Sensor system for determining relative displacement of an object using an activation member
-
0Associated
Cases -
0Associated
Defendants -
0Accused
Products -
26Forward
Citations -
0
Petitions -
1
Assignment
First Claim
1. A sensor system for determining a relative position of a vehicle seat, wherein the vehicle seat is fixed to a vehicle floor by a seat track, the seat track having an upper seat track portion connected to the vehicle seat and a lower seat track portion connected to a vehicle floor, the sensor system comprising:
- a sensor housing having at least one downwardly extending side wall;
a sensing element affixed to one of the upper seat track portion and the lower seat track portion;
at least one receiver element in selective communication with the sensing element, wherein the sensing element is disposed adjacent the at least one receiver element; and
an enabler disposed adjacent to the other of the upper seat track portion and the lower seat track portion, the enabler having at least one activation zone for allowing the sensing element to communicate with the at least one receiver element, and at least one deactivation zone for preventing the sensing element from communicating with the at least one receiver element, the at least one activation zone defining at least one position of the vehicle seat and the at least one de activation zone defining at least one other position of the vehicle seat, wherein the at least one activation zone is a longitudinally extending light reflecting area having a varying concentration of reflective particles.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A sensor system for determining a relative position of a vehicle seat is disclosed. The sensor system has a sensing element and receiver element affixed to the vehicle seat. An enabler is disposed adjacent the vehicle floor. The enabler has at least one activation zone for causing the sensing element to communicate with the at least one receiver element and at least one deactivation zone is provided for preventing the sensing element from communicating with the at least one receiver element. The at least one activation zone defines at least one position of the vehicle seat and the at least one deactivation zone defines at least one other position of the vehicle seat.
73 Citations
View as Search Results
| Non-contact seat position system | ||
|
Patent #
US 7,555,380 B2
Filed 04/15/2005
|
Current Assignee
Lear Corporation
|
Sponsoring Entity
Lear Corporation
|
| Track position sensor and method | ||
|
Patent #
US 7,633,301 B2
Filed 12/22/2005
|
Current Assignee
MATERIAL SCIENCES CORPORATION ELECTRONIC MATERIALS AND DEVICES GROUP INC.
|
Sponsoring Entity
MATERIAL SCIENCES CORPORATION ELECTRONIC MATERIALS AND DEVICES GROUP INC.
|
| Seat track assembly for a motor vehicle having an integrated position sensor | ||
|
Patent #
US 7,322,605 B2
Filed 10/31/2006
|
Current Assignee
Intier Automotive Incorporated
|
Sponsoring Entity
Intier Automotive Incorporated
|
| Rail activated position sensor | ||
|
Patent #
US 7,439,735 B2
Filed 01/07/2004
|
Current Assignee
Stoneridge Control Devices Inc.
|
Sponsoring Entity
Stoneridge Control Devices Inc.
|
| Position sensor system and vehicle seat provided with the position sensor system | ||
|
Patent #
US 7,195,261 B2
Filed 11/12/2003
|
Current Assignee
TS Tech Company Limited
|
Sponsoring Entity
TS Tech Company Limited
|
| Vehicle seat assembly having a field effect sensor for detecting seat position | ||
|
Patent #
US 7,185,916 B2
Filed 01/14/2004
|
Current Assignee
Lear Corporation
|
Sponsoring Entity
Lear Corporation
|
| Seat track assembly for a motor vehicle having an integrated position sensor | ||
|
Patent #
US 20070108748A1
Filed 10/31/2006
|
Current Assignee
Intier Automotive Incorporated
|
Sponsoring Entity
Intier Automotive Incorporated
|
| Non-contact position sensor utilizing multiple sensor elements | ||
|
Patent #
US 7,009,386 B2
Filed 01/02/2002
|
Current Assignee
Stoneridge Control Devices Inc.
|
Sponsoring Entity
Stoneridge Control Devices Inc.
|
| NON-CONTACT SEAT POSITION SYSTEM | ||
|
Patent #
US 20060231319A1
Filed 04/15/2005
|
Current Assignee
Lear Corporation
|
Sponsoring Entity
Lear Corporation
|
| Track position sensor and method | ||
|
Patent #
US 20060267385A1
Filed 12/22/2005
|
Current Assignee
MATERIAL SCIENCES CORPORATION ELECTRONIC MATERIALS AND DEVICES GROUP INC.
|
Sponsoring Entity
MATERIAL SCIENCES CORPORATION ELECTRONIC MATERIALS AND DEVICES GROUP INC.
|
| Seat track assembly for a motor vehicle having an integrated position sensor | ||
|
Patent #
US 7,147,261 B2
Filed 07/18/2002
|
Current Assignee
Intier Automotive Incorporated
|
Sponsoring Entity
Intier Automotive Incorporated
|
| Seat rail system with position sensor | ||
|
Patent #
US 6,851,655 B2
Filed 03/04/2002
|
Current Assignee
IMASEN DENKI SEISAKUSHO KK
|
Sponsoring Entity
IMASEN DENKI SEISAKUSHO KK
|
| Rail activated position sensor | ||
|
Patent #
US 20050062467A1
Filed 01/07/2004
|
Current Assignee
Stoneridge Control Devices Inc.
