Siemens Vdo Automotive Corporation

Continental Automotive Systems Us, Inc.

Robert Graf

Brian Michael Curtis

Harald Lichtinger

Daniel Reich

Scott Morrell

Maria Kremer

Harold Lichtinger

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

A system for measuring seat belt forces is used to control deployment of vehicle airbags. The system includes a rigid plate member having one end attached to a portion of the seat belt and an opposite end mounted to a vehicle structure. The seat belt is used to secure passengers or an infant car seat to the vehicle seat. A sensor including a strain gage is mounted on the rigid plate between the ends and is used to measure the magnitude of forces exerted on the seat belt by the passenger or car seat. The strain gage generates a signal representative of the tension in the seat belt, which is used to control deployment of the airbag. The airbag is not deployed if the tension in the seat belt exceeds a predetermined limit.

Seat belt force sensor system

Weight classification system

A system for measuring seatbelt forces includes a guide that isolates a seatbelt force sensor from input loads applied to the seatbelt at an angle. The system includes a rigid plate member that supports the seatbelt force sensor , and which has one end attached to a portion of the seatbelt and an opposite end mounted to a guide bracket . The guide bracket includes a pair of circular bosses at one end for pivotally mounting the bracket to a vehicle structure such as a B-pillar , for example. The bracket guides the seatbelt in such a manner that input loads to the seatbelt that are applied at an angle do not affect the bending of the sensor

Seatbelt force sensor assembly with guide member

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Pichl/Gsies, Italy

Robert Graf