Patent ID: 6230088
Filing Date: 2001-05-08
Classification: B60R,Y10T

Abstract:
A seat belt tension sensing device comprising:(a) a seat belt tension sensor comprising(i) a bracket adapted to be anchored directly or indirectly to a structural member of a vehicle, the bracket having portions defining an opening through which a component of a seat belt buckle is looped, wherein the bracket has a seat belt buckle restraining side;(ii) a carriage positioned within the bracket opening and movable toward the seat belt buckle restraining side;(iii) a magnetic field sensor mounted on the seat belt buckle restraining side of the bracket;(iv) a magnet mounted on the carriage for motion toward the sensor mounted on the seat belt buckle restraining side; and(V) at least one spring positioned between the carriage and the restraining side, biasing the carriage away from the restraining side, wherein the carriage moves toward the restraining side when tension is applied to the seat belt buckle; and(b) a seat belt buckle having a loop member that extends through said opening in said bracket of said seat belt tension sensor.