Occupant Classification Using Seat Belt Angle and Compartment Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle occupant protection systems lack precision in adapting to different occupant types and conditions, leading to suboptimal activation of safety features based on limited information.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing sensor data from the passenger compartment and seat belt sensors to classify occupants by seat position, body characteristics, and clothing status, generating a precise activation signal for occupant protection devices, which can be implemented using existing or modified sensor systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If only seat position switches are used to detect occupant information, then the system complexity is low, but the measurement precision of occupant classification is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple existing sensor systems (seat position switches, seat belt sensors, passenger compartment sensors) into an integrated occupant classification system. By merging data from these different sensors, the system achieves precise occupant classification without adding entirely new complex sensor systems, thus improving measurement precision while controlling device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes existing sensors serve multiple functions. For example, seat position switches not only detect seat position but also contribute to occupant classification. Passenger compartment sensors detect both environmental conditions and occupant characteristics. This multi-functionality improves classification precision without proportionally increasing system complexity.
2Measurement precision
If multiple sensor systems are integrated to improve occupant classification precision, then the measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the occupant classification process into distinct functional modules: seat position detection, seat belt angle detection, passenger compartment sensing, and classification algorithm processing. This segmentation allows each sensor system to be independently optimized and maintained, reducing overall system complexity while achieving high classification precision through their coordinated operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If general seat position detection is used, then the ease of operation is high, but the adaptability of the safety system to different occupant conditions is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adaptability where the safety system continuously adjusts its behavior based on real-time sensor data. The occupant classification is not a static determination but a dynamic process that adapts to changing occupant positions, postures, and conditions. This dynamic approach enhances safety system adaptability without requiring overly complex hardware, as the adaptability is achieved through flexible data processing and classification algorithms.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for providing an activation signal activating a vehicle occupant protection device includes reading in passenger compartment data from a passenger compartment detection unit and seat belt data from a seat belt sensor. The passenger compartment data represent a passenger compartment of the vehicle. The seat belt data represent a seat belt fastening angle of a seat belt of the vehicle at a belt reversing point relative to a reference axis of the vehicle. The method also includes determining, based on the passenger compartment data, a piece of seat position information representing an occupancy state of a vehicle seat by an occupant and a relative position of the seat relative to the vehicle; ascertaining an occupant class, representing a physical characteristic of the occupant, using the seat position information seat belt data; and generating the activation signal using the seat position information and the occupant class.