Passenger detection system comprising side airbag which is deployable or non-deployable according to seating condition
US6263271A · kind A · utility
Assignees
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 10, 1999 |
| Grant date | Jul 17, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 10, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB60R21/01532
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A passenger detection system for precisely detecting the sitting condition of a passenger occupying a seat, who leans against the seat supporting section, and for suitably controlling the deployment/non-deployment of the side airbag based on the results of the detection process. The system comprises a seat having a seat supporting section in which an antenna electrode is provided; a voltage generation device for generating a high-frequency and low-voltage signal which induces a weak electric field around the antenna electrode; a current detection section for detecting a current which flows according to the generated weak electric field; and a control circuit for detecting a leaning condition of the passenger against the seat supporting section, based on a signal output from the current detection section; and an airbag apparatus including a side airbag unit positioned close to a door, the apparatus having a function of deploying the side airbag unit when a collision occurs. Data representing results detected by the control circuit is sent to the airbag apparatus so as to set the side airbag unit to one of the deployable and non-deployable states.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.