A variable force limiter control system for a vehicle includes a variable force limiter mechanism, a relative speed sensor, an acceleration sensor and an electronic control unit. The variable force limiter mechanism is configured to change a force limiter load. The relative speed sensor is configured to detect a relative speed of the vehicle with respect to a collision object before a collision. The acceleration sensor is configured to detect an acceleration of the vehicle. The electronic control unit is configured to predict a severity of a collision on the basis of at least the relative speed. The electronic control unit is configured to control the force limiter load on the basis of both the predicted severity and the acceleration in an initial stage of the collision of the vehicle.

A method and system for determining whether a seatbelt of a vehicle is fastened is provided. The system may be configured to detect markers on a seatbelt, engage seatbelt tensioners, and determine whether the markers have moved. The system may then be configured to determine whether the seatbelt is fastened based on movement of the markers.

A computer that may be programmed to: in response to receiving an indication that a vehicle is approaching a geofence boundary, retract slack in a webbing associated with a seat in the vehicle by actuating a seatbelt retractor; then receive measurement data from one or more sensors associated with the seat; using the data, determine whether an occupant occupies the seat; and when no occupant occupies the seat, then transmit an instruction to stop the vehicle.

A vehicle seat sensor unit includes a seat occupancy sensor configured for wirelessly communicating with a control unit, at least one first seat detection sensor member and at least one second seat detection sensor member. The first seat detection sensor member is arrangeable in one out of a lower vehicle seat portion of a vehicle seat that is mountable in a vehicle in a removable manner, and a vehicle cabin floor, and the second seat detection sensor member is attachable to the other one of the lower vehicle seat portion and the vehicle cabin floor. The first seat detection sensor member and the second seat detection sensor member are configured to physically interact if mutually arranged within a specific distance. The physical interaction results in a detectable change of a status of at least one out of the first seat detection sensor member and the second seat detection sensor member.

Provided herein are approaches for detecting movement of a seatbelt sensor. In some approaches, a detector includes a sensor housing coupled to a plate of a vehicle restraint system, and a sensor disposed within the sensor housing, wherein the sensor is operable to sense a position of a magnet in proximity to the sensor. The detector further includes a magnetic field accumulator (e.g., a pole-piece) coupled to the sensor, wherein the magnet and the magnetic field accumulator move relative to one another, and wherein the sensor receives an indication of a magnetic field accumulated by the magnetic field accumulator as the magnet and the magnetic field accumulator move relative to one another. A change in the magnetic field distribution correlates to a change in position of the plate, to which the magnet is coupled.

An apparatus for proper application of a seat belt in a vehicle. The apparatus includes the seat belt and a seat belt buckle which is assigned to it and which is provided with a measuring device, arranged for measuring a tensile force exerted on the seat belt buckle. The apparatus further relates to an evaluation device for evaluating the measured tensile force. At the same time, it is provided that the apparatus is also equipped with a tightening device for applying a tightening force to the seat belt, as well as with a detection device for detecting the applied tightening force. The evaluation device compares the tensile force to the tightening force and determines based on a corresponding comparison result whether the seat belt has been properly placed and secured in the seat belt buckle.

A vehicle is operable in a manual driving mode and in an at least partially automatic driving mode. To allow a rapid change from the automatic to the manual driving mode, the respective position of a driver seat and/or at least one driving-relevant cockpit element is adjusted for functional use by a driver of the vehicle such that the at least one driving-relevant cockpit element can be functionally used by the driver whenever the vehicle is, or is to be, operated in the automatic driving mode.

A seatbelt system may include a seatbelt configured to constrain a waist and a torso of an occupant. The seatbelt may also include a coupling configured to selectively couple a portion of a vehicle and the seatbelt to one another. The system may also include a reel configured to receive at least a portion of the seatbelt, and a tension sensor associated with the coupling and/or the seatbelt and configured to generate a signal indicative of tension in the seatbelt. The system may also include a deployment sensor associated with the seatbelt and configured to generate a signal indicative of a length of the seatbelt deployed from the reel. The system may also include an occupant detector configured to determine, based at least in part on the signals indicative of tension and the length, whether an occupant is properly wearing the seatbelt, such that the seatbelt constrains the occupant.

A system for detecting improper usage of a seatbelt of a vehicle includes a vehicle seat having a seat cushion and a seat back. A shoulder belt and a lap belt are intended to restrain an occupant sitting on the vehicle seat. The system includes a sensor module associated with the shoulder belt and the lap belt. The sensor module generates signals indicative of at least one parameter associated with the vehicle seat, the shoulder belt, and the lap belt when the occupant is sitting on the vehicle seat. The system also includes a controller that receives the signals indicative of the at least one parameter associated with the seat back, the shoulder belt, and the lap belt. The controller analyzes the received one or more signals, and determines whether the seatbelt is being used improperly by the occupant, based on the analysis.

A child seat or child restraining system for securing a child to a vehicle seat, and method of installing the car seat are provided. The child seat, which is configured to be secured to a seat of a vehicle, includes: a seat base secured to the seat of the vehicle; a child receiving portion supported by the seat base; and a belt tensioning system incorporated into the seat base. The belt tensioning system is configured to receive a belt that couples the seat base to the seat of the vehicle. The child seat also includes a controller operatively connected to the belt tensioning system and configured to automatically actuate the belt tensioning system. The belt tensioning system may be configured to drive the at least one belt in a pay-in direction to apply tension to the at least one belt.