|
Sponsoring Entity
Stoneridge Control Devices Inc.
|
| Rail activated position sensor | ||
|
Patent #
US 20050099175A1
Filed 09/29/2003
|
Current Assignee
Stoneridge Control Devices Inc.
|
Sponsoring Entity
Stoneridge Control Devices Inc.
|
| Seat position sensor | ||
|
Patent #
US 6,907,795 B2
Filed 11/12/2002
|
Current Assignee
Stoneridge Control Devices Inc.
|
Sponsoring Entity
Stoneridge Control Devices Inc.
|
| Apparatus for sensing vehicle seat position | ||
|
Patent #
US 6,921,107 B2
Filed 12/11/2002
|
Current Assignee
JP Morgan Chase Bank N.A.
|
Sponsoring Entity
JP Morgan Chase Bank N.A.
|
| Electrical circuit module with magnetic detection of loose or detached state | ||
|
Patent #
US 6,684,141 B2
Filed 06/06/2002
|
Current Assignee
Delphi Technologies Inc.
|
Sponsoring Entity
Delphi Technologies Inc.
|
| Position sensor system and vehicle seat provided with the position sensor system | ||
|
Patent #
US 20040100388A1
Filed 11/12/2003
|
Current Assignee
TS Tech Company Limited
|
Sponsoring Entity
TS Tech Company Limited
|
| Apparatus for sensing vehicle seat position | ||
|
Patent #
US 20040113403A1
Filed 12/11/2002
|
Current Assignee
JP Morgan Chase Bank N.A.
|
Sponsoring Entity
JP Morgan Chase Bank N.A.
|
| Seat track assembly for a motor vehicle having an integrated position sensor | ||
|
Patent #
US 20040239086A1
Filed 07/09/2004
|
Current Assignee
Intier Automotive Incorporated
|
Sponsoring Entity
-
|
| Airbag deployment system with seat position sensors | ||
|
Patent #
US 6,561,544 B1
Filed 06/05/2002
|
Current Assignee
Key Safety Systems Inc.
|
Sponsoring Entity
Breed Automotive Technology Inc.
|
| Seat position sensor | ||
|
Patent #
US 20030117000A1
Filed 11/12/2002
|
Current Assignee
Stoneridge Control Devices Inc.
|
Sponsoring Entity
Stoneridge Control Devices Inc.
|
| Non-contact position sensor | ||
|
Patent #
US 20030169033A1
Filed 01/02/2002
|
Current Assignee
Stoneridge Control Devices Inc.
|
Sponsoring Entity
-
|
| Vehicle seat position sensing apparatus | ||
|
Patent #
US 6,612,614 B2
Filed 05/23/2001
|
Current Assignee
JP Morgan Chase Bank N.A.
|
Sponsoring Entity
JP Morgan Chase Bank N.A.
|
| Seat rail system with position sensor | ||
|
Patent #
US 20020125396A1
Filed 03/04/2002
|
Current Assignee
IMASEN DENKI SEISAKUSHO KK
|
Sponsoring Entity
IMASEN DENKI SEISAKUSHO KK
|
| POSITION SENSOR | ||
|
Patent #
US 20120280864A1
Filed 05/03/2012
|
Current Assignee
Polycontact AG
|
Sponsoring Entity
Polycontact AG
|
| Apparatus for generating a signal indicative of the position of a movable element in the apparatus | ||
|
Patent #
US 5,847,694 A
Filed 12/19/1994
|
Current Assignee
BUYPATENTS.COM LLP
|
Sponsoring Entity
TV Interactive Data Corporation
|
| Optical position measuring device | ||
|
Patent #
US 6,175,414 B1
Filed 11/18/1999
|
Current Assignee
Dr. Johannes Heidenhain GmbH
|
Sponsoring Entity
Dr. Johannes Heidenhain GmbH
|
| Control system for an air bag with child seat detection and seat position detection | ||
|
Patent #
US 6,170,866 B1
Filed 05/21/1999
|
Current Assignee
Siemens AG
|
Sponsoring Entity
Siemens AG
|
| Occupant restraint system with seat position sensor | ||
|
Patent #
US 6,053,529 A
Filed 12/22/1997
|
Current Assignee
Ford Global Technologies LLC
|
Sponsoring Entity
Ford Global Technologies LLC
|
| Normal thermal stopping device with non-critical vane spacing | ||
|
Patent #
US 6,082,498 A
Filed 01/22/1999
|
Current Assignee
Otis Elevator Company
|
Sponsoring Entity
Otis Elevator Company
|
| Apparatus for sensing a forward position of a vehicle seat | ||
|
Patent #
US 6,095,555 A
Filed 05/12/1999
|
Current Assignee
JP Morgan Chase Bank N.A.
