Seating sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing seat occupancy sensors struggle to distinguish between an occupant and a box-shaped object, particularly when the object is inclined, and fail to accurately detect occupants in various postures due to inconsistent pressure distributions.
Innovation Solution
A seat occupancy sensor system with pairs of pressure-sensitive switches arranged laterally and rearwardly, where each switch module includes a first, second, and third pressure-sensitive switch, configured to turn on when at least one of the first or second switches and the third switch are activated, allowing for detection of occupants regardless of posture or object orientation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple pressure-sensitive switches are arranged in pairs laterally and connected in series to form detection units, then the sensor can detect occupants seated at different positions (front or rear), but it cannot distinguish between an occupant and a box-shaped object that creates linear pressure distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor is divided into multiple detection units arranged in the fore-and-aft direction, with each unit containing left and right pressure-sensitive switches. This segmentation allows the sensor to detect pressure at different locations independently, enabling both broad coverage and detailed analysis of pressure distribution patterns to distinguish occupants from objects.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from simple lateral pressure detection to three-dimensional pressure distribution detection by arranging detection units in the fore-and-aft direction and connecting them in parallel. This dimensional expansion enables the system to analyze not just whether pressure is applied, but where and how it is distributed, providing the capability to distinguish between occupants and box-shaped objects.
2Reliability
If pressure-sensitive switches are arranged to detect linear pressure distribution from box-shaped objects, then the sensor responds to any pressure above threshold, but it fails to accommodate various occupant postures (thighs open, oblique seating) that create different pressure patterns
Solution Approach 1:
The detection units are designed with universal functionality to respond to both linear pressure distributions from box-shaped objects and distributed pressure patterns from occupants in various postures. By arranging multiple detection units in parallel and using logical OR connections, the system universally detects any pressure pattern while the specific arrangement enables discrimination between different sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameter from simple pressure threshold to pressure distribution pattern recognition. By monitoring which specific detection units are activated and their spatial arrangement, the system can identify whether the pressure pattern corresponds to an occupant's body shape and posture or a box-shaped object, thereby adapting to various seating positions.
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 system effectively differentiates between an occupant and a box-shaped object by recognizing pressure distributions and accurately detects seated occupants in various positions and postures, enhancing the reliability of occupancy detection.
Implementation Method 1
multiple pressure-sensitive switches in the seating area of a vehicle seat and is switched on and off in accordance with whether an occupant is seated
Data Source
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AI summary
To provide a seat occupancy sensor capable of detecting that an occupant is seated on a seat, a seat occupancy sensor (10) provided in a vehicle seat (1) includes a pair of switch modules (16, 17, 18, 19) disposed in an occupant seating area (5) of a seat cushion (2), wherein: each of the switch modules includes a first pressure-sensitive switch (16A, 17A, 18A, 19A) and a second pressure-sensitive switch (16B, 17B, 18B, 19B) that are disposed on a front part so as to be laterally spaced from each other and a third pressure-sensitive switch (16C, 17C, 18C, 19C) disposed on a rear part; each of the switch modules is configured to be turned on when at least one of the first pressure-sensitive switch and the second pressure-sensitive switch is on and the third pressure-sensitive switch is on; and the seat occupancy sensor is configured to be turned on when the switch modules are both on.