Seat weight sensor using fluid filled tubing
First Claim
1. A sensor for sensing the weight of an occupant on a vehicle seat, comprising:
- a. a continuous flexible sensing tube mounted beneath the cushion of the seat and supported by the base of the seat;
b. a fluid contained by said flexible sensing tube, whereby said flexible sensing tube is sealed;
c. a pressure sensor operatively coupled to said flexible sensing tube for generating a signal responsive to the pressure of said fluid within said flexible sensing tube; and
d. a signal processor for calculating the weight of the occupant from said signal.
1 Assignment
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Accused Products
Abstract
A hydrostatic weight sensor comprises a continuous flexible sensing tube incorporated within the seat. A fluid is contained therein and a pressure sensor is operatively coupled thereto. The continuous flexible sensing tube may be arranged in a spiral or serpentine pattern, or comprise a plurality of segments each in fluid communication with a central port. A load applied to the seat causes the continuous flexible sensing tube to deform, thereby increasing the pressure of the fluid contained therein. A signal processor calculates the weight of the occupant from the pressure signal, and controls a safety restraint system responsive to the weight measurement.
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Citations
15 Claims
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1. A sensor for sensing the weight of an occupant on a vehicle seat, comprising:
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a. a continuous flexible sensing tube mounted beneath the cushion of the seat and supported by the base of the seat; b. a fluid contained by said flexible sensing tube, whereby said flexible sensing tube is sealed; c. a pressure sensor operatively coupled to said flexible sensing tube for generating a signal responsive to the pressure of said fluid within said flexible sensing tube; and d. a signal processor for calculating the weight of the occupant from said signal. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A system for sensing the weight of an occupant on a vehicle seat and for controlling a safety restraint system responsive thereto, comprising:
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a. a continuous flexible sensing tube mounted beneath the cushion of the seat and supported by the base of the seat; b. a fluid contained by said flexible sensing tube, whereby said flexible sensing tube is sealed; c. a pressure sensor operatively coupled to said flexible sensing tube for generating a signal responsive to the pressure of said fluid within said flexible sensing tube; and d. a signal processor for calculating the weight of the occupant from said signal for generating a control signal for controlling the safety restraint system responsive to said weight measurement. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13)
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14. A method of sensing the weight of an occupant on a vehicle seat, comprising:
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a. interposing a flexible sensing tube in series with the load path supporting the occupant on the vehicle seat; b. partially filling said flexible sensing tube with a fluid; c. containing said fluid within said flexible sensing tube; d. generating a signal responsive to the pressure of said fluid within said flexible sensing tube; and e. generating a measure responsive to the weight of the occupant from said signal. - View Dependent Claims (15)
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Specification