Seat Belt Prototype:
The seat belt prototype is a product designed to help older adults put on their seatbelts. The problem experienced by older adults is that they cannot rotate their body to grab the seat belt. This product solves that problem by utilizing an arm that extends from the left side (if in the driver seat) and grabs the seat belt, pushing the seat belt strap forward so that it is more parallel with the older person’s body. This allows the older person to reach the seat belt strap without having to rotate.
Questions answered from the prototype:
- Can the seat belt strap be reached without having to rotate your body?
- Yes, the seat belt strap is able to be reached without rotating the body. The arm must be able to extend enough to put the strap about parallel to ones body while sitting down. The actual mechanism/mechanical design of the arm extending was not discussed during this rough sketch prototype.
- Is this idea compatible with a vehicle (does the prototype fit/can it be attached somewhere in the car)?
- Although this prototype was not brought into a car, and the mechanical design was not discussed, the prototype seemed compact enough to fit in a car. Pictures of vehicle interiors were examined and interior dimensions were studied. The prototype and prototype arm was able to fit in all interiors.
- Is there an obvious way that this product can fail?
- After the prototype way made, the group immediately realized that an obvious failure point of this product would be that the arm that pushes the seat belt forward, might “miss” the belt strap and fail to bring the strap forward. This was a failure that the group was able to realize only after making the prototype. This issue was solved by making a hook on the end of the pushing arm so that the belt strap has no way of slipping out.
- Is there a better way/design to achieve the function of this product?
- The idea of a rail system was discussed to the class, but it was brought up that this idea was implemented in vehicles before and failed. The rail system also adds more complexity and makes the process of getting in harder, which is not ideal for our users.
- What methods of manufacturing might be used for this product?
- From the prototype, it was found that only a relatively small force is needed to push the seat belt strap forward. This means that the hook, and maybe the arm could be made of plastic from additive manufacturing. If a smaller size is needed, aluminum could be used for the arm, which could be turned on a lathe.