La tecnologia/The technology

The technology presented enables continuous measurement of seat belt displacement and position, addressing many drawbacks of current measurement devices. This device can extract measurement data or activate signals to trigger vehicle safety components such as seat belt pretensioners or airbags, thereby reducing injury risks from passenger positioning. The system integrates an encoder—either incremental or absolute—into the seat belt retractor's spool, providing position, velocity, and rotation direction information. An encoder is an electro-optical-mechanical sensor that converts translational or rotational movement into a series of digital pulses. This device is complemented by an electronic control system that captures, adapts, and processes the signal for interpretation by vehicle's analog and digital measurement systems.

Avantatges innovadores/Innovative advantages

• Measurement based on the angular position of pulleys, conducted without contact with the belt, avoiding errors caused by its slipping with the sensor.
• Enhances occupant protection by continuously monitoring seat belt position. 
• Can incorporate sensors of varying precision depending on the application. 
• Viable and compatible with any vehicle and seat belt configuration. 

Fase actual de desenvolupament/Current stage of development

The prototype has been tested and validated in collaboration with the Passive Safety Laboratory at Applus+ IDIADA, where static and dynamic tests were conducted using generic measurement instrumentation on a sled. 

Aplicacions i mercat objectiu/Applications and target market