Smart seatbelt control system

• US 7,426,429 B2
• Filed: 10/18/2001
• Issued: 09/16/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 04/27/1998
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Joseph A. Tabe
• Original Assignee: Joseph A. Tabe
• Inventors: Tabe, Joseph A
• Primary Examiner(s): To, Tuan C
• Application Number:
  US09/959,503
• Publication Number:
  US 20040068354A1
• Time in Patent Office: 2,525 Days
• Field of Search: 701/45, 701/46, 701/63, 340/665, 340/667, 340/436, 340/669, 340/562, 280/735, 280/732, 280/268, 280/807, 280/752, 280/736, 280/806, 280/777, 280/733, 180/268, 180/273, 180/282, 177/144, 177/211, 738/623.91, 738/624.2, 702/127, 455/452.1
• US Class Current: 701/45
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2022/4685 with means to adjust or regulate the tensioning force in relation to external parameters
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2022/4816 for sensing locking of buckle
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 22/48 Control systems, alarms, or interlock systems, for the correct application of the belt or harness

Abstract

An apparatus for preventing occupant injury during accident has various features to ensure safety including a sensor (70) detecting seat belt engagement and a means for varying the tension of a seatbelt (17), depending upon the weight of the occupant (110) sits on any of the seats (17), the load cell switch (18) will close, allowing the load cell output energy to energize the control module (25). The control module (25), after receiving signal communication from any of the load cells (15), will then enable the counter (50) to count the number of closed load cell switches (18) and enables the optoisolator switch (70) to then energize the latching relay (80) to check for the seat belt latching of the occupied seats (10) with closed load cell switches (18) and to energize, the latching relay switch (85).

Claims

1. A seatbelt safety system for detecting seatbelt usage in a vehicle by at least a vehicle occupant comprising:

a. at least a seat sensor mounted between the seat mounting structure means and the floor means of a vehicle for identifying when an occupant is seated within the vehicle seat;

b. at least a seatbelt tension sensor means for identifying whether an occupant identified by the seat sensor has fastened the seatbelt of the seat;

c. said seatbelt tension sensor means secured to the vehicle by a fastener, a first communication device comprising at least a transmitting means arranged in the seatbelt first end, and a second communication device comprising at least a receiving means arranged in the seatbelt second end, wherein said transmitting means and said receiving means being capable of communicating to each other for establishing communication link with at least the ends of at least the first and/or the second communication device;

d. a housing means adapted to be secured by the fastener and at least a first and/or a second communication device, an anchor plate mounted on the housing means, a strain gage secured to the housing means responsive for extending communication signal through a wire harness to at least a processing means;

e. means for monitoring the signal strength of the first and second communication devices and the signal strength of the strain gage;

f. said means for monitoring signal strength further comprising means for providing signals indicative of the seatbelt either is fastened or is unfastened based on the said signal strength of at least the first signal communication device, the second signal communication device, and/or the strain gage;

g. a vehicle sensor identifying when the vehicle is in motion;

h. a spring located between the anchor plate and the strain gage;

i. a control system operatively configured with means for preventing at least an occupant of said vehicle from starting at least a vehicle engine when the seat sensor and the seatbelt sensor indicate that the occupant is seated within the seat without a fastened seatbelt;

j. said control system further comprising means for locking the seatbelt when the vehicle sensor indicates that the vehicle is operating in a predetermined manner;

k. said control system operatively configured with said occupant sensor means for determining whether to allow deployment of restraints for the occupant based on measured parameters including at least a measured seat occupant weight and/or at least a measured seatbelt tension; and

l. a sensor circuitry for characterizing at sensor output signal.

2. The seatbelt safety system for detecting seatbelt usage of claim 1, wherein the seatbelt sensor comprises at least a processing means for characterizing the sensor output signal and for developing a corresponding message indicative of the operating condition of the said vehicle and at least a vehicle occupant, and for enabling modulated signal communication to at least the operator of said vehicle in human voice auditory establishing the safety state of at least an occupant.

3. The seatbelt safety system for detecting seatbelt usage of claim 1, further comprising means for generating seat occupant data when at least the identification data from the address line does not match the seat identification data in close comparison with at least a dedicated memory location.

4. The seatbelt safety system for detecting seatbelt usage of claim 1, wherein the sensor circuitry for characterizing the sensor output signal transmit signals to at least a control system indicative of any of at least a predetermined tension range, means for isolating at least a communication device from an applied shock load, and means for detecting at least a faulty sensor and enable at least an audio/visual communication to at least an operator.

5. The seatbelt safety system for detecting seatbelt usage according to claim 1, wherein a plurality seats is provided and at least a seat sensor and a seatbelt sensor are respectfully provided with each plurality of seats.

