Weight measuring systems and methods for vehicles

• US 20050017488A1
• Filed: 07/21/2004
• Published: 01/27/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 05/05/1992
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: American Vehicular Sciences LLC (Acacia Research Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Automotive Technologies International Incorporated
• Inventors: Breed, David S., Johnson, Wendell C., DuVall, Wilbur E.
• Granted Patent: US 7,407,029 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 280/735
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 2/002 Seats provided with an occupancy detection means mounted therein or thereon detection means responsive to presence or absence of children B60N2/266
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 2/015 Attaching seats directly to vehicle chassis
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 2/0224 Non-manual adjustments, e.g. with electrical operation
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 2/02246 Electric motors therefor
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 2/0244 with logic circuits
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 2/0248 with memory of positions
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 2/0252 with relations between different adjustments, e.g. height of headrest following longitudinal position of seat
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 2/0268 using sensors or detectors for adapting the seat or seat part, e.g. to the position of an occupant
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 2/0272 using sensors or detectors for detecting the position of seat parts
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 2/0276 reaction to emergency situations, e.g. crash
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 2/067 by linear actuators, e.g. linear screw mechanisms
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 2/28 Seats readily mountable on, and dismountable from, existing seats or other parts of the vehicle
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 2/2806 for securing the child seat to the vehicle
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 2/2863 backward facing
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 2/66 Lumbar supports
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 2/829 characterised by their adjusting mechanisms, e.g. electric motors
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 2/853 characterised by their adjusting mechanisms, e.g. electric motors
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 2/888 with arrangements for protecting against abnormal g-forces, e.g. by displacement of the head-rest
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 16/037 for occupant comfort , e.g. for automatic adjustment of appliances according to personal settings, e.g. seats, mirrors, steering wheel
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2001/1223 with sensors or transducers
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2001/1253 : with cameras, video cameras or video screens
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2021/0027 : Post collision measures, e.g. notifying emergency services
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2021/01315 : monitoring occupant displacement
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2021/23153 : specially adapted for rear seat passengers
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2021/26094 : characterised by fluid flow controlling valves
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2021/2765 : comprising means to control the venting
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2022/208 : by automatic or remote control means
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2022/288 : with means to adjust or regulate the amount of energy to be absorbed
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2022/4685 : with means to adjust or regulate the tensioning force in relation to external parameters
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2022/4825 : for sensing amount of belt winded on retractor
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/013 : including means for detecting collisions, impending collisions or roll-over
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/0132 : responsive to vehicle motion parameters , e.g. to vehicle longitudinal or transversal deceleration or speed value
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/0134 : responsive to imminent contact with an obstacle , e.g. using radar systems
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/0136 : responsive to actual contact with an obstacle , e.g. to vehicle deformation, bumper displacement or bumper velocity relative to the vehicle monitoring crash strength in combination with passenger seat detection B60R21/01558
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/015 : including means for detecting the presence or position of passengers, passenger seats or child seats , and the related safety parameters therefor, e.g. speed or timing of airbag inflation in relation to occupant position or seat belt use
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/01516 : using force or pressure sensing means
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/0152 : using strain gauges
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/0153 : using field detection presence sensors
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/01532 : using electric or capacitive field sensors
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/01534 : using electromagneticwaves, e.g. infrared
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/01536 : using ultrasonic waves
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/01538 : for image processing, e.g. cameras or sensor arrays
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/01542 : detecting passenger motion
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/01544 : detecting seat belt parameters, e.g. length, tension or height-adjustment
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/01546 : using belt buckle sensors
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/01548 : sensing the amount of belt winded on retractor
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/01552 : detecting position of specific human body parts, e.g. face, eyes or hands
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/01554 : Seat position sensors
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/203 : in steering wheels or steering columns
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/21656 : Steering wheel covers or similar cup-shaped covers
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/276 : with means to vent the inflation fluid source, e.g. in case of overpressure B60R21/30 takes precedence; venting means on inflatable member walls B60R21/239
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 22/20 : adjustable in position, e.g. in height
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 22/201 : with the belt anchor connected to a slider movable in a vehicle-mounted track for passive restraint systems B60R22/06
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 25/25 : using biometry
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 25/252 : Fingerprint recognition
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 25/255 : Eye recognition
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 25/257 : Voice recognition
• CPC Class Codes: E05F 15/43 : responsive to disruption of energy beams, e.g. light or sound
• CPC Class Codes: E05F 15/431 : specially adapted for vehicle windows or roofs
• CPC Class Codes: E05F 2015/433 : using reflection from the obstruction
• CPC Class Codes: E05Y 2900/55 : Windows
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 13/04 : Systems determining presence of a target based on relative movement of target G01S13/56
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 15/04 : Systems determining presence of a target
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 15/06 : Systems determining the position data of a target
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 15/42 : Simultaneous measurement of distance and other co-ordinates indirect measurement G01S15/46
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 15/87 : Combinations of sonar systems
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 15/88 : Sonar systems specially adapted for specific applications seismic or acoustic prospecting or detecting G01V1/00
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 17/88 : Lidar systems specially adapted for specific applications
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 17/89 : for mapping or imaging
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 7/417 : involving the use of neural networks
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 7/4802 : using analysis of echo signal for target characterisation; Target signature; Target cross-section
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 7/539 : using analysis of echo signal for target characterisation; Target signature; Target cross-section
• CPC Class Codes: G06V 40/103 : Static body considered as a whole, e.g. static pedestrian or occupant recognition
• CPC Class Codes: G10K 2210/1282 : Automobiles
• CPC Class Codes: G10K 2210/3219 : Geometry of the configuration

