Capacitive sensing apparatus for a vehicle seat

US7217891B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Delphi Technologies · US

Inventors

• Thomas H. Fischer · Wenden, DE
• Mike Albani · Leverkusen, DE
• William W. Fultz · Carmel, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Sep 29, 2005
• Grant date: May 15, 2007
• Expiry date: Sep 29, 2025

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B60N2230/30
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A capacitive sensing apparatus for a vehicle seat includes a deflectable dielectric mat and a flexible printed circuit that wraps around the major surfaces of the dielectric mat to define upper and lower conductor strips that overlap in a direction perpendicular to the dielectric mat. Overlapping regions of the conductor strips define an array of capacitive load cells distributed over the seating surface. A connector stub depending from the flexible printed circuit couples the conductor strips to an external circuit that measures the capacitance of the various load cells to determine occupant weight and weight distribution.