|
Sponsoring Entity
TRW Limited
|
| Apparatus for sensing a forward position of a vehicle seat | ||
|
Patent #
US 6,113,139 A
Filed 08/10/1998
|
Current Assignee
JP Morgan Chase Bank N.A.
|
Sponsoring Entity
TRW Limited
|
| Airbag system and passenger restraint system for vehicle | ||
|
Patent #
US 6,116,638 A
Filed 01/26/1998
|
Current Assignee
Mazda Motor Corporation
|
Sponsoring Entity
Mazda Motor Corporation
|
| Dynamic occupant position detection system and method for a motor vehicle | ||
|
Patent #
US 6,151,540 A
Filed 05/11/1999
|
Current Assignee
Aptiv Technologies Limited
|
Sponsoring Entity
Delphi Technologies Inc.
|
| Process for controlling the operation of a motor vehicle airbag | ||
|
Patent #
US 6,142,513 A
Filed 06/16/1998
|
Current Assignee
IEE International Electronics Engineering SARL
|
Sponsoring Entity
IEE International Electronics Engineering SARL
|
| Airbag deployment control system | ||
|
Patent #
US 5,893,582 A
Filed 02/21/1997
|
Current Assignee
Key Safety Systems Inc.
|
Sponsoring Entity
-
|
| Vehicle door structure and armrest | ||
|
Patent #
US 5,967,594 A
Filed 05/26/1998
|
Current Assignee
Ford Global Technologies LLC
|
Sponsoring Entity
Ford Global Technologies LLC
|
| Control system for vehicle occupant restraint devices | ||
|
Patent #
US 5,967,549 A
Filed 02/18/1998
|
Current Assignee
Breed Automotive Technology Inc.
|
Sponsoring Entity
Breed Automotive Technology Inc.
|
| Memory seat module having integrated sensors | ||
|
Patent #
US 5,751,129 A
Filed 10/04/1996
|
Current Assignee
Flextronics Automotive Inc
|
Sponsoring Entity
INVOTRONICS MANUFACTURING
|
| Articulating connector transmission system for signal data and power | ||
|
Patent #
US 5,810,606 A
Filed 08/12/1997
|
Current Assignee
Methode Electronics Incorporated
|
Sponsoring Entity
Methode Electronics Incorporated
|
| Driver interface system for vehicle control parameters and easy to utilize switches | ||
|
Patent #
US 5,808,374 A
Filed 03/25/1997
|
Current Assignee
Lear Automotive Dearborn Incorporated
|
Sponsoring Entity
UT Automotive Dearborn Inc.
|
| Supplemental inflatable restraint disabling system | ||
|
Patent #
US 5,803,491 A
Filed 02/28/1997
|
Current Assignee
General Motors Corporation
|
Sponsoring Entity
General Motors Corporation
|
| Procedure for stopping an elevator at a landing | ||
|
Patent #
US 5,848,671 A
Filed 07/12/1996
|
Current Assignee
Kone Oyj
|
Sponsoring Entity
Kone Oyj
|
| Vehicle occupant position and velocity sensor | ||
|
Patent #
US 5,848,802 A
Filed 08/04/1997
|
Current Assignee
Automotive Technologies International Incorporated
|
Sponsoring Entity
Automotive Technologies International Incorporated
|
| Vehicle occupant position and velocity sensor | ||
|
Patent #
US 5,653,462 A
Filed 07/21/1995
|
Current Assignee
Automotive Technologies International Incorporated
|
Sponsoring Entity
Automotive Technologies International Incorporated
|
| Operator presence sensor for operator's seat | ||
|
Patent #
US 5,481,078 A
Filed 02/18/1994
|
Current Assignee
Clark Equipment Company
|
Sponsoring Entity
Clark Equipment Company
|
| Systems for adjusting vehicle seats | ||
|
Patent #
US 5,483,853 A
Filed 10/12/1994
|
Current Assignee
Bertrand Faure France
|
Sponsoring Entity
Bertrand Faure France
|
| Intelligent commutation pulse detection system to control electric D.C. motors used with automobile accessories | ||
|
Patent #
US 5,497,326 A
Filed 08/03/1994
|
Current Assignee
ZF Friedrichshafen AG
|
Sponsoring Entity
Cherry Corporation
|
| Window mechanism for sensor in industrial robot | ||
|
Patent #
US 5,520,062 A
Filed 03/28/1995
|
Current Assignee
Fanuc Ltd
|
Sponsoring Entity
Fanuc Ltd
|
| Optical plug-in memory pack for positioning control | ||
|
Patent #
US 5,475,592 A
Filed 10/21/1994
|
Current Assignee
Lear Automotive Dearborn Incorporated
|
Sponsoring Entity
United Technologies Automotive Inc.
