US20060192416A1 - Seat load sensing apparatus - Google Patents
Seat load sensing apparatus Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20060192416A1 US20060192416A1 US11/055,446 US5544605A US2006192416A1 US 20060192416 A1 US20060192416 A1 US 20060192416A1 US 5544605 A US5544605 A US 5544605A US 2006192416 A1 US2006192416 A1 US 2006192416A1
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- Prior art keywords
- vehicle seat
- vehicle
- load
- bracket
- seat frame
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- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47C—CHAIRS; SOFAS; BEDS
- A47C31/00—Details or accessories for chairs, beds, or the like, not provided for in other groups of this subclass, e.g. upholstery fasteners, mattress protectors, stretching devices for mattress nets
Abstract
An apparatus (10) is used in a vehicle having a vehicle seat (2) for a vehicle occupant and a vehicle floor pan (4) for supporting the vehicle seat (2). The apparatus (10) includes a vehicle seat frame (20), a sensor (99), and a member (60). The vehicle seat frame (20) supports a load of the vehicle occupant in the vehicle seat (2). The vehicle seat frame (20) is movable vertically upon application of a vertical load to the vehicle seat frame (20). The sensor (99) transfers the load of the vehicle occupant in the vehicle seat (2) from the vehicle seat frame (20) to the vehicle floor pan (4). The sensor (99) detects a part of the load of the vehicle occupant and provides an output signal indicative of the amount of the part of the load transferred. The member (60) damps force transferred by the vehicle seat (2) and the vehicle seat frame (20) to the vehicle floor pan (4). The member (60) is interposed between the vehicle floor pan (4) and the sensor (99).
Description
- The present invention relates to an apparatus for sensing a load, and more particularly, to an apparatus for sensing the load imparted to a vehicle seat by a vehicle occupant.
- A conventional vehicle occupant load sensing apparatus includes a load sensor placed between a corner of 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 vertical loads imparted to the seat by 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 torque loads (i.e., tilting of the seat frame during crash conditions), typically the sensor also must be constructed to withstand large torque loads.
- This construction exposes the sensor to large dynamic loads over short periods of time, such as during a collision to the vehicle. Thus, the sensor may not produce a reliable vertical load output signal subsequent to such a dynamic loading event.
- A load sensing apparatus which mitigates such dynamic loading during a dynamic loading event would eliminate the requirement of replacing the load sensing apparatus subsequent to the dynamic loading event.
- An apparatus in accordance with one aspect of the present invention is used in a vehicle having a vehicle seat for a vehicle occupant and a vehicle floor pan for supporting the vehicle seat. The apparatus includes a vehicle seat frame, a sensor, and a member. The vehicle seat frame supports a load of the vehicle occupant in the vehicle seat. The vehicle seat frame is movable vertically upon application of a vertical load to the vehicle seat frame. The sensor transfers the load of the vehicle occupant in the vehicle seat from the vehicle seat frame to the vehicle floor pan. The sensor detects a part of the load of the vehicle occupant and provides an output signal indicative of the amount of the part of the load transferred. The member damps force transferred by the vehicle seat and the vehicle seat frame to the vehicle floor pan. The member is interposed between the vehicle floor pan and the sensor.
- An apparatus in accordance with another aspect of the present invention is used in a vehicle having a vehicle seat for a vehicle occupant and a vehicle floor pan for supporting the vehicle seat. The apparatus includes a bracket, a sensor, and a member. The bracket supports a load of the vehicle occupant in the vehicle seat. The vehicle seat is movable vertically relative to the bracket upon application of a vertical load to the vehicle seat. The sensor transfers the load of the vehicle occupant from the vehicle seat to the vehicle floor pan. The sensor detects a part of the load of the vehicle occupant and provides an output signal indicative of the amount of the part of the load transferred. The member damps force transferred by the vehicle seat to the vehicle floor pan. The member is interposed between the vehicle floor pan and the sensor.
