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:
Jun. 19, 2007
Filed:
Nov. 04, 2003
Janak Chitalia, Westland, MI (US);
Joseph Brown, Grosse Ile, MI (US);
Chris Bujak, New Baltimore, MI (US);
Janak Chitalia, Westland, MI (US);
Joseph Brown, Grosse Ile, MI (US);
Chris Bujak, New Baltimore, MI (US);
Ford Global Technologies, LLC, Dearborn, MI (US);
Abstract
A method and apparatus for detecting an improperly installed auxiliary child seat of the type that is secured in a motor vehicle by the seatbelt, and providing an alert to a vehicle operator in the case of improper installation. A seat occupancy sensor, a seatbelt buckle condition sensor, and a seatbelt tension sensor provides electrical signals to a child seat detection module, which determines that an improper installation condition exists if the auxiliary child seat is present and the seatbelt buckle is unfastened. The child seat detection module further determines an improper installation condition if the auxiliary child seat is present, the seatbelt buckle is fastened, and the seatbelt tautness is not within an acceptable range. If an improper installation condition is detected, the child seat detection module triggers an alerting device, such as a warning light on the instrument panel or audible chime. The seat occupancy sensor may a bladder-type weight sensor, or a pressure pattern sensor that is able to detect a child seat based on the weight distribution over the area of the seat. The child seat detection module includes a memory unit containing information for all auxiliary child seats that are compatible with the vehicle. A user interface allows the vehicle operator to input the type of seat installed in the vehicle, the weight of the child to be carried, and other pertinent information if necessary, and the child seat detection module calculates the range of acceptable tension values or looks up the correct values in a saved table.