Siemens Vdo Automotive Corporation

Continental Automotive Systems Us, Inc.

Daniel Reich

Brian Michael Curtis

Harald Lichtinger

Robert Graf

Scott Morrell

Maria Kremer

Scott M Morell

Marten Swart

Horst Belau

Charles R Cook, Jr

Emmanuel V Garcia

Alanna Marie Quail

Michael Baker

A method and apparatus is provided that classifies a seat occupant into one of several different weight classes based on an estimated value of the seat occupant weight. An occupant's measured weight varies when the occupant's seating position changes or when the vehicle travels over adverse road conditions. A plurality of weight sensors are used to measure the weight exerted by a seat occupant against a seat bottom and are used to determine center of gravity for the seat occupant. A seat belt force sensor is also used to assist in classifying the seat occupant. Compensation factors using the seat belt force and center of gravity information are used to generate an estimated weight value. The estimated value of the occupant weight is compared to a series of upper and lower weight thresholds assigned to each of the weight classes to generate an occupant weight sample class. Over a period of time, several estimated weight values are compared to the weight class thresholds. Once a predetermined number of consistent and consecutive occupant weight sample classes is achieved, the occupant is locked into a specific occupant weight class. When the weight class is locked, the separation value between the upper and lower thresholds is increased to account for minor weight variations due to adverse road conditions and changes in occupant position.

Sensor assembly for seat occupant weight classification system

Weight classification system

A vehicle weight classification system recognizes the various factors that influence system performance. Some of the factors are compensated for using analog signal processing circuitry or techniques. Other factors are compensated for using digital signal processing techniques. The unique combination of analog and digital approaches, rather than pure analog or pure digital, provides an effective solution at addressing the various factors that influence signals and system performance in a vehicle weight classification system while keeping the cost and complexity of the system within acceptable limits.

Signal processing in a vehicle weight classification system

A system for correcting seat occupant weight measurement error induced by a seat belt is used to control deployment of vehicle airbags. When a child seat is secured to a vehicle seat with a seat belt, the belt is pulled to a very tight position, which applies a greater force to the seat, erroneously raising the measured occupant weight. The subject system detects the difference between a child seat with a large seat belt force and a small adult, and modifies airbag deployment accordingly. The system includes a sensor assembly mounted within the seat bottom that measures a total seat occupant weight. A control unit generates a compensation factor based on the sensor assembly weight measurements and the mounting locations of the seat belt. The compensation factor is used to correct the total seat occupant weight, providing a modified occupant weight. Airbag deployment is controlled based on the modified occupant weight.

Method and apparatus for measuring seat occupant weight

A vehicle weight classification system includes a method of classifying weight information. A plurality of zones are defined and are associated with each of the weight classifications. In one example, the upper and lower limits of the zones overlap those of an adjacent zone. The upper and lower limits of the zones preferably also overlap the thresholds of the corresponding weight classifications. Whenever weight information exists within a zone, a value for that zone is increased. The zone having the highest value is determined to be the zone where the weight information should be classified. The weight information is then classified into the classification associated with the zone having the highest value.

Method of classifying weight information in a vehicle weight classification system

A method and apparatus is provided that classifies a seat occupant into one of several different weight classes based on an estimated value of the seat occupant weight. An occupant's measured weight varies when the occupant's seating position changes or when the vehicle travels over adverse road conditions. The estimated value of the occupant weight is compared to a series of upper and lower weight thresholds assigned to each of the weight classes to generate an occupant weight sample class. Over a period of time, several estimated weight values are compared to the weight class thresholds. Once a predetermined number of consistent and consecutive occupant weight sample classes is achieved, the occupant is locked into a specific occupant weight class. When the weight class is locked, the separation value between the upper and lower thresholds is increased to account for minor weight variations due to adverse road conditions and changes in occupant position. The weight class is unlocked when a predetermined number of inconsistent classes is observed and the process is repeated.

Method and apparatus for classifying seat occupant weight

A system for measuring seatbelt forces is used to control deployment of vehicle airbags. The system includes a seatbelt anchor assembly having a bracket mounted to a vehicle structure adjacent to a vehicle seat. A seatbelt mechanism has a belt portion that is looped through the bracket. The seatbelt is used to secure passengers or an infant car seat to the vehicle seat. A sensor is engaged with the anchor assembly and is used to measure the magnitude of forces exerted on the seatbelt by the passenger or car seat. The sensor generates a signal representative of the seatbelt forces, which is used to control deployment of the airbag.

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Macomb, MI, United States of America

Daniel Reich