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WO1999055560A1 - Systeme de commande intelligente pour ceinture de securite - Google Patents

Systeme de commande intelligente pour ceinture de securite Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO1999055560A1
WO1999055560A1 PCT/US1999/009435 US9909435W WO9955560A1 WO 1999055560 A1 WO1999055560 A1 WO 1999055560A1 US 9909435 W US9909435 W US 9909435W WO 9955560 A1 WO9955560 A1 WO 9955560A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
occupant
seat belt
seat
switch
vehicle
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US1999/009435
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Joseph A. Tabe
Original Assignee
Tabe Joseph A
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from PCT/US1998/014184 external-priority patent/WO1999003711A1/fr
Priority claimed from PCT/US1999/006666 external-priority patent/WO1999048729A1/fr
Application filed by Tabe Joseph A filed Critical Tabe Joseph A
Priority to AU37752/99A priority Critical patent/AU3775299A/en
Publication of WO1999055560A1 publication Critical patent/WO1999055560A1/fr
Priority to US09/959,503 priority patent/US7426429B2/en

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60R22/00—Safety belts or body harnesses in vehicles
    • B60R22/48—Control systems, alarms, or interlock systems, for the correct application of the belt or harness
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60R21/00—Arrangements or fittings on vehicles for protecting or preventing injuries to occupants or pedestrians in case of accidents or other traffic risks
    • B60R21/01—Electrical circuits for triggering passive safety arrangements, e.g. airbags, safety belt tighteners, in case of vehicle accidents or impending vehicle accidents
    • B60R21/015—Electrical circuits for triggering passive safety arrangements, e.g. airbags, safety belt tighteners, in case of vehicle accidents or impending vehicle accidents including means for detecting the presence or position of passengers, passenger seats or child seats, and the related safety parameters therefor, e.g. speed or timing of airbag inflation in relation to occupant position or seat belt use
    • B60R21/01512—Passenger detection systems
    • B60R21/01516—Passenger detection systems using force or pressure sensing means
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60R21/00—Arrangements or fittings on vehicles for protecting or preventing injuries to occupants or pedestrians in case of accidents or other traffic risks
    • B60R21/01—Electrical circuits for triggering passive safety arrangements, e.g. airbags, safety belt tighteners, in case of vehicle accidents or impending vehicle accidents
    • B60R21/015—Electrical circuits for triggering passive safety arrangements, e.g. airbags, safety belt tighteners, in case of vehicle accidents or impending vehicle accidents including means for detecting the presence or position of passengers, passenger seats or child seats, and the related safety parameters therefor, e.g. speed or timing of airbag inflation in relation to occupant position or seat belt use
    • B60R21/01512—Passenger detection systems
    • B60R21/01544—Passenger detection systems detecting seat belt parameters, e.g. length, tension or height-adjustment
    • B60R21/01546—Passenger detection systems detecting seat belt parameters, e.g. length, tension or height-adjustment using belt buckle sensors
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60R22/00—Safety belts or body harnesses in vehicles
    • B60R22/34—Belt retractors, e.g. reels
    • B60R22/46—Reels with means to tension the belt in an emergency by forced winding up
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60R21/00—Arrangements or fittings on vehicles for protecting or preventing injuries to occupants or pedestrians in case of accidents or other traffic risks
    • B60R21/01—Electrical circuits for triggering passive safety arrangements, e.g. airbags, safety belt tighteners, in case of vehicle accidents or impending vehicle accidents
    • B60R2021/01204—Actuation parameters of safety arrangents
    • B60R2021/01252—Devices other than bags
    • B60R2021/01265—Seat belts
    • B60R2021/01272—Belt tensioners
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60R22/00—Safety belts or body harnesses in vehicles
    • B60R22/34—Belt retractors, e.g. reels
    • B60R22/46—Reels with means to tension the belt in an emergency by forced winding up
    • B60R2022/4685—Reels with means to tension the belt in an emergency by forced winding up with means to adjust or regulate the tensioning force in relation to external parameters
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60R22/00—Safety belts or body harnesses in vehicles
    • B60R22/48—Control systems, alarms, or interlock systems, for the correct application of the belt or harness
    • B60R2022/4808—Sensing means arrangements therefor
    • B60R2022/4816—Sensing means arrangements therefor for sensing locking of buckle
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60R22/00—Safety belts or body harnesses in vehicles
    • B60R22/48—Control systems, alarms, or interlock systems, for the correct application of the belt or harness
    • B60R2022/4808—Sensing means arrangements therefor
    • B60R2022/4841—Sensing means arrangements therefor for sensing belt tension

Definitions

  • the smart seat belt control system is design to electronically work with the computer system for the advanced weight responsive supplemental restraint computer system. It is an intelligent device for the new century, designed to totally erase vehicular fatalities that are due to human negligence in all types of accidents.
  • the brain of this device is linked to the concept and theory governing the fact that; all safety devices for all types of vehicles should not discriminatorily protect the driver or frontal seat occupants alone.
  • the theory states that, every individual in a moving vehicle is an occupant and every occupant may incur injuries in a collision. Therefore, every occupant on any seat inside the vehicle must be protected.
  • Seat belts have been used for many years to prevent passengers from injuries in car crashes. Still, people are not paying attention to the importance of the use of the seat belts. Many loved ones have passed away, and many have been injured.
  • the government has tried to make seat belt buckling a law, that all passengers wear their seat belts when riding in a vehicle. Yet, people chose to ride without obeying this law. Therefore, it is very important to see that seat belt technology be advanced to include these laws. However, the advanced technology will provide means for locking the seat belt connectors when connected with the vehicle in motion, to prevent occupants from unlatching the seat belts.
  • the smart seat belt control works very closely with the smart air bag in the advanced weight responsive supplemental restraint computer system.
  • the computer system When the ignition switch, is turn on, the computer system will read the information from all the load cells. If the computer picks any weight presence on any of the load cells, it will record a "1" in the memory for each assigned load cell that has an occupant.
  • the Spring Control at the Isolator Switch deploys a spring carrying current that monitors the contacts of each seat belt connector. When the current is restricted or cutoff, the spring will retract to unlock the seat belt connectors inside the open fixed end of the seat belt housing. When a passenger is present, the strain gage sensor will provide electrical responses to the applied bending, stretching, or compressing.
  • Safety seat belts and air bags are the most effective means for reducing the potentials of serious injuries and deaths in automobile accidents. Together with the air bag, they provide some unique potentials of reducing the crash fatalities and injuries to a minimum. Yet, passengers still forget to use the seat belts and sustain fatal injuries in most accidents as the result.
  • seat belts should always be worn before the vehicle is engaged in motion and when the vehicle is in motion which means some form of electrical energy would have to ignite the starting system of the vehicle. Once the vehicle is started and put to motion, this energy form will regenerate different rates of motion, which is a function of speed.
  • Speed is the main determinant of how serious a crash can be. This speed is what generates the force that a human body receives in a crash accident that had an occupant in the vehicle at the time of the crash.
  • car safety restraints are designed in a way that would prevent the vehicle from starting, if any or all of the occupants are not belted.
