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Method and apparatus for testing an airbag restraint system

  • US 4,835,513 A
  • Filed: 04/22/1988
  • Issued: 05/30/1989
  • Est. Priority Date: 04/22/1988
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. An apparatus for testing the operativeness of a storage capacitor in an airbag restraint system of the type including a squib, a first inertia switch connected to one terminal of the squib and to the storage capacitor, a second inertia switch connected to the other terminal of the squib and to electrical ground, means for connecting the capacitor to a source of electrical energy so as to charge the capacitor to a first voltage value so that if the capacitor'"'"'s capacitance is greater than a predetermined value, a sufficient electrical potential would be available to fire the squib from the capacitor'"'"'s stored electrical energy when the first and second inertia switches close, said apparatus comprising:

  • means for partially discharging said capacitor for a predetermined time period;

    means for monitoring the voltage value of the charge remaining across said capacitor after said predetermined period, the monitored voltage value being a second voltage value;

    means for comparing the difference between the first voltage value and the second voltage value against a predetermined limit; and

    means for providing a failure indication to the vehicle operator if the comparing means determines that the voltage value difference is greater than said predetermined limit

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