公开(公告)号：US07234729B2

公开(公告)日：2007-06-26

申请号：US10987462

申请日：2004-11-12

申请人： Brian M. Curtis ,  Harald Lichtinger ,  Robert Graf

发明人： Brian M. Curtis ,  Harald Lichtinger ,  Robert Graf

IPC分类号： B60R21/01 ,  B60R22/00

CPC分类号： B60R21/33 ,  B60R21/01516 ,  B60R21/0155 ,  B60R21/01556 ,  B60R22/16 ,  B60R22/18 ,  B60R2022/1806 ,  G01L5/103

摘要： A system for measuring seat belt forces is used to control deployment of vehicle airbags. The system includes a rigid plate member having one end attached to a portion of the seat belt and an opposite end mounted to a vehicle structure. The seat belt is used to secure passengers or an infant car seat to the vehicle seat. A sensor including a strain gage is mounted on the rigid plate between the ends and is used to measure the magnitude of forces exerted on the seat belt by the passenger or car seat. The strain gage generates a signal representative of the tension in the seat belt, which is used to control deployment of the airbag. The airbag is not deployed if the tension in the seat belt exceeds a predetermined limit.

摘要翻译： 用于测量安全带力的系统用于控制车辆安全气囊的部署。 该系统包括刚性板构件，其一端连接到座椅安全带的一部分，并且相对端安装到车辆结构。 安全带用于将乘客或婴儿汽车座椅固定在车辆座椅上。 包括应变计的传感器安装在两端之间的刚性板上，并且用于测量乘客或汽车座椅施加在安全带上的力的大小。 应变计产生代表安全带张力的信号，用于控制安全气囊的展开。 如果安全带上的张力超过预定限制，则气囊不会展开。

公开(公告)号：US07055400B2

公开(公告)日：2006-06-06

申请号：US10993101

申请日：2004-11-19

申请人： Brian M. Curtis ,  Harald Lichtinger ,  Robert Graf

发明人： Brian M. Curtis ,  Harald Lichtinger ,  Robert Graf

IPC分类号： G01L1/26

CPC分类号： B60R21/33 ,  B60R21/01516 ,  B60R21/0155 ,  B60R21/01556 ,  B60R22/16 ,  B60R22/18 ,  B60R2022/1806 ,  G01L5/103

摘要： A system for measuring seat belt forces is used to control deployment of vehicle airbags. The system includes a rigid plate member having one end attached to a portion of the seat belt and an opposite end mounted to a vehicle structure. The seat belt is used to secure passengers or an infant car seat to the vehicle seat. A sensor including a strain gage is mounted on the rigid plate between the ends and is used to measure the magnitude of forces exerted on the seat belt by the passenger or car seat. The strain gage generates a signal representative of the tension in the seat belt, which is used to control deployment of the airbag. The airbag is not deployed if the tension in the seat belt exceeds a predetermined limit.

公开(公告)号：US06860160B2

公开(公告)日：2005-03-01

申请号：US10603632

申请日：2003-06-25

申请人： Brian M. Curtis ,  Harold Lichtinger ,  Robert Graf

发明人： Brian M. Curtis ,  Harold Lichtinger ,  Robert Graf

IPC分类号： B60R22/48 ,  B60R21/01 ,  B60R21/015 ,  B60R21/16 ,  B60R21/33 ,  B60R22/16 ,  B60R22/18 ,  G01L5/10 ,  G01L1/26

CPC分类号： B60R21/33 ,  B60R21/01516 ,  B60R21/0155 ,  B60R21/01556 ,  B60R22/16 ,  B60R22/18 ,  B60R2022/1806 ,  G01L5/103

摘要： A system for measuring seat belt forces is used to control deployment of vehicle airbags. The system includes a rigid plate member having one end attached to a portion of the seat belt and an opposite end mounted to a vehicle structure. The seat belt is used to secure passengers or an infant car seat to the vehicle seat. A sensor including a strain gage is mounted on the rigid plate between the ends and is used to measure the magnitude of forces exerted on the seat belt by the passenger or car seat. The strain gage generates a signal representative of the tension in the seat belt, which is used to control deployment of the airbag. The airbag is not deployed if the tension in the seat belt exceeds a predetermined limit.

摘要翻译： 用于测量安全带力的系统用于控制车辆安全气囊的部署。 该系统包括刚性板构件，其一端连接到座椅安全带的一部分，并且相对端安装到车辆结构。 安全带用于将乘客或婴儿汽车座椅固定在车辆座椅上。 包括应变计的传感器安装在两端之间的刚性板上，并且用于测量乘客或汽车座椅施加在安全带上的力的大小。 应变计产生代表安全带张力的信号，用于控制安全气囊的展开。 如果安全带上的张力超过预定限制，则气囊不会展开。

