Vehicle Seat Weight Sensor Error Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Occupant classification sensor systems experience measurement errors due to contact with adjacent systems, leading to improper occupant classification and pyrotechnic deployment strategies, especially when vehicle seats encounter objects during movement.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle system with at least two weight sensors coupled to the seat and an electronic control unit that generates an error signal by comparing sensor signals to predetermined variances, gradients, and magnitudes to detect constrained seat conditions, reducing potential safety system misfires.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the seat is allowed to move freely for accurate weight measurement, then measurement precision is improved, but the system becomes vulnerable to external objects causing large measurement errors when the seat contacts them
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by continuously monitoring sensor signals for signs of constraint before large measurement errors occur. The control unit detects when the seat encounters an object by analyzing variations in sensor output that indicate constrained movement, allowing the system to identify problematic conditions early and prevent improper occupant classification or pyrotechnic deployment
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by continuously comparing sensor signals against expected ranges and providing real-time detection of constraint conditions. The control unit monitors weight sensor outputs and generates error signals when constraint is detected, creating a closed-loop system that can respond to changing seat conditions and maintain measurement reliability
2Reliability
If multiple weight sensors are installed to improve measurement reliability, then the ability to detect sensor errors is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the weight sensing function into multiple separate sensors distributed across the seat structure. By segmenting the measurement function across multiple independent sensors, the system can compare individual sensor readings to detect anomalies and determine whether the seat is constrained, improving reliability without requiring a single complex sensor system
Solution Approach 2:
The multiple weight sensors serve multiple functions: they provide the primary occupant weight measurement for classification, enable detection of seat constraint conditions through signal comparison, and identify individual sensor failures. This multi-functionality allows the same sensor array to perform both classification and error detection, reducing overall system complexity
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle system includes a vehicle occupant seat including at least two weight sensors coupled to the seat for generating weight signals. The system further includes an electronic control unit (ECU) including an occupant classification algorithm for generating an occupant classification signal as a function of the weight signals. The electronic control unit further includes variant signal metrics for generating an error signal as a function of comparing the weight signals.