Method and apparatus for measuring seat occupant weight
US6536797B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 29, 2000 |
| Grant date | Mar 25, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 20, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01G19/4142
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A system for correcting seat occupant weight measurement error induced by a seat belt is used to control deployment of vehicle airbags. When a child seat is secured to a vehicle seat with a seat belt, the belt is pulled to a very tight position, which applies a greater force to the seat, erroneously raising the measured occupant weight. The subject system detects the difference between a child seat with a large seat belt force and a small adult, and modifies airbag deployment accordingly. The system includes a sensor assembly mounted within the seat bottom that measures a total seat occupant weight. A control unit generates a compensation factor based on the sensor assembly weight measurements and the mounting locations of the seat belt. The compensation factor is used to correct the total seat occupant weight, providing a modified occupant weight. Airbag deployment is controlled based on the modified occupant weight.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.