Vehicular Seats with Weight Sensing Capability

• US 20070251749A1
• Filed: 11/20/2006
• Published: 11/01/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 06/07/1995
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: American Vehicular Sciences LLC (Acacia Research Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Automotive Technologies International Incorporated
• Inventors: Breed, David, DuVall, Wilbur, Morin, Jeffrey
• Granted Patent: US 7,779,956 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 180/273
• CPC Class Codes: B60J 10/00 Sealing arrangements
• 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 2/0022 for sensing anthropometric parameters, e.g. heart rate or body temperature
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 2/0023 for detection of driver fatigue
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 2/0025 by using weight measurement
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 2/0026 for distinguishing between humans, animals or objects
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 2/0027 for detecting the position of the occupant or of occupant's body part
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 2/0029 for detecting the motion of the occupant
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 2/0035 characterised by the sensor data transmission, e.g. wired connections or wireless transmitters therefor; characterised by the sensor data processing, e.g. seat sensor signal amplification or electric circuits for providing seat sensor information
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 2/015 Attaching seats directly to vehicle chassis
• 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 2/0273 taking into account user data, e.g. knee height or physical state
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 2/0276 reaction to emergency situations, e.g. crash
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 2/0278 using sensors external to the seat for measurements in relation to the seat adjustment, e.g. for identifying the presence of obstacles or the appropriateness of the occupants position
• 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: B60N 2210/12 : Capacitive; Electric field
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 2210/24 : Cameras
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 2210/26 : Ultrasonic, e.g. sonar
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 2210/42 : Strain gauges
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 2210/44 : using fluids
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 2220/20 : using a deterministic algorithm
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 2230/30 : Signal processing of sensor data
• 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 21/01534 : 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 21/01548 : 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: 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: G01G 19/4142 : for controlling activation of safety devices, e.g. airbag systems electrical circuits for triggering safety arrangements in case of vehicle accidents B60R21/015
• 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 15/87 : 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 20/59 : inside of a vehicle, e.g. relating to seat occupancy, driver state or inner lighting conditions
• CPC Class Codes: G06V 40/10 : Human or animal bodies, e.g. vehicle occupants or pedestrians; Body parts, e.g. hands
• CPC Class Codes: G10K 2210/1282 : Automobiles
• CPC Class Codes: G10K 2210/3219 : Geometry of the configuration

Abstract

Vehicle seat including a seat portion including a container having an interior containing fluid and a mechanism, material or structure therein to restrict flow of the fluid from one portion of the interior to another portion of the interior, a back portion arranged at an angle to the seat portion, and a measurement system arranged to obtain an indication of the weight of the occupant when present on the seat portion based at least in part on the pressure of the fluid in the container. The weight of the occupant can be used to control components in the vehicle or the seat itself.

Claims

1. 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.

2. The seat of claim 1, wherein said interior of said container includes open cell foam.

3. The seat of claim 1, wherein said container is partitioned into an inner bladder and an outer container.

4. The seat of claim 3, wherein said inner bladder includes an orifice leading to said outer container.

5. The seat of claim 4, wherein said orifice has an adjustable size, further comprising a control circuit arranged to control the amount of opening of said orifice.

6. The seat of claim 1, wherein said measurement system comprises at least one transducer.

7. A system for controlling a component in the vehicle which interacts with or is interacted by the occupant of the seat, comprising:

the seat of claim 1;

an adjustment device arranged to adjust the component based on occupancy of the seat; and

a processor coupled to said measurement system and to said adjustment device and arranged to determine an adjustment of the component to be provided by said adjustment system based on the indication of the weight of the occupant of the seat provided by said measurement system.

8. The system of claim 7, wherein the component is a headrest and said adjustment device is a motor arranged to move the headrest.

9. The system of claim 7, wherein the component is situated apart from the seat.

10. 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.

11. The seat of claim 10, wherein said measurement system comprises at least one transducer for measuring the pressure of the fluid in said bladder.

12. The seat of claim 10, wherein said bladder including constraining means arranged in said interior for constraining fluid flow within said interior.

13. The seat of claim 12, wherein said constraining means comprise open cell foam.

14. The seat of claim 10, wherein said bladder includes a plurality of individual chambers.

15. The seat of claim 14, wherein said measurement system comprises a transducer arranged in connection with of said chambers.

16. A system for controlling a component in the vehicle which interacts with or is interacted by the occupant of the seat, comprising:

the seat of claim 10;

an adjustment device arranged to adjust the component based on occupancy of the seat; and

a processor coupled to said measurement system and to said adjustment device and arranged to determine an adjustment of the component to be provided by said adjustment system based on the indication of the weight of the occupant of the seat provided by said measurement system.

17. The system of claim 16, wherein the component is a headrest and said adjustment device is a motor arranged to move the headrest.

18. The system of claim 16, wherein the component is situated apart from the seat.

19. A system for controlling a component in a vehicle which interacts with or is interacted by the occupant of a seat in the vehicle, 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 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;

an adjustment device arranged to adjust the component based on occupancy of the seat; and

a processor coupled to said measurement system and to said adjustment device and arranged to determine an adjustment of the component to be provided by said adjustment system based on the indication of the weight of the occupant of the seat provided by said measurement system.

20. The system of claim 19, wherein the component is a headrest and said adjustment device is a motor arranged to move the headrest.