Communications: electrical – Condition responsive indicating system – Specific condition
Reexamination Certificate
2000-02-22
2001-09-11
Hofsass, Jeffery (Department: 2632)
Communications: electrical
Condition responsive indicating system
Specific condition
C340S666000, C340S573100, C280S728100, C280S735000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06288649
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates to an apparatus for sensing weight, and more particularly, to an apparatus for sensing the weight of an occupant of a vehicle seat.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
A conventional vehicle occupant weight sensing apparatus includes a weight sensor placed between a vehicle seat frame and a support mount for the seat. The sensor is directly within the vertical load path of the occupant's weight and responds to the weight of the occupant of the seat. In addition, the sensor may respond to torque loads between the seat and the support mount. Since the seat frame and the support mount must withstand large lateral loads (i.e., during crash conditions), typically the sensor also must withstand large lateral loads.
Accordingly, the sensor is typically constructed to withstand lateral loads. This may lessen the sensitivity of the sensor in the vertical load path. Thus, the sensor may not produce a reliable weight output signal.
A weight sensing apparatus which decouples the lateral and vertical loads would allow the construction of a weight sensor that does not have to withstand lateral loads and thereby may be more likely to produce a more accurate occupant weight output signal.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an apparatus for use in a vehicle having a seat for a vehicle occupant and a vehicle floor pan for supporting the vehicle seat. The apparatus includes a vehicle seat frame, a bracket, a compressible member, a lever, and sensor. The vehicle seat frame supports a weight load of the vehicle occupant in the vehicle seat. The weight load is transmitted through the bracket from the vehicle seat frame to the vehicle floor pan. The compressible member is interposed between the vehicle seat frame and the bracket. The member is compressed by the weight load on the seat frame, and the amount of compression depends on the weight load on the seat frame. When the weight load on the seat decreases, the compressible member expands. The compressible member compresses and expands as the seat frame moves vertically relative to the bracket. The lever has a first end fixed to and movable with the seat frame and a second end associated with the bracket. The lever bends as the seat frame moves vertically relative to the bracket. The sensor detects bending of the lever and provides an output weight signal indicative of the amount of bending of the lever.
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Hofsass Jeffery
Nguyen Phung T
Tarolli, Sundheim, Covell Tummino & Szabo L.L.P.
TRW Inc.
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