Vehicle impact sensor arrangement
US5454590A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 28, 1994 |
| Grant date | Oct 3, 1995 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 28, 2014 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB60R2021/335
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A sensor arrangement for sensing an impact on a motor vehicle which has an outer skin and for activating a safety device within the vehicle. A sensor is located between the outer skin of the vehicle and an inner part of the vehicle which is relatively fixed in position, and is adapted to initiate activation of the safety device only when the outer skin of the vehicle moves at a speed greater than a predetermined speed relative to said fixed part of the vehicle. The sensor has a first part in the form of a housing containing a pyrotechnic material, and a second part in the form of a stab. One of the parts is supported by an inner part of the vehicle which is relatively fixed in position, while the other of the parts is adapted to be moved in response to movement of the outer skin of the vehicle during an impact. In an impact situation the second part in the form of a stab is moved into an engagement with the first part in the form of a housing containing a pyrotechnic material with a speed related to the speed of movement of the outer skin, and the pyrotechnic material ignites when the speed of movement of the vehicle skin exceeds a predetermined level.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.