Seat occupancy sensor
US6353394B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 18, 2000 |
| Grant date | Mar 5, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 18, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB60N2210/22
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An on-seat occupant detector apparatus includes a seat occupancy sensor made up of an optical wave guide provided in the seat for allowing the passage of light. The optical wave guide has a light transmissive portion possessing a curvature that is variable, with the optical wave guide changing the physical quantity of the light passing through the light transmissive portion when the curvature varies as a result of occupancy of the seat. The sensor also includes a light emitting device for inputting light into the optical wave guide, a light receiving device for receiving light outputted from the optical wave guide, and a detecting device which detects occupancy of the seat when the physical quantity of light passing through the light transmissive portion changes due to a change in the curvature of the transmissive portion as a result of the occupancy of the seat.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.