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Adaptive restraint system with retractor pretensioner

  • US 7,318,607 B2
  • Filed: 10/19/2004
  • Issued: 01/15/2008
  • Est. Priority Date: 10/19/2004
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
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1. An adaptive restraint system for an automobile having a seat for an occupant, the system comprising:

  • a crash sensor for detecting a potential crash event;

    an occupant sensor for estimating a relative size of the occupant;

    a seat belt for restraining the occupant in the seat;

    a retractor having a spindle receiving the webbing of the seat belt, the retractor further including a first force limiting element connected to the spindle;

    a belt anchorage pretensioner operatively connected to the seat belt for providing pretensioning of the seat belt;

    a retractor pretensioner operatively connected to the seat belt for providing pretensioning of the seat belt, the retractor pretensioner connected to the spindle of the retractor via a second force limiting element; and

    a controller receiving signals from the crash sensor and the occupant sensor, the controller operable in at least two modes including,a first mode wherein the controller effects activation of both the belt anchorage pretensioner and the retractor pretensioner when the occupant is estimated to be above a predetermined size, anda second mode wherein the controller effects activation of only the belt anchorage pretensioner when the occupant is estimated to be at or below the predetermined size.

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