SeatSentry™ - Occupant Sensing System

Safety Goal: To improve the safety of airbags for all passengers How it works: Using electric-field (e-field) technology a low-level electric signal is sent to sensors in a seat cushion and/or seat back. The human body has the ability to conduct electricity; therefore, the e-field can sense the presence, position and motion of a human body. It can measure the human body mass based on the size of the interference it causes to the e-field in the seat (cushion or seatback). The level of interference is related to the size of the body - larger people create larger interferences. Conversely, if items such as a briefcase or Child Restraint Seat occupy the seat, very little interference is measured due to the non-conductive nature of the objects. Thus, if a human body is detected then a signal is sent to the airbag’s electronic control unit to suppress or to enable airbag deployment in accordance with the NHTSA FMVSS-208 Static Suppression for Advanced Airbags requirements for occupant classification. Benefits: SeatSentry™ can detect occupants in two ways: passenger and position Passenger Sensing System (PSS): Occupant detection and classification system using electric-field imaging technology for capacitive sensing; a double-layer flexible sensor assembly is installed in the seat cushion. It detects and classifies the front passenger in accordance with NHTSA’s FMVSS-208 requirements. It sends a signal to the airbag’s ECU to suppress or enable the passenger side front airbag based on passenger classification. Meets NHSTA FMVSS-208 mandate for Static Suppression of Advanced Air Bags   Occupant Detection System (ODS): Occupant detection and classification system using electric-field imaging technology for capacitive sensing; a single-layer flexible sensor assembly is installed in the front passenger s seatback to detect the height and seating position of the occupant. These sensors deactivate the side airbag if a child or small-statured adult is in the airbag s path of deployment. Meets NHTSA FMVSS-214 mandate for Side Impact Protection: Dynamic Performance