Method and apparatus for detecting air bag deployment
First Claim
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1. In a motor vehicle equipped with an air bag system, a method of detecting air bag deployment independently of the air bag system comprising the steps of:
- sensing noise in the vehicle;
evaluating the noise to detect impulse noise associated with air bag deployment; and
activating a communication system to transmit a signal in response to detection of the impulse noise.
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Abstract
An arrangement in the passenger compartment of a vehicle independent of a SIR system responds to the impulse noise of an inflating air bag as well as to vehicle acceleration to determine that the air bag has inflated, and then activates a communication device to transmit an emergency signal. A noise sensing transducer is either a pressure sensor or a microphone, and an accelerometer detects minimal conditions for a crash. A microprocessor evaluates the output signal and the acceleration to decide whether to signal the communication device.
77 Citations
11 Claims
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1. In a motor vehicle equipped with an air bag system, a method of detecting air bag deployment independently of the air bag system comprising the steps of:
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sensing noise in the vehicle; evaluating the noise to detect impulse noise associated with air bag deployment; and activating a communication system to transmit a signal in response to detection of the impulse noise. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
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7. Apparatus independent of an air bag system for issuing a signal when a vehicle air bag is deployed comprising:
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a transducer in the vehicle passenger compartment for sensing the impulse noise caused by air bag deployment; means for coupling the transducer output to a microprocessor; the microprocessor being programmed with an algorithm for determining from the transducer output whether a deployment has occurred; and a communication device activated by the microprocessor to issue an emergency signal when deployment has occurred. - View Dependent Claims (8, 9, 10, 11)
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Specification