Method of triggering at least one airbag in a vehicle
First Claim
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1. A method of triggering at least one airbag in a vehicle in at least two stages, comprising:
- detecting an acceleration of the vehicle using at least one acceleration sensor of an airbag controller located centrally in the vehicle;
deriving at least two criteria from the at least one acceleration sensor, wherein the at least two criteria are selected depending on a type of vehicle; and
triggering a second stage of the at least one airbag as a function of relationship between the at least two criteria;
wherein the second stage is triggered if each of the at least two criteria exceeds pre-defined threshold values within respective pre-defined times, and wherein the second stage is fired after a residual firing time if at least one of the at least two criteria does not reach the respective threshold value in the respective pre-defined time.
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Abstract
A method of triggering at least one airbag in a vehicle is described, in which two or more criteria are used in the decision to fire the second stage of a two-stage airbag. Variables derived from measurement signals of an acceleration sensor are used as criteria. If these variables exceed threshold values within pre-defined times a firing decision is brought about. The criteria are chosen depending on the type of vehicle. Characteristic curves are used as threshold values. These characteristic curves may be modified depending on the use of a belt.
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7 Claims
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1. A method of triggering at least one airbag in a vehicle in at least two stages, comprising:
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detecting an acceleration of the vehicle using at least one acceleration sensor of an airbag controller located centrally in the vehicle; deriving at least two criteria from the at least one acceleration sensor, wherein the at least two criteria are selected depending on a type of vehicle; and triggering a second stage of the at least one airbag as a function of relationship between the at least two criteria; wherein the second stage is triggered if each of the at least two criteria exceeds pre-defined threshold values within respective pre-defined times, and wherein the second stage is fired after a residual firing time if at least one of the at least two criteria does not reach the respective threshold value in the respective pre-defined time. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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Specification