- The foregoing and other features of the invention will become more apparent to one skilled in the art upon consideration of the following description of the invention and the accompanying drawings, in which:
-
FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of an apparatus in accordance with the present invention; -
FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of one aspect of the apparatus ofFIG. 1 taken along line 2-2 ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 3 is a schematic representation of the apparatus ofFIG. 2 taken along line 3-3 ofFIG. 2 ; -
FIG. 4 is a schematic representation of another aspect of the apparatus ofFIG. 1 taken along line 4-4 ofFIG. 1 ; and -
FIG. 5 is a schematic representation of the apparatus ofFIG. 4 taken along line 5-5 ofFIG. 4 . - According to an aspect of the present invention, as shown in
FIGS. 1-3 , a vehicle occupantload sensing apparatus 10 is used in a vehicle having aseat 2 for the vehicle occupant. Avehicle floor pan 4 supports thevehicle seat 2. Theapparatus 10 includes avehicle seat frame 20 for supporting thevehicle seat 2, asensor 99 for sensing a load placed on the vehicle seat, aresilient member 60 for absorbing dynamic loads imparted to the sensor by the vehicle seat, abracket 30 for transmitting the load from the vehicle seat to the vehicle floor pan, anupper track 12 for supporting the bracket, and alower track 16 for adjustably supporting the upper track. - The
vehicle seat frame 20 supports a weight load of the vehicle occupant in thevehicle seat 2. During a vehicle collision, theseat frame 20 may also sustain upward and lateral loads created by the vehicle collision. The load of the vehicle occupant in thevehicle seat 2 is transmitted through thesensor 99, thebracket 30,upper track 12, andlower track 16 from thevehicle seat frame 20 to thevehicle floor pan 4. - The
lower track 16 is fixedly attached to thevehicle floor pan 4 in a suitable manner. Thelower track 16 has twoopposite side rails upper track 12 has twoopposite rails side rails lower track 16. Theupper track 12 may slide on thelower track 16 for manual forward or rearward adjustment of the position of theseat 2 for occupants of varying sizes, as is known in the art. Thebracket 30 is thus supported by theupper track 12 so that it is vertically stationary and does not move as a result of loads applied to thevehicle seat 2. - The
bracket 30 is typically constructed of a suitable metal such as steel. Thebracket 30 has a first horizontallower portion 40 for fixed connection to theupper track 12 and a second upperhorizontal portion 50 for connection to thesensor 99 through theresilient member 60. Thefirst portion 40 of thebracket 30 is connected to thesecond portion 50 of thebracket 30 by avertical portion 55 thereby forming a C-shaped channel (FIG. 3 ). The upperhorizontal portion 50 of thebracket 30 has anupper surface 52 and alower surface 54 opposite the upper surface. The lowerhorizontal portion 40 of thebracket 30 has anupper surface 42 and alower surface 44 opposite the upper surface. - The
resilient member 60 is interposed between thesensor 99 and the firstupper portion 50 of thebracket 30. Theresilient member 60 absorbs, or dampens, dynamic loads placed on thevehicle seat 2 thereby protecting thesensor 99. Theresilient member 60 typically a resilient bushing, is compressible and expandable as the vertical load on theseat frame 20 increases or decreases. Theresilient member 60 is typically formed of rubber or other suitable elastomer. - The
resilient member 60 has a toroidal shape with a firstupper surface 62 and a secondlower surface 64 opposite the upper surface. The resilient member also has an innerannular surface 66 interconnecting the upper andlower surfaces annular surface 68 interconnecting the upper and lower surfaces. The outerannular surface 68 has anannular groove 69 for receiving the upperhorizontal portion 50 of thebracket 30. - A downward
limit stop bracket 80 prevents over-travel of thevehicle seat frame 20 from an excessive downward load on thevehicle seat frame 20. Thebracket 80 has an S-shape in cross-section (FIG. 2 ) with an upperhorizontal portion 82, a lowerhorizontal portion 84, and avertical middle portion 86 interconnecting the upper and lower portions. The upperhorizontal portion 82 is secured for movement with thevehicle seat frame 20 such that, when a predetermined excessive downward load is applied to thevehicle seat frame 20, alower surface 85 of the lowerhorizontal portion 84 contacts theupper surface 52 of the upperhorizontal portion 50 of thebracket 30 thereby preventing further downward movement of the vehicle seat frame. The compressibility of theresilient member 60 allows this limited downward movement to occur. The predetermined excessive downward load is dependent on the material of construction of theresilient member 60. - An upward
