OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM FOR VEHICLE

• US 20110006788A1
• Filed: 12/04/2009
• Published: 01/13/2011
• Est. Priority Date: 07/13/2009
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai Motor Group)
• Original Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai Motor Group), Kia Motors Corporation (Kia Corp.)
• Inventors: Kim, Kyu Jong, Kim, Tae In, Choi, Hyeong Ho, Park, Chun Seok
• Application Number:
  US12/630,958
• Publication Number:
  US 20110006788A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 324/661
• 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 2/5685 Resistance
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/0152 using strain gauges
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/01532 using electric or capacitive field sensors
• 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

Abstract

The present invention features an occupant classification system for a vehicle. Preferably, the occupant classification system includes a heater located below a seat cover; and an occupant classification sensor provided above the heater to detect an occupant. Preferably, the occupant classification sensor includes two electrodes arranged in parallel to each other on one plane.

Claims

1. An occupant classification system for a vehicle comprising:

a heater located below a seat cover; and

an occupant classification sensor provided above the heater to detect an occupant,

wherein the occupant classification sensor includes two electrodes arranged in parallel to each other on one plane.

2. The occupant classification system in accordance with claim 1, wherein the electrodes of the occupant classification sensor comprise first and second sensors, each of which has a recess and a protrusion.

3. The occupant classification system in accordance with claim 2, wherein the protrusion of the first electrode comprises two protrusions, and the protrusion of the first electrode comprises three protrusions.

4. The occupant classification system in accordance with claim 3, wherein the protrusion of the first electrode and the recess of the second electrode are arranged to be adjacent to and oppose each other.

5. The occupant classification system in accordance with claim 2, wherein the protrusion of the first electrode and the recess of the second electrode are arranged to be adjacent to and oppose each other.

6. An occupant classification system for a vehicle comprising:

a heater; and

an occupant classification sensor,

wherein the occupant classification sensor includes one or more electrodes.

7. The occupant classification system for a vehicle of claim 6, wherein the heater is located below a seat cover.

8. The occupant classification system for a vehicle of claim 6, wherein the occupant classification sensor is provided above the heater to detect an occupant.

9. The occupant classification system for a vehicle of claim 6, wherein the occupant classification sensor comprises two electrodes.

10. The occupant classification system for a vehicle of claim 6, wherein the sensors are arranged in parallel to each other on one plane.

11. The occupant classification system for a vehicle of claim 6, wherein the electrodes of the occupant classification sensor comprise first and second sensors, wherein each sensor has a recess and a protrusion.

12. The occupant classification system for a vehicle of claim 11, wherein the protrusion of the first electrode comprises two or more protrusions.

13. The occupant classification system for a vehicle of claim 11, wherein the protrusion of the second electrode comprises three or more protrusions.