Seat Occupancy Sensor Using Inductive Spring Coupling

The patent replaces complex electronic sensor systems with a purely mechanical measurement approach. A compression spring serves as both the mechanical support element and the measurement element, detecting occupancy through its compression state. This mechanical system eliminates the need for flat pressure sensors, data storages, and complex electronics, thereby reducing device complexity and installation difficulty while maintaining detection capability.

The compression spring performs multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical support for the seat, absorbs shocks and vibrations, and serves as the sensing element for occupancy detection. By integrating these functions into a single component, the patent eliminates the need for separate sensors and support structures, reducing overall system complexity.

The patent employs a simple compression spring made from inexpensive material instead of costly electronic sensors and data storage devices. The spring can be manufactured using standard metalworking processes and integrated into the seat support structure at minimal cost, while still providing reliable occupancy detection through its mechanical compression state.

The patent extracts and eliminates all expensive electronic components (flat pressure sensors, data storages, transponders, voltage sources) from the supporting structure, retaining only the essential mechanical support function and adding a simple compression spring for detection. This extraction of unnecessary complex components dramatically reduces manufacturing costs.