Patent ID: 6311571
Filing Date: 2001-11-06
Classification: G01L

Abstract:
In an occupant protection system of a vehicle of the type comprising processing means for deploying occupant protection means, a seat belt tension sensor comprising:an anchor,a force sensing means, anda tension receiver, and wherein:said anchor comprising a plate comprising an opening spanned by a cross member,said tension receiver being adapted for receiving force from a seat belt, said tension receiver also being connected with said force sensing means for applying force thereto,said force sensing means being connected with said cross member for applying force thereto,said force sensing means being adapted for generating an electric signal responsive to said force received from said tension receiver when said force received from said tension receiver is in the range of zero to a predetermined force, said predetermined force being less than one thousand pounds, and includingmeans for protecting said force sensing means when said force received from said seat belt is greater than said predetermined force.