U.S. patent application number 16/272534 was filed with the patent office on 2020-08-13 for system and method for determining seatbelt routing.
The applicant listed for this patent is GM Global Technology Operations LLC. Invention is credited to Jaywan Kim, Saravanakumar Nallaiah, Greta L. Stuef.
Application Number | 20200254965 16/272534 |
Document ID | 20200254965 / US20200254965 |
Family ID | 1000004986754 |
Filed Date | 2020-08-13 |
Patent Application | download [pdf] |
United States Patent
Application |
20200254965 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kim; Jaywan ; et
al. |
August 13, 2020 |
SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DETERMINING SEATBELT ROUTING
Abstract
A system for determining seatbelt routing. The system includes a
seatbelt retractor, a guide loop, a seatbelt latchplate, a seatbelt
buckle, a seatbelt buckle sensor, a first RFID tag, RFID reader,
and a control module. The seatbelt retractor stores a length of
seatbelt webbing. The guide loop changes a routing direction of the
seatbelt webbing. The seatbelt latchplate is engaged with the
seatbelt webbing. The seatbelt buckle is secured to the motor
vehicle and engages the latchplate. The seatbelt buckle sensor for
detects the presence of the latchplate in the seatbelt buckle. The
first RFID tag is attached to the seatbelt webbing of the seatbelt.
The RFID reader detects the presence of the first RFID tag. The
control module determines the seatbelt routing based on whether the
seatbelt is buckled and the detection of the first RFID tag by the
RFID reader.
Inventors: |
Kim; Jaywan; (Rochester
Hills, MI) ; Nallaiah; Saravanakumar; (Troy, MI)
; Stuef; Greta L.; (Lake Orion, MI) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
GM Global Technology Operations LLC |
Detroit |
MI |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000004986754 |
Appl. No.: |
16/272534 |
Filed: |
February 11, 2019 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60R 22/12 20130101;
B60R 2022/008 20130101; B60R 22/48 20130101; B60R 2022/485
20130101; G08B 21/22 20130101; H04W 4/80 20180201; B60R 2022/4866
20130101 |
International
Class: |
B60R 22/48 20060101
B60R022/48; B60R 22/12 20060101 B60R022/12; G08B 21/22 20060101
G08B021/22; H04W 4/80 20060101 H04W004/80 |
Claims
1. A system for detecting seatbelt routing in a seatbelt system of
a motor vehicle, the system comprising: a seatbelt retractor for
releasably storing a length of seatbelt webbing; a guide loop for
changing a routing direction of the seatbelt webbing; a seatbelt
latchplate slidably engaged with the seatbelt webbing, wherein a
lap belt portion of the seatbelt webbing is defined as the portion
of seatbelt webbing extending between a terminal end of the
seatbelt webbing and the latchplate and a shoulder portion of the
seatbelt webbing is defined as the portion of the seatbelt webbing
extending between the guide loop and the latchplate; a seatbelt
buckle secured to the motor vehicle for releasable engaging the
latchplate; a seatbelt buckle sensor for detecting the presence of
the latchplate in the seatbelt buckle; a first radio frequency
identification (RFID) tag attached to the seatbelt webbing of the
of the seatbelt; an RFID reader attached to a structural member of
the motor vehicle for detecting the presence of the first RFID tag
on the seatbelt webbing; and a control module for determining
seatbelt routing based on whether the seatbelt is buckled and the
detection of the first RFID tag by the RFID reader.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein the first RFID tag is attached to
the lap belt portion of the seatbelt webbing.
3. The system of claim 1, further comprising a second RFID tag
attached to the shoulder belt portion of the seatbelt webbing.
4. The system of claim 3, wherein the first RFID tag has a first
RFID associated with the first RFID tag and the second RFID tag has
a second RFID associated with the second RFID tag.
5. The system of claim 1, wherein the RFID reader is attached to
the interior roof of the motor vehicle.
6. The system of claim 1, further comprising an occupant sensor for
determining the presence of an occupant in the vehicle seat.
7. The system of claim 1, wherein the control module executes
instructions to determine whether the first RFID is detected.
