Flexible occupant sensor and method of use
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A sensor system for occupant detection, the sensor system comprising:
- flexible circuit material;
at least one antenna and an associated signal trace on the flexible circuit material;
a circuit board more rigid than the flexible circuit material; and
an occupant detection circuit connected with the signal trace and on the circuit board, the occupant detection circuit operable to detect a presence or characteristic of an occupant in response to transmitted energy;
wherein the circuit board directly connects with the flexible circuit material;
wherein only a portion of the circuit board is potted, the flexible circuit material connecting with the potted portion of the circuit board.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Flexible circuit material is used for positioning one or more antennas for occupant detection within a seat. The antenna and associated signal traces to an occupant detection circuit may be more easily manufactured using a flexible material while minimizing discomfort to occupants. The flexible circuit material may be folded over a spacer in order to position occupant detection sensors or antennas at different locations or depths relative to a seating surface. An occupant detection system on a printed circuit board may be connected with the flexible circuit to provide ease of manufacture and limit costs.
37 Citations
35 Claims
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1. A sensor system for occupant detection, the sensor system comprising:
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flexible circuit material; at least one antenna and an associated signal trace on the flexible circuit material; a circuit board more rigid than the flexible circuit material; and an occupant detection circuit connected with the signal trace and on the circuit board, the occupant detection circuit operable to detect a presence or characteristic of an occupant in response to transmitted energy; wherein the circuit board directly connects with the flexible circuit material; wherein only a portion of the circuit board is potted, the flexible circuit material connecting with the potted portion of the circuit board. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. A method for occupant detection in a vehicle, the method comprising:
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(a) connecting flexible circuit material to a more rigid circuit board, at least one antenna and an associated signal trace on flexible circuit material, and an occupant detection circuit on the circuit board; (b) detecting with the at least one antenna and the occupant detection circuit a presence or characteristic of an occupant in response to transmitted energy; and (c) potting only a portion of the circuit board, the portion being at the connection of the flexible circuit material with the circuit board. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
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17. A sensor system for occupant detection, the sensor system comprising:
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flexible circuit material having first and second sensors; a separator having first and second sides, the flexible circuit material being on the first and second sides of the separator, the first sensor adjacent the first side and the second sensor adjacent the second side; and an occupant detection circuit connected with the first and second sensors. - View Dependent Claims (18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30)
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31. A method for occupant detection, the method comprising:
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(a) folding a flexible film over at least a portion of a spacer, the flexible film having first and second sensors formed thereon, the first sensor adjacent a first side of the spacer and the second sensor adjacent a second, opposite side of the spacer; and (b) detecting with the first and second sensors a presence or characteristic of an occupant. - View Dependent Claims (32, 33, 34, 35)
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Specification