limit stop bracket 120 prevents over-travel of thevehicle seat frame 20 from an excessive upward load on thevehicle seat frame 20. Thebracket 120 has a generally annular shape with an innerannular sleeve portion 122, anouter ring portion 124, and an annularhorizontal portion 126 interconnecting the inner and outer portions. Thebracket 120 is secured for movement with thevehicle seat frame 20 such that, when a predetermined excessive upward load is applied to thevehicle seat frame 20, anupper surface 125 of theouter ring portion 124 contacts thelower surface 54 of the upperhorizontal portion 50 of thebracket 30 thereby preventing further upward movement of the vehicle seat frame. The compressibility of theresilient member 60 allows this limited upward movement to occur. - The
sensor 99 is typically a single bolt axial sensor which detects axial loads on it and supports the attached structure against lateral loads. One example of this type of sensor is a Texas Instruments Part Number 4WS3-1. - The
sensor 99 has a rectangularmain body portion 101 with anelectronic plug 103 extending laterally therefrom, an upper threadedstud 107 extending upward from the main body portion, and a lower threadedstud 109 extending downward from the main body portion. The twostuds main body portion 101 has an upperhorizontal surface 111 from which theupper stud 107 extends and a lowerhorizontal surface 113 from which thelower stud 109 extends. - An
upper fastener member 140, typically a nut, and alower fastener member 150, typically a nut, secures theapparatus 10 together. The upper threadedstud 107 of thesensor 99 extends upward from themain body portion 101 through a bore in the upperhorizontal portion 82 of thebracket 80 and a bore in thevehicle seat frame 20 to theupper fastener member 140. - The
upper surface 111 of themain body portion 101 of thesensor 99 engages alower surface 821 of the upperhorizontal portion 80 of thebracket 80. Anupper surface 822 of the upperhorizontal portion 82 of thebracket 80 engages alower surface 21 of thevehicle seat frame 20. Anupper surface 22 of thevehicle seat frame 20 engages theupper fastener member 140. - The lower threaded
stud 109 extends downward from themain body portion 101 simultaneously through a bore defined by the innerannular sleeve portion 122 of thebracket 120 and a bore defined by the innerannular surface 66 of theresilient member 60 to thelower fastener member 150. - The
lower surface 113 of themain body portion 101 of thesensor 99 engages theupper surface 62 of theresilient member 60. Thelower surface 64 of theresilient member 60 engages anupper surface 127 of the annularhorizontal portion 126 of thebracket 120. Alower surface 129 of the annularhorizontal portion 126 of thebracket 120 engages thelower fastener member 150. - The two
fasteners resilient member 60 in a compressed condition. Thus, part of theresilient member 60 compresses and part of the resilient member expands when a vertical load is placed on thevehicle seat frame 20. - When a downward load is placed on the
seat frame 20, theportion 601 of theresilient member 60 between thelower surface 113 of thesensor 99 and theupper surface 52 of theupper portion 50 of thebracket 30 compresses while thesensor 99 senses the downward load. As stated above, theportion 601 of theresilient member 60 mitigates any downward dynamic load, or spike, that may be imparted to theapparatus 10 during a collision or other such condition. - When an upward load is placed on the
seat frame 20, theportion 603 of theresilient member 60 between thelower surface 54 of theupper portion 50 of thebracket 30 and theupper surface 127 of thehorizontal portion 126 of thebracket 120 compresses while thesensor 99 senses up the upward load. As stated above, theportion 603 of theresilient member 60 mitigates any downward dynamic load, or spike, that may be imparted to theapparatus 10 during a collision or other such condition. - According to a second aspect of the present invention, as shown in
FIGS. 1 and 4 -5, a vehicle occupantload sensing apparatus 210 is used in a vehicle having aseat 202 for the vehicle occupant. Avehicle floor pan 204 supports thevehicle seat 202. Theapparatus 210 includes avehicle seat frame 220 for supporting thevehicle seat 202, asensor 299 for sensing a load placed on the vehicle seat, aresilient member assembly 260 for absorbing dynamic loads imparted to the sensor by the vehicle seat, abracket 230 for transmitting the load from the vehicle seat to the vehicle floor pan, anupper track 212 for supporting the bracket, and alower track 216 for adjustably supporting the upper track. - The
vehicle seat frame 220 supports a weight load of the vehicle occupant in thevehicle seat 202. During a vehicle collision, theseat frame 220 may also sustain upward and lateral loads created by the vehicle collision. The load of the vehicle occupant in thevehicle seat 202 is transmitted through thesensor 299, thebracket 230,upper track 212, andlower track 216 from thevehicle seat frame 220 to thevehicle floor pan 204. - The