|
| Photoelectric line measuring device with digital display | ||
|
Patent #
US 5,286,972 A
Filed 03/05/1993
|
Current Assignee
Warren J. Jasper, David C. Falk
|
Sponsoring Entity
Warren J. Jasper, David C. Falk
|
| Countertriangular optical position sensor | ||
|
Patent #
US 5,078,333 A
Filed 10/29/1990
|
Current Assignee
The United States of America As Represented By The Secretary of Agriculture
|
Sponsoring Entity
The United States of America As Represented By The Secretary of Agriculture
|
| Semiconductor optical position sensing device | ||
|
Patent #
US 5,130,529 A
Filed 02/05/1991
|
Current Assignee
Nissan Motor Co. Ltd.
|
Sponsoring Entity
Nissan Motor Co. Ltd.
|
| Optical position transmitter having a movable code element with optical path difference generating structure which is greater than the coherence length of the source | ||
|
Patent #
US 5,037,206 A
Filed 07/18/1989
|
Current Assignee
Roland Hauck, Etzkorn Horst
|
Sponsoring Entity
Roland Hauck, Etzkorn Horst
|
| Air bag system for automobile | ||
|
Patent #
US 5,074,583 A
Filed 07/28/1989
|
Current Assignee
Mazda Motor Corporation
|
Sponsoring Entity
Mazda Motor Corporation
|
| Digital linear position sensor | ||
|
Patent #
US 4,909,560 A
Filed 02/27/1989
|
Current Assignee
Hoover Universal Incorporated
|
Sponsoring Entity
Hoover Universal Incorporated
|
| Automatic seat positioning device for automotive vehicle and the like | ||
|
Patent #
US 4,920,338 A
Filed 06/03/1988
|
Current Assignee
Niles Parts Co. Ltd., Nissan Motor Co. Ltd.
|
Sponsoring Entity
Niles Parts Co. Ltd., Nissan Motor Co. Ltd.
|
| Vehicle seat drive control device | ||
|
Patent #
US 4,812,838 A
Filed 10/30/1987
|
Current Assignee
Nippon Soken Inc., Nippondenso Co. Ltd.
|
Sponsoring Entity
Nippon Soken Inc., Nippondenso Co. Ltd.
|
| Multiplex control system for returning a motor driven element to a stored position | ||
|
Patent #
US 4,845,415 A
Filed 12/08/1987
|
Current Assignee
AMP Limited
|
Sponsoring Entity
AMP Limited
|
| Apparatus for photoelectrically generated physical measurements | ||
|
Patent #
US 4,765,063 A
Filed 01/06/1987
|
Current Assignee
Sing Peter
|
Sponsoring Entity
Sing Peter
|
| Power memory seat and mirror control system | ||
|
Patent #
US 4,682,088 A
Filed 04/10/1986
|
Current Assignee
Chrysler Corporation
|
Sponsoring Entity
Chrysler Corporation
|
| Position analyzer for vehicle drivers | ||
|
Patent #
US 4,625,329 A
Filed 01/18/1985
|
Current Assignee
Nippondenso Co. Ltd.
|
Sponsoring Entity
Nippondenso Co. Ltd.
|
| Elevator system | ||
|
Patent #
US 4,494,628 A
Filed 08/17/1983
|
Current Assignee
Inventio AG
|
Sponsoring Entity
Westinghouse Electric Company LLC
|
| Tailorable discrete optical sensor | ||
|
Patent #
US 4,346,788 A
Filed 11/13/1979
|
Current Assignee
Otis Elevator Company
|
Sponsoring Entity
Otis Elevator Company
|
| Discrete position location sensor | ||
|
Patent #
US 4,362,224 A
Filed 09/21/1981
|
Current Assignee
Otis Elevator Company
|
Sponsoring Entity
Otis Elevator Company
|
| Floor distance sensor for an elevator car | ||
|
Patent #
US 4,245,721 A
Filed 12/18/1978
|
Current Assignee
Otis Elevator Company
|
Sponsoring Entity
Otis Elevator Company
|
| Two-terminal optical sensor | ||
|
Patent #
US 4,270,046 A
Filed 11/02/1978
|
Current Assignee
Texas Instruments Inc.
|
Sponsoring Entity
Texas Instruments Inc.
|
| Digital electrical position transducer | ||
|
Patent #
US 4,110,610 A
Filed 06/27/1977
|
Current Assignee
Candid Logic Inc.
|
Sponsoring Entity
Candid Logic Inc.
