Apparatus and method for monitoring vehicular impacts using magnetostrictive sensors
US5767766A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 21, 1996 |
| Grant date | Jun 16, 1998 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 21, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB60R21/0136
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
The present invention provides an apparatus and method for monitoring vehicular impacts using magnetostrictive sensors. The apparatus includes at least one and sometimes a plurality of magnetostrictive sensors positioned about a motor vehicle at locations appropriate for detecting and measuring stress waves in the structure of the vehicle caused by a vehicular collision or crash. Signals from the magnetostrictive sensors are collected and analyzed in a signal processing system that identifies a severe crash condition and commands a restraint trigger control system to activate one of a number of vehicle occupant restraint systems. The magnetostrictive sensors are structurally simple and mounted to integral elements of the vehicle by adhesive or mechanical attachment. Use of such magnetostrictive sensors in place of more conventional sensors (e.g. accelerometers) provides the opportunity to recognize and react to impact conditions within a significantly reduced time-frame.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.