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:
Nov. 30, 2004
Filed:
Aug. 30, 2002
Brian M. Curtis, Lake Orion, MI (US);
Siemens VDO Automotive Corporation, Auburn Hills, MI (US);
Abstract
A system for measuring the weight of a seat occupant is used to control airbag deployment. The system includes a plurality of weight sensors that have a first end mounted to a seat riser and a second end mounted to a seat frame or track member. The weight sensors have a central bendable portion that extends between the first and second ends. A groove is formed in one of the external surfaces of the central bendable portion to localize strain. A full bridge strain gage assembly is mounted on a surface of each of the weight sensors, opposite from the groove, for generating a weight signal in response to measuring deflection of the central bendable portion. A central processor determines seat occupant weight based on the weight signals and an airbag control module communicates with the processor. The control module controls deployment force of the airbag based on seat occupant weight.