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Patent Information & Production OptionsSeat Belt Buckle with Automatic Foreign Object Shield · Patent CN114098240B

Patent CN114098240B: bibliographic data, legal status, family, a plain-language reading of the claims, plus customization, US compliance points and how a manufacturing project runs.

At a glance

Patent numberCN114098240B (application CN202111259770)
TypeChina invention patent (发明专利) - protects product shape, structure, and method
Original titleAnti-foreign object device and seat belt buckle (一种防异物装置和安全带锁扣)
Patent ownerZhejiang Songyuan Automotive Safety Systems Co ltd
InventorsWang Chengbo, Shi Bingjun, Jiang Lizhong
Filing date2021-10-28
Grant date2023-06-06
Status (China)In force - valid until at most 2041-10-28, provided annual fees are paid
Patent familyChinese filings only - no US, European, Japanese, PCT or other filings listed
Cited by0 later documents
SourceGoogle Patents (search for CN114098240B)

What the claims cover, in plain language

Claim 1 defines the core structure: an anti-foreign object device comprising a support piece, a packaging swinging piece, and a rotating piece. These are arranged at the front end of the buckle housing. The first part of the rotating piece connects to the support piece. The packaging swinging piece connects to the second part of the rotating piece and covers the insertion port. When the lock tongue enters, it drives the swinging piece, which rotates the rotating piece against a restoring force. When the tongue leaves, the restoring force resets the pieces to seal the port.

Subsequent Claims detail specific implementations:

  • Mounting: Plug-in blocks on the support piece fix it into slots on the housing.
  • Pivots: Through-holes and connecting rods allow the rotating piece to move perpendicular to the insertion direction.
  • Spring Mechanism: Torsion springs are placed on the connecting rods. One end abuts the rotating piece/support, the other abuts the packaging swinging piece.
  • Alternative Elasticity: The restoring force can also come from the elastic deformation of the rotating piece itself, rather than separate springs.

This is a simplified reading for orientation only. The legal scope is defined by the exact claim wording in the official Chinese document.

What this means for US production

This patent was filed only in China and is currently in force. Making or selling this specific mechanical configuration in China requires the owner’s permission. However, since there is no US counterpart, the patent does not restrict manufacturing or sales in the United States based solely on this document.

Two points to settle early:

  • Other patents may exist. Seat belt buckles are a mature technology field with extensive global IP portfolios held by major suppliers like Autoliv, ZF, and TRW. While this specific “spring-loaded flap” design appears unique to this filing, variations of debris shields or auto-closing ports may be covered by other US patents. A freedom-to-operate (FTO) review is strongly recommended before tooling for the US market.
  • Regulatory Compliance. Seat belts are safety-critical components. Any modification to the buckle’s internal mechanism must ensure it still meets FMVSS 209 (USA) or ECE R16 (Europe) requirements for strength and release function. The added friction or weight of the shutter must not impede the primary locking action.

Customization and manufacturing

What can be customized

AreaOptions
MaterialZinc alloy die-cast housing; POM or Nylon 66 for the swinging piece and rotating linkages.
Spring TypeStandard torsion springs vs. custom-shaped wire forms; spring constant (stiffness) tuning.
Cover ShapeFlat plate vs. curved shield to match the buckle’s aesthetic contour.
Actuation ForceAdjusting lever ratios to change how much push is needed from the tongue to open the cover.
Color/FinishBlack matte, chrome-plated, or body-color painted to match interior trim.

Things to plan for (US market)

  • FMVSS 209 - Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard for seat assembly anchorage devices and seat belts. The buckle must withstand specified loads without breaking.
  • FMVSS 207 - Anchorage requirements. The mounting interface of the support piece must not weaken the structural integrity of the buckle base.
  • ISO 26262 / Functional Safety - If the buckle is integrated with electronic sensors (e.g., occupant detection), the mechanical shutter must not interfere with sensor calibration.
  • Durability Testing - Cycle testing (e.g., 10,000+ insertions) to ensure the torsion springs do not fatigue and the plastic pivots do not crack.

How a project runs

  1. Inquiry - Define the target vehicle segment and required safety standards.
  2. Design - CAD modeling of the linkage geometry to ensure smooth opening/closing without binding.
  3. Prototype - 3D printed or CNC machined samples for functional fit checks with standard tongues.
  4. Testing - Load tests, cycle life tests, and debris ingress simulation (sand/dust chambers).
  5. Production - Injection molding for plastic parts, stamping for metal supports, assembly of springs and linkages.

Quantities & timeline

Tooling for the injection molds (swinging piece, rotating piece) takes 8-12 weeks. Metal stamping dies for the support piece take 4-6 weeks. Certification testing for automotive safety standards can add 3-6 months depending on the lab queue. Send us your target vehicle platform, safety certification requirements, estimated annual volume, and desired finish and we will reply with options.

Patent drawings

Seat Belt Buckle with Automatic Foreign Object Shield - Patent Fig. 1
Fig. 1 - Perspective view of the seat belt buckle with the protective device installed.
Seat Belt Buckle with Automatic Foreign Object Shield - Patent Fig. 2
Fig. 2 - Exploded view of the buckle housing and internal components.
Seat Belt Buckle with Automatic Foreign Object Shield - Patent Fig. 3
Fig. 3 - Detailed view of the anti-foreign object device assembly.
Seat Belt Buckle with Automatic Foreign Object Shield - Patent Fig. 4
Fig. 4 - Side view showing the rotating piece and support connection.
Seat Belt Buckle with Automatic Foreign Object Shield - Patent Fig. 5
Fig. 5 - Top view of the packaging swinging piece in the closed position.
Seat Belt Buckle with Automatic Foreign Object Shield - Patent Fig. 6
Fig. 6 - Cross-section of the port area showing the seal.
Seat Belt Buckle with Automatic Foreign Object Shield - Patent Fig. 7
Fig. 7 - View of the torsion spring placement on the connecting rod.
Seat Belt Buckle with Automatic Foreign Object Shield - Patent Fig. 8
Fig. 8 - Sequence diagram: Lock tongue insertion driving the mechanism.
Seat Belt Buckle with Automatic Foreign Object Shield - Patent Fig. 9
Fig. 9 - Sequence diagram: Lock tongue removal allowing reset.
Seat Belt Buckle with Automatic Foreign Object Shield - Patent Fig. 10
Fig. 10 - Alternative embodiment of the rotating piece structure.
Seat Belt Buckle with Automatic Foreign Object Shield - Patent Fig. 11
Fig. 11 - Detail of the plug-in block mounting interface.
Seat Belt Buckle with Automatic Foreign Object Shield - Patent Fig. 12
Fig. 12 - Final assembled state with the cover retracted.

Drawings reproduced from the public patent document for reference.

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This page is based on the public patent document CN114098240B, assigned to Zhejiang Songyuan Automotive Safety Systems Co ltd. IP2M is an independent manufacturing service and is not affiliated with, endorsed by or licensed by the patent owner. Images marked as concept renderings are illustrations, not photos of an existing product. Patent status information is provided for reference only and is not legal advice; confirm freedom to operate for your market before production. Full disclaimer.