Abstract

Weight sensor for determining the weight of an occupant of a seat including a bladder arranged in a seat portion of the seat and including material or structure in an interior thereof which constrains fluid flow therein and one or more transducers for measuring the pressure of the fluid in the bladder. The material or structure might be open cell foam. The bladder may include one or more chambers, and if more than one chamber is formed, each chamber can be arranged at a different location in the seat portion of the seat.

Claims

1. A weight sensor for determining the weight of an occupant of a seat, comprising:

a bladder having an interior and being adapted to be arranged in a seat portion of the seat, said bladder including constraining means arranged in said interior for constraining fluid flow within said interior; and

at least one transducer for measuring the pressure of the fluid in said bladder.

2. The weight sensor of claim 1, wherein said constraining means comprise open cell foam.

3. The weight sensor of claim 1, wherein said bladder is cylindrical.

4. The weight sensor of claim 1, further comprising a container, said bladder being arranged in said container.

5. The weight sensor of claim 4, wherein said container is rectangular and said bladder is cylindrical.

6. The weight sensor of claim 4, wherein an orifice having an adjustable size is formed in said bladder opening to an interior of said container.

7. The weight sensor of claim 6, further comprising a control circuit arranged to control the amount of opening of said orifice.

8. The weight sensor of claim 1, wherein said bladder comprises a plurality of chambers, each of said chambers being adapted to be arranged at a different location in the seat portion of the seat.

9. An apparatus for determining the weight distribution of the occupant comprising the weight sensor of claim 8, said at least one transducer comprising a plurality of transducers, said bladder including a plurality of chambers, each of said transducers being associated with one of said chambers whereby the weight distribution of the occupant is obtained from the pressure measurements of said transducers.

10. The weight sensor of claim 1, wherein said at least one transducer consists of a single transducer.

11. A vehicle seat, comprising:

a seat portion adapted to support an occupant, said seat portion including a container having an interior containing fluid and a mechanism in said interior arranged to restrict flow of the fluid from one portion of said interior to another portion of said interior;

a back portion arranged at an angle to said seat portion; and

a measurement system arranged to obtain an indication of the weight of the occupant when present on said seat portion based at least in part on the pressure of the fluid in said container.

12. The seat of claim 11, wherein said mechanism is open cell foam.

13. The seat of claim 11, wherein said container is cylindrical.

14. The seat of claim 11, further comprising an additional container arranged around said fluid-containing container.

15. The seat of claim 14, wherein said additional container is rectangular and said fluid-containing container is cylindrical.

16. The seat of claim 14, wherein an orifice having an adjustable size is formed in said fluid-containing container opening to an interior of said additional container.

17. The seat of claim 16, further comprising a control circuit arranged to control the amount of opening of said orifice.

18. The seat of claim 11, wherein said seat portion includes a plurality of said containers, each of said containers being adapted to be arranged at a different location in the seat portion of the seat.

19. The seat of claim 11, wherein said measurement system comprises at least one transducer.

20. A method for determining the weight of an occupant of an automotive seat, comprising the steps of:

arranging a bladder having at least one chamber in a seat portion of the seat;

measuring the pressure in each of the at least one chamber; and

deriving the weight of the occupant based on the measured pressure.

21. The method of claim 20, wherein the at least one chamber comprises a plurality of individual chambers.

22. The method of claim 21, wherein the pressure in each of the chambers is measured by a respective transducer associated with the chamber.

23. The method of claim 22, further comprising the step of determining a distribution of the weight of the occupant based on the pressure measured by the transducers.

24. The method of claim 23, further comprising the step of determining a position of the occupant based on the weight distribution.

25. The method of claim 23, further comprising the step of determining a center of gravity of the occupant based on the weight distribution.