8. The system of claim 7, wherein the control module executes
instructions to determine whether the second RFID is detected.
9. The system of claim 8, wherein the control module executes
instructions to take an action when the first RFID is not
detected.
10. The system of claim 9, wherein the action is issuing an audible
or visual alter to the vehicle occupant.
11. The system of claim 10, wherein the control module executes
instructions to take the action when the second RFID is not
detected.
12. The system of claim 1, wherein the control module executes
instructions to determine whether the first and second RFID tags
are detected.
13. The system of claim 12, wherein the control module executes
instructions to sense the presence of the first RFID tag.
14. The system of claim 12, wherein the control module executes
instructions to determine that the seatbelt is on the lap of on an
occupant when the presence of the first RFID tag is detected.
15. The system of claim 12, wherein the control module executes
instructions to determine that the seatbelt is on the shoulder of
on an occupant when the presence of the second RFID tag is
detected.
16.-20. (canceled)
21. A system for detecting seatbelt routing in a seatbelt system of
a motor vehicle, the system comprising: a seatbelt retractor for
releasably storing a length of seatbelt webbing; a guide loop for
changing a routing direction of the seatbelt webbing; a seatbelt
latchplate slidably engaged with the seatbelt webbing, wherein a
lap belt portion of the seatbelt webbing is defined as the portion
of seatbelt webbing extending between a terminal end of the
seatbelt webbing and the latchplate and a shoulder portion of the
seatbelt webbing is defined as the portion of the seatbelt webbing
extending between the guide loop and the latchplate; a seatbelt
buckle secured to the motor vehicle for releasable engaging the
latchplate; a seatbelt buckle sensor for detecting the presence of
the latchplate in the seatbelt buckle; a first radio frequency
identification (RFID) tag attached to the lap belt portion of the
seatbelt webbing; a second RFID tag attached to the shoulder belt
portion of the seatbelt webbing; an RFID reader attached to a
structural member of the motor vehicle for detecting the presence
of the first RFID tag on the seatbelt webbing; and a control module
for determining seatbelt routing based on whether the seatbelt is
buckled and the detection of the first RFID tag by the RFID reader.
Description
INTRODUCTION
[0001] The present disclosure relates to seatbelt systems and
methods for detecting seatbelt webbing routing.
[0002] Seatbelt systems for restraining occupants in a motor
vehicle, generally, employ seatbelt retractors. The seatbelt
retractors have a spool around which a seatbelt webbing is wound.
The seatbelt webbing may be unwound from the spool by a vehicle
occupant and secured around the vehicle occupant by inserting a
latch plate coupled to the seatbelt webbing into a seatbelt buckle.
When not in use the seatbelt retractor through the aid of a spring
retracts the seatbelt webbing into the retractor. Moreover,
seatbelt systems have employed a sensor in the seatbelt buckle to
determine whether an occupant is belted. If the occupant is
unbelted a warning is provided to the occupant to prompt the
occupant to buckle their seatbelt.
[0003] Thus, while current seatbelt systems achieve their intended
purpose, there is a need for a new and improved system and method
for securing vehicle occupants with a seatbelt. The new and
improved method should be capable of determining seatbelt routing
and provide a message to the vehicle occupant when an improper
seatbelt routing is detected.
SUMMARY
[0004] According to several aspects, a system for determining the
seatbelt routing of a seatbelt system for a motor vehicle is
provided. The system includes a seatbelt retractor for releasably
storing a length of seatbelt webbing, a guide loop for changing a
routing direction of the seatbelt webbing, a seatbelt latchplate
slidably engaged with the seatbelt webbing, a seatbelt buckle
secured to the motor vehicle for releasably engaging the
latchplate, a seatbelt buckle sensor for detecting the presence of
the latchplate in the seatbelt buckle, a first RFID tag attached to
the seatbelt webbing of the seatbelt, an RFID reader attached to a
structural member of the motor vehicle for detecting the presence
of the first RFID tag on the seatbelt webbing, and a control module
for determining seatbelt routing based on whether the seatbelt is
buckled and the detection of the first RFID tag by the RFID
reader.
