Measuring device and method for measuring a seat mat for a vehicle seat

• US 6,851,296 B2
• Filed: 06/23/2001
• Issued: 02/08/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 08/16/2000
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
• Original Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
• Inventors: Seifert, Dieter, Maier, Hermann, Wolf, Rene, Henne, Ralf
• Primary Examiner(s): RAEVIS, ROBERT R
• Application Number:
  US10/110,824
• Publication Number:
  US 20030037617A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,326 Days
• Field of Search: 73/10.8, 73/11.3, 73/15.6, 73/15.7, 73/15.8, 73/15.9, 180/273, 280/735
• US Class Current: 73/1.13
• 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 2210/40 Force or pressure sensors
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 2220/10 using a database
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/01 Electrical circuits for triggering passive safety arrangements, e.g. airbags, safety belt tighteners, in case of vehicle accidents or impending vehicle accidents electrical circuits for transmission of signals between steering wheel and the vehicle itself B60R16/027; for electrically actuating belt retractor locking means B60R22/343
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/01516 using force or pressure sensing means
• 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

A measurement apparatus and a method for measuring a seat mat for a vehicle seat which serve to perform a function test or a recording of readings by way of a negative pressure that is generated in the seat mat. The negative pressure is established by way of a pressure difference between the negative pressure and the external atmospheric pressure. The method is thus independent of the external atmospheric pressure. The controller that establishes the pressure difference is embodied either electronically or mechanically.

Claims

1. A measurement apparatus for measuring a seat mat of a vehicle seat, the seat mat including two films provided with pressure sensors between which at least one cavity is present, a plastic layer arranged between the two films, and a venting conduit, the measurement apparatus comprising:

a suction connector for connection to the venting conduit;

a pump for generating a negative pressure in the seat mat;

a controller for establishing a pressure difference between the negative pressure in the seat mat and an external air pressure;

a recording apparatus for reading the pressure sensors; and

an arrangement for at least one of optically outputting a reading of the pressure sensors and storing the reading.

2. The measurement apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:

the controller includes an electronic controller.

3. The measurement apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:

the controller includes a mechanical controller.

4. A method for measuring a seat mat for a vehicle seat, comprising:

exposing the seat mat to a pressure load for at least one of;

i) performing a recording of a reading, and ii) performing a function test;

establishing a negative pressure in the seat mat in order to generate a pressure load; and

controlling a pressure difference in the seat mat between the negative pressure in the seat mat and an air pressure in an environment.

5. The method according to claim 4, wherein:

the measurement of the seat mat is performed in a climatic chamber.

6. The method according to claim 4, wherein:

the pressure difference is controlled electronically.

7. The method according to claim 4, wherein:

the pressure difference is controlled mechanically.