Vehicle Seat Occupant Classification Sensor System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle occupant classification systems for airbag deployment are costly and difficult to install due to the need for multiple weight sensors, increasing the complexity and burden of assembly.
Innovation Solution
A system using two weight sensors installed between a base and a cover in a vehicle seat, with a control unit determining occupant type based on load values, and incorporating a shock absorption member and stopper for overload protection, employs an optimal independent variable set to differentiate between adult and child weights.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If four weight sensors are installed between leg frames and moving rails to classify vehicle occupants, then occupant classification accuracy is improved, but device complexity and installation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the weight sensing function from the complex four-sensor system and concentrates it into a single integrated weight sensor located in the seat pan. This single sensor captures the total weight information needed for occupant classification, eliminating the need for multiple distributed sensors and their associated wiring and control logic.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple weight sensing functions into a single integrated weight sensor unit. Instead of using four separate sensors at different locations, the invention combines all weight detection into one sensor, simplifying the overall system architecture while maintaining the ability to accurately classify occupants based on weight.
2Measurement precision
If four weight sensors are installed individually in seat components, then occupant weight can be measured, but installation burden and assembly difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the weight sensing function into a self-contained module (the single weight sensor in the seat pan) that can be independently installed and tested. This modular approach allows the weight sensing capability to be integrated into the seat assembly process without requiring complex coordination of multiple sensor installations across different seat components.
3Reliability
If multiple weight sensors are used to ensure accurate classification, then classification reliability is improved, but system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical multi-sensor system with a single weight sensor combined with algorithmic processing. Instead of using multiple physical sensors to redundantly measure weight, the invention uses one sensor with optimized measurement locations (first and second locations in the seat pan) and mathematical processing to achieve reliable occupant classification, reducing hardware quantity while maintaining or improving reliability.
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
This configuration reduces the number of sensors required while maintaining accurate occupant classification, improving assembly and durability, and reducing the likelihood of erroneous classifications by increasing the weight gap between adults and children.
Implementation Method 1
two weight sensors installed between the base and the cover to support the cover, and configured to measure a load transmitted to the cover by the weight of a vehicle occupant sitting in the seat
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for classifying a vehicle occupant is disclosed. A base is installed in each of leg frames of a seat of a vehicle. A cover is installed above the base to be spaced apart from the base. Two weight sensors are installed between the base and the cover to support the cover, and configured to measure a load transmitted to the cover by the weight of a vehicle occupant sitting in the seat. A control unit receives load values measured by the weight sensors, and determines whether the vehicle occupant sitting in the seat is an adult or a child based on the received load values. A shock absorption member is interposed between the weight sensors and the base. A stopper is interposed between the base and the cover in order to limit a downward movement range of the cover in a case of overload.