Seat belt tension sensor
US6829952B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 12, 2003 |
| Grant date | Dec 14, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 12, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01L5/103
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An anchor plate operatively coupled to a seat belt incorporates a slot that slideably engages an anchor bolt, which is biased therein by a spring. A tension in the seat belt causes a deflection of the spring and an associated motion of the anchor bolt in the slot, which is sensed by a proximity sensor on the anchor plate. In another aspect, a carriage is adapted to slide relative to a bracket, and a first spring is operative between the carriage and the bracket so as to bias the carriage relative to the bracket in a direction opposite to a first direction. Either the bracket is operatively coupled to a vehicle frame with an anchor bolt and the seat belt operatively engages the carriage, or vice versa. A tension in the seat belt, when reacted by the anchor bolt, causes an associated motion of the carriage in the first direction, which is sensed by a displacement sensor. In one embodiment, a second spring is operative between the carriage and the bracket so as to bias the carriage in the first direction relative to said bracket, thereby substantially eliminating slack. One embodiment of the displacement sensor comprises a magnetic sensor coupled to the bracket, which measures the mag…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.