lower track 216 is fixedly attached to thevehicle floor pan 204 in a suitable manner. Thelower track 216 has two opposite side rails 217, 218. Theupper track 212 has twoopposite rails lower track 216. Theupper track 212 may slide on thelower track 216 for manual forward or rearward adjustment of the position of theseat 202 for occupants of varying sizes, as is known in the art. Thebracket 230 is thus supported by theupper track 212 so that it is vertically stationary and does not move as a result of loads applied to thevehicle seat 202. - The
bracket 230 is typically constructed of a suitable metal such as steel. Thebracket 230 has a first horizontallower portion 240 for fixed connection to theupper track 212 and a second upperhorizontal portion 250 for connection to thesensor 299 through theresilient member assembly 260. Thefirst portion 240 of thebracket 230 is connected to thesecond portion 250 of thebracket 230 by avertical portion 255 thereby forming a C-shaped channel (FIG. 5 ). The upperhorizontal portion 250 of thebracket 230 has anupper surface 252 and alower surface 254 opposite the upper surface. The lowerhorizontal portion 240 of thebracket 230 has anupper surface 242 and alower surface 244 opposite the upper surface. - The
resilient member assembly 260 is interposed between thesensor 299 and the firstupper portion 250 of thebracket 230. Theresilient member assembly 260 absorbs, or dampens, dynamic loads placed on thevehicle seat 202 thereby protecting thesensor 99. Theresilient member assembly 260, typically two annular resilient bushings, is compressible and expandable as the vertical load on theseat frame 220 increases or decreases. Theresilient member assembly 260 is typically formed of rubber or other suitable elastomer. - The
resilient member assembly 260 has a firstupper member 261 and a secondlower member 262. The first andsecond members horizontal portion 250 of thebracket 230, thereby together forming a resilient member similar toresilient member 60 ofFIGS. 2 & 3 . Together themembers upper surface 263 and a secondlower surface 264 opposite the upper surface (FIG. 5 ). Theresilient member assembly 260 also has an innerannular surface 266 interconnecting the upper andlower surfaces annular surface 268 interconnecting the upper and lower surfaces. The outerannular surface 268 has anannular groove 269 for receiving the upperhorizontal portion 250 of thebracket 230. - A downward
limit stop bracket 280 prevents over-travel of thevehicle seat frame 220 from an excessive downward load on thevehicle seat frame 220. Thebracket 280 has an S-shape in cross-section (FIG. 4 ) with an upperhorizontal portion 282, a lowerhorizontal portion 284, and a verticalmiddle portion 286 interconnecting the upper and lower portions. The upperhorizontal portion 282 is secured for movement with thevehicle seat frame 220 such that, when a predetermined excessive downward load is applied to thevehicle seat frame 220, alower surface 285 of the lowerhorizontal portion 284 contacts theupper surface 252 of the upperhorizontal portion 250 of thebracket 230 thereby preventing further downward movement of the vehicle seat frame. The compressibility of theresilient member assembly 260 allows this limited downward movement to occur. The predetermined excessive downward load is dependent on the material of construction of theresilient member assembly 260. - A limit
stop bracket assembly 320 prevents over-travel of thevehicle seat frame 220 from an excessive load on thevehicle seat frame 320. Thebracket assembly 320 has anupper bracket member 321 and alower bracket member 322. Thebracket members horizontal portion 250 of the bracket 230 (FIGS. 4 & 5 ). Together thebracket members annular sleeve portion 323, an upperouter ring portion 324, a lowerouter ring portion 325, an upper annularhorizontal portion 326 interconnecting the inner sleeve portion and the upper outer ring portion, and a lower annularhorizontal portion 327 interconnecting the inner sleeve portion and the lower outer ring portion. - The
bracket assembly 320 is secured for movement with thevehicle seat frame 220 such that, when a predetermined excessive downward load is applied to thevehicle seat frame 220, alower surface 328 of the upperouter ring portion 324 contacts theupper surface 254 of the upperhorizontal portion 250 of thebracket 230 thereby preventing further downward movement of the vehicle seat frame. The compressibility of the upperresilient member 261 allows this limited downward movement to occur. - Similarly,