  • the present invention is designed to protect every individual in the vehicle. Also, it prevents the vehicle from starting if any or all of the occupants are not wearing their seat belts.
  • the present invention is designed to protect every individual in the vehicle. In part, it will prevent the vehicle from starting when any or all of the occupants of the vehicle are not wearing their seat belts.
  • the processor will check to make sure that all occupants are belted. If any of the occupants are not wearing the seat belt, the processor will assign a "0" signal to the control module to initiate the shut off of the ignition switch. The control module will then activate an audio visual or human voice response to alert the driver of the vehicle about the specific seat location number bearing the unbelted occupant. If the occupant is still not belted, the control module will then energize the cutoff switch that will shut off the engine "5" minutes after the human voice response. The time to shut off the engine is adjustable, so that different states or the government could regulate the cutoff time. The computer system recognizes how many seat belts that are available and the number of occupants that are supposed to fill the seats, through the use of the counter or accumulator.
  • the counter is embedded inside the seat belt processor and receives all the load cell signals each time the occupant takes any of the seats. All signals are in binaries with lots of transistorize switches kicking on and off on time for the signals to be transmitted to other devices.
  • This device is a smart seat belt buckling system that senses and recognizes the number of occupants that are on the seats.
  • the control module signals the cutoff switch when any of the occupants is sensed to be unbelted.
  • a magnetic switch mechanism magnetic cylinder
  • the lock is to prevent the occupants from unbuckling the seat belts until the vehicle comes to a complete stop and the key switch turned off or the override switch pushed in.
  • the optoisolator switch When the seat belt is buckled, the optoisolator switch will provide a means that will activate the lock that will keep the seat belt fixed end and the moveable end in place, to prevent unbuckling of the seat belt while the vehicle is in motion. That is, once the engine is started and the occupants are belted, they will not be able to unbuckle the seat belt unless the engine is shut off or the override switch is closed. When the override switch circuit is closed or the ignition switch turn off, the magnetic cylinders will then de-energize the magnetic field.
  • the applicant understands that many attempts have been made to improve on the automotive safety through the use of seat belts. The applicant also understands that once the seat belt is buckled, occupants occasionally get to the habit of unbuckling the seat belts.
  • a human voice chip will be activated to release a human voice-warning signal to warn the driver about the unlatched seat belt.
  • the human voice chip will also release the specific seat number that has the unbuckled occupant.
  • the load cell will always check for the presence of an occupant. If the occupant is present but is a child, the processor will realize that fact and check to make sure that the child-seat is properly secured and tensioned.
  • the occupant seating position counter assists the seat belt processor in knowing the number of occupants that are in the vehicle. It also identifies the seat locations that have the unbelted occupants and carry the signals to the processor. Also, the counter carries all its counting in the batch mode and the BIOS to talk to the processor. All the other devices use the BIOS to communicate to each other. Accordingly, each time any of the load cells are closed, the counter will signal the processor, which will then use the BIOS to process other switches to check for the seat belt buckling for the occupied seats.
  • the counter stops counting when the load cells are on their 'no occupant mode' or opened circuit.
  • the processor records the number of seats counted every time the counter output that signal to the processor's input.
  • the input signal to the seat belt processor is what the processor uses to feed in the other devices so that a proper and accurate protection can be ascertained.
  • the other switches are energized to carry on their task.
  • the voice chip is incorporated in the control module to warn the driver of the unbelted occupant when detected.
  • the voice chip is the first output signal when an occupant is detected for not wearing the seat belt.
  • the output latch relay opens at the end of each count, enabling the other switches to be processed.
  • the control module also checks for the operation of the other devices and switches.
  • the control module also checks the optoisolator switch. If the seat belt is latched, the optoisolator will send a "1" signal to the control module to stop processing. If the seat belt is not latched, the optoisolator will send a "0" signal to the control module to continue processing. That is, the optoisolator controls 1/0 for isolation.
  • the optoisolating circuit uses a light emitting diode "LED" connected to the output of the isolator to suggest activation of the seat belt to the control module input.
  • the control module will send a warning human voice signal out to the driver, addressing the seat number and the unlatched behavior of the occupant.
  • the cutoff switch will then be energized if the occupant is still not belted.
  • the boot program of this computer device ROM and BIOS chip will always check to see if there is any occupant on any of the seats. All the information is then sent to the address line.
  • the boot manager also assumes control of the start up process and loads the operating system into ROM.
  • the operating system chip works with the BIOS to manage all operations, execute all programs, and respond to signals from the hardware. Lots of transistorized switches are used in this device to create binary information for logical thinking inside the computer.
  • the mobile connectors of the seat belts When the seat belts are connected, the mobile connectors of the seat belts will activate a magnetic switch. This switch will automatically signal the computer control module that the occupant is belted.
  • the signal for an occupant present is "1," and a "0" signal for an unbelted occupant.
  • the seat belt actuating switch could be of different types.
  • a “1" transmission is when the seat belt circuit is closed.
  • a "0" transmission is when the seat belt circuit is opened.
  • the seats are coded so that the computer counter can tell which seat number is not belted.
  • An insulated cable that has an attaching block and terminals at each end is assigned to each seat belt positive ends. When the occupant is not belted, the circuit will be opened.
  • the circuit will be closed, by that letting current to flow through the coded line to the computer processor for the seat belts.
  • the double circuit system for the processor lets the processor read the "0s" and the "Is" in two-wire process. That is, two wires will enter the circuit, and if there is a current from the coded line, the line will leave with a "1" from the terminal. If there is no current, it will leave with a "0" from the other terminal.
  • the seat belt can be disconnected manually, by recognizing that there is a O" reading.
  • the arrangement of the electrically conducting wires for the seat belt circuit which are used for signaling the computer when in closed or opened circuit, initiate a lock when closed. The lock is to keep the seat belt connectors locked at all times while the vehicle is in motion. That is, with the closed circuit occupants will not be able to disconnect the seat belt until the circuit is opened. This can only be done in two forms;
  • the driver has to come to a complete stop and turn the key switch off to let the occupant unlock or unlatch the seat belt.
  • the driver can come to a complete stop, while the engine is idling; he can use the omitting switch (override switch) to let the passenger unlatch the seat belt by pushing in on the switch.
  • the override switch is a push-in button type switch. When pushed in, it opens the circuit, thereby disconnecting the flow of current and also breaking the magnetic lock.
  • This lock can be designed to use different locking means, which also includes a plunger locking means.
  • the opening of the circuit could only be enforced when there is a restriction to current flow. This restriction is initiated by the omitting switch (override switch) or by the key or ignition switch in the off position.
  • the smart seat belt control system uses these protective measures to extend the protection of occupants in all types of vehicles and also all types of accidents.
  • the smart seat belt control system is so unique in that, it works in an automatic mode once the passenger takes any of the seats. That is, solely the presence and actions of the occupant transmits all signals while the vehicle is in motion.
  • the seat belt edges should be made with a coated fine material. This is to prevent occupants from being cut by the seat belt edges when the vehicle is involved in an accident with the belt tensioned.