[0005] In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure,
a lap belt portion of the seatbelt webbing is defined as the
portion of seatbelt webbing extending between a terminal end of the
seatbelt webbing and the latchplate and a shoulder belt portion of
the seatbelt webbing is defined as the portion of the seatbelt
webbing extending between the guide loop and the latchplate.
[0006] In accordance with yet another aspect of the present
disclosure, the first RFID tag is attached to the lap belt portion
of the seatbelt webbing.
[0007] In accordance with still another aspect of the present
disclosure, a second RFID tag is attached to a shoulder belt
portion of the seatbelt webbing.
[0008] In accordance with yet another aspect of the present
disclosure, the first RFID tag has a first RFID identifier
associated with the first RFID tag and the second RFID tag has a
second RFID identifier associated with the second RFID tag.
[0009] In accordance with yet another aspect of the present
disclosure, the RFID reader is attached to an interior roof of the
motor vehicle.
[0010] In accordance with yet another aspect of the present
disclosure, an occupant sensor for determining the presence of an
occupant in the vehicle seat.
[0011] In accordance with yet another aspect of the present
disclosure, the control module executes instructions to determine
whether the first RFID is detected.
[0012] In accordance with yet another aspect of the present
disclosure, the control module executes instructions to determine
whether the second RFID is detected.
[0013] In accordance with yet another aspect of the present
disclosure, the control module executes instructions to take an
action when the first RFID is not detected.
[0014] In accordance with yet another aspect of the present
disclosure, the action is an audible or visual message to the
vehicle occupant.
[0015] In accordance with yet another aspect of the present
disclosure, the control module executes instructions to determine
whether the first and second RFID tags are detected.
[0016] In accordance with yet another aspect of the present
disclosure, the control module executes instructions to sense the
presence of the first RFID tag.
[0017] In accordance with yet another aspect of the present
disclosure, the control module executes instructions to determine
that the seatbelt is on the lap of on an occupant when the presence
of the first RFID tag is detected.
[0018] In accordance with yet another aspect of the present
disclosure, the control module executes instructions to determine
that the seatbelt is on the shoulder of on an occupant when the
presence of the second RFID tag is detected.
[0019] In accordance with yet another aspect of the present
disclosure, a method for detecting a seatbelt routing in a motor
vehicle seatbelt system is provided. The method includes sensing a
presence of occupant in a vehicle seat, determining whether the
occupant is detected in the vehicle seat, sensing a presence of a
seatbelt latchplate in the seatbelt buckle when an occupant is
determined to be present in the vehicle seat, determining whether
the seatbelt is buckled, sensing a presence of a first RFID tag
attached to the seatbelt, and determining seatbelt routing based on
whether the seatbelt is buckled, an occupant is present, and the
determined location of the first RFID tag.
[0020] In accordance with yet another aspect of the present
disclosure, the method further includes determining the location of
the first RFID tag on the seatbelt.
[0021] In accordance with yet another aspect of the present
disclosure, the method further includes determining the location of
the second RFID tag on the seatbelt.
[0022] In accordance with yet another aspect of the present
disclosure, the method further includes determining the seatbelt
routing is proper when the first and second RFID tags are
detected.
[0023] Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the
description provided herein. It should be understood that the
description and specific examples are intended for purposes of
illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the
present disclosure.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0024] The drawings described herein are for illustration purposes
only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present
disclosure in any way.
[0025] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a vehicle seat and a
seatbelt system, according to an exemplary embodiment;
[0026] FIG. 2 is a side view of a vehicle interior illustrating the
different positions the first and second RFID tags relative to the
occupant and the vehicle seat, according to an exemplary
embodiment; and
[0027] FIG. 3 is a flow chart illustrating a method for determining
proper and improper seatbelt routing, according to an exemplary
embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0028] The following description is merely exemplary in nature and
is not intended to limit the present disclosure, application, or
uses.