|
| ELEVATOR FLOOR LEVELING SYSTEM | ||
|
Patent #
US 3,749,203 A
Filed 08/11/1971
|
Current Assignee
United States Elevator Corp
|
Sponsoring Entity
United States Elevator Corp
|
| WAREHOUSING SYSTEM USING SLOWDOWN AND STOP BIN INDICATORS | ||
|
Patent #
US 3,786,929 A
Filed 11/01/1971
|
Current Assignee
INTERLAKE COMPANIES INC. THE A CORP. OF DE
|
Sponsoring Entity
Conco Inc. Mendota IL
|
| VANE LOCAL CONTROL SYSTEM FOR ELEVATORS | ||
|
Patent #
US 3,815,711 A
Filed 02/08/1973
|
Current Assignee
Elevator Corporation Spring Valley CA
|
Sponsoring Entity
Elevator Corporation Spring Valley CA
|
| LINEAR TAPE TRANSDUCER | ||
|
Patent #
US 3,526,890 A
Filed 08/08/1968
|
Current Assignee
Robert B. Walder, Jay Malina
|
Sponsoring Entity
Robert B. Walder, Jay Malina
|
2 Claims
- 1. A sensor system for determining a relative position of a vehicle seat, wherein the vehicle seat is fixed to a vehicle floor by a seat track, the seat track having an upper seat track portion connected to the vehicle seat and a lower seat track portion connected to a vehicle floor, the sensor system comprising:
a sensor housing having at least one downwardly extending side wall;
a sensing element affixed to one of the upper seat track portion and the lower seat track portion;
at least one receiver element in selective communication with the sensing element, wherein the sensing element is disposed adjacent the at least one receiver element; and
an enabler disposed adjacent to the other of the upper seat track portion and the lower seat track portion, the enabler having at least one activation zone for allowing the sensing element to communicate with the at least one receiver element, and at least one deactivation zone for preventing the sensing element from communicating with the at least one receiver element, the at least one activation zone defining at least one position of the vehicle seat and the at least one de activation zone defining at least one other position of the vehicle seat, wherein the at least one activation zone is a longitudinally extending light reflecting area having a varying concentration of reflective particles.
- 2. A sensor system for determining a relative position of a vehicle seat, wherein the vehicle seat is fixed to a vehicle floor by a seat track, the seat track has an upper seat track portion connected to the vehicle seat and a lower seat track portion connected to a vehicle floor, the sensor system comprising:
a sensor housing having at least one downwardly extending side wall;
a sensing element affixed to one of the upper seat track portion and the lower seat track portion;
at least one receiver element in selective communication with the sensing element, wherein the sensing element is disposed adjacent the at least one receiver element; and
an enabler disposed adjacent to the other of the upper seat track portion and the lower seat track portion, the enabler having at least one activation zone for allowing the sensing element to communicate with the at least one receiver element, and at least one deactivation zone for preventing the sensing element from communicating with the at least one receiver element, the at least one activation zone defining at least one position of the vehicle seat and the at least one deactivation zone defining at least one other position of the vehicle seat, wherein the at least one activation zone is a longitudinally extending light reflecting area having a varying concentration of reflective particles and the varying concentration of reflective particles produces an analog sensor output signal indicative of a movement of the vehicle seat.
1 Specification
The present invention relates to sensors for determining an objects position relative to a reference structure.
Advanced safety restraint systems such as inflatable air bags and pyrotechnic seatbelt restraint systems are in wide spread use in vehicles today. Generally, these advanced restraint systems deploy during a serious vehicle collision, preventing the vehicle occupants from colliding with the vehicle'"'"'s interior.
Typically, air bag systems are comprised of vehicle crash sensors which detect a vehicle collision, air bag inflators which inflate the air bag, and an air bag cushion which receives a vehicle occupant. Typically, advanced seat belt restraint systems are comprised of pyrotechnic retractors. The pyrotechnic retractors quickly retract the seat belt webbing using an explosive charge, as well known in the art. Other seat belt components such as load limits prevent excessive loading on the occupants chest by releasing tension on the seat belt webbing.
Although these vehicle restraint systems have significantly reduced vehicle occupant injuries problems still exist. For example, when vehicle occupants are “out of position” that is too close to a deploying air bag the vehicle restraint systems are not as effective at reducing occupant injuries. More advanced inflatable restrain systems are available which decrease air bag inflation forces when vehicle occupants are determined to be too close to the inflating air bag. However, occupant positioning sensors that measure an occupant'"'"'s proximity to an inflating air bag are expensive to implement and have questionable accuracy.
Therefore, what is needed is low cost sensing system for estimating vehicle occupant proximity to an inflatable restraint system for modifying the inflatable restraint system in accordance with occupant position.
Accordingly, a sensor system for determining a relative position of a vehicle seat, wherein the vehicle seat is fixed to a vehicle floor by a seat track, and the seat track has an upper seat track portion connected to the vehicle seat and a seat track lower portion connected to a vehicle floor, is provided. The sensor system has a sensing element affixed to one of the upper seat tack portion and the lower seat track portion, at lease one receiver element in communication with the sensing element. An enabler is disposed adjacent to the other of the upper seat track and the lower seat track. The enabler has at least one activation zone for causing the sensing element to communicate with the at least one receiver element. At least one deactivation zone is provided for preventing the sensing element from communicating with the at least one receiver element. The at least one activation zone defines at least one position of the vehicle seat and the at least one deactivation zone defines at least one other position of the vehicle seat.
In an embodiment of the present invention a wiper for cleaning the sensing element of debris is provided.
