Patent ID: 6863236
Filing Date: 2005-03-08
Classification: B60R

Abstract:
1. An energy management device for a vehicle seatbelt comprising: a seatbelt spool, and a portion of a seatbelt wound on the seatbelt spool; a stationary member; a magnetic member movable by at least one magnetic coil, relative to the stationary member for causing a frictional engagement between the stationary member and the seatbelt spool; a safety system controller electrically connected to energize the at least one magnetic coil; and at least one sensor connected in data transmitting relation to the safety system controller; wherein the seatbelt spool has an internal cylindrical surface, and the at least one magnetic coil is part of an electromagnet which is repelled from the stationary member towards the seatbelt spool internal cylindrical surface to frictionally engage said internal cylindrical surface.