公开(公告)号：US06494482B2

公开(公告)日：2002-12-17

申请号：US09971412

申请日：2001-10-05

申请人： Brian M. Curtis

发明人： Brian M. Curtis

IPC分类号： B60R2132

CPC分类号： B60R21/01516 ,  B60R21/0152 ,  G01G19/4142

摘要： A system for measuring the weight of a seat occupant is used to control airbag deployment. The system includes a plurality of weight sensors that have a first end mounted to a seat riser and a second end mounted to a seat frame or track member. The weight sensors have a central bendable portion that extends between the first and second ends. A groove is formed in one of the external surfaces of the central bendable portion to localize strain. A full bridge strain gage assembly is mounted on a surface of each of the weight sensors, opposite from the groove, for generating a weight signal in response to measuring deflection of the central bendable portion. A central processor determines seat occupant weight based on the weight signals and an airbag control module communicates with the processor. The control module controls deployment force of the airbag based on seat occupant weight.

摘要翻译： 用于测量座椅乘员重量的系统用于控制气囊部署。 该系统包括多个重量传感器，其具有安装到座椅立管的第一端和安装到座椅框架或轨道构件的第二端。 重量传感器具有在第一和第二端之间延伸的中心可弯曲部分。 在中心弯曲部分的一个外表面中形成凹槽以局部应变。 全桥应变计组件安装在与凹槽相对的每个重量传感器的表面上，用于响应于测量中心可弯曲部分的偏转而产生重量信号。 中央处理器基于重量信号确定座椅乘员重量，并且安全气囊控制模块与处理器通信。 控制模块基于座椅乘员重量控制安全气囊的展开力。

公开(公告)号：US07047825B2

公开(公告)日：2006-05-23

申请号：US11046990

申请日：2005-01-31

申请人： Brian M. Curtis ,  Michael Baker

发明人： Brian M. Curtis ,  Michael Baker

IPC分类号： G01L1/26

CPC分类号： B60R21/01516 ,  B60N2/002 ,  B60R21/0152

摘要： Weight sensor assemblies for measuring weight on a vehicle seat are mounted at the connecting points between a seat bottom frame and a seat mounting member. The weight sensor assemblies each include a beam member having a bendable center body portion for supporting a strain gage. The strain gage and associated traces are screen printed on the surface of the beam. The beam acts similar to a dual constrained cantilever beam, concentrating the bending at a reduced neck section that narrows in the middle of the center body portion. The strain gage measures strain resulting from bending in the center body portion caused by a weight force being applied against the seat.

摘要翻译： 用于测量车辆座椅上的重量的重量传感器组件安装在座椅底部框架和座椅安装构件之间的连接点处。 重量传感器组件各自包括具有用于支撑应变计的可弯曲中心体部分的梁构件。 应变计和相关迹线丝网印刷在光束表面上。 梁的作用类似于双重限制的悬臂梁，将弯曲集中在在中心体部分的中间变窄的减小的颈部。 应变计测量由施加在座椅上的重力引起的中心体部分弯曲所产生的应变。

公开(公告)号：US06804120B2

公开(公告)日：2004-10-12

申请号：US10306396

申请日：2002-11-27

申请人： Jeffrey A. Clark ,  Brian M. Curtis

发明人： Jeffrey A. Clark ,  Brian M. Curtis

IPC分类号： H05K114

CPC分类号： H05K3/366 ,  H01R12/52 ,  H01R12/721 ,  H05K3/3447 ,  H05K2201/10386

摘要： A method and apparatus for connecting circuit boards together in a sensor assembly includes a connector that allows the circuit boards to be positioned generally perpendicular to each other. The connector includes a first end that is received within an opening formed at one edge of a main circuit board. A second end of the connector includes a resilient hook or clip that grippingly engages opposing sides of an auxiliary circuit board. The connector comprises an electrical contact between the main and auxiliary circuit boards. The perpendicular orientation of the auxiliary circuit board to the main circuit board allows for more compact packaging.

摘要翻译： 一种用于将传感器组件中的电路板连接在一起的方法和装置包括允许电路板大致垂直定位的连接器。 连接器包括容纳在形成在主电路板的一个边缘处的开口内的第一端。 连接器的第二端包括弹性钩或夹子，其夹紧地接合辅助电路板的相对侧。 连接器包括主电路板和辅助电路板之间的电接触。 辅助电路板与主电路板的垂直取向允许更紧凑的包装。

公开(公告)号：US06764094B1

公开(公告)日：2004-07-20

申请号：US09598087

申请日：2000-06-21

申请人： Brian M. Curtis

发明人： Brian M. Curtis

IPC分类号： B60R2132

CPC分类号： B60R21/01516 ,  B60R21/0152 ,  G01G19/4142

摘要： A system for measuring the weight of a seat occupant is used to control airbag deployment. The system includes a plurality of weight sensors that have a first end mounted to a seat riser and a second end mounted to a seat frame or track member. The weight sensors have a central bendable portion that extends between the first and second ends. A groove is formed in one of the external surfaces of the central bendable portion to localize strain. A full bridge strain gage assembly is mounted on a surface of each of the weight sensors, opposite from the groove, for generating a weight signal in response to measuring deflection of the central bendable portion. A central processor determines seat occupant weight based on the weight signals and an airbag control module communicates with the processor. The control module controls deployment force of the airbag based on seat occupant weight.