  • the load cell together with the optoisolator and the CPU, reads the occupant's weight, the vehicle's current speed before the accident, and calculates the safe seat belt tensioning.
  • This tension is the applied tension that is required to hold the occupant on the seat, and give the air bag enough room to be more effective.
  • the input voltage to the seat belt circuit will decide the opposition to the flow of current. This current is monitored and compared to the ratio of the resultant current that leaves the circuit.
  • This circuit is used to achieve the impedance matching for each seat belt. It also allows signals to be transmitted to human voice signals when the seat belt is tempered while the vehicle is in motion.
  • the smart seat belt control system can also incorporate a multiplexing technique to assign signals to all specific seat belt locations or paths.
  • This technique uses a time division to provide independent transmissions of the several pieces of information about the passengers.
  • the information is shared on time with the computer and the driver at frequent intervals. All the signals are transmitted through a normally opened switch mode, which occur when the occupant is present and not wearing the seat belt.
  • a normally closed circuit is used when the occupant is present and wearing the seat belt. With the closed circuit, the sensors of each location will be in series so that the same current will be running through the system, until another occupant takes the other seats. When the seat belt is not worn, an alarm or a human voice-warning signal will be transmitted for that seat belt location.
  • the circuit When the circuit is opened, the sensors will be in parallel. When the occupant latches the seat belt, the sensors will be activated, and the circuit will close allowing a current that activates the control module not to signal the cutoff switch.
  • the ignition switch of the vehicle is designed to energize the accessories of the vehicle.
  • the exact arrangement for the smart seat belt control system depends on the number of seat belts that are in the vehicle.
  • the sensitivity of the seat belt in relation to the key switch is set so that the seat belt will not trip the key without a person on the seat.
  • One set of contacts for the key switch is assigned to each seat in the vehicle. Each time a passenger takes any of the seats in the vehicle, one set of contact will be closed for the air bag and the other opened for the seat belt, until the passenger latches or buckles up. With the opened circuit, the driver will not be able to start the vehicle. Which means future vehicles will prevent drivers from
  • the smart seat belt control system invention also controls the maximum idle time that a vehicle can run when left unattended. If the vehicle was already running, with the opened circuit the control module will energize the cutoff switch and the engine will shut off if the driver is not on the seat, or the passenger is still not belted.
  • the driver's seat energizes the coils of the other seats. When the driver is seated, the circuit on the driver's seat will close, letting the control module know that, while the engine is idling, there is a person on the driver's seat. In all, if there is an occupant in the vehicle and the occupant is not on the driver's seat, with the driver's seat being vacant, the control module will still shut off the engine until the driver takes the driver's seat.
  • the seat belt processor has a counter that detects the seat that has an unbelted occupant and sends that signal to the control module.
  • the control module will signal the cutoff switch that will shut off the engine "5" minutes after the warning signal is broadcast. The driver will not be able to start the vehicle unless the occupant is belted or the driver is on the driver's seat.
  • the control module has a simple timing circuit that controls the amount of time to cutoff the key-switch if the passenger is still not belted.
  • the arrangement for the smart seat belt control system allows the audio messages to come on first, to let the driver know about the behavior of the passenger before the engine is cut off. With this arrangement, if the passenger decides to put the seat belt on after the audio warning signal, then the circuit will close and every other circuit will return to normal. However, with the advanced technology in the smart seat belt control system, once the seat belts are connected or latched, with the ignition key on, passengers will not be able to disconnect the seat belts without the key-switch in the off position. Also, the driver could let passengers
  • This smart seat belt control system invention has no provision for an unbelted occupant.
  • the time switch is connected in parallel with the key switch and carries the omitting switch (override switch) which is used to let off passengers.
  • the computer system for the Advanced Weight Responsive Supplemental Restraint Computer System for the air bag deployment is programmed to keep track of the unbelted occupants with the use of these incorporated devices. That is, if the occupant is not belted, the computer will pick the signal and process other devices to react to the unsafe practices.
  • Some of the many advantages of the smart seat belt control system are that, there will be no increased air bag pressure due to the fact that the occupant was not belted. Besides, if the air bag pressures are increased to protect unbelted occupants, there will be no protective limits for bigger or smaller occupants. However, a new technology in the air bag industry has a variable control to give each individual, a force that is proportional to the individual's weight. So, by implementing the smart seat belt control system, occupants of all ages and sizes will be well protected with this smart seat belt control system and the advanced weight responsive supplemental restraint computer system's technology.
  • the inflation pressure of the air bag is safely controlled by the individual occupants on the front seats. While the buckling of the seat belts is monitored by the seat counter that checks all the seats for proper and safe buckling. Which means, the size of the occupants on the front seats, and not the absence of the buckling of the seat belts will generate the increasing of the inflation pressure for the air bag. Besides, the seat belts will always be buckled with this advanced technology. In addition, occupants will not suffer the presence and effect of the excess air bag deployment pressure with the presence of the smart seat belt control system. Protectively, the smart seat belt control system together with the advanced weight responsive supplemental restraint computer system guarantees a total safety for vehicles with air bags.
  • the smart seat belt control system does not only control the driver's seat belt latching but also controls the other seat belts and seating positions of the vehicle. This also prevents the vehicle from starting when there is nobody on the driver's seat. Once the engine is started, the smart seat belt control system will also control the entire safety devices and prevent the driver from operating the vehicle when there is an unbelted occupant.
  • Another unique feature of the smart seat belt control system is that, once the seat belt is latched and the engine running, occupants will not be able to disconnect or unbuckle the seat belt when the vehicle is still in motion or the engine running. This means, occupants will always have their seat belts on at all the times that the engine is running or the vehicle in motion.
  • Some object of this invention is to prevent the vehicle from starting when there is no person on the driver's seat.
  • Another object of this invention is to cutoff the engine if the driver leaves the driver's seat with the engine running for more than a specified time. That means, vehicles will not be started if the driver is not on the driver's seat, even if all the occupants are belted. Which means, when the driver leaves the driver's seat, kids on the passengers seats will not be able to start the vehicle when there is no one on the driver's seat.
  • the programmable memory will prevent kids of certain weight range, with the incorporation of the load cell, to get on the driver's seat
  • the presence of an occupant will energize the load cell.
  • the load cell in turn will energize all the other switches after the presence of the occupant is noticed.
  • the counter to make sure that the occupants are belted will then check the switches. If the occupants are not belted, the counter will then inform the seat belt processor.
  • the seat belt processor will then signal the control module, which will then energize a human voice chip warning response. At the end of the warning, if the occupant is still not belted, the control module will activate the cutoff switch and the engine will shut off after "5 "minutes or at the programmed time.
  • the decision making of the air bag advanced weight responsive supplemental restraint computer system will let the smart seat belt control system to function automatically.
  • the system can cutoff the engine "5" minutes after the normal audio warning of the unbelted occupant or at the programmed time.
  • the computer keeps track of everybody in the vehicle with the use of the load cell, to make sure that all the occupants are protected. A detailed record is provided for any presence of an occupant.
