Control of air bag activation in vehicles by occupancy weight
US5877677A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 22, 1996 |
| Grant date | Mar 2, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 22, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB60N2210/44
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An automotive air bag system and a method are provided which restrict activation of an air bag to situations in which the weight of the vehicle occupant meets or exceeds a predetermined amount, e.g., 50 pounds. Occupant weight is determined using a weight pressure sensor positioned underneath the vehicle seat such that it bears pressure from the weight of the seat occupant. The sensor comprises (a) a vessel containing fluid with at least one wall of the vessel defining a first opening; (b) a ram in contact with the fluid, with the ram extending in a substantially linear fashion from the fluid contact inside the vessel to a point outside of the vessel, with the ram capable of being pushed against the fluid contact by the weight of the seat occupant, thereby increasing the fluid pressure; (c) a pressure sensor in fluidic communication with the fluid inside the vessel via a conduit connected to the first opening, with the pressure sensor capable of sensing the fluid pressure, comparing the fluid pressure to a set pressure, and issuing a control signal based upon the comparison; and (d) a switch connected to the pressure sensor for receiving the control signal, with the switch connecte…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.