US Patent 10252694 Adaptive seatbelt system and method

Adaptive seatbelt systems and methods are provided for adjusting the position of a seatbelt relative to an occupant. An adaptive seatbelt system for a vehicle includes a seat. A belt is configured to restrain an occupant in the seat. An anchor point along the belt is provided at an elevated position. An actuator raises or lowers the anchor point relative to the seat. A controller receives an input signal containing occupant identifying information and biometric data corresponding to occupant identification data. A processor compares the occupant identifying information to occupant identification data to verify an occupant's identity. The processor may determine an optimal comfort height or an optimal restraint height for the third anchor point based on the biometric data. The actuator adjusts the anchor point to the optimal comfort height or to the optimal restraint height in response to signals from the processor.