Seat Occupancy Sensor Circuit With Redundant Trace Branches

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing seat occupancy sensors fail to function when traces are damaged or cut, leading to operational failures.

Innovation Solution

A seat occupancy sensor with redundant circuit branches and contact switches that allow for multiple connections to positive and negative traces, ensuring continued functionality even when one connection is damaged.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a single trace is used to transmit electrical current in a seat occupancy sensor, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability deteriorates when the trace is damaged or cut

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensor functionalityVSAvoidcircuit structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The circuit is divided into multiple independent branches (first circuit branch, second circuit branch) that extend from a common junction. Each branch contains its own trace configuration and contact switch, allowing the sensor to segment the current path so that damage to one branch does not affect the other branches' functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Redundant circuit branches are built into the sensor design beforehand to cushion against potential trace damage. The multiple traces and parallel circuit paths are pre-configured to provide alternative current routes, ensuring that if one trace is damaged, the sensor can still function through the remaining intact branches.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

2Reliability

If multiple circuit branches with redundant traces are implemented, then the reliability is improved against trace damage, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensor functionalityVSAvoidcircuit structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The junction serves multiple functions by being the common connection point for both the first and second circuit branches. The contact switches are designed to universally connect traces within their respective branches, providing a standardized interface that simplifies the overall circuit design despite the increased number of components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The first and second circuit branches are merged at the common junction point, creating a unified circuit structure that shares common elements. This merging approach allows the sensor to maintain a compact design while incorporating redundant paths, as the branches converge at the junction rather than remaining completely separate throughout the entire circuit.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS12427894B1Vehicle seat occupancy sensor

Publication Date: 2025.09.30 RB DISTRIBUTION INC

AI summary

A seat occupancy sensor for use in a vehicle is disclosed.