Deformation sensor for a safety device for the protection of vehicle occupants in the event of a side-on collision

US5435409A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• Mercedes-Benz Group AG · DE

Inventors

• Michael Meyer · Altdorf, DE
• Ulrich Tschaeschke · Ehningen, DE
• Bernhard Holzapfel · Winnenden, DE
• Guido Wetzel · Neubukow, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Jul 29, 1994
• Grant date: Jul 25, 1995
• Expiry date: Jul 29, 2014

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B60R21/0136
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A deformation sensor for a safety device for the protection of vehicle occupants against a side-on collision is disclosed. The deformation sensor is composed of two pressure-sensitive signal elements arranged in parallel and one behind the other, so that the deformation speed can be concluded from the time sequence of the sensor signals. The signal elements ace integrated into a protective strip of the vehicle mounted on the outside of the shell. This ensures a rapid response in the event of a collision, and moreover the assembly of the deformation sensor becomes much easier. The signal elements take the form of FSR foil pressure sensors (Force Sensing Resistor).