摘要:
An improved weight estimation apparatus in which an elastomeric bladder is supported on a semi-rigid backer board which is installed in a vehicle seat between the seat cushion and an underlying spring suspension. The bladder is secured onto the backer board, and the backer board is attached to the seat, enabling proper and consistent placement of the bladder relative to the seat surface. The backer board provides the reaction surface for the bladder, and masks non-uniformities of the seat structure. Additionally, the backer board will reduce or eliminate the effect of objects lying on the floor under the seat, which might otherwise pinch the bladder and produce weight estimation errors. Further, the board tends to protect the bladder from damage due to sharp objects, pinching by the suspension elements, and the effects of wires or cables routed through the seat. The backer board may be smooth to provide a uniform reaction surface, or contoured to increase or decrease sensitivity to weight applied on certain areas of the seating surface.
摘要:
A weight estimation apparatus for the passenger seat of a motor vehicle, in which a single bladder substantially encompassing the seat bottom is evacuated and then inflated with a known volume of air. The average pressure in the bladder is determined to estimate the passenger weight. According to a first embodiment, the apparatus continues to monitor the average pressure, and the process is re-initiated if the average pressure changes by at least a predetermined percentage. According to a second embodiment, a bleed valve allows the pressure in the bladder to slowly escape, and the apparatus monitors the rate of change in pressure as a corresponding indication of passenger weight; in this embodiment, the process of evacuating and inflating is re-initiated if the monitored change in pressure does not correspond with the estimated weight. The sides of the bladder may be pleated to permit the bladder to expand under the weight of an occupant without stretching the bladder, and thereby affecting the average pressure. A temperature sensor may be disposed in proximity to the bladder provides a temperature signal for compensating the weight estimation for temperature variations. Also, the pressure sensor may be configured to sense the gage pressure--that is, the differential pressure between the bladder pressure and atmospheric pressure; alternatively, the pressure sensor may be configured to detect absolute pressure, and a second absolute pressure sensor responsive to atmospheric pressure may be used to compensate for changes in atmospheric pressure.
摘要:
An improved weight estimation apparatus in which a closed, multiple cell elastomeric bladder filled with fluid is installed in the foam cushion of a vehicle seat bottom, with at least one pressure sensor installed in a closed exit port of the bladder. The multiple cells of the bladder are formed by a pattern of spot welds between the top and bottom layers of the bladder, creating an array of generally circular or hexagonal cells between which the fluid can freely flow. The array of cells maximizes the pressure response for improved sensitivity, and minimizes the amount of fluid required to detect occupant weight, thereby minimizing the weight of the fluid-filled bladder. The pattern of spot welds in the vicinity of the pressure sensing location may be altered to reduce sensitivity to forces applied in proximity to the exit port. In a first embodiment, a more dense pattern of spot welds is provided in the vicinity of the exit port, while in a second embodiment, continuous welding is used to form a pattern of closed fluid-free pockets in the vicinity of the exit port.
摘要:
An improved weight estimation apparatus includes a closed elastomeric bladder filled with fluid and installed in the foam cushion of a vehicle seat bottom, with at least one pressure sensor installed in a closed exit port of the bladder. A temperature sensor disposed in proximity to the bladder provides a temperature signal, and a controller estimates the weight of the occupant based on the temperature and pressure signals. The pressure sensor is preferably configured to sense the gage pressure--that is, the differential pressure between the fluid and atmospheric pressure--at the center of gravity of the fluid in order to provide a stable output independent of changing atmospheric pressure and changing orientation of the bladder due to vehicle pitch and roll.