6. The seatbelt safety system for detecting seatbelt usage according to claim 1, wherein the control system includes a control processor.

7. The seatbelt safety system for detecting seatbelt usage according to claim 1, wherein said means for locking said seatbelt includes a security lock associated with a seatbelt latching mechanism for locking the seatbelt latch mechanism in a locked status upon receipt of an indication that the vehicle is operating in a predetermined manner.

8. The seatbelt safety system for detecting seatbelt usage according to claim 7, wherein the means for locking the seatbelt prevents unlocking the seatbelt latch mechanism when the vehicle is in motion.

9. The seatbelt safety system for detecting seatbelt usage according to claim 1, wherein the spring has a predetermined magnitude of at least a compression when no tension is applied to at least one end of the seatbelt.

10. The seatbelt safety system for detecting seatbelt usage according to claim 1, wherein at least a bypass means is associated with the control system for overriding the control system when the seat sensor and the seatbelt sensor indicate that at least an occupant seated within the seat without a fastened seatbelt and the control system would otherwise prevent the ignition of the vehicle.

11. The seatbelt safety system for detecting seatbelt usage according to claim 10, wherein at least a warning is issued when the bypass means overrides the control system and a seatbelt is unfastened.

12. The seatbelt safety system for detecting seatbelt usage according to claim 1, wherein a bypass means is associated with the control system for overriding the control system when the vehicle seat sensor indicates to the vehicle operator that the vehicle is operating in a predetermined manner and the means for locking would otherwise lock the seatbelt latch mechanism.

13. The seatbelt safety system for detecting seatbelt usage according to claim 12, wherein at least a warning is issued when the bypass means overrides the control system and a seatbelt is unfastened.

14. The seatbelt safety system for detecting seatbelt usage according to claim 1, wherein the control system includes a seat switch which is opened upon sensing at least an occupant within the seat to thereby prevent the flow of at least an electrical energy to the vehicle ignition.

15. The seatbelt safety system for detecting seatbelt usage according to claim 1, wherein the spring force is proportionate to the force applied to at least one end of the seatbelt such that a net force on the strain gage indicates the applied force on the strain gage.

16. The seatbelt safety system for detecting seatbelt usage according to claim 1, wherein the control system includes a seatbelt switch, which is at least closed upon sensing that at least an occupant sitting within the seat of the vehicle has fastened the seatbelt.

17. A seatbelt safety system for detecting seatbelt usage according to claim 1, wherein said safety system having means for managing and controlling energy, said energy enables the buckling of the seatbelt connectors, wherein said connectors are made permanent when the vehicle is in motion.

18. A vehicle seat occupant detection system having means for controlling a restraint system of a vehicle, comprising at least a sensor means for measuring tension in at least a seatbelt associated with at least a seat, a control means for determining whether to allow deployment of at least a restraint system assigned to the occupant seat based on the measured parameters including at least a measured seatbelt tension, sensor circuitry means disposed with the sensor means for characterizing output signals, comprising:

a. an automobile body having an engine with an ignition system and at least one seat having a seatbelt associated therewith;

b. at least a seat sensor mounted between the seat mounting structure means and the floor means of a vehicle for identifying when a passenger is seated within the vehicle seat;

c. said sensor means further comprising at least a seatbelt tension sensor means for identifying whether an occupant identified by the seat sensor has fastened the seatbelt of the seat;

d. said seatbelt tension sensor means secured to at least a vehicle by at least a fastener, a first communication device comprising at least a transmitting means arranged in the seatbelt first end, and a second communication device comprising at least a receiving means arranged in the seatbelt second end, wherein the transmitting means and the receiving means responsive for enabling interactive communication for establishing a communication link with at least the ends of at least the first and/or the second communication device;

e. a housing means adapted to be secured by the fastener and at least a first and/or a second communication device, an anchor plate mounted on the housing means, a strain gage secured to the housing means responsive for extending said interactive communication signal through wire harness to at least a processing means;

f. said seat sensor further comprising means for monitoring the signal strength of the first and second communication devices and the signal strength of a strain gage;

g. a spring means located between the anchor plate and the strain gage;

h. said seatbelt tension sensor means further comprising means for providing signals indicative of the seatbelt either is fastened or is unfastened based on the said signal strength of at least the first signal communication device, the second signal communication device, and/or the strain gage;

i. a vehicle sensor for identifying when the vehicle is in motion;

j. said means for providing signals operatively configured with at least said control means communicatively connected to means for preventing at least an occupant of a vehicle from starting at least a vehicle engine when the seat sensor and the seatbelt sensor means indicate that the occupant is seated within the seat without a fastened seatbelt;

