Child Restraint System with Automated Installation

• Main Authors: DALEY ROBERT D, SZAKELYHIDI DAVE, HOPKE FREDERICK KARL, THORNE HENRY F, WALKER JOHN J
• Format: Patent
• Language: English
• Published: 11.04.2013
• Subjects: PERFORMING OPERATIONS; SEATS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLES; TRANSPORTING; VEHICLE PASSENGER ACCOMMODATION NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDEDFOR; VEHICLES IN GENERAL

Provided is a child restraint system (CRS) with automated installation that provides automated feedback and control of seat installation angle, belt latching and tightening, and confirmation of correct install. The CRS utilizes sensors to monitor CRS base angle relative to level, confirm correct latching of the CRS to its base and then to the vehicle seat, and confirm tightening of the belts to the required tension to be crashworthy. The stepwise operation and confirmation of the installation procedure may be operated via button(s) or other tactical input, and relayed to the user via electronic visual display and/or audible means. All operations will be overseen and processed by an integrated control system, affording minimal user decision or interface. An intelligent latching device which can be adapted for use with an existing CRS is also provided.