Capacitive sensing and heating system for steering wheels or seats to sense presence of hand of occupant on steering wheel or occupant in seat
US10969248B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 24, 2019 |
| Grant date | Apr 6, 2021 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 20, 2039 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB60N2210/12
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A capacitance measuring system detecting an occupant of a vehicle. A sensor/heater assembly is arranged in at least one of a seat or a steering wheel of a vehicle and includes a sensor and a heater arranged adjacent to the sensor. A measurement circuit is configured to output an excitation signal to the measurement circuit and the sensor/heater assembly, measure a resonant frequency of the measurement circuit and the sensor/heater assembly in response to the excitation signal; determine at least one capacitance value based on the resonant frequency; and determine whether a body part is in proximity to the sensor based on the at least one capacitance value.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.