[0029] Referring to FIG. 1, a seatbelt system 10 for a motor
vehicle is illustrated, in accordance with an embodiment of the
invention. Seatbelt system 10 includes a seatbelt retractor 12, a
seatbelt webbing 14, a guide loop 16, a latchplate 18, a buckle 20,
a seatbelt buckle sensor 22, an occupant sensor 24, a first
radio-frequency identification (RFID) tag 26, a second RFID tag 28
and an RFID tag reader 30 and a control module 31. Seatbelt
retractor 12 is fixed to a structural member of the motor vehicle
adjacent a vehicle seat 32. For example, seatbelt retractor 12 is
bolted to the base of the B-pillar 34 or other structural member of
the vehicle. Alternatively, the seat belt retractor 12 may be
integrated with and fixedly attached to the base of the seat 32 of
the motor vehicle. A frame 36 of seatbelt retractor 12 is
configured to rotatably support a spool 38 for free rotation in the
retractor 12.
[0030] A spring (not shown) is operatively attached to the
retractor frame 36 at one end of the spring and to the spool 38 at
another end of the spring to retract the seatbelt webbing 14 onto
the spool 38 and into the retractor 12. The seatbelt webbing 14 is
at least partially wound around the spool 38 for storing the
seatbelt webbing 14 in the retractor 12 when the seatbelt system 10
is not in use. When the seatbelt system 10 is in use the seatbelt
webbing 14 is unwound from the spool 38 and pulled out of the
retractor 12 by a vehicle occupant. The seatbelt webbing 14 is
typically made of a woven fabric material such as woven nylon or
polyester.
[0031] Guide loop 16 is fixedly secured to the motor vehicle,
generally, towards the top of the B-pillar 34 of the motor vehicle.
A slot 40 is provided in guide loop 16 that receives and slidably
engages the seatbelt webbing 14. The seatbelt webbing 14 generally
extends from the retractor 12 up and along the B-pillar 34 and is
threaded or routed through guide loop 16 where the seatbelt webbing
14 is directed down toward the base of the seat 32 and is secured
at a terminal end 42 to a structural member of the motor vehicle or
to the seat 32. A lap portion 44 of the seatbelt webbing is defined
as the length of seatbelt webbing that extends between the terminal
end 42 of the seatbelt webbing 14 and the latchplate 18. A shoulder
portion 46 of the seatbelt webbing is defined as the length of
seatbelt webbing that extends between the guide loop 16 and the
latchplate 18.
[0032] The latchplate 18 has a slot 48 through which the seatbelt
webbing 14 is threaded to slidably engage the latchplate 18 with
the seatbelt webbing 14. The latchplate 18 is located on the
seatbelt webbing 14, generally, between the guide loop 16 and the
terminal end 42 of the seatbelt webbing 14. The buckle 20 is
configured to releasably capture or engage the latchplate 18.
Typically, latchplate 18 is pressed into a slot 49 in buckle 20.
After the latchplate 18 is fully inserted into the buckle 20 the
latchplate 18 is locked or engaged to the buckle 20. A button 50 on
the buckle 20 is depressed to release the latchplate 18 from buckle
20.
[0033] The seatbelt buckle sensor 22 is provided in the seatbelt
buckle 20. Buckle sensor 22 is configured to sense the presence of
the latchplate 18. Buckle sensor 22 transmits a control signal to
the control module 31. The control module 31 includes a control
algorithm that receives the control signal from the buckle sensor
22 and determines whether the latchplate 18 is present in the
seatbelt buckle 20.
[0034] An occupant sensor 24 is provided in the vehicle seat 32 or
adjacent the vehicle seat 32. Occupant sensor 24 assess occupant
presence via different means such as one or more pressure pads,
weight pads, load cells, resistive pads and biometric sensors.
Occupant sensor 24 transmits a control signal to the control module
31. The control module 31 includes a control algorithm that
receives the control signal from the occupant sensor 24 and
determines whether an occupant is present in the seat 32.
[0035] The first RFID tag 26 is fixed to the lap belt portion 44 of
the seatbelt webbing 14. The second RFID tag 28 is fixed to the
shoulder belt portion 46 of the seatbelt webbing 14. The RFID tag
reader 30 is secured to an interior surface 52 of the vehicle roof
54. Digital data encoded in RFID tags 26, 28 are captured by the
RFID reader 30 via radio waves emitted by the RFID reader 30.
