Patent · US Expired

Automotive seat weight sensing system

US6056079A · kind A · utility

116Cited by
19References
15Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateJan 7, 1998
Grant dateMay 2, 2000
Priority date
Expiry dateJan 7, 2018

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
  • CPC primaryB60N2210/44
  • WIPO fieldTransport
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

A plurality of hydrostatic weight sensors, each incorporating a fluid and a pressure sensor for sensing the pressure thereof, are incorporated in a vehicle seat to sense occupant weight, position, and stature. In one aspect, a hydrostatic weight sensor is located in the seat back and a separate hydrostatic weight sensor is located in the seat bottom. In another aspect, a plurality of laterally or longitudinally proximate hydrostatic weight sensors, or a single bladder with a plurality of chambers, is incorporated in the seat bottom to sense occupant position. In another aspect, a hydrostatic seat weight sensor is provided by forming a fluid filled cavity within a seat cushion and sensing the pressure of the fluid therein. A signal processor calculates the occupant weight, position, and stature from the respective pressure sensor output signals and controls a safety restraint system responsive thereto.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.