Weight-responsive vehicle seat occupant detection and classification method and system

US10377266B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• IEE INTERNATIONAL ELECTRONICS & ENGINEERING S.A. · LU

Inventors

• Guenter Goedert · Trier, DE
• Dietmar Jungen · Mehren, DE
• Jorg Beck · Bernkastel-Kues, DE
• Gianluca Favalli · Aubange, BE

Key dates

• Filing date: Feb 23, 2016
• Grant date: Aug 13, 2019
• Expiry date: Feb 23, 2036

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B60R2022/4858
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A vehicle seat occupant classification system for use in a vehicle seat includes a weight-responsive sensor, at least one bracket member serving as a holder for the weight-responsive sensor, and an evaluation unit configured to evaluate a status of the at least one weight-responsive sensor. The bracket member is fixedly attached to the seat base. If a mechanical load at least corresponding to a first pre-determined threshold value is applied by a seat occupant, a portion of the vehicle seat comes into mechanical interaction with the at least one weight-responsive sensor, and is configured to change a status of the at least one weight-responsive sensor if a mechanical load at least corresponding to a second pre-determined threshold value is applied. Relative movement between the seat base and the at least one weight-responsive sensor is at least excluded for applied mechanical loads that are smaller than the first pre-determined threshold value.