STRAIN SENSOR HAVING IMPROVED ACCURACY
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A strain sensor comprising:
- a load carrying member having a top and bottom surface and an outer peripheral edge;
at least three bumps formed on the top surface and located toward the outer peripheral edge;
a housing, the load carrying member mounted adjacent the housing such that the bumps are adapted to contact the housing;
at least one layer of dielectric material formed on the top surface;
at least one strain sensitive resistor formed on the dielectric material; and
the bumps providing a planar contact between the housing and the load carrying member.
0 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A strain sensor that is suited for use as an occupant weight sensor in a vehicle seat is disclosed. The strain sensor includes a substrate having a top surface and a bottom surface. Several bumps are located on the top surface. The bumps extend above the top surface. The bumps are arranged in a pattern. A dielectric material is located on the top surface. At least one strain sensitive resistor is located on the dielectric material. Several conductive traces are formed on the dielectric material and are electrically connected with the strain sensitive resistor.
-
Citations
22 Claims
-
1. A strain sensor comprising:
-
a load carrying member having a top and bottom surface and an outer peripheral edge;
at least three bumps formed on the top surface and located toward the outer peripheral edge;
a housing, the load carrying member mounted adjacent the housing such that the bumps are adapted to contact the housing;
at least one layer of dielectric material formed on the top surface;
at least one strain sensitive resistor formed on the dielectric material; and
the bumps providing a planar contact between the housing and the load carrying member. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 7)
-
-
4-6. -6. (canceled)
-
8-10. -10. (canceled)
-
11. A strain sensor comprising:
-
a substrate having a top surface and a bottom surface;
a plurality of bumps located on the top surface, the bumps extending above the top surface, the bumps further being arranged in a pattern, the bumps being adapted to form a planar contact between a housing and the substrate when a load is applied to the housing;
a dielectric material located on the top surface;
at least one strain sensitive resistor located on the dielectric material; and
a plurality of conductive traces formed on the dielectric material and electrically connected with the strain sensitive resistor. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
-
-
12. (canceled)
-
18. A strain sensor comprising:
-
a substrate having a top and bottom surface;
a central raised portion defined on the top surface of the substrate;
at least two bumps formed on the top surface of the substrate, the bumps located outside of the central raised portion and toward an outer peripheral edge of the substrate;
at least one layer of dielectric material formed on the central raised portion;
at least one strain sensitive resistor formed on the dielectric material, the strain sensitive resistor being adapted to change resistance in response to an applied load; and
the substrate configured to be mounted adjacent a housing such that the bumps are adapted to contact the housing and form a planar contact between the housing and the substrate. - View Dependent Claims (20, 21, 22)
-
-
19. (canceled)
Specification