Seat load sensing apparatus
US7178870B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 14, 2005 |
| Grant date | Feb 20, 2007 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 21, 2025 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB60W40/09
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An apparatus (10) is used in a vehicle having a seat (2) for a vehicle occupant and a vehicle floor pan (4) for supporting the vehicle seat (2). The apparatus (10) includes a vehicle seat frame (20), a bracket (30), a spring element (240, 340 or 340, 350), a lever (90), and a sensor (992). The spring element (240, 340 or 340, 350) compresses to allow the vehicle seat frame (20) to move vertically when the load of the vehicle occupant acts on the vehicle seat (2). The lever (90) has a first end portion (100) and a second end portion (110) opposite the first end portion (100). The first end portion (100) is movable with the vehicle seat frame (20). The second end portion (110) is movable with the vehicle seat frame (20). The lever (90) has a middle portion (120) interposed between the first end portion (100) and the second end portion (110). The lever (90) bends as the vehicle seat frame (20) moves vertically relative to the bracket (30). The sensor (992) detects movement of the middle portion (120) of the lever (90) and provides an output signal indicative of the amount of movement of the middle portion (120) of the lever (90).
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.