Abstract: An occupant detection device for a vehicle seat is provided. The device includes a sensor and a spring. The sensor is configured to indicate a first state when a seat is not occupied and a second state when the seat is occupied. The spring is configured to urge the sensor toward the first state. The spring is also configured to provide a return force that varies with a temperature of the spring.

Abstract: An occupant detection device for a vehicle seat is provided. The device includes a sensor and a spring. The sensor is configured to indicate a first state when a seat is not occupied and a second state when the seat is occupied. The spring is configured to urge the sensor toward the first state.

Abstract: A vehicle seat occupant detection device configured to indicate if a seat of a vehicle is occupied based on a weight of an occupant occupying the seat is provided. The device includes a spring and a sensor. The spring is configured to urge the device toward an unoccupied state. The sensor is configured to cooperate with the spring in order to determine an amount of deflection of the spring. In this way, the spring operates both as a return spring and an object that the sensor can detect and thereby determine the relative proximity of the spring.

Abstract: A sensor system and seat assembly includes a sensor assembly configured to detect a seating force exerted on a portion of a seat cushion of a seat. The sensor assembly includes a base, a force transducer configured to output a signal indicative of the seating force, and a lever pivotably coupled to the base. The lever defines a sensing end configured to be disposed proximate to the portion of the seat cushion such that the seating force operates on the sensing end. The lever also defines an actuating end configured to apply an actuation force to the force transducer. The sensor assembly may comprise a plurality of levers. Each sensing end of each lever may be disposed in a separate location within the portion of the seat cushion. The sensor assembly may be configured to detect a child exerting a seating force on a portion of the seat cushion.

Abstract: A seat belt system configured for use in a vehicle includes a seat belt buckle assembly that is configured to determine the both the latch condition of the seat belt buckle assembly with the seat belt tongue, and the tension applied to the seat belt webbing in a seat belt system. The seat belt buckle assembly includes a latch configured to receive and engage the seat belt tongue, a magnet, and a magnetic sensor configured to determine relative displacement of the magnet. The seat belt buckle assembly is configured to cause a first displacement between the magnet and the magnetic sensor in response to engagement of the seat belt tongue with the latch and cause a second displacement between the magnet and the magnetic sensor in response to tension on the seat belt webbing via the seat belt tongue. The first displacement is distinct from the second displacement.

Abstract: A seat belt reminder system includes an occupant sensor to detect an occupant in a seat of a vehicle and a buckle sensor to detect when a seat belt is latched to a seat belt buckle. A controller detects whether the seat belt buckle is latched and a wireless transmitter sends the buckle status to a remote receiver in the vehicle. The controller and transmitter are powered by a battery that is separate from the vehicle electrical system. The controller, transmitter, and battery may be incorporated into the occupant sensor. A separate power supply for the controller and transmitter and a wireless connection to the receiver in the vehicle eliminates the need for a wiring harness from the seat to the vehicle. The seat belt reminder system may provide long battery life by connecting the controller and transmitter to the battery only when the seat is occupied.

Abstract: A seat belt system configured for use in a vehicle includes a seat belt buckle assembly that is configured to determine the both the latch condition of the seat belt buckle assembly with the seat belt tongue, and the tension applied to the seat belt webbing in a seat belt system. The seat belt buckle assembly includes a latch configured to receive and engage the seat belt tongue, a magnet, and a magnetic sensor configured to determine relative displacement of the magnet. The seat belt buckle assembly is configured to cause a first displacement between the magnet and the magnetic sensor in response to engagement of the seat belt tongue with the latch and cause a second displacement between the magnet and the magnetic sensor in response to tension on the seat belt webbing via the seat belt tongue. The first displacement is distinct from the second displacement.

Abstract: A sensor system and seat assembly includes a sensor assembly configured to detect a seating force exerted on a portion of a seat cushion of a seat. The sensor assembly includes a base, a force transducer configured to output a signal indicative of the seating force, and a lever pivotably coupled to the base. The lever defines a sensing end configured to be disposed proximate to the portion of the seat cushion such that the seating force operates on the sensing end. The lever also defines an actuating end configured to apply an actuation force to the force transducer. The sensor assembly may comprise a plurality of levers. Each sensing end of each lever may be disposed in a separate location within the portion of the seat cushion. The sensor assembly may be configured to detect a child exerting a seating force on a portion of the seat cushion.

Abstract: A tension sensing switch assembly for a seat restraint system in a vehicle includes a housing for mounting to a seat restraint buckle of the seat restraint system and an actuating member disposed in the housing for movement therein and cooperating with belt webbing. The tension sensing switch assembly also includes a spring disposed in the housing for cooperating with the actuating member. The tension sensing switch assembly further includes a switch disposed in the housing and cooperable with the actuating member to indicate a first tension level and a second tension level in the seat restraint system when the spring is deflected.

Abstract: A variable load limiting restraint retractor for a seat restraint system in a vehicle includes a housing for operative connection to vehicle structure. The variable load limiting restraint retractor also includes a take-up spool operatively connected to the housing and connected to a belt of a seat restraint system for winding and unwinding the belt. The variable load limiting restraint retractor includes a rotatable shaft operatively connected to the take-up spool and the housing, the take-up spool being mounted on the shaft. The variable load limiting restraint retractor further includes a load limiting assembly operatively connected to the shaft for variably limiting load on the belt when the seat restraint system is in a buckled position.