Mechanical shifting of multi-load retractor
AssigneeBreed Automotive Technology, Inc.
InventorsRichard W. Koning, Michael J. Moore, Kenneth H. Kohlndorfer, Mark F. Gray
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Abstract
A seat belt retractor comprising: a first and a second energy absorption mechanism each of which is selectively activatable and respectively configured to generate first and second levels of energy absorption and when activated define an output characteristic of the retractor; a switch mechanism for operatively selecting one or the other energy level and a mode shifter for shifting between the first energy absorption level and the second energy absorption level as a function of the rotation of a spool of the retractor.
Claims20
A seat belt retractor system comprising:
- a first and a second energy absorption mechanism each of which is selectively actuatable and respectively configured to generate first and second levels of energy absorption and when activated define an output characteristic of the retractor;
- first means for operatively selecting one or the other energy level and
- mode shifting means for shifting between the first energy absorption level and the second energy absorption level as a function of the rotation of a spool of the retractor.
The system as defined in claim 13 including bias means (230) for urging the first and second engagement surfaces toward one another.
A seat belt retractor comprising:
- a primary and second locking mechanism and deactivation means for mechanically deactivating the second locking mechanism if the retractor is used by occupants not in a designated class;
- the retractor including at least two load-limiting mechanisms that are selectively employed depending on the size of the occupant.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.