Mechanical sensing arrangement and crash energy sensor
First Claim
1. In a crash deflection sensing device suitable for use in a crush zone of an automobile, the improvement wherein said sensing device includes mechanical actuation means in combination with a reflective sensor and reflective means operatively associated with said sensor, said sensor and said reflective means being mounted in spaced-apart relationship, said mechanical means being adapted to effect relative movement between said sensor and said reflective means whereby said mechanical means upon effecting relative movement between said sensor and said reflective means permits displacement of one relative to the other to provide a reduced scale compatible with signal characteristics of said sensor.
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Abstract
One development described herein relates to a mechanical sensing arrangement, particularly suitable for use in crash detector devices, which converts mechanical motion to a reduced scale compatible with the signal characteristics of a low-grade commercial sensor. Another development described relates to a sensing system which determines optimum deployment conditions for automotive or vehicle safety systems, such as air bags, in the event of a collision or impact.
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Citations
13 Claims
- 1. In a crash deflection sensing device suitable for use in a crush zone of an automobile, the improvement wherein said sensing device includes mechanical actuation means in combination with a reflective sensor and reflective means operatively associated with said sensor, said sensor and said reflective means being mounted in spaced-apart relationship, said mechanical means being adapted to effect relative movement between said sensor and said reflective means whereby said mechanical means upon effecting relative movement between said sensor and said reflective means permits displacement of one relative to the other to provide a reduced scale compatible with signal characteristics of said sensor.
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5. A crash deflection sensing device, for use in a crush zone of an automobile, comprising:
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a reflective sensor; reflective panel; and movable actuating means mounting said reflective sensor and reflective panel in opposed, space-apart, relationship of movement toward and away from each other; actuation of said actuating means effecting relative movement between said reflective sensor and said reflective panel to provide a reduced scale movement compatible with signal characteristics of said reflective sensor. - View Dependent Claims (6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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Specification