Frontal impact characterization apparatus for a motor vehicle restraint system
US6559763B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 23, 2001 |
| Grant date | May 6, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 23, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB60R2021/0004
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An improved vehicle crash sensing apparatus quickly and reliably characterizes frontal impacts with only minimal data processing requirements. Two or more longitudinally separated piezoelectric strips strategically located in a frontal portion of the vehicle produce impact signals that are analyzed to characterize the type of impact and the structural crush rate. In a simple implementation involving only two piezoelectric strips, a first strip extends laterally along a forward portion of the front bumper, and a second strip extends laterally along a forward portion of the hood panel, above and rearward of the first strip. In cases where an impact signal is developed by only one of the two strips, a high (under-ride) or low (over-ride) impact is indicated. If impact signals are developed by both strips, the intervening time is measured as an indication of the structural crush rate. In a more complex implementation, the bumper and hood strips are divided into two or more individual strip segments so the center and distribution of impact and the impact vector may be quickly and reliably characterized as well.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.