Occupant Classification Using Capacitance and Moisture Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional occupant classification systems based on pressure distribution or impedance are either inaccurate or costly due to the use of AC voltage and complex components.
Innovation Solution
An occupant classification apparatus using an electrode device to detect capacitance and moisture levels, with a controller estimating occupant type based on capacitance and moisture measurements, eliminating the need for AC voltage and reducing component complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If impedance-based measurement with AC voltage is used to estimate occupant type, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase due to expensive AC voltage components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electrical impedance measurement system (using AC voltage) with a capacitance measurement system (using DC voltage). This substitution eliminates the need for complex AC voltage generation components while achieving accurate occupant classification through capacitance and moisture level measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from electrical impedance (requiring AC voltage) to capacitance (usable with DC voltage). This parameter change allows the system to achieve accurate occupant classification without requiring expensive AC voltage components, thereby reducing device complexity and cost.
2Device complexity
If pressure distribution measurement is used to estimate occupant type, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical pressure distribution measurement system with an electrical capacitance measurement system. This substitution maintains simple device configuration (electrodes integrated into the seat) while achieving superior measurement precision through electrical properties that are more sensitive to occupant characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement approach from mechanical pressure distribution to electrical capacitance and moisture levels. This parameter change enables more accurate occupant classification while maintaining device simplicity, as the electrical measurements are more sensitive to the physiological properties of the occupant.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Accurately classifies occupants with reduced costs by using low DC voltage and omitting expensive AC voltage-related components, simplifying the classification process.
Implementation Method 1
an occupant property measurement device for measuring capacitance of and the amount of moisture contained in the occupant detected by the electrode device
Implementation Method 2
a moisture detector for detecting the amount of moisture according to change in electrical resistance of the occupant detected by the electrode device
Implementation Method 3
a discharge response signal generator for generating a discharge response signal corresponding to an amount of charge stored according to capacitance of the occupant detected by the electrode device
Data Source
AI summary
An occupant classification apparatus configured for classifying an occupant seated in a seat based on capacitance of and the amount of moisture contained in the occupant is disclosed. The occupant classification apparatus includes an electrode device for detecting an occupant seated in a seat, an occupant property measurement device for measuring capacitance of and the amount of moisture contained in the occupant detected by the electrode device, and a controller configured for estimating the occupant based on the capacitance and the amount of moisture measured by the occupant property measurement device.