The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Dec. 16, 2003
Filed:
Sep. 19, 2001
Jeffrey Allen Clark, Sterling Heights, MI (US);
Siemens VDO Automotive Corporation, Auburn Hills, MI (US);
Abstract
A sensor assembly for measuring seatbelt forces includes a first structural member anchored to a vehicle structure and a second structural member mounted for movement relative to the first structural member in response to a seatbelt force (FIG. ). A thin member is mounted between the first and second structural members and provides a mounting surface for a sensor The thin member responds to movement of the second structural member to provide high strain levels for the normal working range of the sensor The thin member is mounted between the first and second structural members such that the sensor is isolated from movements due to non-axial loads. The first and second structural members are inter-related to define a maximum range of movement between the first and second members. Thus, overload protection is provided to prevent separation of the first and second structural members when a predetermined load limit is exceeded.