Adaptive airbag inflation method and apparatus
First Claim
1. In an airbag system having occupant detection means, airbag inflation control, and airbag deflation control, the method of controlling an airbag in the event of a crash comprising the steps of:
- determining the approximate mass of an occupant;
measuring vehicle speed at the time of impact;
calculating an initial airbag restraining force based on the occupant mass and the vehicle speed;
inflating the airbag to achieve the initial airbag restraining force;
periodically determining a velocity of the occupant subsequent to airbag inflation; and
controlling deflation of the airbag as a function of the periodically determined occupant velocity.
2 Assignments
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Accused Products
Abstract
The airbag system includes in addition to conventional crash sensing apparatus seat sensors to gauge occupant mass, an occupant position sensor and a vehicle speed sensor. Desired initial restraining force is calculated from speed at impact and the occupant'"'"'s mass, and an appropriate degree of inflation is effected. The occupant speed is continuously calculated from the position sensor signal and the vehicle speed. A target speed profile is established based on an estimated restraint period and the vehicle speed, and an airbag vent is varied to control the occupant speed to the target speed. The target speed profile is adjusted as a function of passenger compartment acceleration to account for vehicle speed variations and for vehicle crush.
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Citations
11 Claims
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1. In an airbag system having occupant detection means, airbag inflation control, and airbag deflation control, the method of controlling an airbag in the event of a crash comprising the steps of:
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determining the approximate mass of an occupant; measuring vehicle speed at the time of impact; calculating an initial airbag restraining force based on the occupant mass and the vehicle speed; inflating the airbag to achieve the initial airbag restraining force; periodically determining a velocity of the occupant subsequent to airbag inflation; and controlling deflation of the airbag as a function of the periodically determined occupant velocity. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. An airbag system comprising:
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at least one airbag mounted in the vehicle opposing a vehicle seat, the airbag having inflation means for variably inflating the airbag to an initial restraining force and means for variably deflating the airbag; means for sensing vehicle speed at the time of impact; means for gauging occupant mass; a controller responsive to the vehicle speed sensing means and to the occupant mass gauging means for determining a desired initial restraining force; the controller including means for detecting a crash event and for effecting airbag inflation to the desired initial restraining force; means for periodically determining a velocity of the occupant subsequent to airbag inflation; and means for effecting airbag deflation as a function of the periodically detected occupant velocity so as to decelerate the occupant at a determined rate. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11)
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Specification