Sensata Technologies demonstrates new seat sensors for occupant detection
Sensors make new seat belt alert systems more reliable and ‘consumer friendly‘
Hold potential for use with air bag classification systems
DETROIT, Michigan and SAE 2007 World Congress | April 18, 2007 | Sensata
Technologies today demonstrated several occupant sensing approaches that
can help engineers design seat belt alert systems that are more accurate
and provide a better level of consumer convenience and safety. The company
is showing a new piezo electric sensor, as well as a current
Monocrystalline Silicon Strain Gauge (MSG) force sensor, both of which give
engineers a range of design options.
The new piezo electric sensor solves the problem of traditional weight-
only detection systems, which often cannot differentiate between a person
or a heavy object such as a box, bag of groceries, etc., creating annoying
false seat belt alerts. A piezo electric wire, incorporated into a pad
easily mounted under the seat cushion and providing input to an electronic
module, senses the frequency response of a human and can determine the
relative position of the passenger.
"Consumers will use seat belt alerts that accurately determine if a
passenger is really in the car. A box or laptop bag won’t annoy them
anymore because the system thinks it’s a person," said Michael Mainvielle,
market segment manager at Sensata Technologies.
The Sensata piezo sensor is easily integrated into a variety of seat
structures, including A- or B-surface mounting, and accommodates all seat
covering options including ventilated seats. A three-position sensor is
available for rear seats.
Due to the sensor’s ability to accurately measure weight and passenger
position, this technology is also being considered for use with new Federal
Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 208 classification air bag deployment
systems, providing a single, integrated solution for two important consumer
safety issues.
Monocrystalline silicon strain gauge pressure sensors
Sensata is also demonstrating its MSG Occupant Weight Sensor (OWS) that
employs a silicon MEMS strain gauge element glass bonded to a stainless
steel diaphragm. Four MSG sensors are easily mounted within the seat
structure to create accurate weight measures for safe airbag deployment and
compliance to FMVSS208. The sensors are available in several designs: an
axial or flange rigid sensor; a rigid sensor with a Stress Reduction
Component (SRC); or an SRC at flange center style. These options give
designers a range of design and mounting flexibility.
For more information about Sensata Technologies and its full line of
products for the automotive industry, please call 1-508-236-3800 or visit
www.sensata.com.
Source: Sensata Technologies B.V.
About Sensata Technologies B.V.
Formerly the Sensors & Controls business of Texas Instruments, Sensata Technologies was acquired by Bain Capital, LLC, a leading global private investment firm, in April, 2006. Sensata is a leading designer and manufacturer of sensors and controls for global leaders in the automotive, appliance, aircraft, industrial and HVAC markets. It has ten technology and manufacturing centers in nine countries, and sales offices throughout the world. Revenues for 2006 were approximately $1.2 billion. Visit Sensata online at www.sensata.com.
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