  • the rapid decrease in cost for microprocessors and associate elements are bringing the computer-based system into almost every advanced safety and technologies. Therefore, the development of this advanced passenger restraint is less costly, very affordable, and will allow every passenger and driver to stay within the law.
  • a device like the smart seat belt control system will be exceptionally hard not to be used by occupants.
  • the smart seat belt control system is based on its ability to monitor the presence of the passengers on any of the seats, compares the belted information and the unbelted information with the data in the memory. It will then decide whether any of the two groups of information agrees with the stored data that has been programmed in the memory. When the passenger is
  • the computer reads a "1." If the computer sees a "0" at the seat belt data, it will know that the passenger is not belted and will immediately signal the chip that has the stored human voice audio signal to response to the exact condition, for the exact message to be amplified to the driver.
  • the principle to this smart seat belt control system is based on the electronic line signals by the electronic control module.
  • the signals are in analog, which varies with the amount of current at various seating points where seat belts and load cells are assigned. These signals are compared with the preset signal levels to form a digital signal, corresponding to the difference in the presence or absence of the passenger on the seat belt location. The digital signal is then compared to the actual current level to correspond to the seat pattern and the preset current level.
  • this device will not only protect adults, but will also protect any kid or person on the seat, regardless of the size. Since the output is a digital signal, this device can be programmed to check the locks at various high-speed crashes and also record the speed before the crash.
  • this computer device to help detect the crash speed can record the speedometer reading before the crash.
  • the omitting switch (override switch) is mounted on the dashboard. This switch is of the push in type, which is used for letting passengers off.
  • the little current that signals the computer will create a magnetic contact between the two metal connectors of the seat belt that will keep the latches locked at the times that the engine is running.
  • a phototransistor and a light emitting diode "LED” will face each other across the open slit of the optoisolator switch. This diode is a simple switch, which is energized when the applied voltage provides a forward bias.
  • the optoisolator is an optical-coupler, which consist of a light emitting diode "LED" input, optically coupled to a photocell.
  • the photocell resistance is high when the LED is off “0 signal” for an unbelted occupant, and low resistance when the LED current is on “ 1 signal” for a belted occupant.
  • the interface circuit for the photocell measures the light intensity inside the optoisolator.
  • the op-amp is the signal-processing interface between the photocell and the latching relay. This op-amp also compares the buckling switch on the LED when the seat belt is buckled, and the unbuckled signal when the seat belt is not buckled.
  • the photocell is a sensor or transducer that converts light or optical energy into electrical energy
  • the optoisolator circuit monitors the light- intensity inside the fixed end of the seat belt and switch on the LED when the occupant is not belted. When the occupant is not belted, the light intensity will drop below the specified level. The conductivity or resistance of the photocell inside the optoisolator circuit changes under light exposure. This light exposure is initiated from the load cell switch when closed. Cadmium Sulfide "CdS" could be used for the design of the photocell. When the occupant is belted, the resistance will decrease while the light intensity will increase. The counter and the latching relay will then be energized. The interface circuit will then give an output voltage that is proportional to the light intensity.
  • This output voltage will also be proportional to the load cell out put voltage. This voltage is then used to energize the coils of the seat belt tensioner so that a proportionate tensional force can be ensured when the vehicle gets involve in an accident.
  • the generated voltage from the load cell's output is proportional to the inverse of the resistance.
  • the control module is required to control the energy source of the switches. This control module will have the ability to control large amount of power with a minimum of control energy. Also, different types of control module may be used, but the description of the workability of the module employed in this process, calls for a control module that will conduct power in either one or two directions. However, only the module that conducts current in both directions will be mentioned.
  • the thyristor which is a silicon-controlled rectifier, may be used for the control module process. Although there are other types that may work equally, only the thyristor will be mentioned in length. There are many types of thyristor that could be used.
  • a thyristor is just like a diode with the exception that it can be turned on at any point in the circle.
  • the thyristor has three terminals; the anode, cathode, and gate work in a defined sequence. That is, a current pulse is applied to the gate to start conducting. Once conduction is started, the pulse is no longer necessary, and the silicon controlled rectifier will remain in conduction until the current goes to "0" or some other means is used to force it to stop the conduction process.
  • the triac thyristor that could be employed for this design consists of two silicon controlled rectifiers back to back. This allows current to flow in both directions when turned on. In
  • the triac is readily available in current rating to specific amps and also in voltage ratings. Accordingly, this triac thyristor consist of electrical isolation "optoisolation" so logic level voltages can turn it on. It turns on at the first voltage zero "0" after the control voltage is applied and the seat belt latched. It turns off at the first current zero “0” after the control voltage is removed or the ignition switch in the off position or the override switch pushed in. This also prevents transients or voltage spike on both the source and the load.
  • the silicon- controlled rectifier is used because of the fast switching speed needed to keep every body informed of the necessary safety measures.
  • the triac is very capable of providing such an adequate speed. In all, the silicon controlled rectifier works very closely with the computer logic circuit.
  • the seat belt latching circuit also measures light intensity from the load cell as a signal that an occupant is present.
  • An op-amp is also used as a signal-processing interface between the optoisolator and the latching circuit. This op-amp also compares the light emitting diodes "LED" for latching purposes when the load cell circuits are closed.
  • LED light emitting diodes
  • the seat belt magnetic switch is embedded inside the optoisolator switch, which is mounted on the fixed structural side of the seat belt. The applicant understands that the arrangement of the magnetic cylinder and the blinder can be configured differently. But the concept behind the smart seat belt control system is what the applicant is further claiming, to structurally safe the live of our love once in future accidents.
  • the multi-mode control module picks the signals from the seat belt processor. The counter tells the processor the number of unbelted occupants in the vehicle and the seat location of the said occupant.
  • the key switch when turned on, corresponding to a connected seat belt, sends current to the isolator that will create magnetic field lines at the ends of the seat belt connectors.
  • the field lines are strongest at the ends when connected and the engine running. The blinder will break the magnetic force each time the omitting switch is pushed in or the key switch turned off. There are lots of other locking
  • some of the object of this invention is to prevent occupants from unlatching the seat belt when the engine is running or the vehicle in motion.
  • Another object of this invention is to shut off the engine when the vehicle is involved in any type of accident.
  • the control module will receive signals from the vibration sensor for rollover type accident, and from the collision sensor in frontal or rear-end type accident and activate the cutoff switch.
  • the reason why this state of the art smart seat belt control system shut off the engine is because drivers get panic when an accident occurs and lost control of directing the vehicle. By shutting off the engine will reduce the other consequences that are associated with panicking on the steering wheel. Also, on very severe accidents, fluid lines sometimes give away due to increased pressure on the lines caused by the impact force of the collision.
  • This smart seat belt control system will let the control module activate the shut off system seconds after the air bag had deployed.
  • the line of force is continuous between the north and south poles of the seat belt connectors. This line of force or current flow draws these poles together to keep the seat belt locked at all times, when the vehicle is in motion.
  • the material used for the seat belt connectors should have high permeability that will allow the material to conduct magnetic flux.
