Description And Operation: Description
The Occupant Detection Sensor (ODS) (3) is used in certain markets and located directly below the passenger side front seat cushion and trim cover (2). This sensor provides information to the Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC) used for control of the passenger belt alert feature.
The ODS determines when sufficient weight is on the seat cushion (centered in the middle of the cushion cross-wise) such that an occupant is in the seat.
The ODS is comprised of a top plastic piece (3), a bottom plastic piece (5), a spring (4), a dome switch and nine resistors (2) (the switch and resistors reside on a circuit board inserted into the bottom plastic piece). The bottom plastic piece (5) has four integral latches that are inserted on the bottom cushion suspension wires (1) and hold the unit in location. The bottom piece (5) also has a feature for the seat harness to connect the unit into the electrical circuitry of the vehicle. The top plastic piece (3) is designed to activate the dome switch (2) when a person is sitting in the seat but also, to not activate the dome switch when typical items (purse, backpack, briefcase, or other light weight items) are placed in the seat.
The force required to move the top piece (3) towards the bottom piece (5) and activate the switch is determined by the spring (4). The spring is tuned to the seat assembly by design - no additional calibration is needed.
The dome switch and nine resistors (2) give the required signal to the ORC.
The ODS cannot be adjusted or repaired, and must be replaced if damaged or ineffective.