Function
We designed a throughly new safety belt that achieves the standard of today's car interfaces. The entire mechanism is placed in the lock fixed at the belt. Therefore, the counterpart in the seat is small, form-fitting and well integrated. Due to the rotating magnet in the lock, the locking pin appears automatically as soon as the belt approaches. This allows a one-handed operation without looking. Furthermore, a perceptible and audible feedback supports the sense of the connection. The connected belt carries upon 1.5 tons, what is usual at an accident. By pressing the two red buttons simultaneously, the belt can be easily disconnected with only one hand: the lock opens, the magnet rotates 180 degrees and pulls the locking pin back into the seat.
Inspiration
The three-point belt has been used in almost every cars for over 50 years, whether in a Rolls Royce or Fiat – it looks the same everywhere. Since its introduction nothing has changed, it is still neither ergonomic nor barrier-free. The tongue is small and difficult to reach and also the locking part in the seat is usually hidden and it’s a challenge to catch it. In addition to the strapping, also unlocking is inconvenient by using two hands. Moreover, the existing seat belt is a safety risk for children because they can easily unbolt it by pressing the button. These reasons are enough to revolutionize the safety belt after 50 years.
Development
To begin with, we analyzed the entire security system in the car. Based on an actual and an ideal scenario of using the safety belt, we created a detailed list of requirements, which was fundamental to develop three ideas. By using a catalog of criteria, the optimal solution emerged and we subsequently developed the idea more profound. After initial design studies, a big relationship between the casing and the mechanics appeared. Therefore, we worked two-lane, from inside out and vice versa, until we reached the optimal interaction. Our idea was tested on a computer-based model and later confirmed by the real 3D-printed product. Let us save life – your life!
To begin with, we analyzed the entire security system in the car. Based on an actual and an ideal scenario of using the safety belt, we created a detailed list of requirements, which was fundamental to develop three ideas. By using a catalog of criteria, the optimal solution emerged and we subsequently developed the idea more profound. After initial design studies, a big relationship between the casing and the mechanics appeared. Therefore, we worked two-lane, from inside out and vice versa, until we reached the optimal interaction. Our idea was tested on a computer-based model and later confirmed by the real 3D-printed product. Let us save life – your life!
James Dyson Award Winner 2013 Switzerland
ZHdK 2013 © Milan Rohrer Industrial Design
more pictures and information: www.milanrohrer.com
