Force limiting device and method for controlling a force limiting device
First Claim
1. A load limiting device (10) for a seat belt to protect an occupant in a vehicle, comprising a controllable braking device (16) which includes a fluid-filled compartment (24) having a conduit (34) through which the fluid (23) can flow, an element to be decelerated (32) which is coupled to the seat belt, at least one sensor (18) for detecting vehicle operating data, a sensor (20) for detecting a webbing extension, and a controller (22) for controlling braking power of the braking device (16) as a function of the vehicle operating data measured and the webbing extension measured, wherein the fluid (23) is a magnetorheological fluid and a control magnet is provided which is adapted to generate a variable magnetic field inside the conduit (34) and to vary the viscosity of the magnetorheological fluid inside the conduit (34), and wherein the controller (22) adjusts the braking power independently of the weight of the occupant.
2 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
In a load limiting device (10), especially for a seat belt in a vehicle, comprising a controllable braking device (16) which has a fluid-filled compartment (24) including a conduit (34) through which the fluid (23) can flow, an element to be decelerated (32) which is coupled to the seat belt, at least one sensor (18) for detecting vehicle operating data, especially an acceleration sensor, a sensor (20) for detecting the webbing extension, and a controller (22) for controlling the braking power of the braking device (16) as a function of the vehicle operating data measured and the webbing extension measured, the fluid (23) is a magnetorheological fluid and a control magnet is provided which is adapted to generate a variable magnetic field inside the conduit (34) and to vary the viscosity of the magnetorheological fluid inside the conduit (34).
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Citations
15 Claims
- 1. A load limiting device (10) for a seat belt to protect an occupant in a vehicle, comprising a controllable braking device (16) which includes a fluid-filled compartment (24) having a conduit (34) through which the fluid (23) can flow, an element to be decelerated (32) which is coupled to the seat belt, at least one sensor (18) for detecting vehicle operating data, a sensor (20) for detecting a webbing extension, and a controller (22) for controlling braking power of the braking device (16) as a function of the vehicle operating data measured and the webbing extension measured, wherein the fluid (23) is a magnetorheological fluid and a control magnet is provided which is adapted to generate a variable magnetic field inside the conduit (34) and to vary the viscosity of the magnetorheological fluid inside the conduit (34), and wherein the controller (22) adjusts the braking power independently of the weight of the occupant.
- 12. A method of controlling a load limiting device (10) for a seat belt to protect an occupant in a vehicle, the method comprises providing a controllable braking device (16) which includes a fluid-filled compartment (24) having a conduit (24) through which the fluid (23) can flow, the fluid being a magnetorheological fluid, an element to be decelerated (32) which is coupled to the seat belt, providing at least one sensor (18) for detecting vehicle operating data, a sensor (20) for detecting a webbing extension, providing a controller (22) for controlling braking power of the braking device (16) as a function of the vehicle operating data and the webbing extension so that the maximum webbing extension and/or the webbing extension rate is/are dependent exclusively on the vehicle operating data and independently of the weight of the occupant, and providing a control magnet which is adapted to generate a variable magnetic field inside the conduit (34) and to vary the viscosity of the magnetorheological fluid inside the conduit (34).
Specification