Collision detection system with safety devices
First Claim
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1. A system for detecting a collision in a vehicle, comprising:
- a plurality of sensor means for providing measurements based on the vehicle'"'"'s acceleration;
a plurality of passenger safety means which are controlled by pyrotechnic actuated devices triggered by the function of triggering resistors;
computer means for receiving data from said sensor means and operating said passenger safety means in accordance wih said data;
wherein said data is compared to levels recorded in the computer means and said passenger safety means are actuated if said levels are exceeded; and
testing means responsive to an output of said computer means for applying current for a short time to said triggering resistors so as not to trigger said devices wherein the current applied is equal in magnitude to the current which triggers said devices;
wherein the computer means operates in a manner to test the operation of the system and record any failures of operation.
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Abstract
A system for use in a motor vehicle, made up of a group of sensors such as accelerometers, a microprocessor, and a group of passenger-safety devices. The sensors'"'"' inform the microprocessor of the levels of acceleration at different points in the vehicle. The microprocessor processes this information, checks the sensors'"'"' functioning, the power source and the safety devices. In the case of a strong shock, the microprocessor triggers the safety devices suited to the particular situation: electromagnetic door-openers, safety belts with pyrotechnic tightening action, inflatable air bags, and loosening devices for safety belts.
118 Citations
8 Claims
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1. A system for detecting a collision in a vehicle, comprising:
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a plurality of sensor means for providing measurements based on the vehicle'"'"'s acceleration; a plurality of passenger safety means which are controlled by pyrotechnic actuated devices triggered by the function of triggering resistors; computer means for receiving data from said sensor means and operating said passenger safety means in accordance wih said data; wherein said data is compared to levels recorded in the computer means and said passenger safety means are actuated if said levels are exceeded; and testing means responsive to an output of said computer means for applying current for a short time to said triggering resistors so as not to trigger said devices wherein the current applied is equal in magnitude to the current which triggers said devices; wherein the computer means operates in a manner to test the operation of the system and record any failures of operation. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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Specification