Method for operating a sensor in a safety system

• US 20060229785A1
• Filed: 06/09/2006
• Published: 10/12/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 12/10/2003
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke AG
• Original Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke AG
• Inventors: Neuberger, Ralph, Baur, Richard, Lu, Yan
• Granted Patent: US 7,539,569 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 701/45
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2021/01068 between different sensors and airbag control unit
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2021/01184 Fault detection or diagnostic circuits in power circuits B60R2021/01129
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2021/01302 monitoring vehicle body vibrations or noise
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/01 Electrical circuits for triggering passive safety arrangements, e.g. airbags, safety belt tighteners, in case of vehicle accidents or impending vehicle accidents electrical circuits for transmission of signals between steering wheel and the vehicle itself B60R16/027; for electrically actuating belt retractor locking means B60R22/343
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/013 including means for detecting collisions, impending collisions or roll-over
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 9/02 electric

Abstract

In a safety system and a method of operating a sensor in a safety system, the sensor transmits an electric reaction signal to a central system unit, and is also excited by the central system unit by a diagnostic and/or excitation signal as a reversible electro-mechanical system.

Claims

1. A method of operating a sensor in a safety system, wherein:

the sensor transmits an electric reaction signal to a central system unit; and

the central system unit excites the sensor by a diagnostic or excitation signal, as a reversible electro-mechanical system.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein

the sensor is excited to generate a testing excitation for one of diagnostic purposes and testing of the sensor itself.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein

at least one sensor within a network of sensors is excited by a diagnostic or excitation signal;

and

electric reaction signals of all sensors are transmitted to the central system unit.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein

at least one sensor is used for locating a resonance zone and for generating a controlled countervibration.

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein the controlling of

a phase-shifted vibration is actively generated by at least one sensor;

and

control of the phase shifted vibration is monitored by sensors within the network.

6. The method according to claim 1, wherein the central system unit triggers at least one diagnostic or excitation signal, evaluates at least one reaction signal, and controls active vibration of at least one sensor.

7. The method according to claim 6, wherein

the control takes place based on one of a databank and a model.

8. The method according to claim 7, wherein, in the event of an accident, a course and progression of a deformation, and a type and seriousness of the respective accident, are diagnosed based on data of the databank, for locating on a model.

9. The method according to the claim 8, wherein data processed by the central system unit are transmitted to a safety device for initiating coordinated protection strategies by using air bag and belt-tightening systems as well as additional known safety measures, preferably an active engine hood.

10. A safety system for monitoring or analyzing and preventing damage by vibration damping, said system comprising:

at least one sensor having a reciprocal material characteristic; and

a central system unit connected to the sensor for targeted excitation and signal analysis, and further evaluation;

wherein said central system unit is programmed to implement a method in which,

the sensor transmits an electric reaction signal to a central system unit; and

the central system unit excites the sensor by a diagnostic or excitation signal, as a reversible electro-mechanical system.

11. The safety system according to claim 10, further comprising:

a network of sensors which are arranged in a distributed manner over a monitoring area and are each connected by way of their own separate signal lines; and

return lines with the central system unit.

12. The safety system according to claim 10, wherein the central system unit is connected with one of a coordinated model of the monitoring area and a databank.

13. The safety system according to claim 12, further comprising a network of sensors, which are combined into groups.

14. The safety system according to claim 13, wherein the sensors are arranged in or on a flexible foil as a carrier.

15. The safety system according to claim 14, wherein signal lines and return lines are arranged as signal lines for each sensor in or on the flexible foil, as a carrier of the sensors.

16. The safety system according to claim 15, wherein correspondingly mutually insulated signal lines for electric contacting of the respective sensors are provided in a foil layer of the flexible foil.

17. The safety system according to claim 16, wherein a piezo-electric plastic foil is provided as a sensor.