公开(公告)号：US06759603B2

公开(公告)日：2004-07-06

申请号：US09992498

申请日：2001-11-06

申请人： Brian M. Curtis ,  Jeffrey A. Clark

发明人： Brian M. Curtis ,  Jeffrey A. Clark

IPC分类号： G01G1952

CPC分类号： G01G19/4142 ,  B60R21/01516 ,  Y10S177/09

摘要： A vehicle seat assembly 12 is mounted to a vehicle base member 24 such as a riser or a vehicle floor. Weight sensor assemblies 32 for measuring weight on the vehicle seat are mounted to a seat structural component. The weight sensor assemblies 32 each include plate 44 having a bendable center body portion 46 for supporting a strain gage 48. The strain gage 48 measures bending in the center body portion 46 caused by normal weight force applications on the vehicle seat 12. A secondary resilient beam member 34 is mounted between each weight sensor 32 and the vehicle base member 24. The beam member 34 and the weight sensors 32 deflect to prevent failure of the weight sensors 32 in response to an overload force applied in an opposite direction to the direction of a normal weight force application. The beam member 34 prevents permanent deformation of the plate 44 and strain gage failure by allowing the weight sensor 32 to deflect upwardly away from the vehicle floor. An overload stop 68 reacts between the seat structural component and the vehicle floor to prevent seat separation under overload conditions.

摘要翻译： 车辆座椅组件12安装到诸如立管或车辆地板的车辆基座构件24上。 用于测量车辆座椅上的重量的重量传感器组件32安装到座椅结构部件。 重量传感器组件32每个包括具有用于支撑应变计48的可弯曲的中心体部分46的板44.应变计48测量由车辆座椅12上的正常重力施加引起的中心体部分46中的弯曲。辅助弹性 梁构件34安装在每个重量传感器32和车辆基座构件24之间。梁构件34和重量传感器32偏转以防止重量传感器32响应于沿与 正常的体力应用。 梁构件34通过允许重量传感器32向上偏离车辆地板来防止板44的永久变形和应变计失效。 过载停止68在座椅结构部件和车辆地板之间发生反应，以防止在过载条件下的座椅分离。

公开(公告)号：US06670560B2

公开(公告)日：2003-12-30

申请号：US09962567

申请日：2001-09-25

申请人： Brian M. Curtis

发明人： Brian M. Curtis

IPC分类号： B60T714

CPC分类号： B60N2/015 ,  B60N2/002

摘要： A sensor assembly is used to measure the weight of an occupant seated on a vehicle seat. The sensor assembly is integrated into a bracket that is mounted between a seat structure such as a track assembly and a vehicle structure such as floor or riser. One bracket is mounted on an inboard side of the seat and a second bracket is mounted on an outboard side of the seat. Each bracket includes opposing end mounts that are mounted to the vehicle structure. Between the opposing ends, each bracket includes a pair of deflectable portions that define a mount interface for attachment to the seat structure. A central body extends between the deflectable portions to form unitary bracket member that includes the end mounts, the deflectable portions and the central body. A strain gage is mounted on each deflectable portion to measure the weight of the seat occupant.

公开(公告)号：US06636792B2

公开(公告)日：2003-10-21

申请号：US09965390

申请日：2001-09-27

申请人： Harald Lichtinger ,  Brian M. Curtis ,  Robert Graf ,  Daniel Reich ,  Scott Morrell ,  Maria Kremer

发明人： Harald Lichtinger ,  Brian M. Curtis ,  Robert Graf ,  Daniel Reich ,  Scott Morrell ,  Maria Kremer

IPC分类号： B60R2200

CPC分类号： B60R21/01516 ,  B60N2/002 ,  B60R21/0155 ,  B60R21/01556 ,  B60R22/18 ,  B60R2021/01006 ,  G01G19/4142

摘要： A method and apparatus is provided that classifies a seat occupant into one of several different weight classes based on an estimated value of the seat occupant weight. An occupant's measured weight varies when the occupant's seating position changes or when the vehicle travels over adverse road conditions. A plurality of weight sensors are used to measure the weight exerted by a seat occupant against a seat bottom and are used to determine center of gravity for the seat occupant. A seat belt force sensor is also used to assist in classifying the seat occupant. Compensation factors using the seat belt force and center of gravity information are used to generate an estimated weight value. The estimated value of the occupant weight is compared to a series of upper and lower weight thresholds assigned to each of the weight classes to generate an occupant weight sample class. Over a period of time, several estimated weight values are compared to the weight class thresholds. Once a predetermined number of consistent and consecutive occupant weight sample classes is achieved, the occupant is locked into a specific occupant weight class. When the weight class is locked, the separation value between the upper and lower thresholds is increased to account for minor weight variations due to adverse road conditions and changes in occupant position.