26. The method of claim 20, further comprising the steps of:

arranging the bladder in a container; and

permitting fluid flow between the bladder and the container.

27. The method of claim 26, further comprising the step of regulating the flow of fluid between the bladder and the container.

28. The method of claim 27, wherein the bladder includes an adjustable orifice leading to the container, the flow of fluid being regulated by adjusting the orifice.

29. A vehicle seat, comprising:

a seat portion adapted to support an occupant, said seat portion including a container having an interior containing fluid and being partitioned into multiple sections between which the fluid flows as a function of pressure applied to said seat portion,

a back portion coupled to and arranged at an angle to said seat portion; and

a measurement system arranged to obtain an indication of the weight of the occupant when present on said seat portion based at least in part on the pressure of the fluid in said container.

30. The seat of claim 29, wherein said interior of said container includes open cell foam.

31. The seat of claim 29, wherein said container is partitioned into an inner bladder and an outer container.

32. The seat of claim 31, wherein said inner bladder includes an orifice leading to said outer container.

33. The seat of claim 32, wherein said orifice has an adjustable size, further comprising a control circuit arranged to control the amount of opening of said orifice.

34. The seat of claim 29, wherein said measurement system comprises at least one transducer.

35. A seat for a vehicle, comprising:

a seat portion adapted to support an occupant, said seat portion including a bladder having a fluid-containing interior,

a back portion coupled to and arranged at an angle to said seat portion;

a mounting structure for mounting said seat portion to a floor pan of the vehicle and

a measurement system associated with said bladder and arranged to obtain an indication of the weight of the occupant when present on said seat portion based at least in part on the pressure of the fluid in said bladder.

36. The seat of claim 35, wherein said measurement system comprises at least one transducer for measuring the pressure of the fluid in said bladder.

37. The seat of claim 35, wherein said bladder including constraining means arranged in said interior for constraining fluid flow within said interior.

38. The seat of claim 37, wherein said constraining means comprise open cell foam.

39. The seat of claim 35, wherein said bladder includes a plurality of individual chambers.

40. The seat of claim 39, wherein said measurement system comprises a transducer arranged in connection with of said chambers.

41. A control system for controlling a vehicle component based on occupancy of a seat, comprising:

a bladder having at least one chamber adapted to arranged in a seat portion of the seat;

a measurement system for measuring the pressure in said at least one chamber;

an adjustment system arranged to adjust the component in the vehicle; and

a processor coupled to said measurement system and to said adjustment system for determining an adjustment for the component by said adjustment system based at least in part on the pressure measured by said measurement system.

42. The control system of claim 41, wherein said adjustment system is a system for adjusting deployment of an occupant restraint device.

43. The control system of claim 42, wherein the occupant restraint device is an airbag and said deployment adjustment system is arranged to control at least one of flow of gas into an airbag, flow of gas out of an airbag, rate of generation of gas and amount of generated gas.

44. The control system of claim 41, wherein said adjustment system is a system for adjusting the seat.

45. The control system of claim 44, wherein said seat adjustment system comprises at least one motor for moving the seat.

46. The control system of claim 41, wherein said adjustment system is a system for adjusting the steering wheel.

47. The control system of claim 46, wherein said steering wheel adjustment system comprises a motor coupled to the steering wheel.

48. The control system of claim 41, wherein said adjustment system is a system for adjusting a pedal.

49. The control system of claim 48, wherein said steering wheel adjustment system comprises a motor coupled to the pedal.

50. The control system of claim 41, wherein said bladder includes constraining means arranged in said interior for constraining flow of fluid within said interior, said measurement system measuring the pressure of the fluid in said bladder.

51. The control system of claim 50, wherein said constraining means comprise open cell foam.

52. The control system of claim 50, wherein said bladder comprises a plurality of chambers, each of said chambers being adapted to be arranged at a different location in the seat portion of the seat.

53. The control system of claim 52, wherein said measurement system comprises a plurality of transducer, each arranged in association with a respective one of said chambers.

54. The control system of claim 50, wherein said bladder consists of a single chamber, said measurement system comprising a transducer arranged in association with said single chamber.

55. The control system of claim 41, wherein said bladder has an interior containing fluid and a mechanism in said interior arranged to restrict flow of the fluid from one portion of said interior to another portion of said interior.

56. The control system of claim 55, wherein said mechanism is open cell foam.

57. The control system of claim 41, further comprising a container having a fluid-containing interior, said container being in flow communication with said bladder such that the fluid flows between said container and said bladder as a function of pressure applied to said container and said bladder.

58. The control system of claim 57, wherein said bladder is arranged in an interior of said container.

59. The control system of claim 57, wherein said bladder has an adjustable orifice leading to said container, said measurement system being arranged in connection with said orifice.