Sensata’s new MEMS sensors promise improved auto seat belt alerts

Apr. 27, 2007 — Sensata Technologies, formerly the Sensors & Controls business of Texas Instruments, has demonstrated several occupant sensing approaches that it says can help engineers design better seat belt alert systems. At the recent SAE World Congress, the company showed a new piezo electric sensor, as well as a current Monocrystalline Silicon Strain Gauge (MSG) force sensor, both of which promise engineers a range of design options.

The new piezo electric sensor solves the problem of traditional weight- only detection systems, which often cannot differentiate between a person or a heavy object such as a bag of groceries, creating annoying false seat belt alerts. A three-position sensor is available for rear seats.

Due to the sensor’s ability to accurately measure weight and passenger position, this technology is also being considered for use with new Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 208 classification air bag deployment systems, providing a single, integrated solution for two important consumer safety issues.

Sensata’s MSG Occupant Weight Sensor (OWS) employs a silicon MEMS strain gauge element glass bonded to a stainless steel diaphragm. Four MSG sensors mounted within a seat structure create accurate weight measures for safe airbag deployment and compliance to FMVSS208. The sensors are available in several designs: an axial or flange rigid sensor; a rigid sensor with a Stress Reduction Component (SRC); or an SRC at flange center style. These options give designers a range of design and mounting flexibility.

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