Abstract: An occupant restraint assembly and for a motor vehicle operates to sense the tension forces on a seat belt to detect the presence of a human occupant or a child restraint seat. A sensor attached to the seat belt measures tension forces. The sensor is mounted in line with the seat belt. A strain gauge senses tension on the seat belt. An additional embodiment of the sensor includes three prongs attached to a common beam that allow the sensor to be slipped onto the seat belt without modification to the seat belt. A middle prong includes the strain gauge to sense movement relative to outside prongs. The seat belt threads over the outside prongs and under the middle prong such that tension on the seat belt forces the middle prong transversely to tension exerted on the seat belt.

Abstract: A printed circuit board (PCB) assembly includes a stiffener member that eliminates the need for a separate PCB housing. The stiffener member is attached to the PCB at a first mount interface without the use of fasteners and is attached to a vehicle structure at a second mount interface. The first mount interface comprises a plurality of mounting feet that extend out transversely relative to a stiffener main body portion, and which are soldered directly to the PCB. The second mount interface comprises a plurality of radially extending tabs formed about the circumference of the stiffener member. The tabs each include an aperture for receiving a fastener. The stiffener member also includes gripping elements that resiliently engage electrical components mounted to the PCB to securely hold the electrical component in place and to reduce vibrations.

Abstract: A printed circuit board (PCB) assembly includes a stiffener member that eliminates the need for a separate PCB housing. The stiffener member is attached to the PCB at a first mount interface without the use of fasteners and is attached to a vehicle structure at a second mount interface. The first mount interface comprises a plurality of mounting feet that extend out transversely relative to a stiffener main body portion, and which are soldered directly to the PCB. The second mount interface comprises a plurality of radially extending tabs formed about the circumference of the stiffener member. The tabs each include an aperture for receiving a fastener. The stiffener member also includes gripping elements that resiliently engage electrical components mounted to the PCB to securely hold the electrical component in place and to reduce vibrations.

Abstract: An occupant restraint assembly and for a motor vehicle operates to sense the tension forces on a seat belt to detect the presence of a human occupant or a child restraint seat. A sensor attached to the seat belt measures tension forces. The sensor is mounted in line with the seat belt. A strain gauge senses tension on the seat belt. An additional embodiment of the sensor includes three prongs attached to a common beam that allow the sensor to be slipped onto the seat belt without modification to the seat belt. A middle prong includes the strain gauge to sense movement relative to outside prongs. The seat belt threads over the outside prongs and under the middle prong such that tension on the seat belt forces the middle prong transversely to tension exerted on the seat belt.

Abstract: An occupant restraint assembly and for a motor vehicle operates to sense the tension forces on a seat belt to detect the presence of a human occupant or a child restraint seat. A sensor attached to the seat belt measures tension forces. The sensor is mounted in line with the seat belt. A strain gauge senses tension on the seat belt. An additional embodiment of the sensor includes three prongs attached to a common beam that allow the sensor to be slipped onto the seat belt without modification to the seat belt. A middle prong includes the strain gauge to sense movement relative to outside prongs. The seat belt threads over the outside prongs and under the middle prong such that tension on the seat belt forces the middle prong transversely to tension exerted on the seat belt.

Abstract: A unique method and apparatus for making a load cell provides a sensor, circuit board, and connector that are integrally formed as one piece by using a photo-imaging process. A conductive material is layered on a non-conductive material in a predetermined pattern including a sensor portion, a circuit board portion, and a conductive path connecting the sensor and circuit board portions. A photo-reactive film is applied to the conductive material and portions of the photo-reactive film are exposed to a light source. The light source is applied through a negative that defines the sensor, circuit board, and conductive path dimensions. The portions of the film that are exposed to the light cause bonding between the conductive and non-conductive materials and integrally form the sensor, circuit board, and conductive path as one piece. The unexposed film and the associated underlying conductive material are removed by etching.

Abstract: A unique method and apparatus for making a load cell provides faster assembly throughput and a manufacturing cost reduction. The method and apparatus includes adhering a sensor to a metal surface and clamping the sensor to the metal surface with heated clamps. Heat is applied directly through the clamps to heat the interface between the sensor and metal surface for a predetermined amount of time to form a secure bond.

Abstract: An occupant restraint assembly and for a motor vehicle operates to sense the tension forces on a seat belt to detect the presence of a human occupant or a child restraint seat. A sensor attached to the seat belt measures tension forces. The sensor is mounted in line with the seat belt. A strain gauge senses tension on the seat belt. An additional embodiment of the sensor includes three prongs attached to a common beam that allow the sensor to be slipped onto the seat belt without modification to the seat belt. A middle prong includes the strain gauge to sense movement relative to outside prongs. The seat belt threads over the outside prongs and under the middle prong such that tension on the seat belt forces the middle prong transversely to tension exerted on the seat belt.