Inflatable air bag safety device for motor vehicles
US5161820A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | May 21, 1991 |
| Grant date | Nov 10, 1992 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 21, 2011 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB60R21/01524
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An improved inflatable passenger side air bag safety device for motor vehicles for detecting the presence or absence of a passenger positioned on or in front of a particular passenger vehicle seat. The safety device comprises a control unit for the intelligent triggering of the propellant charge for the air bag when a triggering event is detected, such as an impending collision, and the presence of a passenger is also detected. The control unit receives signals from a pair of switches, electrically connected in parallel to one another, including a first seat switch for detecting the presence or absence of a sitting passenger and a second foot switch for detecting the presence or absence of a standing, kneeling, or sitting passenger in the region in front of the vehicle seat. In the preferred embodiment both switches are flat, contact type switches, each having a broad surface area and are activated when subjected to the weight of a passenger from above. An acceleration sensor is also connected to the control unit for signaling the event of an impending collision. In an alternate embodiment the foot switch is a condenser-type switch in the form of a metallic screen interwoven within…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.