[0036] RFID tags 26, 28 are either passive, active or
battery-assisted passive (BAP). The active RFID tag has an on-board
battery and periodically transmits an ID signal to the RFID reader
30. The BAP RFID tag has a small battery on board and is activated
when in the presence of the RFID reader 30. The passive RFID tag
has no battery and, thus, a passive RFID tag is less expensive and
smaller than a BAP RFID tag. The passive RFID tag uses the radio
energy transmitted by the RFID tag reader 30 to transmit an RFID
signal back to the RFID tag reader 30.
[0037] RFID tags 26, 28 are read-only and have a pre-assigned
serial numbers that are used as identifiers. The RFID tags 26, 28
include three parts: an integrated circuit that stores and
processes information and that modulates and demodulates
radio-frequency (RF) signals transmitted by the reader 30; a means
of collecting DC power from the incident reader signal; and an
antenna for receiving and transmitting the signal. The RFID tag
information is stored in a non-volatile memory. The RFID reader 30
transmits an encoded radio signal to interrogate the RFID tags 26,
28. The RFID tags 26, 28 receive the encoded radio signal and then
responds with the RFID identifier associated with either first RFID
tag 26 or second RFID tag 28. The RFID identifier is a unique tag
serial number associated with the RFID tag. Since RFID tags 26, 28
have individual serial numbers, the control module 31 can
discriminate between tags 26, 28 that are within the range of the
RFID reader 30 and read tags 26, 28 simultaneously.
[0038] The control module 31 includes a control algorithm that
receives the control signal from the seatbelt buckle sensor 22,
occupant sensor 24, RFID tag reader 30 and determines whether an
occupant is properly seatbelted in the vehicle seat 34. A properly
seatbelted occupant is determined by control module 31 when the
occupant sensor 24 senses the presence of an occupant, the seatbelt
buckle sensor 22 senses the presence of the latchplate 18, and the
RFID reader 30 receives a signal from the first and second RFID
tags 26, 28. An improperly seatbelted occupant is determined by
control module 31 when the occupant sensor 24 senses the presence
of an occupant, the seatbelt buckle sensor 22 senses the presence
of the latchplate 18, and the RFID reader 30 does not receive a
signal from one or both of the first and second RFID tags 26,
28.
[0039] Referring now to FIG. 2, a schematic diagram illustrating
the positions of the first and second RFID tags 26, 28 relative to
the RFID reader 30 and the occupant sitting in the vehicle seat 32,
in accordance with the present invention. A properly seatbelted
occupant will be determined by the control module 31 when the first
RFID tag 26 is located on top of an occupant's lap or, in other
words, the first RFID tag 26 is positioned between the RFID reader
30 and the vehicle occupant as designated by reference P.sub.a and
the second RFID tag 28 is located in front of an occupant's chest
or torso or, in other words, the second RFID tag 28 is positioned
between the RFID reader 30 and the vehicle occupant as designated
by reference P.sub.b, as shown in FIG. 2. When the first RFID tag
26 is located on top of an occupant's lap, the first RFID tag 26 is
located at a distance Da from the RFID reader 30. When the second
RFID tag 28 is located in front of an occupant's chest or torso,
the second RFID tag 28 is located a distance Db from the RFID
reader 30.
[0040] An improperly seatbelted occupant will be determined by the
control module 31 when the RFID tag 26 is located under an
occupant's lap or, in other words, the RFID tag 26 is positioned
between the vehicle occupant and the vehicle seat 32 as designated
by reference P.sub.c and/or the second RFID tag 28 is located
behind an occupant's chest or torso or, in other words, the second
RFID tag 28 is positioned between the vehicle occupant and the
vehicle seat 32 as designated by reference P.sub.d, as in FIG. 2.
When the first RFID tag 26 is located under an occupant's lap, the
first RFID tag 26 is located a distance Dc from the RFID reader 30.
When the second RFID tag 28 is located behind an occupant's chest
or torso, the second RFID tag 28 is located a distance Dd from the
RFID reader 30.
