| TUCSON(LM) >2011 > G 2.4 DOHC > Restraint > SRSCM > Passive Occupant Detection System (PODS)>Description and Operation |

Description
The system is intended to classify the occupancy status of the front passenger seat in a motor vehicle based upon the measured force on the bottom seat cushion. The system also communicates to the SRSCM whether to allow or inhibit the deployment of the passenger airbags and/or pretensioner based upon this status. The System also measured dynamic responses of the occupant. This information is used to identify when a child seat is cinched down tightly with the seat belt, and to also determine if the seat is unoccupied. However, the dynamic measurements are not intended, nor capable of monitoring the seating position of the occupant, nor can they determine the proximity of the occupant to the inflator modules. The system should not be confused with an occupant position recognition system, or any other occupant proximity sensor. The Passive Occupant Detection System (PODS) utilizes bladder placed between the passenger seat cushion and suspension to measure the occupant's loading force on the passenger seat. The sensor mat is connected to smart digital pressure sensor which is mounted under the seat pan. The quantitative force determined by the system is compared to a given threshold for determination of passenger airbag suppression.