Tras el volante de la perspectiva

SEATBELT ACCESORY
This is a short video demonstration of how the accessory works. Although the animation is not highly precise due to my current limitations in animation skills, it visually communicates the main concept and functionality of the design as accurately as possible. The video shows how the accessory attaches to the existing 3-point seatbelt and redistributes the pressure points to avoid the chest and abdomen area, especially for pregnant women or those with larger busts. It helps reposition the shoulder strap away from the neck and ensures better comfort and safety by adapting to the user’s body. While it’s a basic representation, it reflects the core idea of the system I’ve developed through research, prototyping, and ergonomic testing.

This is a short video demonstration of how the accessory works. Although the animation is not highly precise due to my current limitations in animation skills, it visually communicates the main concept and functionality of the design as accurately as possible. The video shows how the accessory attaches to the existing 3-point seatbelt and redistributes the pressure points to avoid the chest and abdomen area, especially for pregnant women or those with larger busts. It helps reposition the shoulder strap away from the neck and ensures better comfort and safety by adapting to the user’s body. While it’s a basic representation, it reflects the core idea of the system I’ve developed through research, prototyping, and ergonomic testing.
PLANO DE MECANISMO
Boceto de exploración
PROTOTIPO EN USO
GANCHO DE SEGURIDAD PARA ENSAMBLAR EN CINTURÓN EXISTENTE

Para qué sirve

This ergonomic accessory improves seat belt safety and comfort for pregnant women, women with large breasts, or small frames by redistributing pressure, avoiding sensitive areas, and addressing gender bias in automotive design.

Qué te inspiró

nce childhood, I’ve been passionate about cars—a male-dominated world that inspired me to study design and offer a new perspective. This project tackles a long-overlooked issue: the lack of safe, ergonomic seatbelt solutions for female bodies—especially pregnant women, women with large busts, or small frames. I propose an adaptable accessory that redistributes pressure for greater comfort and protection. It’s a functional, inclusive intervention driven by a love for cars and a commitment to those underserved by traditional systems.

Cómo funciona

This ergonomic accessory attaches to a standard 3-point seatbelt to better fit the female body—particularly pregnant women, women with large breasts, or small frames—who often feel unsafe with conventional belts. It redistributes pressure away from the belly and chest, redirecting it diagonally across the torso or shoulders. Inspired by F1 harnesses and helmet cheek pads, its cross-shaped chest piece avoids the abdomen entirely. It clips onto the belt’s anchor using a secure, easy-release system. Made from soft-touch, high-resistance materials, the design can incorporate more anchoring points for better force distribution. Rather than replacing the seatbelt, it improves it—offering safety and comfort for those overlooked in automotive design.

Proceso de diseño

1. Birth of the idea This project emerged from my lifelong passion for cars and a concern for women’s safety. After speaking with pregnant women, those with larger busts, and smaller frames, I realized seatbelts often cause pain or insecurity. 2. Initial research I conducted surveys with Mexican women and worked with gynecologists Dr. Dan Maya Goldsmith and Dr. Samantha López Medina to identify pressure points on the female body, especially during pregnancy. 3. Technical and anthropometric analysis Using anthropometric data, I mapped sensitive areas and studied improper seatbelt usage. 4. Collaboration with experts With ergonomist Dr. David Orozco and engineer Carlos Mastretta, I explored better force distribution and technical feasibility. 5. First prototype Inspired by Formula 1 harnesses, I designed an “X” strap system avoiding the abdomen, but it proved too complex. 6. Iteration and simplification I simplified the design, reducing fasteners from four to two and using softer materials. I created interchangeable modules for different body types, each redistributing pressure uniquely. Testing helped refine strap length, buckle types, and comfort angles. Now in its final prototype stage, the design is safe, intuitive, and solves a long-ignored issue in car safety.

Qué lo hace diferente

design enhances—rather than replaces—the existing seatbelt system, addressing the physical needs of the female body in a functional, evidence-based way. Unlike generic accessories, it’s backed by gynecologists, an ergonomist, and user feedback. Each module is tailored to a body type—pregnant, large-busted, or petite—redistributing pressure without compromising safety. Its modular fastening adapts to users without altering the vehicle, making it inclusive and scalable. The design also pioneers a social, gender-conscious approach to road safety, recognizing how women have long been excluded from automotive design.

Planes para el futuro

e next step is refining prototypes through user testing and ergonomic feedback to optimize materials, size, and anchors. I aim to run certified safety simulations and access female crash dummies—often lacking in accuracy—to validate the design. To do so, I’ll seek funding for collaboration with labs and automotive partners. Once validated, I’ll prepare for patenting and explore partnerships for implementation. Long-term, I hope this becomes a standard safety feature for women and sparks a broader shift toward inclusive mobility design.

Premios

Creado por

Michelle Alduncin Alemon

Universidad/Institución

CENTRO de DISEÑO, Cine y Televisión.

Región

Méjico