bracket assembly 320 is secured for movement with thevehicle seat frame 220 such that, when a predetermined excessive upward load is applied to thevehicle seat frame 220, anupper surface 329 of the lowerouter ring portion 325 contacts thelower surface 254 of the upperhorizontal portion 250 of thebracket 230 thereby preventing further upward movement of the vehicle seat frame. The compressibility of the lowerresilient member 262 allows this limited downward movement to occur. - The
sensor 299 is typically a single bolt axial sensor which detects axial loads on it and supports the attached structure against lateral loads. One example of this type of sensor is a Texas Instruments Part Number 4WS3-1. - The
sensor 299 has a rectangularmain body portion 301 with anelectronic plug 303 extending laterally therefrom, an upper threadedstud 307 extending upward from the main body portion, and a lower threadedstud 309 extending downward from the main body portion. The twostuds main body portion 301 has an upperhorizontal surface 311 from which theupper stud 307 extends and a lowerhorizontal surface 313 from which thelower stud 309 extends. - An
upper fastener member 340, typically a nut, and alower fastener member 350, typically a nut, secures theapparatus 210 together. The upper threadedstud 307 of thesensor 299 extends upward from themain body portion 301 through a bore in the upperhorizontal portion 282 of thebracket 280 and a bore in thevehicle seat frame 220 to theupper fastener member 340. - The
upper surface 311 of themain body portion 301 of thesensor 299 engages alower surface 921 of the upperhorizontal portion 282 of thebracket 280. Anupper surface 922 of the upperhorizontal portion 282 of thebracket 280 engages alower surface 221 of thevehicle seat frame 220. Anupper surface 222 of thevehicle seat frame 220 engages theupper fastener member 340. - The lower threaded
stud 309 extends downward from themain body portion 301 simultaneously through a bore defined by the innerannular sleeve portion 322 of thebracket assembly 320 and a bore defined by the innerannular surface 266 of theresilient member assembly 260 to thelower fastener member 350. - The
lower surface 313 of themain body portion 301 of thesensor 299 engages anupper surface 331 of the upperhorizontal portion 326 of theupper bracket member 321. Alower surface 333 of the upperhorizontal portion 326 of theupper bracket member 321 engages theupper surface 263 of theresilient member assembly 260. Thelower surface 264 of theresilient member assembly 260 engages anupper surface 335 of the lowerhorizontal portion 327 of thelower bracket member 322. Alower surface 337 of the lowerhorizontal portion 327 of thelower bracket member 322 engages thelower fastener member 350. - The two
fasteners resilient member assembly 260 in a compressed condition. Thus, part of theresilient member assembly 260 compresses and part of the resilient member assembly expands when a vertical load is placed on thevehicle seat frame 20. - When a downward load is placed on the
seat frame 220, theportion 701 of the upperresilient member 261 between thelower surface 333 of the upperhorizontal portion 326 of theupper bracket member 321 and theupper surface 252 of theupper portion 250 of thebracket 230 compresses while thesensor 299 senses the downward load. As stated above, theportion 701 of the upperresilient member 261 mitigates any downward dynamic load, or spike, that may be imparted to theapparatus 210 during a collision or other such condition. - When an upward load is placed on the
seat frame 220, theportion 703 of the lowerresilient member 262 between thelower surface 254 of theupper portion 250 of thebracket 230 and theupper surface 335 of the lowerhorizontal portion 327 of thebracket member 322 compresses while thesensor 299 senses the upward load. As stated above, theportion 703 of the lowerresilient member 262 mitigates any downward dynamic load, or spike, that may be imparted to theapparatus 210 during a collision or other such condition. - In either
apparatus - The sensor produces an output signal directly proportional to the vertical force applied to the seat frame via the vehicle seat (i.e., the weight of the vehicle occupant, a load incurred during a vehicle collision, etc.). The sensor, while preferably the
sensor - Either
apparatus FIG. 1 ). A wire harness 390 may transmit the output signals from the apparatuses to anelectrical controller 400. - The
sensor controller 400 processes the signals from the apparatuses at each corner of the seat and generates an output signal indicative of the load on the seat frame. The multiple signals also can be analyzed by thecontroller 400 to produce output signals for controlling occupant protection devices, such as an air bags, seat belt pretensioners, etc. - A seat belt assembly (not shown) may also be associated with the vehicle seat. The seat belt assembly would include a seat belt retractor, mounted for example to the vehicle floor pan, and a seat belt buckle connected to the bracket. The seat belt would extend from the retractor to the buckle across a vehicle occupant in the seat.
