Method for controlling a belt pretensioner and safety arrangement comprising a belt pretensioner
First Claim
1. A method for controlling a reversible seat belt pretensioner in a motor vehicle, comprising the steps:
- detecting the speed and the steering angle of the vehicle;
calculating an expected turning rate of the vehicle about its vertical axis from the speed and the steering angle;
calculating an upper and a lower turning rate limiting value using the expected turning rate;
detecting the actual turning rate of the vehicle about its vertical axis; and
activating the seat belt pretensioner of the vehicle if the actual turning rate of the vehicle is greater than the upper turning rate limiting value or is less than the lower turning rate limiting value wherein the seat belt pretensioner is only activated if the actual turning rate of the vehicle is greater than or less than the upper or lower turning rate limiting value respectively for a predetermined period of time.
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Accused Products
Abstract
The present invention relates to a method for controlling a reversible seat belt pretensioner in a motor vehicle, comprising the steps of detecting the speed and the steering angle of the vehicle, calculating an expected turning rate of the vehicle about its vertical axis from the speed and the steering angle and calculating an upper and a lower turning rate limiting value using the expected turning rate, detecting the actual turning rate of the vehicle about its vertical axis and activating the seat belt pretensioner of the vehicle if the actual turning rate of the vehicle is greater than the upper turning rate limiting value or is less than the lower turning rate limiting value. The present invention also relates to a safety arrangement for implementing the method according to the invention.
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Citations
12 Claims
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1. A method for controlling a reversible seat belt pretensioner in a motor vehicle, comprising the steps:
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detecting the speed and the steering angle of the vehicle; calculating an expected turning rate of the vehicle about its vertical axis from the speed and the steering angle; calculating an upper and a lower turning rate limiting value using the expected turning rate; detecting the actual turning rate of the vehicle about its vertical axis; and activating the seat belt pretensioner of the vehicle if the actual turning rate of the vehicle is greater than the upper turning rate limiting value or is less than the lower turning rate limiting value wherein the seat belt pretensioner is only activated if the actual turning rate of the vehicle is greater than or less than the upper or lower turning rate limiting value respectively for a predetermined period of time. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
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7. A safety arrangement for a motor vehicle comprising:
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a reversible seat belt pretensioner; a detection device for detecting the speed, the steering angle and the actual turning rate of the vehicle; and a control device by means of which it is possible to activate and deactivate the seat belt pretensioner, wherein a calculation device is provided by means of which it is possible to calculate an expected turning rate of the vehicle about its vertical axis from the speed and the steering angle and an upper and lower turning rate limiting value using the expected turning rate, wherein the control device cooperates with the seat belt pretensioner such that it is possible to activate the seat belt pretensioner if the actual turning rate of the vehicle is greater than the upper turning rate limiting value or less than the lower turning rate limiting value, wherein it is only possible to activate the seat belt pretensioner if the actual turning rate of the vehicle is greater than, or less than, the upper, or lower, turning rate limiting value respectively for a predetermined period of time. - View Dependent Claims (8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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Specification