Abstract: A vehicle seat occupant classification system for use in a vehicle seat includes a weight-responsive sensor, at least one bracket member serving as a holder for the weight-responsive sensor, and an evaluation unit configured to evaluate a status of the at least one weight-responsive sensor. The bracket member is fixedly attached to the seat base. If a mechanical load at least corresponding to a first pre-determined threshold value is applied by a seat occupant, a portion of the vehicle seat comes into mechanical interaction with the at least one weight-responsive sensor, and is configured to change a status of the at least one weight-responsive sensor if a mechanical load at least corresponding to a second pre-determined threshold value is applied. Relative movement between the seat base and the at least one weight-responsive sensor is at least excluded for applied mechanical loads that are smaller than the first pre-determined threshold value.

Abstract: A vehicle seat occupant classification system for use in a vehicle seat includes a weight-responsive sensor, at least one bracket member serving as a holder for the weight-responsive sensor, and an evaluation unit configured to evaluate a status of the at least one weight-responsive sensor. The bracket member is fixedly attached to the seat base. If a mechanical load at least corresponding to a first pre-determined threshold value is applied by a seat occupant, a portion of the vehicle seat comes into mechanical interaction with the at least one weight-responsive sensor, and is configured to change a status of the at least one weight-responsive sensor if a mechanical load at least corresponding to a second pre-determined threshold value is applied. Relative movement between the seat base and the at least one weight-responsive sensor is at least excluded for applied mechanical loads that are smaller than the first pre-determined threshold value.

Abstract: A seat occupancy sensor unit for recognizing occupancy of a vehicle seat. The sensor unit includes a mounting plate, a membrane switch which responds to pressure, and at least one support element which is arranged between the top of the mounting plate and the membrane switch. The at least one support element has a developable, convexly curved surface, which is provided for the purpose, in at least one operating state, of coming into at least partial contact with the membrane switch at least at the location of the at least one active switching element. A vehicle seat is provided, which comprises a seat base for supporting a person in a sitting position, a seat cushion with a foam element for padding the seat base, and a seat occupancy sensor unit. The foam element includes on the bottom thereof a recess for accommodating the seat occupancy sensor unit.