  • the magnetic flux density will measure the concentration of the magnetomotive force of the seat belt connectors. That is, a strong magnet will depend on the heavy concentration of the magnetic flux.
  • the electromagnetic reaction is temporal in this smart seat belt control system device. When current flows through the other end of the seat belt, and the connectors are latched, they become electromagnet.
  • Latching of the seat belts carries on the principal to the operation of the seat belt activation of the optoisolator switches.
  • the seat belt optoisolator switch linkage to the control module is energized when the ignition switch is closed. Once the control module is energized, the cutoff switch circuit will close, holding the control module in the energized state. When the occupant is not wearing the seat belt, the seat counter checking circuit and the latching circuits will close for that seat location. The cutoff switch will then be opened for the engine
  • Seat belt switches 1, 2, 3, 4 use logic functions to close and open the counter and the latching circuits. That is, if the passenger is present and wearing the seat belt, the switch will be closed for that seat location. If the passenger is not wearing the seat belt, the switch will be opened for that seat location. The counter will then receive a "0" logical signal for the unbelted seat location and inform the processor that the occupant on that seat location is not wearing the seat belt. The processor will then notify the control module, which will then activate the chip for the human voice response, and a warning massage will then be voiced out. The control module will always activate a human voice message whenever the circuit for the seat belt location is opened. The ignition switch is connected to send power to the entire system.
  • All the components of the smart seat belt control system device are so sensitive in that, tempering with the seat belt connecting ends will not activate the system. Instead, it will audibly warn the driver that the occupant on the said seat location is tempering with the seat belt.
  • a vibration detector is attached and linked to the system to sense rollover type accidents and activate the cutoff switch to shut off the engine. The effectiveness of the vibration sensor or detector depends upon the proper application and programmed installation. The use of the cutoff switch in any collision or rollover type accidents is to prevent fire hazards or any other type of accident that may occur after the original or initial occurrence. Therefore, proper adjustment of the sensitivity of the vibration system is necessary to avoid false cutoff from vibration caused by bumps.
  • the time switch provides no time for an unbelted occupant.
  • the advantage of the time switch is to make sure that every occupant riding in the vehicle is protected.
  • the time delay gives the occupant enough time to comply with the law of wearing seat belts when riding in a vehicle.
  • the warning massage will be operative for the time duration of the programmed delay intervals.
  • the control module will energize the cutoff switch and the engine will shut off when the programmed time elapses.
  • the time switch is connected in parallel with the cutoff switch. When the warning signal is operative, the cutoff switch circuit will stay close. After the end of the delay, or the end of the warning message, the cutoff switch will then kick open
  • the computer keeps track of all the activities around the occupants, the air bag, and the seat belt functions.
  • the computer is programmed to check the seat belt latches on any of the occupied seat.
  • the load cell provides a unique information about the occupants present.
  • the entire device is designed to monitor the wearing of the seat belt before the vehicle could be engaged in motion, to make sure that the occupants stay belted and safe, while the vehicle is still in motion.
  • Vehicles without air bags can also take advantage of this smart seat belt control system. That is, the smart seat belt control system can use different sensors to sense the presence of an occupant even with older vehicles that have no air bag. In all, the smart seat belt control system device can be readily installed in older vehicles.
  • the time constant for the time delay is very important in this smart seat belt computerized device because the timing and the warning response time determines the performance of the smart seat belt control system.
  • the device can use different time constant circuit. However, only the RL time constant will be described here, to carry the programmable assignments.
  • the RL time constant is the inductor and resistor that are used to design the time circuit for the advanced weight responsive supplemental restraint computer system and the smart seat belt control system. When current is flowing in the inductor, the current generates a magnetic field buildup around the inductor. If the current is interrupted, the magnetic field collapses very quickly. The magnetic field is allowed to collapse at a controlled rate by an intermediate condition between maintaining the magnetic field and allowing it to collapse rapidly.
  • the resistor determines the rate at which the magnetic field collapses.
  • This time constant is a measure of the time required to broadcast the audible human voice warning message and the time to shut off the engine.
  • the time constant is the specific amount of time required to obtain 100% of the programmable task of the smart seat belt control system.
  • the latching relay When the switch for the occupied seat is closed, the latching relay will be energized to check if the seat belt for that seat location is latched.
  • the seat belt check-switch or counter is closed only when an occupant takes any of the seats.
  • the latching relay switch is only energized when the seat belt check- switch is closed. The energizing of the latching relay is momentary. Therefore, each time the latching relay is energized, switch "A" will be closed. Once the latching relay is energized, contacts "B" will close, holding the latching relay in the energized state after switch "A" is opened. All the other contacts will follow the same sequence of operation.
  • the seat belt and the latching relay are arranged so that the contacts of seat 1, which is the driver's seat, will supply power to the coils of seat 2, seat 3, and seat 4.
  • the computer is programmed to recognize a pattern of switches, and no occupant will be able to start the vehicle if the occupant is seating in any seat other than the driver's seat. That is, the smart seat belt control system technology is one of the best technologies designed to protect all occupants of all sizes.
  • the moveable end of the seat belt has a built in coil in its housing which is rotate-able.
  • the coil is properly winded on two shafts that have wheels at each end.
  • the wheels are rotated as the coils receive collision signal from the collision sensor.
  • a stopper plunger is engaged between the wheels when the coils complete its windings.
  • the seat belt processor energizes the winding of the coil. That is, the occupants weight from the load cell and the speedometer information of the vehicle are send to the CPU that will compute the tension needed to keep the occupant on the seat when the vehicle is involve in a collision.
  • the computed tension for the said occupant is then sent to the seat belt processor that will program the coil for that seat belt housing to rotate and tension the occupant on the prescribed seat location when a collision is sensed.
  • the other object of this invention is to ensure maximum seat belt tensioning means that is sufficient enough to keep the occupant on the seat without causing any further injury to the occupant, or let the occupant be thrown out of the seat.
  • the tensioning of the seat belt and the tension on the belt are proportional to the weight of the occupant on the prescribed seat location.
  • Another object of this invention is to provide a maximum supporting load that will hold the occupant on the seat during collision, while
  • the occupant's measured weight is very useful to measure the power to the coils of the rotating end or the seat belt tensioner. This power is so divided to signal the tensional circuit to energize the tensioning coil to rotate and tension the seat belt at a tensional force that is sufficient to hold the occupant on the seat.
  • the energy to the coil of the seat belt tensioner is only necessary when the vehicle is involve in a collision of the prescribed magnitude. Very little current will be made constant at the coil.
  • the load cell will output this weight in voltage reading. All the voltage reading for the smart seat belt control system and the advance weight responsive supplemental restraint computer system are very small and they are read in millivolts.
  • the voltage from the load cell is E. This voltage is the occupant's weight value and all the computations of the rotations of the coils are carried on in binaries.
  • the voltage E multiplied by the constant current I, provides the necessary pressure that is needed to activate the coil to generate a tensioning force that would be compared to pounds per inch, sufficient enough to hold the occupant on the seat without causing any further injuries.