k. (a) said control means further comprising means for locking the seatbelt when the vehicle sensor indicates to the control means that the vehicle is operating in a predetermined manner;

l. Said seat sensor further comprising at least an occupant detection control system configured with at least a seat for determining whether to allow deployment of restraints for the occupant based on measured parameters including at least a measured seat occupant weight and/or at least a measured seatbelt tension;

m. a sensor circuitry configured with said seatbelt tension sensor means for characterizing sensor output signal; and

n. seatbelt restraining strap operatively connected to at least a locking mechanism for securing the restraining strap across the body of a vehicle occupant seated within the seat, wherein the locking mechanism comprising means for preventing unlocking of the mechanism under predetermined conditions.

19. A vehicle seat occupant detection means and seatbelt control system according to claim 18, wherein a plurality of seats is provided and at least a seat sensor and at least a seatbelt sensor are respectfully provided for each of the plurality of seats.

20. A vehicle seat occupant detection means and seatbelt control system according to claim 18, wherein the control system includes a control processor.

21. A vehicle seat occupant detection means and seatbelt control system according to claim 18, wherein at least said means for locking the seatbelt includes a security lock associated with a seatbelt for locking the said seatbelt latch mechanism in a locked mode upon receipt of an indication that the vehicle is operating in at least a predetermined manner.

22. A vehicle seat occupant detection means and seatbelt control system according to claim 18, wherein said means for locking said seatbelt prevents unlatching of the seatbelt latch mechanism when the vehicle is in motion.

23. A vehicle seat occupant detection means and seatbelt control system according to claim 18, wherein a bypass means is associated with the control system for overriding the control system when at least the seat sensor and/or at least the seatbelt sensor indicates that at least an occupant is seated within at least a seat without a fastened seatbelt and at least the control system would otherwise prevent the ignition of the said vehicle.

24. A vehicle seat occupant detection means and seatbelt control system according to claim 18, wherein at least a bypass means is associated with the control system for overriding the control system when at least the vehicle seat sensor indicates to the operator of said vehicle that the vehicle is operating in at least a predetermined maimer and the said means for locking the seatbelt would otherwise lock the seatbelt latch mechanism.

25. A vehicle seat occupant detection means and seatbelt control system according to claim 18, wherein at least a control system for indicating occupant'"'"'s presence further includes at least a seat switch which is opened upon sensing that an occupant sitting within at least a seat of the said vehicle to thereby prevent the flow of electrical energy to at least the vehicle ignition system.

26. A vehicle seat occupant detection means and seatbelt control system according to claim 18, wherein at least the control system for indicating occupant'"'"'s presence includes at least a seatbelt switch which is at least closed upon sensing that an occupant sitting within at least a seat of a vehicle has fastened the seatbelt.

27. A vehicle seat occupant detection means and seatbelt control system according to claim 18, wherein the anchor plate has a slot for securing the seatbelt sensor including at least a strain gage.

28. A vehicle seat occupant detection means and seatbelt control system according to claim 18, whereby the strain gage has at least a wire harness for enabling signal transmission and for receiving communication signal thereon.

29. A vehicle seat occupant detection means and seatbelt control system according to claim 18, wherein said seatbelt control system includes means for isolating at least a communication device from an applied shock load.

30. A vehicle seat occupant detection means and seatbelt control system according to claim 18, wherein the strain gage further includes a substrate including at least a load cell, at least a plurality of electrical resistors mounted to the load cell for generating at least an electrical signal in response to the strain gage being subjected to at least an increasing applied load on the seat surface, and wherein the electrical signal changes as a function of at least the occupant applied weight and/or the tension applied on at least the seatbelt sensor.

31. A vehicle seat occupant detection means and seatbelt control system according to claim 18, wherein other elements of the seatbelt housing means and at least the anchor plate communicate with at least a control means for controlling and/or for limiting the maximum applied load to at least the strain gage.

32. A method for classifying vehicle occupants to enable vehicle seat occupant detection system for controlling a restraint system of a vehicle, comprising at least a sensor means for measuring tension in at least a seatbelt associated with at least a seat, and a control means for determining whether to allow deployment of at least a restraint system assigned to the occupied occupant seat based on at least a measured parameter, including at least a measured seatbelt tension and/or at least a signal from at least sensor circuitry means disposed with a sensor for characterizing output signals, comprising the steps of:

a. mounting a plurality of sensors between the vehicle seat mounting structure means and the floor means of the vehicle to enable a detection platform;

b. generating at least an electrical signal from the sensors indicative of at least an occupant measured weight on the said seat, wherein said generated electrical signal responsive to an occupant presence within the seat of the said vehicle;

c. storing the said electrical signal in a rewriteable memory representing at least an identification data storage medium for the said occupant on said seat;

d. correcting said data if the information at the rewriteable memory varies from the electrical signal output from the said detection platform having at least a load cell operatively configured with a strain gage;

e. classifying the restraining force based on at least the original data and/or the corrected data at the rewriteable memory location.

