OCCUPANT SENSOR

摘要

An oscillatory or pulsed first signal (38) is applied to a seat heating element (34) that is operatively connected to first and second impedances (86, 90) that isolate the first signal (38) 5 from the source and sink of power to the heating element (34). In another embodiment, third and fourth impedances (94, 98) are connected to the first and second impedances (86, 90) at respective nodes (96, 100), and a second signal (36) substantially equal to the first signal (38) is operatively coupled to the nodes (96, 100). In another embodiment, the first signal (38) is applied to an electrode (40) and the second signal (36) is applied to the heating element (34), which shields the electrode (40) from influence by the seat (14). In another embodiment, the first signal (38) is applied to a first electrode (40) that is shielded from the heating element (34) by a second electrode (82) operatively coupled to the second signal (36). The impedances may, for example, be provided by inductors or electronic switches.