  • the coil will receive a constant current I, and upon receiving the weight signals in voltage reading E, will influence the number of rotations of the coil that will safely protect and tension the occupant, without causing any further injury to the said occupant.
  • the ground for the coil is located at the mounting casing of the coil housing.
  • the heart of the smart seat belt control system is the interface module inside the control module that communicates with the seat belt processor and converts the weight of the occupant and the collision force input into series of signals that the coil can handle.
  • signals are then sent to the coil tensioner to act upon, and influence the appropriate number of rotation of the coil that will initiate the amount of tension of the seat belt that will keep the occupant on the seat when a collision is sensed.
  • the signals may be sent in one wire at the same time.
  • the transmission of the signals in this multiplexing technique would prompt other devices like the air bag accelerometer to programmable select only the signals that are intended for its use.
  • the computer system for the advanced weight responsive supplemental restraint computer system is designed to accept the components of the smart seat belt control system. Therefore, the only additional future to the computer is the seat belt processor, the variable electronic tensional coil, the latching relay, and the optoisolator. All the other components are designed to work as described in this invention, to better improve on automotive safeties.
  • These advanced weight responsive supplemental restraint computer system and the smart seat belt control system technologies is the DY-2Ksmart. Where the airbag is differentiated as DY- 2KsmartA and the seat belt is differentiated as DY-2KsmartS. Together, they are DY- 2Ksmart. A technology designed for the next century.
  • the preferred embodiment of the present invention includes the known standard configuration of the occupant's seat belt. More than one load cell may be used to properly pick the occupant's precise and accurate weight for the accurate adjustment of the tensioning coil. Other devices may be used in place of the load cell, like a pressurized or inflatable bag that would be mounted on the surface of the seat or beneath the seat. When an occupant takes the seat, the occupant's weight will displace x-amount of the stored pressure to a relay that will record the displacement as weight. The stored pressure is the maximum pressure to
  • the 20 support the weight value of the said maximum.
  • the weight of the replacing occupant will displace the stored pressure to the amount equal to the said occupant's weight value. If the weight of the occupant exceeds or equal the stored value, then the tensional force on the seat belt against the occupant will have a constant value.
  • the recorded displacement will then be transformed into a weight value unit that the CPU will recognize.
  • the CPU will then carry on the computation and calculation the same way like the load cell. Every process is the same when comparing the pressurized bag operation with the load cell operation. Therefore, for more accurate readings of the occupant's weight, only the load cell will be described in the entire description. However, the applicant is claiming the use of any bag, for the purpose of trying to adopt said bag to control the operation of the seat belt.
  • the post will check the hardware functionality to ensure that the hardware components and the CPU are functioning properly.
  • the post will later send signals over specific paths on the motherboard to the load cell to check for the presence of the occupants on all the occupied seats.
  • the chip motherboard is where all the occupant's activities are sent for processing.
  • the occupant's information from the post is compared in the CMOS.
  • the boot program will send the occupant's information to the address line.
  • the ignition circuit will be open until the driver takes seat 1, which is the driver's seat.
  • the strain gage sensors of the load cell will provide electrical responses to the applied bending, stretching, or compressing of the strain gage. These electrical responses will then energize the other load cells, the computer, and also close the switch on seat 1.
  • By closing the circuit on seat 1, will energize the ignition switch circuit so that the engine could be started.
  • the presence of an occupant will energize the load cell.
  • the load cell will then energize all the other switches after the presence of the occupant is noticed.
  • the switches will then check to make sure that all the occupants are belted. If any of the occupants is not belted, the cutoff switch will shut off the engine after the control module had energized the human voice chip to warn of the unbelted occupant.
  • the counter will check out all the other seats to know the number of occupants that are present. The counter by monitoring the other load cells and the seat belt circuits behaviors, does this to signal the seat belt processor when any of the occupied seats is found unbelted.
  • the seat belt processor will then energize the control module that will activate a human voice chip to warn of the unbelted occupied seat number.
  • the control module is energized.
  • the cutoff switch circuit will then be closed to allow the control module in the energized state.
  • the counter circuit and the latching circuit will close for that seat location, allowing the cutoff switch to open for the engine to shut off.
  • the vibration sensor will sense the roll over activities and activate the cutoff switch that will shut off the engine, and activates the tensional coil to hold the occupant secured on the seat. For each delayed time, the cutoff switch will kick in at the end of the delayed intervals.
  • the time switch which is connected in parallel with the control module, enables the cutoff switch to respond to the cutoff signal faster. While the power line transients ensures the protection of any failure that may occur within the computer and the electronics. The power line transients will also filter out lightening effects on the computerized system so that the precise and accurate transmission of the occupants weight information is guaranteed.
  • the load cell switch When a passenger seats on any of the seats, the load cell switch will close and the load cell output will energize the seat belt mechanism for that seat and seat counter. As the switch for that occupied seat is closed; the latching relay circuit will also be energized so that the seat belt for the occupied seat location could be checked for buckling. The latching relay circuit and the counter circuit are closed only when an occupant takes any of the seats.
  • the latching relay switch is only energized when the counter circuit is closed.
  • the energizing of the latching relay is momentary, and each time the latching relay is energized, switch "A" will be closed. Once the latching relay is energized, contacts "B” will close, holding the latching relay in the energized state after switch "A” is opened. All the other contacts will follow the same sequence of operation.
  • the seat belt and the latching relay are arranged so that the contacts of seat 1, which is the driver's seat, will supply power to the coils of seat 2, seat 3, and seat 4.
  • the entire computerized system is programmed to recognize a pattern of switches, and no occupant will be able to start the vehicle if the occupant is seating on any seat other than the driver's seat.
  • the smart seat belt control system's technology protects occupants of all sizes.
  • the same uniqueness of this state of the art invention does not allow any interference to exist between the insertion of the ignition key and the ignition switch.
  • This device rather prevents occupants from unlatching the seat belt once the engine is running. The device also gives
  • the control module which is a silicon-controlled rectifier, receives pulse at the gate from the other devices. This pulse is the current that is transmitted to energize other devices like the cutoff switch to shut off the engine when an unbelted occupant is detected.
  • the silicon- controlled rectifier consists of electrical isolation for logical operations and when the seat belt is latched, or the first voltage zero is received, the control module will turn on the magnetic cylinder. When the first current zero is received or the ignition switch turned off, the control module will turn off the magnetic cylinder.
  • the control module picks the signals from the seat belt processor that tells the computer system the seat number of the unbelted occupant.
  • the control module will receive that signal and activates the line of force or current flow that will draw the magnetic poles together to keep the seat belts locked while the vehicle is in motion.
  • the closing of the switch of seat 1 will energize the ignition switch circuit that will allow the engine to crank.
  • the seat belt processor energizes all the logically transistorized switches so that response are transmitted on time, while the latching relay circuit will always check for the seat belt latch and energize the control module.
  • the other load cells are energized only when the driver is on the driver's seat.
  • the computer system will read the stored information about the occupant's presents and energize the optoisolator switch. When the occupant latches the seat belt, the optoisolator switch will transmit the latching signal to the computer counter.
  • the counter will then inform the control module and the first voltage zero will be received.
  • the counter will then check the number of occupants that are present and compares that information with the number of seat belts that are latched. If there is any difference, the latching relay circuit will close at switch A, and the control module will activate the human voice chip response that will signal the driver about the unbelted situation.
  • the control module will automatically energize the cutoff switch that will shut off the engine until the said occupant is belted. That is, the processor will process the counter to energize the latching relay once an occupant is sensed.
  • the processor will receive that signal from the latching relay and assign a "0" signal to the control module, which will then energize the cutoff switch.
  • the optoisolator will send a "0" to the latching
  • the optoisolator circuit has an LED that is connected to the output of the photocell to suggest activation of the seat belt signals to the latching relay. And when the seat belt is latched, a phototransistor and the LED will face each other across the open slit of the optoisolator switch.
  • This optoisolator switch is an optical coupler, and depends on the LED input, to optically be coupled to the photocell.
  • the LED When an occupant is not belted, the LED will be off “0" signal, and the photocell resistance will then be high. When the occupant is belted, the LED current will be on “1" signal, and the photocell resistance will then be low.
  • the interface circuit for the photocell will measure the light intensity inside the optoisolator for all two faces of the photocell and then activates the op-amp.
  • the op-amp which is a signal interface between the photocell and the latching relay, will then amplifies the latching relay to compare the buckling signal and the unbuckling signal at the LED.
  • This photocell which is a sensor or a transducer, will then converts the light or optical energy into electrical energy to further monitor the motion of the seat belt.
  • the optoisolator circuit will monitor the light intensity inside the fixed end of the seat belt and switches on the LED when the occupant is not belted. The conductivity or resistance of the photocell inside the optoisolator will then change under this light exposure, which is initiated from the load cell switch when closed. And when the occupant is belted, this resistance will decrease while the light intensity will increase. This will then energize the counter and the latching relay, and the interface circuit will then generate an output voltage that will be proportional to this light intensity. The output voltage from the interface circuit will always be proportional to the load cell output voltage for the identified seats.
  • This changeable voltage is what is then used to energize the coils of the seat belt tensioner so that a proportionate tensioning force can be ensured when the vehicle is involve in an accident.
  • This generated voltage from the load cell's output is inversely proportional to the resistance. If the signal is "0,” the latching relay will transmit a signal to the processor and the processor will in turn signal the control module to activate the human voice response to the driver, addressing the seat number and the unlatched behavior of the occupant. If the occupant is still not belted, then the cutoff switch will be energized through the coded insulated cable.
  • the insulated cable could be of two wire
  • the optoisolator switch When the driver's seat belt is latched, the optoisolator switch will activate the counter. The counter will then signal the seat belt processor to process other switches and also check for the other seat belt latching. When the counter picks signal from the other load cells, the other switches will be energized to carry on their assigned task.
  • the voice chip which is incorporated into the control module, warns of the unbelted occupant when detected. This voice chip is the first output to the driver when an occupant is detected for not wearing the seat belt. The output from the counter will energize the input to the latching relay and open switch A at the end of each count, to enable the other seat switches for the latching relay to be processed.
  • the processor counter will pick the seat number of the occupant that is not belted and feed the human voice chip.
  • the arrangement of the electrically conducting wires for the optoisolator circuit to the magnetic cylinder will initiate a lock when closed. This lock is to preventing occupants from disconnecting the seat belt when the vehicle is in motion.
  • the metal connectors on the mobile end of the seat belt will trigger the circuit for the magnetic cylinder that will keep the ends locked while the vehicle is in motion.
  • the input voltage of the optoisolator circuit will decide the opposition to the flow of current. The optoisolator will then monitor and compare this flow to the resultant current that leaves the circuit to achieve the impedance matching for each seat.
  • This impedance matching will help the occupant seating position counter to assist the seat belt processor in knowing the number of occupants that are in the vehicle and to identify the seat location for the unbelted occupant.
  • the counter also checks the operation of the other devices and switches. If any malfunction switch is detected, the voice chip will activates a user-defined message to the driver for possible repairs.
  • 25 switch is set to ensure that, one set of contact for the key switch is assigned to each seat in the vehicle. So that each time a passenger takes any of the seats, one set of contact will be closed for the air bag and the other open for the seat belt. When the occupant latches the seat belt, the contact for that seat belt will then be closed. If the seat belt circuit stays open, that means the occupant is not belted and the driver will not be able to start the vehicle. If the driver decides to get in the vehicle only to buckle up and start the vehicle, when the driver leaves the vehicle idling, the engine will cutoff 5 -minutes later.
  • the counter will detect which seat belt that has an unbelted occupant and switch on the transistorized switches that will signal the seat belt processor.
  • the seat belt processor will then switch on other transistorized switches that will signal the control module to then signal the cutoff switch if the occupant is not belted.
  • the presence of the occupant will energize the load cell that will in turn energize all the other switches. These switches will check to make sure that all the occupants are belted. If any of the unbelted occupants is noticed, the counter will signal the processor and the processor will activate the control module. The control module will then energize the cutoff switch.
  • This cutoff switch will be in a standby mode for about 5minutes until the human voice response is broadcast, then the cutoff switch will shut off the engine if the occupant is still not belted. However, if the occupant decides to buckle up during the broadcasting sequence, the latching relay will close-up the unbuckled signal for that seat and the control module will receive that signal and get back to normal. All the signals are transmitted electronically through the means of the transistorized switches receiving different signals. Other elements of this invention also transmit their signals electronically. When the occupants take their seats, all the loaded load cells signals will be in analog. The analog signals will then be compared to the preset signals to form a digital signal. The digital signals will correspond to the difference in the presence or absence of the passenger on the seat belt location.
  • This digital signal is then compared to the actual current level at each point on the seat pattern and the preset current level to confirm the presence and buckling of the occupants.
  • the little current that signal the computer will create magnetic contacts between the two metal connectors for the seat belt that will keep the latches locked.
  • a phototransistor and light emitting diode "LED” will face each other across an open slit of the optoisolator circuit.
  • diode is energized when the occupant is belted and the applied voltage provides a forward bias.
  • All the signals for this smart seat belt control system are transmitted electronically by the computer motherboard, the processor, and the control module.
  • the analog signals will then be compared to the preset signals in the encoder to form digital signals.
  • the digital signals correspond to the difference in the presence or absence of the passenger on the seat belt locations.
  • These digital signals are also used to approximate the belt length and the seat belt tensioning that is needed, and used to secure the occupants on the occupied seats during collision or vibration. If there is a great difference in length, the CPU will send signals to the control module that will then activate the voice chip to warn of the attempts to temper with the seat belts.
  • the control module will activate the cutoff switch to shut off the engine until the behavior is corrected.
  • the digital signals will then be compared to the actual current level at each point on the seat locations and the preset level to confirm the presence and buckling of the occupants.
  • the CPU will have gotten the occupants weight information from the RAM and calculate the appropriate tensional force that has to be applied on the seat belt without strangling the occupants on their seats. This tensional force is calculated from the occupant's weight, the speed of the vehicle, and the collision force. The speed is stored each time the vehicle is at maximum acceleration. When the driver slows on the speed, the EPROM will replace that speed from the memory.
  • the CPU will have all the necessary variables, when the efficacy of the impact indent the prescribed threshold limit that describe the force, the CPU will assume a value and the proper tensioning force will be exercised.
  • a phototransistor and a light emitting diode will face each other across an open slit of the optoisolator circuit.
  • the diode is energized when the applied voltage provides a forward bias.
  • the seat belt latching relay When an occupant is present and wearing the seat belt, the seat belt latching relay will measure the light intensity as a signal that the occupant is present.
  • a light intensity from the optoisolator switch will send similar signals when the occupant is belted.
  • the op-amp will compare the light emitting diode "LED" for latching purposes when the load cell circuit is closed. The presence of any occupant will energize the load cell. The load cell in turn will energize all
  • the counter will then check to know the number of occupants that are in the vehicle and activates the latching relay.
  • the latching relay will check all the seat belt latches for the occupied seats and the processor will be informed.
  • the counter to make sure that the occupants are belted will then check all the switches. If any of the occupants is not belted, the counter will then inform the seat belt processor.
  • the processor will then signal the control module, which will then energize a human voice chip warning response. At the end of the warning response, if the occupant is still not belted, the control module will activate the cutoff switch and the engine will shut off at the programmed time.
  • the processor will always check for belted occupants and assign a "0" signal to the control module if the occupant is unbelted.
  • the seat belt processor will then process other switching signals to ensure a timely seat belt buckling before the vehicle is engaged in motion.
  • the latching relay output will close switch A, to enable the other switches to be processed.
  • the optoisolator switch linkage to the control module is energized when the ignition switch is closed. Once the control module is energized, the cutoff switch will close, holding the control module in the energized state. And when the occupant is not wearing the seat belt, the counter circuit and the latching relay circuit will close for that seat location.
  • the cutoff switch will then be opened for the engine to shut off at the programmed time after the warning signal.
  • Seat belt switches on seats 1, 2, 3, 4 use logic functions to close and open the counter and the latching circuits. If the occupant is present and wearing the seat belt, the switch will be closed for that seat location. If the occupant is present but not wearing the seat belt, the switch will be opened for that seat location.
  • the counter will then receive a "0" logical signal for the unbelted seat location and inform the processor that the occupant on the said seat location is not wearing the seat belt.
  • the processor will then notify the control module that will then activate the chip for the human voice response, and a warning message will then be voiced out.
  • the control module turns on at the first voltage zero “0” after the control voltage is applied and the seat belt latched. It turns off at the first current zero “0” after the control voltage is removed or the ignition switch in the off position or the override switch pushed in.
  • the control module also prevents the transients or voltage spikes on both the source and the load.
  • the seat belt latching circuit also measures light intensity from the load cell as a signal that an occupant is
  • the seat belt tensioner is designed to automatically return to its original tensional position. That is, the coil has to reverse its motion 10 seconds after the occupant is tensioned. For this to occur, there most be no sensed vibration, or after a collision is sensed, the engine must be shut off with no detected vehicular motion. This tensional return time is programmable and could be set to respond at different times, depending on the manufacturers pre-tested and safe return time.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Automation & Control Theory (AREA)
  • Air Bags (AREA)
  • Automotive Seat Belt Assembly (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne un dispositif servant à la prévention des blessures pendant un accident et présentant diverses fonctions permettant d'assurer la sécurité. Un détecteur permet de détecter la fixation de la ceinture de sécurité. Des moyens permettent en outre de varier la tension de la ceinture en fonction du poids de l'occupant et de la vitesse du véhicule transportant cet occupant.
PCT/US1999/009435 1998-04-27 1999-04-27 Systeme de commande intelligente pour ceinture de securite WO1999055560A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU37752/99A AU3775299A (en) 1998-04-27 1999-04-27 Smart seatbelt control system
US09/959,503 US7426429B2 (en) 1998-04-27 2001-10-18 Smart seatbelt control system

Applications Claiming Priority (6)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US8307698P 1998-04-27 1998-04-27
US60/083,076 1998-04-27
PCT/US1998/014184 WO1999003711A1 (fr) 1997-07-14 1998-07-13 Systeme informatique de retenue supplementaire en reponse au poids
USPCT/US98/14184 1998-07-13
USPCT/US99/06666 1999-03-26
PCT/US1999/006666 WO1999048729A1 (fr) 1998-03-26 1999-03-26 Systeme informatique de maintien supplementaire ameliore agissant en reponse au poids

Related Child Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US09/959,503 Continuation-In-Part US7426429B2 (en) 1998-04-27 2001-10-18 Smart seatbelt control system

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US6278358B1 (en) 2000-01-20 2001-08-21 Ford Global Technologies, Inc. Secondary seat belt warning system
US6501374B1 (en) 2000-11-17 2002-12-31 Ford Global Technologies, Inc. Secondary seat belt warning system
US6659505B1 (en) 2000-01-12 2003-12-09 Autoliv Asp, Inc. Adaptive variable load limited for primary occupant safety restraint
EP1591321A2 (fr) * 2004-04-28 2005-11-02 Denso Corporation Capteur de siège de véhicule
EP1704790A1 (fr) * 2005-03-07 2006-09-27 Eggshell Restraints Pty Ltd Commande à distance de blockage de ceinture de sécurité
WO2007027723A1 (fr) * 2005-08-31 2007-03-08 3M Innovative Properties Company Ensemble harnais a surmoulage
EP3865340A1 (fr) * 2020-02-17 2021-08-18 AMF-Bruns GmbH & Co. KG Système de sécurité des personnes permettant de sécuriser des personnes dans des véhicules pourvus de sièges de véhicule montés réversibles

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Cited By (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6659505B1 (en) 2000-01-12 2003-12-09 Autoliv Asp, Inc. Adaptive variable load limited for primary occupant safety restraint
US6278358B1 (en) 2000-01-20 2001-08-21 Ford Global Technologies, Inc. Secondary seat belt warning system
US6501374B1 (en) 2000-11-17 2002-12-31 Ford Global Technologies, Inc. Secondary seat belt warning system
EP1591321A2 (fr) * 2004-04-28 2005-11-02 Denso Corporation Capteur de siège de véhicule
EP1591321A3 (fr) * 2004-04-28 2005-12-14 Denso Corporation Capteur de siège de véhicule
CN100350275C (zh) * 2004-04-28 2007-11-21 株式会社电装 车辆用的就座传感器
EP1704790A1 (fr) * 2005-03-07 2006-09-27 Eggshell Restraints Pty Ltd Commande à distance de blockage de ceinture de sécurité
WO2007027723A1 (fr) * 2005-08-31 2007-03-08 3M Innovative Properties Company Ensemble harnais a surmoulage
EP3865340A1 (fr) * 2020-02-17 2021-08-18 AMF-Bruns GmbH & Co. KG Système de sécurité des personnes permettant de sécuriser des personnes dans des véhicules pourvus de sièges de véhicule montés réversibles

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