Patent ID: 6646452
Filing Date: 2003-11-11
Classification: B60R

Abstract:
An apparatus for sensing the presence and weight of a vehicle occupant, the vehicle including a seat upon which the occupant may sit the seat including a seat frame the apparatus comprising:(a) an oscillating circuit that generates an oscillating signal having a first intensity; (b) a compliant paid disposed within the seat, the complaint pad located so as to be compressed by an occupant seated upon the seat; (c) a first conductor, electrically coupled to the oscillating circuit and disposed adjacent a first surface of the compliant pad, the first conductor capable of transmitting the oscillating signal at the first intensity, and wherein the first conductor is bonded to the first surface of the compliant pad; (d) a second conductor, disposed adjacent a second surface spaced apart from the first surface of the compliant pad, that is capable of receiving the oscillating signal at a second intensity, the distance between the first conductor and the second conductor varying as the compliant pad is compressed; and (e) a defection circuit electrically coupled to the second conductor that is capable of receiving the oscillating signal at the second intensity, the second intensity varying in relation to the distance between the first conductor and the second conductor, the detention circuit capable of determining the presence and weight of a vehicle occupant based upon the variation in the second intensity.