33. The method for classifying vehicle occupants according to claim 32, includes generating at least a plurality of weight signals in response to at least an applied weight to the seat by at least an occupant of the said vehicle.

34. The method for classifying vehicle occupants according to claim 32, including the steps of applying a correction factor if the original data at the memory location is influenced by at least a traveling external force including bumps and/or transient voltages.

35. The method for classifying vehicle occupants according to claim 32, including an erasable programmable read-only memory “

EPROM,”

wherein said EPROM utilizes electrical means for generating said correcting factors through an assigned address line representing at least a zone for each seating location.

36. The method for classifying vehicle occupants according to claim 32, including the steps of locking/unlocking at least an individual occupant classification data at the address line when at least a predetermined number of un-equal weight of said vehicle occupant classification is sampled from at least the same identified seat.

37. The method for classifying vehicle occupants according to claim 32, including the steps of comparing the identified data at the address line to at least the upper and lower reading of the said identified data representation, indicative of at least the weight and/or tension estimation of the seated occupant, setting the classification data to at least between a higher and/or lower threshold for the last seated occupant.

38. The method for classifying vehicle occupants according to claim 32, further including the steps of classifying the sampled threshold value to at least the last upper threshold value if the estimated value is higher or lower than at least a predetermined amount.

39. A vehicle seat occupant detection means and classification system for classifying detected vehicle occupants information comprising at least a predefined sensor arrangement for the vehicle seat and the seatbelt ends to enable variable restraining force control;

comprising;

a. vehicle seat sensor mounted between a seat mounting structure means and the floor means of a vehicle, said seat sensor comprising at least a load cell operatively configured with a strain gage responsive for generating at least an electrical/electromagnetic signal containing at least a unique seat and occupant identification data;

b. at least a sensing means responsive to characteristics of the vehicle seat sensor to generate at least a seat characteristic signal;

c. said seat sensor comprising at least an occupant detection control means comprising means responsive to the seat characteristic signal for deriving at least a seat occupant weight and/or seatbelt tension signal, operatively configured with at least a memory means responsive for the seat identification data, wherein the memory means is comprises at least an erasable programmable read-only memory “

EPROM”

communicatively connected to the control means and operatively configured with the seat sensor;

d. said control means further comprising means for generating the sensor activating signal and for receiving and/or processing at least said electrical/electromagnetic signal derived from at least an identified data in relation to at least an identified seat having at least an occupant and/or a seatbelt mechanism;

e. said control means further comprising means for determining if there is at least a seat identification data at an address line configured with said EPROM;

f. said means for determining seat identification data further comprising means for determining if the seat identification data from at least an electrical/electromagnetic signal matches the seat identification data from at least the last previous identified data for the said seat;

g. said means for determining seat identification data further comprising means for determining if the seat identification data from at least an electrical/electromagnetic signal matches at least the previously identified data to enable increasing /decreasing at least a seatbelt tension for the said identified seat and storing said data thereon;

h. said EPROM further comprising means for determining at least a seat reference location with at least an occupant weight and seatbelt tension value and enabling copying at least a seat identification data to at least an address line memory, wherein if there is at least an identified seat identification data in the address line memory, means for comparing the said identification data at the said address line location and generating at least an operating or warning signal when at least a seat identification data does not match the seat identification data at the address line memory is enabled;

i. said EPROM further comprising means for extracting said identification data from at least the address line;

j. said control means further comprising means for controlling the restraint system from at least the values of at least data at the address line memory; and

k. said vehicle seat sensor further comprising at least a load cell having means for transforming said occupant weight into electrical energy.

40. The vehicle occupant seat detection means and seatbelt classification system according to claim 39, wherein the strain gage includes at least an electrical resistor element and housed in at least a substrate including a load cell for transforming at least an occupant weight, and for transforming at least a seatbelt tension into at least an electrical energy to enable communication signal therewith.

41. The vehicle occupant seat detection means and seatbelt classification system according to claim 39, wherein said load cell with all elements therein is mounted between the seat mounting frame structure and the floor of the vehicle.

42. The vehicle occupant seat detection means and seatbelt classification system according to claim 39, wherein a wire harness is connected to the strain gage circuit for transmitting a communication signal thereof.

43. The vehicle occupant seat detection means and seatbelt classification system according to claim 39, wherein at least a restraint system deployment is controlled based on at least the classification of the occupant data and/or the classification of at least the vehicle engine speed.

