Method and apparatus for controlling an actuatable restraining device in response to discrete control zones
US5413378A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 2, 1993 |
| Grant date | May 9, 1995 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 2, 2013 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB60R2022/4685
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An apparatus for controlling an occupant restraint system, such as an air bag (102), includes position sensors (80, 84, 86) for sensing position of an occupant and a weight sensor (70) for sensing weight of the occupant. Both the position sensors (80, 84, 86) and the weight sensor (70) are connected to a controller (24). A seat position sensor (30), a seat back incline sensor (36), and a belt payout sensor (64) are also used to determine occupant weight and position. A vent valve (120) is connected to the reaction can (103) of the air bag (102) and is controlled by the controller (24). The controller (24) establishes an occupant weight range from the weight sensors and an occupant position range from the position sensors. The controller (24) selects one of a plurality of discrete control zones dependant upon both the sensed occupant position range and the sensed occupant weight range. The controller (24) then provides a regulating signal to the vent valve (120) based on the selected one of the discrete control zones.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.