Frame-based occupant weight estimation load cell with ball-actuated force sensor

摘要

A seat frame-based occupant weight estimation load cell (20) transfers the seat force to a floor bracket (16) through a spherical ball (30) and a ball actuator (32). The ball (30) is in contact with the force sensor (28) and has minimal contact area with either the ball actuator (32) or the force sensor (28) so that the transfer of forces not functionally related to occupant weight is minimized. The ball actuator (32) is coupled to the seat frame (12), and a sensor bracket (34) aligns the ball actuator (32) with respect to the sensor (28). The sensor bracket (34) is domed to securely anchor the seat (10) to the floor bracket (16) in the event of an inverse overload. A spring (36) disposed between the ball actuator (32) and the dome of the sensor bracket (34) biases the ball (30) against the force sensor (28) to preload the force sensor (28) for enabling off-loading detection.