Electronic seat occupant classification system
First Claim
1. An occupant classification system for a motor vehicle of the type having one or more occupant seats, an inflatable restraint system for providing impact protection for an occupant of the seat, and a belt restraint system associated with the seat, the occupant classification system for classifying an occupant of the seat for purposes of providing a control signal for the inflatable restraint system as a function of certain types of occupants occupying the seat, the occupant classification system comprising:
- an array of on-off switches carried by a seat cushion of the seat;
a seat belt tension sensor providing an output related to the belt tension acting on the belt restraint system; and
a controller for receiving signals from the on-off switches and the seat belt tension sensor for providing the control signal for the inflatable restraint system, wherein a belt tension signal related to a belt tension above a predetermined level associated with the presence of a child restraint seat in the seat will produce a control signal for disabling the inflatable restraint system and the outputs from the on-off switches are interpreted to provide the control signal distinguishing between occupants for controlling the inflatable restraint system.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An occupant classification system for recognizing the type of occupant of a motor vehicle seat especially for use in controlling an inflatable restraint system. The classification system utilizes a number of on-off electrical switches arranged in a pattern on a seat cushion mat. Signals from the switches may be processed in a variety of manners to characterize the occupant.
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Citations
14 Claims
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1. An occupant classification system for a motor vehicle of the type having one or more occupant seats, an inflatable restraint system for providing impact protection for an occupant of the seat, and a belt restraint system associated with the seat, the occupant classification system for classifying an occupant of the seat for purposes of providing a control signal for the inflatable restraint system as a function of certain types of occupants occupying the seat, the occupant classification system comprising:
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an array of on-off switches carried by a seat cushion of the seat;
a seat belt tension sensor providing an output related to the belt tension acting on the belt restraint system; and
a controller for receiving signals from the on-off switches and the seat belt tension sensor for providing the control signal for the inflatable restraint system, wherein a belt tension signal related to a belt tension above a predetermined level associated with the presence of a child restraint seat in the seat will produce a control signal for disabling the inflatable restraint system and the outputs from the on-off switches are interpreted to provide the control signal distinguishing between occupants for controlling the inflatable restraint system. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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Specification