US 5,984,349 A · Low profile hydraulic seat weight sensor

Abstract

A hydrostatic weight sensor comprises one or more fluid containing bladders in fluid communication with one another and with a pressure sensor, each constructed from a plurality of sheets of semi-rigid material sealably connected at the periphery thereof so as to form one or more enclosed volumes, and filled with a fluid so as to cause deformation of the bladder faces. The hydrostatic weight sensor is located within the seat, and the pressure of the fluid contained therein is responsive to the applied load. In another embodiment, a plurality of sheets of semi-rigid material are sealed at a periphery and are secured to one another at a plurality of locations within the periphery so as to create a plurality of fluid containing zones which can hinge with respect to one another. The sensing fluid is either a liquid, a Bingham plastic, or a thixotropic material.

Claims21

Dependent claims

A sensor for sensing the weight of an occupant on a vehicle seat, comprising:

a. a first bladder constructed from a plurality of sheets of semi-rigid material sealably connected at the periphery thereof so as to form an enclosed first volume, whereby said first bladder is mountable beneath a cushion of the seat and supportable by a base of the seat;
b. a fluid contained by said first bladder;
c. a pressure sensor operatively coupled to said first bladder for generating a signal responsive to the pressure of said fluid within said first bladder;
and
d. a signal processor for calculating the weight of the occupant from said signal.

2 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Low profile hydraulic seat weight sensor

Life of this patent

Low profile hydraulic seat weight sensor

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims21