Patent ID: 7143658
Filing Date: 2006-12-05
Classification: B60R

Abstract:
1. A weight measuring sensor assembly for use in a vehicle having a vehicle seat capable of supporting a vehicle occupant, wherein the vehicle seat comprises a seat frame member attached to a vehicle floor pan, the seat frame member comprising a rigid portion and a resiliently flexible portion, the resiliently flexible portion able to resiliently deflect with respect to the vehicle floor pan upon experiencing a force due to the weight of the vehicle occupant, said sensor assembly comprising: a plate member, said plate member comprising a fixed first end, a body portion, and a second end, wherein said body portion is capable of resiliently deflecting upon experiencing a load force, and said body portion is further capable of returning to a pre-load orientation after said load force is removed, wherein said second end is movable relative to said fixed first end of said plate member and disposed at an angle relative to the floor pan, and said fixed first end is oriented generally horizontal relative to the floor pan, said fixed first end opposing said second end, and said second end being operatively associated with a resiliently flexible portion of the seat frame; a fulcrum located between said second end of said plate member and the resiliently flexible portion of the seat frame, said fulcrum structured and arranged to prevent said second end from entering the plane defined by said fixed first end and to apply load forces from said flexible portion of the seat frame to the second end of the plate member; and a sensing device connectively disposed between said body of said plate member and the resiliently flexible portion of the seat frame, at a point between said fixed first end of the plate member and said fulcrum, and adapted to provide a signal as a function of load force applied from the resiliently flexible portion of the seat frame to the plate member.