Method for manufacturing a floor carpet structure including a sensing function for an automotive vehicle

Abstract

A method for manufacturing a floor carpet structure including a sensing function for an automotive vehicle, comprises the steps of providing an upper carpet laminate ( 4, 5 ) with at least one fibrous layer ( 4 ), providing a separate sensing device ( 1 ), and embedding said sensing device ( 1 ) into said carpet structure by applying a rear reinforcement structure ( 6 ) to a lower surface of said upper carpet laminate ( 4, 5 ).

1 . Method for manufacturing a floor carpet structure including a sensing function for an automotive vehicle, said floor carpet structure comprising an upper carpet laminate and a rear reinforcement structure, said method comprising the steps of 
 providing said upper carpet laminate, said carpet laminate comprising at least one fibrous layer;    providing a separate sensing device;    arranging said sensing device with respect to a lower surface of said upper carpet laminate; and    embedding said sensing device into said carpet structure by applying said rear reinforcement structure to said lower surface of said upper carpet laminate.    
   
   
       2 . Method according to  claim 1 , wherein said step of arranging said sensing device with respect to said lower surface of said upper carpet laminate comprises the step of arranging said sensing device below said lower surface of said upper carpet laminate and wherein said step of embedding includes the step of foaming said reinforcement structure onto said lower surface, thereby embedding said sensing device into said reinforcement structure.  
   
   
       3 . Method according to  claim 1 , wherein said step of arranging said sensing device with respect to said lower surface of said upper carpet laminate comprises the step of securing the sensing element to said lower surface of said upper carpet laminate and wherein said step of embedding comprises the step of applying said rear reinforcement structure to said lower surface of said upper carpet laminate and said sensing device secured onto said lower surface.  
   
   
       4 . Method according to  claim 1 , wherein said step of applying said rear reinforcement structure to said lower surface of said upper carpet laminate comprises the step of foaming said reinforcement structure onto said lower surface.  
   
   
       5 . Method according to  claim 1 , wherein said upper carpet laminate comprises at least one heavy layer and/or at least one felt layer bonded to said fibrous layer.  
   
   
       6 . Method according to  claim 1 , wherein said upper carpet laminate is moulded into a three-dimensional structure prior to the application of said a rear reinforcement structure.  
   
   
       7 . Method according to  claim 1 , wherein said sensing device comprises a pressure sensing mat.  
   
   
       8 . Method according to  claim 1 , wherein said sensing device comprises a sheet electrode.