Seat belt retractor torsion rod activity sensor
US6916045B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 20, 2003 |
| Grant date | Jul 12, 2005 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 21, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB60R2022/469
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A seat belt load limiter employs a magnetostrictive sensor to detect the elastic loading and plastic deformation of a torsion rod forming part of a seat belt retractor. A magnet and a coil are placed about or adjacent to the torsion rod. When the torsion rod undergoes elastic or plastic strain, an electrical voltage is induced in the coil which is used to detect elastic or plastic strain of the torsion rod. A vehicle safety system uses the output of the magnetostrictive sensor to inform the vehicle operator when the seat belt load limiter is in need of replacement. The output of the magnetostrictive sensor as processed by the vehicle safety system can also be used to detect a situation where the seat occupant is not restrained by the seat belt and to make an airbag deployment decision.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.