Occupant Detection Sensor Coupling With Stress-Absorbing Bend Relief
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing occupant detection sensors face accuracy and durability issues when installed in vehicle seats with hanging grooves, as they are subjected to stress and bending, leading to reduced sensitivity and potential damage.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a stress-absorbing portion in the coupling section of the sensor, such as a wavy or slit-formed portion, to absorb stress generated by bending, thereby maintaining sensor accuracy and preventing damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the coupling section is disposed along the hanging groove to improve design and comfortableness, then the seat design flexibility is improved, but stress is generated at the bent portion which reduces sensor accuracy and may cause damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a stress absorbing portion in the coupling section that is specifically designed to absorb stress generated by bending at the hanging groove location. This portion acts as a cushioning element that prevents stress from being transmitted to the sensor, thereby maintaining sensor accuracy and preventing damage while allowing the coupling section to follow the hanging groove configuration for design flexibility
2Ease of manufacture
If the trench portion of the seat cover is pushed into the hanging groove during attachment, then the seat cover is properly secured, but the coupling section is bent and stress is generated that reduces sensor sensitivity
Solution Approach 1:
The stress absorbing portion serves as an intermediary element between the coupling section and the sensor. It absorbs the stress generated during seat cover attachment when the trench portion is pushed into the hanging groove, preventing this stress from being transmitted to the sensor and thereby maintaining sensor sensitivity while allowing proper seat cover installation
3Reliability
If the sensor is continuously pressed down by the seat cover to maintain contact, then detection contact is ensured, but the sensor may be damaged when bending stress exceeds tolerance
Solution Approach 1:
The stress absorbing portion is positioned to absorb bending stress before it can reach the sensor, providing beforehand cushioning that protects the sensor from damage while allowing the seat cover to maintain continuous contact for reliable detection
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
The stress-absorbing design enhances the accuracy and durability of the occupant detection sensor by effectively managing stress at bent portions, allowing for reliable detection of occupant presence without compromising the sensor's integrity.
Implementation Method 1
a stress absorbing portion that absorbs stress generated at the bent portion
Data Source
AI summary
An occupant detection sensor includes a sensor member disposed on a surface of a vehicle seat and detecting sitting of an occupant, a wiring member electrically coupling the sensor member with an external device, and a covering member covering the sensor member and the wiring member. The wiring member and the covering member are included in a coupling section that is disposed along the surface of the vehicle seat. The coupling section includes a bent portion and a stress absorbing portion that absorbs stress generated at the bent portion.