Occupant Classification System (For Hatchback) System Description

The occupant classification system determines whether the front passenger seat is occupied by an adult or child (with child seat) or is unoccupied, based on the load that is applied to the front passenger seat and whether the seat belt is buckled. The system restricts the deployment of the front passenger airbag, front passenger side airbag, and front passenger seat belt pretensioner in accordance with this judgment. The result is informed to the driver through the passenger airbag ON/OFF indicator illumination.

This system consists of the occupant classification ECU, occupant classification sensors, passenger airbag ON/OFF indicator, passenger side buckle switch and airbag sensor assembly.

The occupant classification sensors are installed on 2 brackets, which connect the seat rail and the seat frame. The resistance values of these sensors, which vary in accordance with the load that acts on the brackets, are transmitted to the occupant classification ECU as signals. Upon receipt of the signals the ECU determines the front passenger seat occupant conditions.