In another embodiment of the present invention the wiper is a resilient material.
In still another embodiment of the present invention the sensing element is an electro-luminescent component.
In still another embodiment of the present invention the electro-luminescent component is a light emitting diode.
In still another embodiment of the present invention the electro-luminescent component is an incandescent light source.
In still another embodiment of the present invention the at least one receiver element is an optical receiver.
In still another embodiment of the present invention the optical receiver is a phototransistor.
In still another embodiment of the present invention the sensing element is a magnet.
In still another embodiment of the present invention the at least one receiver element is a hall effect sensor.
In still another embodiment of the present invention the sensing element is a lever portion of a mechanical switch.
In still another embodiment of the present invention the at least one receiver element is a plunger portion of a mechanical switch.
In still another embodiment of the present invention a sensor housing for holding the sensing element opposite the at least one receiver element is provided.
In still another embodiment of the present invention the sensor housing has at least two downwardly extending side walls.
In still another embodiment of the present invention the sensing element is fixed to one of the at least two side walls and the at least one receiver element is fixed opposite the sensing element to another of the at least two side walls.
In still another embodiment of the present invention the at least two downwardly extending side walls define a longitudinally extending u-channel in the sensor housing.
In still another embodiment of the present invention the at least one activation zone is a longitudinally extending slot.
In still another embodiment of the present invention the at least one deactivation zone is a longitudinally extending opaque area.
In still another embodiment of the present invention the at least one activation zone is a longitudinally extending magnetic material.
In still another embodiment of the present invention the at least one deactivation zone is a longitudinally extending non-magnetic area.
In still another embodiment of the present invention the sensing element is disposed adjacent the at least one receiver element.
In still another embodiment of the present invention a sensor housing having at least one downwardly extending side wall.
In still another embodiment of the present invention the at least one activation zone is a longitudinally extending light reflecting area.
In still another embodiment of the present invention the at least one deactivation zone is a longitudinally extending light non-reflecting area.
In still another embodiment of the present invention the at least one activation zone is a longitudinally extending electrically conductive area.
In still another embodiment of the present invention the at least one deactivation zone is a longitudinally extending non-electrically conductive area.
In yet another embodiment of the present invention a sensor system for measuring a relative position of a vehicle seat, wherein the vehicle seat is fixed to a vehicle floor by a seat track, the seat tack has an upper seat track portion connected to the vehicle seat and a seat track lower portion connected to a vehicle floor. The sensor system includes a sensing element affixed to one of the upper seat tack portion and the lower seat track portion, a plurality of receiver elements are in communication with the sensing element. An enabler is disposed adjacent to the other of the upper seat track and the lower seat track. The enabler has a plurality of activation zones for causing the sensing element to communicate with the plurality of receiver elements, and a plurality of deactivation zones which prevent the sensing element from communicating with the plurality of receiver elements.
The above features, benefits and advantages and other features, benefits and advantages of the present invention are readily apparent from the following detailed description of the best mode for carrying out the invention when taken together with the accompanying drawings.
FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a sensor housing illustrating the position of a sensing element and a pair of receiver elements, in accordance with the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a side perspective view of an enabler having a pair of activation slots, in accordance with the present invention;
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the sensor housing positioned in an operative arrangement with the enabler, in accordance with the present invention;
FIG. 4 is a side perspective view of a vehicle seat assembly mounted to a seat tract and having the sensor system of the present invention mounted thereto, in accordance with the present invention;
FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of the enabler having sensing elements in the form of magnetic strips affixed to a surface thereof, in accordance with the present invention;
FIG. 6a is a cross-sectional view of the seat track assembly and the attachment of the sensor housing and enabler thereto, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 6b is a cross-sectional view of the seat track assembly and the attachment of the sensor housing and enabler thereto, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 6c is a cross-sectional view of the seat track assembly and the attachment of the sensor housing and enabler thereto, in accordance with still another embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 7 is a side perspective view of an enabler, in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 8a is a top perspective view of the mechanical switch and grooved enabler arrangement, in accordance with still another embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 8b is a front perspective view of the mechanical switch and grooved enabler arrangement, in accordance with the present invention.
FIG. 9a is a perspective view of an alternative shield configured to cooperate with an emitter and receiver arrangement wherein the emitter is disposed adjacent the receiver, in accordance with the present invention; and
FIG. 9b is a chart illustrating the voltage output versus position of a sensor system having a varying reflective portion, in accordance with the present invention.
Referring now to FIG. 1 a sensor housing 10 for use with a sensor system of the present invention for determining an object'"'"'s position is illustrated. Sensor housing 10, preferably, has a pair of downwardly extending sidewalls 12 and 14. Sidewalls 12 and 14 define a generally U-shaped channel 16.
