Impact detector
First Claim
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1. A system for detecting a side impact in a motor vehicle, said system comprising:
- at least one reinforcing bar located adjacent to or engaging with the interior of an outer skin of the vehicle in the region of a side of the vehicle, anda sensor element for providing an output signal in response to a side impact of the vehicle whenever the reinforcing bar is deformed, the sensor element being located relative to the outer skin of the vehicle, inward of a vertical plane which includes the part of the reinforcing bar located closest to or engaging with the outer skin of the vehicle.
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Abstract
A motor vehicle is provided with a system for detecting a side impact on the vehicle. The system comprises a reinforcing element located adjacent or engaging the interior of the outer skin of the vehicle in the region of the side of the vehicle. A sensor element is arranged to provide an output signal, in response to a side impact of the vehicle, when or after the reinforcing element is deformed.
82 Citations
14 Claims
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1. A system for detecting a side impact in a motor vehicle, said system comprising:
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at least one reinforcing bar located adjacent to or engaging with the interior of an outer skin of the vehicle in the region of a side of the vehicle, and a sensor element for providing an output signal in response to a side impact of the vehicle whenever the reinforcing bar is deformed, the sensor element being located relative to the outer skin of the vehicle, inward of a vertical plane which includes the part of the reinforcing bar located closest to or engaging with the outer skin of the vehicle. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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14. An impact detection apparatus for detecting an impact on an outer surface of a body shell, comprising:
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a rigid reinforcing member disposed inside the body shell adjacent to an inner surface of the body shell; and sensor means, disposed in close proximity with the reinforcing member inside the body shell, for sensing deformation of the reinforcing member and providing an output indicative thereof.
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Specification