- From the above description of the invention, those skilled in the art will perceive improvements, changes and modifications. For example, the
apparatus
Claims (20)
1. An apparatus for use in a vehicle having a vehicle seat for a vehicle occupant and a vehicle floor pan for supporting the vehicle seat, said apparatus comprising:
a vehicle seat frame for supporting a load of the vehicle occupant in the vehicle seat, said vehicle seat frame being movable vertically upon application of a vertical load to said vehicle seat frame;
a sensor for transferring the load of the vehicle occupant in the vehicle seat from the said vehicle seat frame to the vehicle floor pan, said sensor detecting a part of the load of the vehicle occupant and providing an output signal indicative of the amount of the part of the load transferred; and
a member for damping force transferred by the vehicle seat and said vehicle seat frame to the vehicle floor pan, said member being interposed between the vehicle floor pan and said sensor.
2. The apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said member has a first portion compressible as said vehicle seat frame moves in a vertical direction, said member further having a second portion expandable as said vehicle seat frame moves in the vertical direction.
3. The apparatus as defined in claim 1 further including an upper track fixedly connected to said member, said upper track engaging a lower track and movable on said lower track for adjusting said seat for occupants of varying sizes.
4. The apparatus as defined in claim 1 further including two fastener members for securing said vehicle seat frame, said sensor, and said member together.
5. The apparatus as defined in claim 1 further including a bracket, said member being interposed between said bracket and said sensor.
6. The apparatus as defined in claim 1 further including a bracket having a first horizontal portion for attachment to said member and a second horizontal portion for attachment to the vehicle floor pan.
7. The apparatus as defined in claim 1 further including a fastener member for prestressing said member into a compressed condition.
8. The apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein a first part of said member is compressible as said seat frame moves downward, a second part of said member being expandable as said seat frame moves downward.
9. The apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein a first part of said member is compressible as said seat frame moves upward, a second part of said member being expandable as said seat frame moves upward.
10. The apparatus as define in claim 11 further including a bracket for limiting vertical displacement of said vehicle seat frame.
11. An apparatus for use in a vehicle having a vehicle seat for a vehicle occupant and a vehicle floor pan for supporting the vehicle seat, said apparatus comprising:
a bracket for supporting a load of the vehicle occupant in the vehicle seat, the vehicle seat being movable vertically relative to said bracket upon application of a vertical load to the vehicle seat;
a sensor for transferring the load of the vehicle occupant from the vehicle seat to the vehicle floor pan, said sensor detecting a part of the load of the vehicle occupant and providing an output signal indicative of the amount of the part of the load transferred; and
a member for damping force transferred by the vehicle seat to the vehicle floor pan, said member being interposed between the vehicle floor pan and said sensor.
12. The apparatus as defined in claim 11 wherein said bracket includes a first horizontal portion for attachment to the vehicle floor pan, a second horizontal portion for attachment to said member, and a third vertical portion interconnecting said first portion and said second portion.
13. The apparatus as defined in claim 13 further including a travel stop bracket for limiting vertical movement of the vehicle seat.
14. The apparatus as defined in claim 16 wherein said member is compressible as the vehicle seat moves downward and expandable as the vehicle seat moves downward.
15. The apparatus as defined in claim 11 wherein said member is compressible as the vehicle seat moves upward and expandable as the vehicle seat moves upward.
16. The apparatus as defined in claim 11 wherein said member is compressible as the vehicle seat moves downward and compressible as the vehicle seat moves upward.
17. The apparatus as defined in claim 16 wherein said member is expandable as the vehicle seat moves downward and expandable as the vehicle seat moves upward.
18. The apparatus as defined in claim 11 wherein said sensor is part of a group of four sensors placed at each corner of the vehicle seat.
19. The apparatus as defined in claim 11 further including a vehicle seat frame for supporting the load of the vehicle occupant in the vehicle seat, said sensor being vertically movable with said vehicle seat frame.
20. The apparatus as defined in claim 11 wherein said bracket has a C-shaped cross section.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US11/055,446 US20060192416A1 (en) | 2005-02-10 | 2005-02-10 | Seat load sensing apparatus |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US11/055,446 US20060192416A1 (en) | 2005-02-10 | 2005-02-10 | Seat load sensing apparatus |
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US20060192416A1 true US20060192416A1 (en) | 2006-08-31 |
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US11/055,446 Abandoned US20060192416A1 (en) | 2005-02-10 | 2005-02-10 | Seat load sensing apparatus |
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Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US11642983B2 (en) * | 2018-09-03 | 2023-05-09 | Ts Tech Co., Ltd. | Vehicle seat |
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Owner name: TRW AUTOMOTIVE U.S. LLC, MICHIGAN Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:WOLFE, GEORGE B.;REEL/FRAME:016280/0604 Effective date: 20050201 |
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