Timothy K. Willis is an accomplished inventor based in Northville, MI (US). He has made significant contributions to the field of automotive safety, particularly in passive restraint systems. With a total of 2 patents, his work focuses on enhancing the safety and functionality of vehicle restraint systems.

Latest Patents

Willis's latest patents include innovative designs aimed at improving the effectiveness of automotive passive restraint systems. The first patent, titled "Control for automotive passive restraint system with manual retrigger," describes a system where a torso belt automatically secures a vehicle occupant. This system features a belt carrier that moves the torso belt from a forward position to a rearward position. A manual retrigger allows the occupant to reinitiate the movement of the belt carrier after it has been latched.

The second patent, "Control for automotive passive restraint system with seat adjust," addresses the challenges posed by seat adjustments during the operation of the torso belt. This invention inhibits torso belt movement whenever the seat is adjusted, preventing inadvertent latching of the retractor mechanism. Once the seat adjustment is complete, the torso belt movement resumes, ensuring the safety of the occupant.

Career Highlights

Timothy K. Willis is currently employed at Ford Motor Company Limited, where he continues to innovate in the automotive industry. His work has contributed to advancements in vehicle safety, making significant strides in protecting occupants during accidents.

Collaborations

Throughout his career, Willis has collaborated with notable colleagues, including Keith R. Waineo and David E. Scroggie. These partnerships have fostered a creative environment that encourages the development of groundbreaking automotive technologies.

Conclusion

Timothy K. Willis's contributions to automotive safety through his innovative patents demonstrate his commitment to enhancing vehicle occupant protection. His work at Ford Motor Company Limited continues to influence the future of automotive restraint systems.