44. The vehicle occupant seat detection means and seatbelt classification system according to claim 39, wherein said classified information is collected from at least a coded zone, comprising at least a predefined sensor arrangement for the vehicle seat and occupants weight which is profiled based on at least a first available seat data for monitoring seat belt usage.

45. The vehicle occupant seat detection means and seatbelt classification system according to claim 39, wherein said processing means includes at least an erasable programmable read-only memory for enabling at least a correcting factor to the identification data at the address line, and wherein said erasable programmable read-only memory identifies at least a signal from at least a seat and at least a signal from at least a seatbelt latch in connection to the said seat location at the address line as at least a coded zone, and wherein each zone is assigned to at least a seat having at least a seatbelt for gathering signals thereof indicative of data transmitted for each said seat of said vehicle, wherein said processing means determines seatbelt tension and/or airbag deployment based on said zone data.

46. The vehicle occupant seat detection means and seatbelt classification system according to claim 39, wherein said system includes means for regenerating at least a vehicle seat occupant signal when the seat identification data from at least a zone does not match the seat identification data of at least a seated occupant.

47. The vehicle occupant seat detection means and seatbelt classification system according to claim 39, wherein said means for regenerating at least an occupant signal includes means for determining if the is at least a seat identification data at the address line memory location, whereby if there is a seat identification data in the memory location, comparing said identified data with the current seated occupant is enabled, and wherein if such comparisons are significantly different, regenerating at least a new data based on the current information is further enabled.

48. An occupant detection means and supplemental weight responsive restraint system for controlling at least a seatbelt tensional force comprising:

a. a means for sensing weight and generating weight signal corresponding to a weight of an occupant on the seat;

b. a central processing unit responsive to a digital signal which has been amplified and converted from said weight signal for generating a tensional restraining value;

c. a coil responsive to said tensional restraining value generating energy corresponding to said restraint energy value;

d. a latching relay comprising a control means for verifying the locking position of a seatbelt and for enabling at least an evaluation means connectable to at least a monitoring means, responsive for confirming seatbelt connectivity signal;

e. an optoisolator defining a monitoring means responsive to said latching relay;

releasing a controlled electrical energy corresponding to said occupant'"'"'s weight into said coil at a rate corresponding to said tensional restraining value;

f. said coil comprising at least a rotating means for generating electrical energy, said electrical energy responsive for wheel rotation for generating a seatbelt tensional force proportionate to at least said occupant'"'"'s weight and/or the speed of the vehicle, and enabling timely empowering said coil rotation at a rate corresponding to at least said occupant'"'"' weight and/or the collision force of the vehicle; and

g. said optoisolator further comprising at least a monitoring means comprising at least a sensor means structured and arranged to respond to said seatbelt latching activities by registering a binary representation of at least a “

0” and

/or “

1”

transmission indicative of further responding to at least a seatbelt latch/unlatch condition.

49. An occupant detection means and supplemental weight responsive restraint system in accordance with claim 48, wherein said optoisolator further comprises a locking means which is fixable within at least a portion of the seatbelt which defines a mechanism/device for transforming said generated weight into a controlled energy for variably controlling the tensional force of said seatbelt.

50. An occupant detection means and supplemental weight responsive restraint system in accordance with claims 48 or 49, wherein said controlled energy is responsive to enabling a coil rotation operation and for engaging said wheels into rotations responsive to enabling the control of variably tensioning of at least the seat belt of a vehicle.

51. An occupant detection means and supplemental weight responsive restraint system in accordance with claim 49, wherein said controlled energy from at least a sensor, coordinates and controls the latching relay and the occupant seat counter enabling precise and accurate monitoring of occupants seatbelt latching activities.

52. An occupant detection means and supplemental weight responsive restraint system in accordance with claim 49, wherein said controlled energy is responsive to enabling the control of variably tensioning of at least the seatbelt of a vehicle, and further including a photocell and at least a LED for measuring light intensity inside the optoisolator and comparing the buckling and unbuckling activities of the seatbelt such that at least a binary signal/ communication signal is transmitted in response to at least a condition indicative of said activities.

53. An occupant detection means and supplemental weight responsive restraint system in accordance with claim 48, further comprising a device for processing occupant'"'"'s weight into calculated tensional restraint value changeably interacting with at least a strain gage responsive for enabling a second device for generating a second electrical energy, said second energy corresponding to the first generated by at least the load cell.

54. An occupant detection means and supplemental weight responsive restraint system in accordance with claims 48 or 53, further comprising a CPU responsible for signal processing and for calculating said occupant'"'"'s tensional restraint value, said signal processing means not excluding any of microprocessors responsive for processing digital and analog data for the control of seatbelt latching.

