Patent ID: 7046158
Filing Date: 2006-05-16
Classification: B60R,G01G

Abstract:
1. A vehicle seat occupancy detection system comprising: a seat bun forming a portion of the seating cushion for an occupant's seat, wherein said seat bun has a substantially horizontal upper surface portion and a lower portion; a sensor device having first and second relatively movable parts being aligned for relative movement substantially perpendicular to said seat bun surfaces, said first part being mounted within said seat bun and spaced below said upper surface, said second part also being mounted within said seat bun and being spaced below said first part; said seat bun containing a cavity in which said sensor device is mounted and said second part being mounted on a support layer abutting said lower portion of said seat bun; said sensor device being operative to produce signals indicative of the distance between said first and second parts; and a processor for receiving said sensor signals and interpreting the signals to produce an output to indicate the presence of an occupant in said seat.