Fluid filled seat bladder with capacitive sensors for occupant classification and weight estimation
US6927678B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 18, 2003 |
| Grant date | Aug 9, 2005 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 2, 2024 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB60N2210/44
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A fluid-filled seat bladder assembly includes multiple capacitive sensing elements for detecting variation in bladder deformation due to occupant weight. The bladder is defined by upper and lower elastomeric sheets that are peripherally sealed by welding, and the capacitive sensors are defined by metalized films adjoining the upper and lower elastomeric sheets. The bladder fluid separating the upper and lower metalized films acts as a dielectric material, and the capacitance or electric field coupling of each sensor increases when the separation between the respective upper and lower films decreases due occupant seat weight. The cumulative change in capacitance or electric field coupling reflects the total seated weight, and the individual capacitance or electric field coupling changes provide a profile of the pressure distribution across the seat for improved occupant classification. The metalized films may be located exterior of the bladder, or may be are formed on interior surfaces of the upper and lower elastomeric bladder sheets.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.