Patent ID: 7523679
Filing Date: 2009-04-28
Classification: B60R

Abstract:
1. Sensor apparatus for detecting the presence of an occupant on a seat, comprising: first and second rigid and generally parallel force translation plates disposed in said seat; biasing means disposed between said first and second force translation plates for exerting a bias force that biases said first and second force translation plates apart; joining means for joining said force translation plates in a manner that pre-loads said biasing means and yet permits closing movement between said first and second force translation plates in response to occupant seat force that exceeds a pre-load force of said biasing means; and a switch assembly actuated by a prescribed closing movement between said first and second force translation plates for electrically detecting the presence of said occupant, said switch assembly including a domed elastomeric switch pad mounted on a circuit board, the switch pad defining at least first and second contacts that sequentially bridge first and second sets of conductor segments formed on a face of said circuit board when said switch pad is deflected toward said circuit board by sufficient closing movement between said first and second force translation plates.