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Method and apparatus for controlling an actuatable restraint device using crash severity indexing

  • US 6,036,225 A
  • Filed: 07/01/1998
  • Issued: 03/14/2000
  • Est. Priority Date: 07/01/1998
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. An apparatus for controlling an actuatable occupant restraint device for a vehicle, said restraining device having a plurality of actuatable stages, said apparatus comprising:

  • crash sensing means for sensing crash acceleration and providing a crash acceleration signal indicative thereof;

    velocity determining means responsive to said crash acceleration signal for determining a velocity value and providing a velocity signal indicative thereof;

    control means coupled to said actuatable device for (i) effecting actuation of a first of said actuatable stages when said determined velocity value exceeds a first threshold value, and (ii) upon said determined velocity value exceeding a second threshold value, determining a crash severity index having a value related to a time interval from when said determined velocity value exceeds said first threshold value to when said determined velocity value exceeds said second threshold value, said control means controlling actuation of a second of said actuatable stages in response to said crash severity index value.

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