55. An occupant detection means and supplemental weight responsive restraint system in accordance with claim 53, further comprising a CPU responsible for signal processing and for calculating said occupant'"'"'s tensional restraint value, said signal processing means not excluding any of microprocessors responsive for processing digital and analog data for the control of seatbelt latching, and further comprising a device for enabling said second electrical energy to controllably bias an optoisolator spring, wherein said spring controls and monitors the contacts of each seatbelt connector and wherein said optoisolator enables a binary signal transmission indicative of said connectors either being connected or not connected.

57. An occupant detection means and supplemental weight responsive restraint system in accordance with claim 50, wherein said controlled energy is responsive to enabling a coil rotation operation and for engaging said wheels into rotation responsive to enabling the control of variably tensioning of at least the seatbelt of a vehicle, and further including a photocell and at least a LED for measuring light intensity inside the optoisolator and comparing the buckling and unbuckling activities of the seatbelt such that at least a binary signal/communication signal is transmitted in response to at least a condition indicative of said activities.

58. An occupant detection means and supplemental weight responsive restraint system in accordance with claim 54, further comprising a CPU responsible for signal processing and for calculating said occupant'"'"'s tensional restraint value, said signal processing means not excluding any of microprocessors responsive for processing digital and analog data for the control seatbelt latching, and comparing the buckling and unbuckling activities of the seatbelt such that at least a binary signal/communication signal is transmitted in response to at least a condition indicative of said activities.

56. An occupant detection means and supplemental weight responsive restraint system in accordance with 55, wherein said detection means further including a vehicle seat occupant detection system in communication with means for controlling a restraint system of a vehicle and said restraint system further comprising an amplifying device for amplifying signal processing devices when a collision is eminent.

59. Weight responsive restraint system for a smart restraint having at least a vehicle seat occupant detection means for controlling at least a restraint system of a vehicle, said restraint system comprising sensors for measuring tension in at least a seatbelt associated with at least a seat, a control means for determining whether to allow deployment of at least a restraint system assigned to the occupant seat based on measured parameters including at least a measured seatbelt tension, at least a measured signal from at least a sensor circuitry means disposed with at least a sensor for characterizing output signals comprising:

a. a seatbelt;

b. said occupant detection means comprising means for sensing weight and generating a weight signal corresponding to a weight of an occupant on the seat;

b. an encoder, responsive for analog to digital signals which has been amplified and converted from said weight signal, generating a tensional force value;

d. a coil responsive to said tensional force value, generating electrical energy corresponding to said tensional force value; and

e. means for controlling a tensional force exerted by said seatbelt upon wheel rotation empowered by the coil, so that said force is proportionate to said weight of said occupant; and

wherein said means for controlling said force of said seatbelt varies between an upper and lower threshold.

60. A weight responsive restraint system according to claim 59, wherein said means for sensing weight further comprising plurality load cell, interposed between plurality seat mounting frames and the floor means of the vehicle, said load cell generating a plurality of weight signals corresponding to a plurality weight of plurality occupants on a plurality of seat.

61. A weight responsive restraint system according to claim 59, further comprising a plurality of load cells, interposed between a plurality of seat mounting frames and the floor of the vehicle, generating a plurality of weight signals corresponding to a plurality of weight signals of a plurality of occupants on a plurality of seats, and further comprising a controller of type thyristor, but not limited to type silicon control modules, electrically connected to a plurality of load cells, distinguishing between a plurality of weights;

wherein said controller further enables the seatbelt monitoring means, responsive to said weight signal, and said controller enabling plurality seatbelts, responsive to said weight signal.

62. A weight responsive restraint system according to claim 61, not limited to optoisolator, wherein said optoisolator includes a LED and a photocell, selectively engaging in signal communication with said latching relay, said relay responsive to latching activities, said activities generating electrical energy or pulses for signaling thereof.

63. A weight responsive restraint system according to claim 60, further comprising a plurality of load cells, interposed between a plurality of seat mounting frames and the floor of the vehicle, generating a plurality of weight signals corresponding to a plurality of weight signals of a plurality of occupants on a plurality of seats, and further comprising a controller of type thyristor, but not limited to type silicon control modules, electrically connected to a plurality of load cells, distinguishing between a plurality of weights, wherein said controller further enables the seatbelt monitoring means, responsive to said weight signal, and said controller enabling a plurality of seatbelts, responsive to said weight signal.

