Impact sensor assembly for an automotive vehicle and a method of forming the same

• US 20020088662A1
• Filed: 01/08/2001
• Published: 07/11/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 01/08/2001
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations Incorporated (Motors Liquidation Co. GUC Trust)
• Original Assignee: General Motors Corporation (Motors Liquidation Co. GUC Trust)
• Inventors: Kleinberg, Raymond
• Granted Patent: US 6,460,648 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 180/282
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2021/01006 Mounting of electrical components in vehicles
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/013 including means for detecting collisions, impending collisions or roll-over

Abstract

An impact sensor assembly that has particular utility in automotive vehicles is disclosed. The assembly includes an impact sensor and a bracket that is placed operatively adjacent the sensor. The bracket includes a portion extending away from the sensor for extending the sensing area of the sensor.

Claims

1. An impact sensor assembly for an automotive vehicle, said sensor assembly comprising:

a bracket having a first portion and a second portion, said bracket designed to be disposed between an inner portion and an outer portion of said automotive vehicle; and

a sensor operatively adjacent said first portion of said bracket, said second portion of said bracket at least partially extending toward said outer portion of said vehicle.

2. An impact sensor assembly as in claim 1, wherein said vehicle includes a body and said first outer portion of said vehicle is an outer panel of said body of said vehicle

3. An impact sensor assembly as in claim 1, wherein said first portion of said bracket and said second portion of said bracket are panels and said first portion is designed to be fastened to said inner portion of said vehicle.

4. An impact sensor assembly as in claim 3, wherein said second portion of said bracket includes a flange.

5. An impact sensor assembly as in claim 1, wherein said sensor includes an accelerometer.

6. An impact sensor assembly as in claim 1, wherein said second portion of said bracket extends away from said sensor a distance greater than one centimeter.

7. A method of forming an impact sensor assembly for an automotive vehicle, said method comprising:

providing a sensor; and

providing a bracket operatively adjacent said sensor such that a portion of said bracket extends away from said sensor toward an outer panel of said automotive vehicle for extending the sensing area of said sensor.

8. A method as in claim 7, further comprising choosing the dimensions of said portion such that said portion conveys a predetermined percentage of a force, said force provided by said impact.

9. A method as in claim 8, wherein said sensor includes an accelerometer.

10. A method as in claim 7, wherein said portion extends away from said sensor a distance greater than one centimeter

11. A bracket for supporting an impact sensor within an automotive vehicle, said bracket comprising:

a first panel designed to be attached to said impact sensor; and

a second panel attached to said first panel for receiving and transmitting loads to said sensor, said second panel extending away from said first panel and away from said sensor, said second panel further including at least one flange oriented at an angle relative to the second panel.

12. A bracket as in claim 11, wherein said sensor includes an accelerometer.

13. A bracket as in claim 11 wherein said second panel extends away from said sensor a distance greater than one centimeter.

14. A bracket as in claim 11 wherein the bracket transmits loads to the impact sensor and wherein the extent loads are transmitted is adjusted by varying the angle of the flange relative to the second panel.