Sensata Technologies earlier demonstrated various approaches regarding auto occupant sensing. The demonstration is also aimed at helping engineers design seat belt alert systems that are more precise in order to offer an improved level of consumer safety and convenience.

The company, which was previously called the Sensors & Controls business of Texas Instruments, showed its new pride which is called as the piezo electric sensor. It also flaunted the current Monocrystalline Silicon Strain Gauge (MSG) force sensor. The sensors gave engineers a range of design options and they make new seat belt alert systems more dependable and ‘consumer friendly.’ The sensors also showcase an edge that could boost air bag classification systems.

The new piezo electric sensor is deemed the solution to the traditional weight. The problem occurs when detection systems get confused about differentiating between a person or a heavy object such as a box, bag of groceries, and the like thus creating irritating false seat belt alerts. A piezo electric wire, which is mated to a pad that is easily mounted under the seat cushion to deliver input to an electronic module, senses the frequency response of a human. As such, it 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, the market segment manager at Sensata Technologies.

The Sensata piezo sensor is engineered to be conveniently integrated into a variety of seat structures, including A- or B-surface mounting. It also accommodates all seat covering options including ventilated seats. Additionally, a three-position sensor is made available for rear seats. The sensor also is designed to complement the overall performance of the vehicle without compromising safety and ergonomics. Moreover, auto parts like the airbags, seatbelts and Banks power will be complemented well by the said technology.

Due to the sensor’s ability to correctly measure weight and passenger position, the new technology from the manufacturer is also being considered for use with new Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 208 classification airbag deployment systems. The sensors are expected to provide a single, integrated solution for two significant consumer safety concerns.

The Monocrystalline Silicon Strain Gauge Pressure (MSG) Occupant Weight Sensor (OWS) that uses a silicon MEMS strain gauge element glass bonded to a stainless steel diaphragm. Four MSG sensors could be conveniently mounted within the seat structure to make accurate weight measures for safe airbag deployment and compliance to the FMVSS208. The sensors are available in a wide variety of designs including an axial or flange rigid sensor, a rigid sensor with a Stress Reduction Component (SRC); or an SRC at flange center style. These options from Sensata Technologies offer designers a plethora of styling and mounting flexibility.

Jenny McLane is a 36 year old native of Iowa and has a knack for research on cars and anything and everything about it. She works full time as a Market Analyst for one of the leading car parts suppliers in the country today.

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