Universal Pressure Sensor Unit for Vehicle Seats
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing seat occupancy detection systems require adaptation to specific seat structures, making them cumbersome and inefficient for universal application.
Innovation Solution
A self-supporting pressure sensor unit with a base plate and film sensors, where the sensors are pre-fixed on the base plate, allowing for universal integration into various seat structures without needing individual adaptation, and are positioned away from the seat surface to avoid moisture exposure and haptic issues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If pressure sensors are positioned on the seat surface for direct detection, then detection precision is improved, but the sensors are exposed to moisture and cause haptic issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediate layer (foam core or seat cushion structure) between the pressure sensor and the seat surface. This intermediary allows the sensor to detect pressure forces transmitted through the seat structure while protecting it from direct exposure to moisture and haptic interference at the seat surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions the sensor positioning from the two-dimensional seat surface to the three-dimensional interior structure of the seat (within the foam core or on the supporting structure). This spatial relocation removes the sensor from the harmful environment at the surface while maintaining detection capability through structural force transmission.
2Measurement precision
If pressure sensors are customized for specific seat structures, then detection accuracy for that seat is improved, but device complexity and installation effort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a universal pressure sensor unit that can be integrated into various seat structures without customization. The sensor is positioned on the supporting structure or within the foam core in a location that works across different seat designs, eliminating the need for seat-specific adaptations while maintaining detection accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent separates the pressure sensing function from the seat structure specifics by positioning the sensor on the supporting structure or within the foam core, creating a modular unit that can be universally applied. This segmentation allows the sensor to function independently of the outer seat design variations.
3Stability of the object's composition
If pressure sensors are integrated into the seat structure, then stable positioning is improved, but adaptation to different seat structures becomes necessary
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal mounting solution that provides stable positioning across different seat structures. By placing the sensor on the supporting structure or within the foam core rather than integrating it into specific seat components, the same sensor design achieves stable positioning in various seat configurations without requiring adaptation.
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 precise, location-independent seat occupancy detection without requiring seat-specific design, reducing installation complexity and avoiding noise and moisture exposure, while allowing for smaller sensor elements due to improved weight distribution.
Implementation Method 1
pressure-sensitive sensor elements... foil pressure sensors with two foils lying one above the other and kept at a distance by means of spacer material
Implementation Method 2
The load cell includes first and second conductive plates separated by a compressible dielectric such that a force applied to the load cell compresses the dielectric to change the capacitance between the first and second conductive plates
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a pressure sensor unit for detecting the occupancy state of a seat, in particular a motor vehicle seat, comprising at least one pressure sensor, which is designed as a film sensor and comprises two films kept at a distance by means of a spacing material lying in-between. The pressure sensor unit is characterized in that the unit is constructed as a module, comprising a base plate, on which the film sensor is applied, and at least one compressible intermediate layer, which is arranged between the base plate and the film sensor and forms the spacing material, and wherein the base plate comprises connecting elements, by means of which the base plate can be connected to the supporting structure of a seat.