DE-102025145577-A1 - PERIODIC ADJUSTMENT OF A SHOULDER STRAP OF A SAFETY HARNESS ASSEMBLY

Abstract

A computer has a processor and memory that stores instructions which the processor can execute to: detect the position of an occupant in a vehicle; identify a set of target positions of a shoulder belt anchorage of a seat belt assembly based on the position of the occupant; and periodically move the shoulder belt anchorage between different target positions.

Inventors

• Brendan Francis DIAMOND
• Keith Weston
• Michael Alan McNees
• Andrew Brown
• Anthony J. Maraldo

Assignees

• FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC

Dates

Publication Date

20260513

Application Date

20251105

Priority Date

20241113

Claims (15)

1. A computer comprising a processor and memory that stores instructions executable by the processor to: detect the position of an occupant in a vehicle; identify a set of target positions of a shoulder belt anchorage of a seat belt assembly based on the occupant's position; and periodically move the shoulder belt anchorage between different target positions.
2. Computer after Claim 1 , wherein the instructions include instructions for updating the set of target positions based on the detection of indicators of irritation of the occupant by a shoulder strap of the seat belt assembly.
3. Computer after Claim 1 , wherein the instructions include instructions for updating the set of target positions based on the capture of images indicating irritation of the occupant by a shoulder strap of the seat belt assembly.
4. Computer after Claim 1 , wherein the instructions include instructions for updating the set of target positions based on a manual adjustment of a shoulder strap anchorage position by the occupant.
5. Computer after Claim 1 , the instructions include instructions for modifying the frequency of periodic movement of the shoulder strap based on a vibration of the vehicle body.
6. Computers after one of the Claims 1 - 5 , where the instructions include instructions for updating the set of target positions based on user-based input.
7. Computers after one of the Claims 1 - 5 , where the instructions include instructions for updating the set of target positions based on the following: Capture of images indicating irritation of the occupant by a shoulder strap of the seat belt assembly; manual adjustment of a shoulder strap anchorage position by the occupant; and change of the occupant's position in the vehicle.
8. Method comprising: Detecting the position of an occupant in a vehicle; Identifying a set of target positions of a shoulder belt anchorage of a seat belt assembly based on the occupant's position; and periodically moving the shoulder belt anchorage between different target positions.
9. Procedure according to Claim 8 , furthermore, comprehensively updating the set of target positions based on the detection of indicators of irritation of the occupant by a shoulder strap of the seat belt assembly.
10. Procedure according to Claim 8 , furthermore, comprehensively updating the set of target positions based on the acquisition of images indicating irritation of the occupant by a shoulder strap of the seat belt assembly.
11. Procedure according to Claim 8 , furthermore, comprehensively updating the set of target positions based on a manual adjustment of a shoulder strap anchorage position by the occupant.
12. Procedure according to Claim 8 , furthermore, comprehensively modifying the frequency of periodic movement of the shoulder strap based on a vibration of the vehicle body.
13. Procedure according to Claim 8 , furthermore, comprehensively updating the set of target positions based on a change in the occupant's position in the vehicle.
14. Procedure according to one of the Claims 9 - 13 , furthermore, comprehensively updating the set of target positions based on user-based input.
15. Procedure according to one of the Claims 9 - 13 , furthermore, comprehensively updating the set of target positions based on the following: capturing images indicating irritation of the occupant by a shoulder strap of the seat belt assembly; manual adjustment of a shoulder strap anchorage position by the occupant; and changing the position of the occupant in the vehicle.

Description

AREA OF TECHNOLOGY This disclosure concerns a seat belt assembly in vehicles. GENERAL STATE OF THE ART Vehicles include seat belt assemblies for each of the seats on board. The seat belt assembly contains a webbing strap that, when the assembly is fastened, stretches across the seat occupant. A lap belt anchor attaches one end of the webbing to a seat frame or vehicle body. The other end of the webbing leads into a retractor, which contains a spool that unwinds and rewinds the webbing. The retractor may be mounted on the vehicle body, for example, on a pillar. A buckle tongue slides freely along the webbing and, when it engages a buckle, divides the webbing into a lap belt and a shoulder belt. Some seat belt assemblies include a shoulder belt anchor at the upper end of the shoulder belt. In some examples, the shoulder belt anchor is located between the shoulder belt and the retractor, and the belt slides relative to the shoulder belt anchor. In other examples, the shoulder belt anchor is vertically adjustable relative to the vehicle body to adjust the position of the upper end of the shoulder belt relative to the occupant. The shoulder belt anchor can be adjusted by mechanical input from the occupant and/or by electronic input to control a motor that adjusts the shoulder belt anchor. SUMMARY A computer has a processor and memory that stores instructions which the processor can execute to: detect the position of an occupant in a vehicle; identify a set of target positions of a shoulder belt anchorage of a seat belt assembly based on the position of the occupant; and periodically move the shoulder belt anchorage between different target positions. The instructions may include instructions for updating the set of target positions based on user-based input. The instructions may include instructions for updating the set of target positions based on the detection of indicators of irritation to the occupant by a shoulder strap of the seat belt assembly. The instructions include instructions for updating the set of target positions based on the capture of images indicating irritation of the occupant by a shoulder strap of the seatbelt assembly. The instructions include instructions for updating the set of target positions based on a manual adjustment of a shoulder strap anchor position by the occupant. The instructions include instructions for modifying the frequency of periodic movement of the shoulder strap based on vibration of the vehicle body. The instructions include instructions for updating the set of target positions based on a change in the occupant's position in the vehicle. The instructions include instructions for updating the set of target positions based on the following: capturing images indicating irritation of the occupant by a shoulder strap of the seat belt assembly; manual adjustment of a shoulder strap anchorage position by the occupant; and changing the occupant's position in the vehicle. A procedure includes the following: detecting the position of an occupant in a vehicle; identifying a set of target positions of a shoulder belt anchorage of a seat belt assembly based on the occupant's position; and periodically moving the shoulder belt anchorage between different target positions. The process may involve updating the set of target positions based on user-based input. The procedure may involve updating the set of target positions based on the detection of indicators of irritation of the occupant by a shoulder strap of the seat belt assembly. The procedure may involve updating the set of target positions based on the acquisition of images indicating irritation of the occupant by a shoulder strap of the seatbelt assembly. The procedure may involve updating the set of target positions based on a manual adjustment of a shoulder strap anchor position by the occupant. The procedure may involve modifying the frequency of periodic movement of the shoulder strap based on a vibration of the vehicle body. The procedure may involve updating the set of target positions based on a change in the occupant's position in the vehicle. The procedure may involve updating the set of target positions based on the following: capturing images indicating irritation of the occupant by a shoulder strap of the seat belt assembly; manual adjustment of a shoulder strap anchorage position by the occupant; and changing the occupant's position in the vehicle. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle that includes an adjustable shoulder strap anchorage.2 is a block diagram of a vehicle system.3 This is a flowchart of an example procedure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION With reference to the figures, in which similar reference drawings indicate similar parts in the multiple views, a computer 12 has a processor and a memory that stores instructions which can be executed by the processor to: detect a position of an occupant in a vehicle 10; identify a set of target positions of a shoulder belt anchorage 14 o