64. Means for controlling the seatbelt restraining force of a vehicle seat occupant, said means comprising vehicle seat occupant detection means and classification system for classifying occupant'"'"'s data to enable controlling a restraint system of a vehicle based on at least said classification data, the speed of said vehicle, and the collision force of said vehicle, wherein said classification system further comprising sensors mounted between a floor means and the seat mounting structure means for measuring the occupant'"'"'s weight and enabling tension in at least a seatbelt associated with at least said seat responsive for outputting said occupant'"'"'s data, wherein a control means is provided for determining whether to allow deployment of at least a restraint system assigned to at least the occupied occupant seat based on the measured parameters including at least any/all said three factors for enabling measured/variable seatbelt tension, and wherein said classification system further comprising sensor circuitry means disposed with the seat mounting structure means and the floor means of the vehicle for characterizing output signals of the said sensors comprising:

a. said occupant detection means further comprising a weight sensor for determining the weight of a seating occupant and generating an output signal indicative thereof;

b. said weight sensor further comprising a load cell bonded with at least one strain gage comprising said weight sensor and mounted between the seat mounting structure means and the floor means of said vehicle for generating signal when strained or under load indicative of occupant weight and said signal responsive to signal communication to a plurality of devices,

c. said weight sensor comprising means for transforming said body weight signal into electrical energy corresponding to the weight of said occupant and sampling input and output signals from said at least one sensor such that the occupant applied force on the surfaces of the seat and the floor of the vehicle are measured and said seatbelt tensional restraint force is controlled in response to said weight of the seated occupant upon collision.

65. Means for controlling the seatbelt restraining force according to claim 64, further comprising an optoisolator controller, wherein at least one of the plurality sensors is either of resistance pressure sensor or inductance pressure sensor.

66. Means for controlling the seatbelt restraining force according to claim 64, further comprising an optoisolator controller, and further including but not limited to capacitance pressure sensor.

67. Means for controlling the seatbelt restraining force according to claim 66, further comprising a load cell with strain gages bonded inside for generating electrical energy when strained and or under load, said energy responsive to signal communication of a plurality of devices.

68. Means for controlling the seatbelt restraining force according to claim 66, further comprising a load cell with strain gages bonded inside for generating electrical energy when strained and/or under load, said energy responsive to signal communication of a plurality of devices, and a sensor with incorporated software program inside at least a load cell/substrate, for calculating said weight of at least a seated occupant to enable said variable tensional restraint force transformation.

69. Means for controlling the seatbelt restraining force according to claim 68, further comprising at least a sensing device responsive for housing electrical resistor devices responsive for transforming said occupant'"'"'s body weight into electrical energy and enabling electromechanical devices to interface with a plurality of devices for controlling magnetic fields to enable a permanent latching of the seatbelt.

70. Means for controlling the seatbelt restraining force according to claim 64, wherein said controller further comprising means for determining whether to allow deployment of at least a restraint system assigned to at least the occupied occupant seat and dependent on said occupant'"'"'s presence for measuring the crash severity and the speed of the vehicle and responsively for enabling single or a plurality of seatbelt tensional restraint forces for protecting said occupant thereof.

71. Means for controlling the seatbelt restraining force according to claim 70, wherein said weight sensor mounted between a floor means and the seat mounting structure means and comprising at least a load cell having means for transforming said seat occupant applied weight on said seat and said weight on vehicle floor into electrical energy, and wherein said controller enables seatbelt tensional restraint force, such that said force is indicative of at least said measured weight, the speed of the vehicle and the severity of the crash.

72. Means for controlling the seatbelt restraining force according to claim 67, further comprising a load cell with strain gages bonded inside for generating electrical energy when strained and/or under load, said energy responsive to signal communication of a plurality of devices, and a sensor with incorporated software inside at least a load cell/substrate, for calculating said weight of at least a seated occupant to enable said variable tensional restraint force transformation.

73. Means for controlling the seatbelt restraining force according to claim 65, wherein said weight sensor is disposed between a floor means and the seat mounting structure means comprising at least a load cell having means for transforming said seat occupant applied weight on said seat and said weight on vehicle floor into electrical energy, further comprising an optoisolator controller, and further including but not limited to a capacitance pressure sensor.

74. A smart restraint control means for a vehicle seat occupant detection and classification system for classifying detected vehicle occupants information including at least a predefined sensor arrangement for the vehicle seat and the seatbelt ends comprising:

a. means for precisely monitoring the initial weight of a seated occupant and the weight of a changing occupant, for controlling the tensional restraint force of a seatbelt,

b. said means for monitoring the initial weight of a seated occupant comprising an address line, said address line being a reference storage memory or medium for storing actual weight at initial sitting, said memory is different from either RAM or ROM;

c. said address line further comprising an EPROM, for controlling data about a changing occupant; and

d. a microprocessor means, for communicating with plurality of sensors, said sensors being in circuit communication with a plurality of other signal processors and/or transistorize switches, for enabling a seatbelt tensional restraint force.

