Method and system for determining weight and position of a vehicle seat occupant

A method for determining weight of a vehicle occupant to control the reaction of a safety restraint system, comprising the steps of:

• sampling output signals of a plurality of spaced weight sensors disposed between a seat surface and a seat mounting surface and spaced such that forces applied to a seating surface and a seat back are measured, said output signals indicative of the applied weight to each sensor;
• determining a total applied weight to a vehicle seat using the output signals of the weight sensors;
• determining whether the total applied weight is above a predetermined weight to distinguish between a child and an adult seat occupant;
• utilizing the applied weight as an actual weight when the applied weight is not above the predetermined weight;
• and
• calculating the actual weight of the seat occupant by multiplying the total applied weight by a correction factor for a normal seating position when the applied weight is above the predetermined weight.

A system for providing factors to be used for controlling the reaction of a vehicle safety restraint system comprising:

• a plurality of spaced weight sensors disposed between a seat surface and a seat mounting surface for providing output signals indicative of an applied weight to each sensor and spaced such that forces applied to a seating surface and a seat back are measured;
• each said weight sensor including a seat surface engaging portion, a seat mounting surface engaging portion and a walled portion extending between said engaging portions;
• each said walled portion including at least one strain gage mounted thereon for measuring wall deflection, and providing a strain gage output signal indicative of the applied weight;
• and
• a controller in communication with the weight sensors and the safety restraint system for calculating an information factor, in response to the output signals of the weight sensors, to be used to control the reaction of the vehicle safety restraint system.