[0041] Distance Da is less than distance Dc. Thus, when first RFID
tag 26 is located a distance Da from RFID reader 30, the RFID
reader 30 detects the presence of first RFID tag 26. However, when
first RFID tag 26 is located a distance Dc from RFID reader 30, the
RFID reader 30 does not detect the presence of first RFID tag
26.
[0042] Distance Db is less than distance Dd. Thus, when second RFID
tag 28 is located a distance Db from RFID reader 30, the RFID
reader 30 detects the presence of second RFID tag 28. However, when
second RFID tag 28 is located a distance Dd from RFID reader 30,
the RFID reader 30 does not detect the presence of second RFID tag
28.
[0043] The second RFID 28 tag may also be positioned at reference
Ps. At position Ps in FIG. 2., the vehicle occupant has placed the
shoulder belt portion of the seatbelt webbing off the occupant's
shoulder or under the occupant's arm. At position Ps, the second
RFID tag 28 will be positioned a distance Ds from the RFID reader
30. At distance Ds the RFID reader 30 will not detect the second
RFID tag 28 and the control module 31 will determine that the
seatbelt webbing 14 is improperly routed.
[0044] Referring now to FIG. 3, a flowchart illustrating a method
100 for detecting seatbelt routing is illustrated, in accordance
with the present invention. More specifically, method 100 is
configured to determine a properly seatbelted occupant, i.e. a
properly routed seatbelt webbing 14, and improperly seatbelted
occupant, i.e. an improperly routed seatbelt webbing 14. The method
100 starts at block 102. At block 104, a determination is made
whether an occupant is present in the vehicle seat. If at block 104
a determination is made that the occupant is present in the vehicle
seat, then the method 100 continues at block 106. However, if a
determination is made that an occupant is not present in the
vehicle seat, then the method 100 continues to block 108 where the
RFID reader 30 goes to sleep or is powered down. At block 106 a
determination is made whether the seatbelt is buckled. If at block
106 a determination is made that the seatbelt is buckled, the
method 100 continues at block 110. At block 110 the RFID reader 30
wakes up and the method 100 continues to block 112. However, if at
block 106 a determination is made that the seatbelt is not buckled,
the method 100 continues to block 108. At block 108 the RFID reader
30 goes to sleep or is powered down.
[0045] At block 112 a determination is made whether first and
second RFID tags 26, 28 are detected by the RFID reader 30. If at
block 112 a determination is made that the first and second RFID
tags 26, 28 are detected by the RFID reader 30, then the method
continues to block 114. At block 114 a determination is made that
the occupant is properly seatbelted. However, if at block 112 a
determination is made that the first and second RFID tags 26, 28
are not detected by the RFID reader 30, then the method continues
to block 116. At block 116 a determination is made that the
occupant is improperly seatbelted and method 100 issues a message
to the vehicle occupant. The message is either audible or visual
and alters the occupant of a misrouted or improperly belted
occupant. After block 114 or block 116 the method 100 continues to
block 118. At block 118 the status of the seatbelt routing, i.e.
occupant is properly or improperly belted, is transmitted to the
vehicle local area network. After block 118 the method continues to
block 120. At block 120, a determination is made whether the
transmitted data to the vehicle LAN is that the status of the
seatbelt routing is that the occupant is improperly belted. If at
block 120 the determination is made that the transmitted data to
the vehicle LAN is that the occupant is improperly belted then
method 100 continues to block 122. At block 122, a message is
issued to the occupant that their seatbelt is not properly routed.
If at block 120 the determination is made that the transmitted data
to the vehicle LAN is that the occupant is properly belted then
method 100 continues to block 124.
[0046] In another embodiment of the present invention, a single
RFID reader 30 is configured to read or detect RFID tags positioned
on adjacent seatbelts of adjacent seats. Thus, the seatbelt
routings of the seatbelts of more than one occupant may be detected
using one RFID reader. In still another embodiment of the present
invention, one RFID reader 30 is provided for each seatbelt and
vehicle seat for reading or detecting the RFID tags attached to
each seatbelt.
[0047] The description of the present disclosure is merely
exemplary in nature and variations that do not depart from the gist
of the present disclosure are intended to be within the scope of
the present disclosure. Such variations are not to be regarded as a
departure from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.
* * * * *