Vehicle Seat Occupant Detection Device Adjustable Threshold
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle seat occupant detection devices require multiple assemblies due to varying seat designs and undergo threshold changes over time due to wear, necessitating an adjustable solution to maintain accurate detection.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle seat occupant detection device with an adjustable threshold, comprising a sensor, a spring, and an adjuster, where the adjuster varies the force threshold by altering the spring's pre-load, allowing adaptation to different seat designs and wear conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple assemblies with different spring rates are used to meet various customer requirements, then the device can accommodate different seat designs, but the device complexity and part number proliferation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal detection device that can adapt to different seat designs through an adjustable threshold mechanism. Instead of creating multiple specialized assemblies for different spring rates, a single device design is used with the capability to adjust its detection threshold to match various seat conditions, thereby reducing part number proliferation while maintaining versatility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an adjustable threshold feature that allows the detection device to dynamically adapt to different seat designs and spring rates. The threshold can be modified to accommodate variations in seat cushion characteristics, enabling one device design to serve multiple applications that would otherwise require different fixed-configurations
2Device complexity
If the detection threshold is fixed, then the device structure is simple, but the threshold changes over time due to cushion and seat-cover wear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the fixed detection threshold into an adjustable one, allowing the threshold to be modified over time to compensate for wear in the cushion and seat-cover. This dynamic adjustment capability maintains detection accuracy throughout the service life of the seat without requiring device replacement
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable threshold mechanism enables service technicians to maintain detection accuracy by adjusting the threshold parameter during routine maintenance, without requiring replacement of the entire detection device or calibration of mechanical components
3Adaptability or versatility
If the spring rate is changed to meet different customer requirements, then the detection threshold adapts to various seat designs, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal detection device design that can be manufactured in a standardized configuration but adjusted in the field to meet different customer requirements. This eliminates the need to manufacture multiple variants with different spring rates, simplifying the manufacturing process while maintaining adaptability to various seat designs
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
Enables the same device to accommodate various seat weight thresholds and designs, and adjusts to changes in seat wear, reducing the need for multiple assemblies and simplifying maintenance by allowing technicians to adjust the force threshold as needed.
Implementation Method 1
The spring is configured to urge the sensor toward the first state
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B~2
AI summary
A vehicle seat occupant detection device (10) with an adjustable threshold is provided. The device (10) includes a sensor (22), a spring (26), and an adjuster (34). The sensor (22) is configured to indicate a first state when a seat is not occupied and a second state when the seat is occupied. The spring (26) is configured to urge the sensor (22) toward the first state. The adjuster (34) is coupled to the spring (26). The adjuster (34) is operable to vary a force (28) threshold that the device (10) transitions from the first state to the second state.