In an embodiment of the present invention a sensing element 18 is fixed to the inside surface of U-shaped channel 16 and a pair of receiver elements 20 and 22 are disposed opposite the sensing element 18. Sensing element 18 is an optical light source and receivers 20 and 22 are optical receivers which are configured to receive lightwaves emitted from the sensing element 18. For example, sensing element 18 is a electro-luminescent component such as a light emitting diode or an incandescent light bulb. Optical receivers 20 and 22 for example are photo-transistors.
Referring now to FIG. 2, an enabler 24 for interfering with the light transmitted from sensing 18 is illustrated. The enabler selectively prevents light emitted from sensing 18 from reaching first receiver 20 or second receiver 22. Enabler 24 has a first longitudinal slot 26 and a second longitudinal slot 28 which are in a staggered overlapping relationship. First and second longitudinal slots 26 and 28 create activation areas or zones. For example, three zones are created by this arrangement zone 1, zone 2, and zone 3, as illustrated in FIG. 2. A first deactivation area 27 is disposed adjacent first longitudinal slot 26 and a second deactivation area 29 is disposed adjacent second longitudinal slot 28.
With reference now to FIG. 3, sensor housing 10 is shown in a operative arrangement with enabler 24, in accordance with the present invention. As illustrated in FIG. 3 when sensor housing 10 is generally at a mid- position with respect to enabler 24 both the first and second receivers 20 and 22, are exposed to sensing 18 and thus are activated (receiving light energy). However, when the sensor housing 10 moves left or right along the enabler 24 one of the first receiver 20 and second receiver 22 is blocked from receiving light communicated from sensing 18 and the other is exposed to sensing 18 by first longitudinal slot 26 or by second longitudinal slot 28.
The arrangement shown in FIG. 3 establishes four sensor system outputs, in accordance with the present invention. Table 1 shown below defines the sensor system outputs based on the position of the sensor housing 10 with respect to the enabler 24. The first column lists three possible positions of the sensor housing 10 and one diagnostic condition for the sensor system. The second column lists the output of the first receiver 20 for the different positions and diagnostic condition listed in the first column. Finally, the third column lists the output of the second receiver 22 for the three different positions of the sensor housing 10 and the diagnostic condition shown in the first column. The fault condition is provided to insure proper system operation. If the receiver outputs are both low one or both receivers must be malfunctioning since the enabler could not produce such a condition.
A wiper 31 is disposed within the deactivation areas to clear the sensing element and the receiver elements of debris. Wiper 31 is comprised of a resilient material such as brush bristles or the like.
Accordingly, the position of an object such as a vehicle seat may be determined by mounting sensor housing 10 to the object or vehicle seat and mounting enabler 24 to a fixed reference such as a seat track lower bracket, wherein the seat track lower bracket is fixed to a vehicle floor. FIG. 4 illustrates such an arrangement, wherein a vehicle seat 30 having a seat back 34 and a seat bottom cushion 32 are mounted to a seat track 36. Seat track 36 is comprised of an upper bracket 38 and a lower bracket 40. Seat 30 is rigidly secured to upper bracket 38 as well known in the art. Seat track lower bracket 40 is slidably engaged with seat track upper bracket 38 and rigidly secured to the vehicle floor. Sensor housing 10 is secured to the upper bracket 38 at a mid position, as will be described below. Enabler 24 is mounted to the seat track lower bracket 40 and is received into U-channel 16 of the sensor housing 10 as will also be further described and illustrated below.
With continuing reference to FIG. 4 the relationship between activation zones or slots and seat position is further illustrated. When the vehicle seat is positioned from the midpoint rearward (as shown in solid lines) the sensor housing 10 is within activation zone 1, as described in Table 1 above. The receiver outputs are high for the first receiver 22 and low for the second receiver 20. When sensor housing 10 and thus the seat 30 is positioned at the midpoint position receivers 20 and 22 have a high voltage output level. Finally, the third zone spans from the mid seat track position to the forward end of lower seat track bracket 40. When the sensor housing 10 is positioned within the third zone the vehicle seat is forward of the mid position (as shown in dashed lines and the voltage outputs of the receivers 20 and 22, as illustrated in Table 1 are low and high, respectively.
In another embodiment of the present invention an enabler 24′ as shown in FIG. 5 is employed. Enabler 24′ has the sensing element 18 affixed to a surface opposite the receiver elements 20 and 22. The sensing element is a magnetic strip 18a and 18b or other elongated magnetic material and the receiver elements 20 and 22 are hall effect sensors. Each magnetic strip defines an activation zone wherein the sensor system output transitions when the magnetic strip is disposed opposite the hall effect sensor.
FIG. 6a is a cross-sectional view of the seat track 40 illustrating an attachment scheme for the sensor housing 10 and the enabler 24, in accordance with the present invention. As illustrated in FIG. 6, sensor housing 10 is fixed to a seat track engagement portion 50 and the enabler is fixed to a bottom surface 52 of seat track lower bracket 40. As seat track upper bracket 38 slides on the seat track lower bracket 40 sensor housing 10 changes position with respect to enabler 24.
