Method and apparatus for controlling an actuatable restraint device using crash severity indexing and crush zone sensor
US6186539A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 20, 1998 |
| Grant date | Feb 13, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 20, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB60R2021/01322
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An apparatus for controlling an actuatable occupant restraint device for a vehicle (11) having first and second actuatable stages (24, 26). The apparatus includes a crash sensor (17, 19) mounted near the front of the vehicle (11) for providing a crash acceleration signal (238, 270). An average crash acceleration determiner (246, 278) determines an average crash acceleration value, and provides a signal indicative thereof. A controller (31) is operatively coupled to the actuatable stages (24, 26). The controller effects actuation of the first actuatable stage when the determined average acceleration value exceeds a first threshold value (248, 250, 254, 256). The controller (31) determines a crash severity index having a value according to a time interval from when the determined average crash acceleration value exceeds the first threshold value (248, 250, 254, 256) to when it exceeds a second threshold value (252, 258). The controller effects actuation of the second actuatable stage in response to the crash severity index value (287, 291).
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.