Vehicle impact detection sensor system

US6337653B1 · kind B1 · utility

Assignee

• Daimlerchrysler AG · US

Inventors

• Josef Büchler · Brackenheim, DE
• Wilfried Bullinger · Ditzingen, DE
• Markus Hartlieb · Neckartenzlingen, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Jun 15, 2000
• Grant date: Jan 8, 2002
• Expiry date: Jun 15, 2020

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B60R2021/0006
• WIPO field: Measurement
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A vehicle impact detection sensor for providing an input variable for an activation logic unit or for generating an activation signal for an active occupant protection system, has a radar transmitter and a radar receiver which are arranged on a sensor-carrying superstructure of the vehicle. The radar receiver receives radar waves which are emitted by the radar transmitter and reflected at an impact-relevant reflexion surface that moves relative to the sensor-carrying superstructure in the event of an impact. A Doppler frequency evaluation unit uses the frequency of the transmitted radar waves and the frequency of the radar waves reflected from the impact-relevant reflexion surface to determine the associated Doppler frequency and detects therefrom a relative movement of the impact-relevant reflexion surface with reference to the sensor-carrying vehicle superstructure. The impact-relevant reflexion surface is a surface permanently connected to the vehicle, preferably, an outer surface of the vehicle.