Seat belt tension sensor
US6081759A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 24, 1998 |
| Grant date | Jun 27, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 24, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB60R22/1952
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A sensor of Giant magneto-resistive (GMR) type is attached to a seat belt anchor bracket. A seat belt passes through an opening in the bracket and is doubled back and sewn to form a loop. A magnet positioned on a sliding carriage is biased away from the sensor by springs. A seat belt loops around the carriage, and when tension is applied to the belt, the carriage with the magnet is drawn against the springs toward the GMR sensor. The GMR sensor measures the magnetic field present at the sensor and a microprocessor determines belt tension based on the known spring constants and the strength of measured magnetic field which is correlated with displacement of the magnet.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.