Apparatus for reinforcing seatbelt usage in automobiles
US7686119B2 · kind B2 · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 13, 2006 |
| Grant date | Mar 30, 2010 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 13, 2026 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB60R2022/4858
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A technique for reinforcing seatbelt usage in automobiles is described. One implementation of which includes a weight sensor in the car seat that detects occupancy by a person and generates an occupancy signal that is transmitted to a seatbelt monitor unit that receives both the occupancy signal and a buckled seatbelt signal (based on a magnetic switch in the female portion of the buckle), and based thereupon, generates an unbuckled seatbelt alarm signal if the buckled seatbelt signal indicates that the buckle is not buckled when the transmitted occupancy signal indicates that the respective seat is occupied. A program executing on the automobile's stock computer then receives the unbuckled seatbelt alarm signal from the seatbelt monitor unit and handicaps the operation of the automobile in a predetermined way (e.g., speed limitation, engine kill, etc.).
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.