Douglas L Forsyth

Title: Innovations by Douglas L Forsyth

Introduction

Douglas L Forsyth is an accomplished inventor based in Sterling Heights, MI (US). He has made significant contributions to automotive safety technology, holding a total of 2 patents. His work focuses on enhancing the effectiveness of seat belt systems, which are crucial for passenger safety in vehicles.

Latest Patents

Forsyth's latest patents include the "Seatback Mounted Seat Belt Tensioner" and the "Multi-Point Pretensioner System." The Seatback Mounted Seat Belt Tensioner features a pyrotechnic piston and cylinder assembly that raises a belt guide, effectively pulling two segments of a safety belt upwardly away from a vehicle seat. This mechanism removes slack from the safety belt, ensuring a tighter fit during a collision. Once the piston is fully extended, a pair of wedges jam against the inner wall of the cylinder, providing resistance to the retraction of the shaft. As the forces from the belt overcome this resistance, the piston retracts, allowing a portion of the belt to extend and relieve tension. The wedges also plastically deform the inner wall of the cylinder, absorbing some of the collision energy.

The Multi-Point Pretensioner System is designed to eliminate residual seat belt slack for multiple occupants in a vehicle. This system includes several seat belt assemblies, each secured around a respective occupant. Each assembly consists of a lap belt portion, a tongue, and a buckle, with a belt tightener that generally tightens each seat belt assembly simultaneously. This innovation ensures that all occupants are securely fastened, enhancing overall safety.

Career Highlights

Douglas L Forsyth is currently employed at Breed Automotive Technology, Inc., where he continues to develop innovative safety solutions for the automotive industry. His expertise in seat belt technology has positioned him as a key contributor to advancements in vehicle safety.

Collaborations

Forsyth has collaborated with notable colleagues, including H John Miller, III and Lynette M Norgan-Curtiss. Their combined efforts in automotive safety technology have led to significant advancements in the field.

Conclusion

Douglas L Forsyth's contributions to automotive safety through his innovative patents demonstrate his commitment to enhancing passenger protection. His work continues to influence the design and functionality of seat belt systems in vehicles, making a lasting impact on automotive safety standards.