposite to the belt retraction direction) if the retraction speed exceeds a threshold value. The torque is of a magnitude sufficient to maintain the retraction speed below the threshold value. The electric motor and/or electrical control unit may be part of or otherwise integrated with a safety belt pre-tensioning system.

Abstract: An occupant restraint system for a vehicle seat has a belt with a shoulder-belt portion extending diagonally across the seat between an upper portion of first side of the seat and a lower portion of a second side of the seat. An upper belt guide is mounted adjacent to the upper first side of the seat and engages the shoulder-belt to allow it to slide along the guide during belt retraction and extension. A safety sensor/control system generates a signal indicating a condition requiring improved occupant restraint in the seat. A guide actuator is activated in response to the safety sensor/control system signal and displaces the upper belt guide in a transverse direction relative to the seat. The displacement of the guide moves the shoulder-belt portion closer to the neck and/or shoulder of the seat occupant to more securely restrain the occupant.

Abstract: A seat belt system for a vehicle has a shoulder-belt extending diagonally across the seat. A belt tensioner applies tension to the belt in response to detection/prediction of a potentially unsafe situation by a safety sensor/control system. A support arm has an upper end mounted to the vehicle structure above an upper outboard portion of the seat. The support arm extends downwardly and a guide member is attached to the lower end of the support arm and engages the belt. The lower end of the support arm is movable relative to the upper end/mounting point such that when the tensioner is activated, the belt urges the guide member from a comfort position relatively far from the neck and/or upper shoulder of a seat occupant to a safety position closer to the seat.

Abstract: A seat belt system for a vehicle has a shoulder-belt extending diagonally across the seat. A belt tensioner applies tension to the belt in response to detection/prediction of a potentially unsafe situation by a safety sensor/control system. A support arm has an upper end mounted to the vehicle structure above an upper outboard portion of the seat. The support arm extends downwardly and a guide member is attached to the lower end of the support arm and engages the belt. The lower end of the support arm is movable relative to the upper end/mounting point such that when the tensioner is activated, the belt urges the guide member from a comfort position relatively far from the neck and/or upper shoulder of a seat occupant to a safety position closer to the seat.

Abstract: An occupant restraint system for a vehicle seat has a belt with a shoulder-belt portion extending diagonally across the seat between an upper portion of first side of the seat and a lower portion of a second side of the seat. An upper belt guide is mounted adjacent to the upper first side of the seat and engages the shoulder-belt to allow it to slide along the guide during belt retraction and extension. A safety sensor/control system generates a signal indicating a condition requiring improved occupant restraint in the seat. A guide actuator is activated in response to the safety sensor/control system signal and displaces the upper belt guide in a transverse direction relative to the seat. The displacement of the guide moves the shoulder-belt portion closer to the neck and/or shoulder of the seat occupant to more securely restrain the occupant.

Abstract: A seat belt is wound around a spool and a spring biases the spool to rotate in a belt retraction direction. A sensor detects a retraction speed of the belt when the spool rotates in the belt retraction direction and generating a belt speed signal. An electrical drive unit receives the belt speed signal and applies a torque to the spool in a belt extension direction (opposite to the belt retraction direction) if the retraction speed exceeds a threshold value. The torque is of a magnitude sufficient to maintain the retraction speed below the threshold value. The electric motor and/or electrical control unit may be part of or otherwise integrated with a safety belt pre-tensioning system.

Abstract: The invention relates to a seatbelt retractor located in a B-pillar of a vehicle. The cross section of the device is essentially U-shaped and when mounted in the B-pillar forms a cavity in combination with the B-pillar. The cavity comprises elements of a safety belt system. Further the invention relates to a system for reinforcing the B-pillar of a vehicle, comprising a device, the cross section of the device is essentially U-shaped and when mounted on the B-pillar forms a cavity in combination with the B-pillar, the cavity comprising elements of a safety belt system.