Method and device for triggering a reversible occupant protection function in a motor vehicle

• US 7,912,605 B2
• Filed: 12/06/2005
• Issued: 03/22/2011
• Est. Priority Date: 01/18/2005
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
• Original Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
• Inventors: Meister, Dirk
• Primary Examiner(s): Beaulieu; Yonel
• Application Number:
  US11/795,542
• Publication Number:
  US 20080114512A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,932 Days
• Field of Search: 701 45- 48, 701/41, 180/6.2, 280734-735
• US Class Current: 701/41
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2021/01322 comprising variable thresholds, e.g. depending from other collision parameters
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/0132 responsive to vehicle motion parameters , e.g. to vehicle longitudinal or transversal deceleration or speed value

Abstract

A method for triggering a reversible occupant safety function in a motor vehicle, in which the value of a triggering parameter is determined, the value of the triggering parameter is compared with a predetermined threshold value, and the occupant protection function is triggered when the predetermined threshold value is exceeded by the value of the triggering parameter. An aspect of the method is that the threshold value is influenced by a driving style parameter determined by analysis of the brake and/or gas pedal operating procedures and/or by an operating element operable by the driver.

Claims

1. A method for triggering a reversible occupant protection function in a motor vehicle, the method comprising:

determining a value of a triggering parameter;

comparing the value of the triggering parameter with a predetermined threshold value; and

triggering the occupant protection function as a function of the comparing;

wherein the threshold value is influenced by a driving style parameter determined by analysis of at least one of a brake operating procedure, a gas pedal operating procedure and an operating element operable by the driver.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the triggering parameter is a transverse acceleration of the motor vehicle.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the threshold value is predetermined by one of:

the driver via the operating, element, at least two different finite threshold, values being driver selectable, and

analyzing a driving style parameter as determined based on at least one of the brake operating procedure and the gas pedal operating procedure, the threshold value assuming at least two different finite values.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the reversible occupant protection function includes one of the following:

an automatic closing of at least one window,

an automatic closing of a sun roof,

an adjustment of a head rest position,

a tightening of a reversible seat belt tightener,

a raising of a back rest, and

an intervention in vehicle dynamics.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the occupant protection function is triggered when the predetermined threshold value is exceeded by the value of the triggering parameter.

10. The method of claim 4, wherein the reversible occupant protection function simultaneously warns the driver to modify the driving style.

6. A device for triggering a reversible occupant protection function in a motor vehicle, comprising:

a determining arrangement to determine a value of a triggering parameter;

a comparing arrangement to compare the value of the triggering parameter with a predetermined threshold value;

an arrangement to trigger the occupant protection function as a function of the comparing; and

an influencing arrangement to influence the threshold value, in which the threshold value is influenced by a driving style parameter determined by analyzing at least one of a brake operating procedure, a gas pedal operating procedure, and an operating element operable by the driver.

7. The device of claim 6, wherein the triggering parameter is a transverse acceleration of the motor vehicle.

8. The device of claim 6, wherein the threshold value is predetermined by:

the driver via an operating element, at least two different finite threshold values being driver selectable, and

analyzing a driving style parameter as determined based on at least one of the brake operating procedure and the gas pedal operating procedure, the threshold value assuming at least two different finite values.

9. The device of claim 6, wherein the reversible occupant protection function includes one of the following:

an automatic closing of at least one window,

an automatic closing of a sun roof,

an adjustment of a head rest position,

a tightening of a reversible seat belt tightener,

a raising of a back rest, and

an intervention in vehicle dynamics.

11. The method of claim 9, further comprising simultaneously warning the driver through the reversible occupant protection function to modify the driving style.