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Method and apparatus for detecting improper installation of child seat in a vehicle

  • US 7,233,239 B2
  • Filed: 11/04/2003
  • Issued: 06/19/2007
  • Est. Priority Date: 11/04/2003
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
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1. A method of detecting improper installation of an auxiliary child seat in a motor vehicle and alerting a vehicle operator in the case of improper installation, the auxiliary child seat having a properly installed condition wherein the auxiliary child seat is resting on top of a vehicle seat, a seatbelt anchored to the vehicle is fastened around the auxiliary child seat by means of a seatbelt buckle, and the seatbelt is tightened to a tautness within an acceptable range, the method comprising:

  • monitoring a seat occupancy sensor to determine whether the auxiliary child seat is present on the vehicle seat;

    monitoring a buckle condition sensor to determine whether the seatbelt buckle is fastened or unfastened;

    activating an alerting device if the auxiliary child seat is present on the vehicle seat and the seatbelt buckle is unfastened;

    monitoring a seatbelt tension sensor to determine a tautness of the seatbelt; and

    activating the alerting device if the auxiliary child seat is present, the seatbelt buckle is fastened, and the seatbelt tautness is not within the acceptable range.

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