Airbag deployment monitor and sensing electronics
First Claim
Patent Images
1. An airbag deployment monitor comprising:
- a cartridge containing a length of tape, the tape having a first end attached to an inside surface of an airbag cushion, wherein the tape has first portions which allow a passage of light, and second portions which are substantially opaque, and wherein the first portions alternate with the second portions;
a light source positioned on the cartridge to illuminate one side of the tape; and
a light sensor positioned on the cartridge opposite the light source to receive light when a tape first portion is between the light source and the light sensor, the light sensor positioned to be shielded from the light source when the tape second portion is between the light source and the light sensor.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An airbag deployment sensor has a cartridge containing a quantity of tape one end of which is attached to the inside surface of an airbag cushion. Deployment of the cushion pulls tape from the cartridge at a rate that is monitored by transmitting light through the tape, or by detecting the presence of metalized, or magnetic shielding portions, of the tape.
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Citations
23 Claims
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1. An airbag deployment monitor comprising:
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a cartridge containing a length of tape, the tape having a first end attached to an inside surface of an airbag cushion, wherein the tape has first portions which allow a passage of light, and second portions which are substantially opaque, and wherein the first portions alternate with the second portions;
a light source positioned on the cartridge to illuminate one side of the tape; and
a light sensor positioned on the cartridge opposite the light source to receive light when a tape first portion is between the light source and the light sensor, the light sensor positioned to be shielded from the light source when the tape second portion is between the light source and the light sensor. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5)
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6. An airbag deployment monitor comprising:
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a cartridge containing a length of tape, the tape having a first end attached to an inside surface of an airbag cushion, wherein the tape has first portions which conduct electricity, and second portions which are substantially non-conductive, and wherein the first portions alternate with second portions;
a sensor mounted to the cartridge so that as the tape is drawn from the cartridge a first portion is positioned opposite the sensor, followed by a second portion, wherein the sensor provides an output which varies depending on whether the first portion, or the second portion is positioned opposite the sensor, so that the sensor output varies with time as tape is withdrawn from the cartridge. - View Dependent Claims (7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
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18. An airbag deployment monitor comprising:
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a cartridge containing a length of tape, the tape extending from the cartridge and defining a direction along the length, the tape having a first end attached to an inside surface of an airbag cushion, wherein the tape has first portions which conduct electricity, and second portions which are substantially nonconductive, and wherein the first portions and the second portions are serially positioned in the direction of the tape; and
a means for detecting the passage of the first portions so that the rate at which tape is withdrawn from the cartridge can be monitored.
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19. A method for detecting the rate at which an airbag cushion is deploying comprising the steps of:
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inflating an airbag cushion;
drawing a tape by a first end connected to the airbag cushion from a tape cartridge; and
monitoring the rate at which the tape is withdrawn from the cartridge by detecting the passage of metalized regions on the tape past a sensor. - View Dependent Claims (20, 21, 22, 23)
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Specification