75. A smart restraint control system according to claim 74, including an impact collision sensor, for initiating restraint system, enabling tensioning of the occupant on the seat, with an enabling force indicative of the occupant'"'"'s weight, wherein said tensional force is dependent on said collision force and said speed of the vehicle.

76. A smart restraint control system according to claim 74, wherein said restraint system comprising a voltage suppressor for filtering out transient phenomenon, said phenomenon is excluded from adoption into the seatbelt circuitry.

77. A smart restraint control system according to claim 74, further comprising means for shutting-off the engine when a collision is sensed, said collision defines an accident but not limited to roll over accident.

78. A smart restraint control system according to claim 77, further comprising means for shutting-off the engine, wherein at least either the vehicle is left unattended or the engine left idling.

80. A smart restraint control system according to claim 74, further comprising bypass means, wherein said means not allowing the vehicle to start when the driver is not on the driver'"'"'s seat.

79. A smart restraint control system as claimed in 74, wherein a switch is used for letting off occupants when the vehicle is stopped.

81. A vehicle occupant seat detection means and weight responsive classification system for controlling the resistance of a restraint device, such that in an accident, an occupant of a vehicle impacts the device without injury, comprising:

a. at least a sensor means operatively configured with the detection means for determining a weight value of at least a sitting occupant;

b. at least a computer means comprising a control means communicatively configured with said sensor means, said computer means calculating a coil value based upon at least the weight value of the sitting occupant and/or at least a collision force value;

c. at least a seatbelt device;

d. at least a collision force sensor communicatively configured with at least a restraint device and operatively configured with the computer means; and

e. at least a coil tensioning means operatively configured with said seat belt device, and communicatively connected to said computer means, said coil tensioning means comprises means for initiating a variable tensional force, comprising rotating a moveable coil per weight value,

wherein said sensor means comprises at least a load cell comprising at least a strain gage configured with at least an electrical resistance means and operatively configured with the restraint device, the restraint device communicatively connected to said computer means comprising means for adjusting tensile speed/force if the occupant does not have the seatbelt locked;

and wherein said restraint device comprises means for controlling at least the seatbelt tension, said means operatively connected to the EPROM and communicatively configured with at least a switch means, said switch means comprises at least an optoisolator comprising at least a photocell operatively configured with at least a Led, said photocell further comprises means for initiating activation of the seatbelt device and for enabling signal communication responsive to at least a latching means.

82. The vehicle occupant seat detection means and classification system for a responsive apparatus of claim 81, wherein said sensor means comprises at least a load cell operatively configured with a strain gage for transforming said occupant'"'"'s weight into electrical energy.

83. The vehicle occupant seat detection means and classification system for a weight responsive apparatus of claim 81, wherein said computer means further comprises at least an EPROM comprises means for controlling data about a changing occupant at an address line configured for each seat, and wherein said seatbelt device further comprising means for preventing unlocking of the seatbelt.

84. The vehicle occupant seat detection means and classification system for a weight responsive apparatus of claim 83, wherein said EPROM further comprises means for correcting said seat occupant'"'"'s data at the address line when said data is influenced by at least an external force, further comprising means for preventing unlocking of the seatbelt when the vehicle is in motion.

85. The vehicle occupant seat detection means and classification system for a weight responsive apparatus of claim 84, wherein said address line configured for each seat and said means for preventing unlocking of the seatbelt is overridden by at least a switch means when the vehicle is active/inactive.

86. The vehicle occupant seat detection means and classification system for a weight responsive apparatus of claim 81, wherein said coil tensioning means further comprises means for controlling the seatbelt tension, wherein the seatbelt is rendered of sufficient tension to keep the occupant on the seat when a collision is sensed, but is not rendered of sufficient tension to cause impact injury to the occupant.

87. The vehicle occupant seat detection means and classification system for a weight responsive apparatus of claim 81, wherein said sensor means disposed between the floor means and the seat mounting structure means of a vehicle and operatively configured with said control means configured with said seatbelt device.

88. The vehicle occupant seat detection means and classification system for a weight responsive apparatus of claim 87, wherein said control means further comprises at least an erasable programmable read only memory “

EPROM”

configured for monitoring the weight of seated occupants and for correcting the weight of at least a changing occupant to effectively control the classification data for enabling at least the seatbelt device.

89. The vehicle occupant seat detection means and classification system for a weight responsive apparatus of claim 88, wherein said EPROM further comprises at least a random access memory comprising at least a software program configured with means for storing and accessing the classification data containing at least occupant'"'"'s weight measurements.