In an alternative embodiment sensor housing 10 is affixed to a side of the upper seat track 38, as illustrated in cross-section in FIG. 6b. Enabler 24 is securedly attached to the seat track lower bracket 40. Similarly, as described above, as the seat track upper bracket 38 slides over the seat track lower bracket 40 sensor housing 10 moves relative to enabler 24. Seat position is determined, as described in Table 1, by the relative location of the sensor housing with respect to the activation zones on enabler 24.
Referring now to FIG. 6c, a cross-sectional view of still another embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. A sensor housing 10′ is illustrated which is configured to hold sensing element 18 adjacent a receiver element 20. As described above sensing element 18 may be an optical sensor and receiver 20 may be an optical receiver. In this case enabler 24 has an activation zone comprised of a reflective area 60 such as a mirrored surface which reflects lightwaves emitted from the optical sensor back toward the optical receiver. The lightwaves activate optical receiver and cause the sensor system output voltage to transition. Seat position can then be deduced from this voltage transition which corresponds to relative the position of the sensor head 10′ with respect to the activation zones on the enabler 24.
In yet another embodiment a hall effect sensor may be used for the receiver element 20 and a magnet may be used for the sensing element 18 in the arrangement shown in FIG. 6c. In this embodiment an enabler 24″ having an S-shape is used. The S-shaped enabler 24″ is comprised of a ferrous material. FIG. 7 is a front perspective view of a typical S-shaped enabler 24″, in accordance with the present invention. The longitudinally extending ferrous material portions 62 and 64 correspond to the activation zones which cause the sensor system output to transition. The open areas 66 and 68 lack ferrous material and therefore are the deactivation zones.
In still another embodiment of the present invention a mechanical switch 70 and enabler 72 wherein the enabler has ramped slots or grooves 73 are used to determine seat location, as illustrated in FIGS. 8a and 8b. The mechanical switch 70 has a lever portion or arm 74 which acts as a sensing element and a plunger or button 76 which acts as a receiver element. As the sensor housing 80 moves with respect to the enabler 72 lever arm 74 moves in and out of the groove or slot 73. Seat position is determined by the relative position of the sensor housing 80 with respect to the activation zones or groves 73 of the enabler 72. As illustrated in FIG. 8b two switches are used to obtain the sensor system outputs shown in Table 1 above.
Of course other mechanical switches may be used in place of the switch 70 described above. For example, enabler 72 could include a pair of electrically conductive surfaces or strips in place of grooves 73 wherein the conductive strips contact and short across a pair of switch terminals.
Referring now to FIG. 9a, an alternative enabler 90 design is illustrated, in accordance with the present invention. Enabler 90 is configured to cooperate with an emitter and receiver arrangement wherein the emitter is disposed adjacent the receiver. In this embodiment, enabler 90 has a plurality of reflective particles disposed in a longitudinally extending area 92. The concentration of reflective particles varies from a high concentration at a high reflection end 94 to low concentration at a low reflection end 96. For example, high reflection end 92 may have 100% concentration of reflective particles (forming a mirrored surface) and low reflection end 96 may have 0% concentration of reflective particles (forming an opaque surface). Accordingly, the area between the high reflection end 92 and low reflection end 96 will gradually change in concentration of reflective particles, for example, a middle area 98 of longitudinally extending area 92 will have approximately a 50% concentration of reflective particles. The present invention contemplates the use of non-reflective particles for depositing over the longitudinally extending area 92, wherein area 92 has a reflective surface, to achieve a similar result as described above.
In FIG. 9b a typical sensor system signal output curve corresponding to a sensor system using enabler 90 is illustrated. As shown the signal output varies linearly with the position of the sensor with respect to an end of enabler 90. The sensor system signal output is a voltage or a current which is indicative of sensor housing'"'"'s 10 position with respect to an end of enabler 90. For example, X1 denotes a location on enabler 90 having a low concentration of reflective particles and X2 corresponds to a location on enabler 90 having a high concentration of reflective particles. Accordingly, the voltage output corresponding to position X1 is S01 and for X2 the corresponding voltage is S02. The sensor system of the present invention provides an analog voltage output over the full range of movement of the object (vehicle seat) being monitored thus, the present embodiment provides a sensor system having greater precision than other embodiments where only discrete movements of the object are sensed. Of course, the present invention contemplates varying the concentration of reflective particles across area 92 to create a non-linear distribution of particles, as well as creating different particle distribution shapes or patterns. Accordingly, the sensor system output would correspond to the distribution of reflective or non-reflective particles creating a linear or non-linear relationship between sensor system output and location of sensor housing 10 on enabler 90.
As readily apparent from the above disclosure the present invention has many advantages and benefits over the prior art. For example the sensor system of the present invention provides a low cost system for determining vehicle seat position. Moreover, multiple sensing elements are used to detect a plurality of seat locations and provide fault detection.
While embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described, it is not intended that these embodiments illustrate and describe all possible forms of the invention. Rather, the words used in the specification are words of description rather than limitation, and it is understood that various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.