Electric field sensing air bag danger zone sensor
First Claim
1. An apparatus for controlling the activation of a safety restraint actuator responsive to an object that is subject to restraint by the safety restraint actuator, comprising:
- a position sensor, responsive to the electric field influencing properties of the object, for measuring the distance between a point of reference and the object, wherein said position sensor further comprises at least one electrode incorporated into a distal portion of the safety restraint actuator; and
a controller operatively coupled to said position sensor for activating the safety restraint actuator, responsive to said measurement of distance.
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0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
An occupant position sensing system incorporates an electric field sensor (30) into or on the cover (14) of an air bag inflator assembly (12) for purposes of sensing an occupant proximate the air bag inflator so that the air bag inflator may be disabled, or a warning device (26) may be activated, if the occupant is found to be within the associated danger-zone thereof. The electric field sensor (30) may comprise a plurality of electrodes (16), at least one of which is incorporated into or on the cover (14) of the air bag inflator assembly (12), wherein an occupant proximate the sensor electrodes modifies the associated inter-electrode capacitance (50). The output from the electric field sensor (30) may be used to control a controllable air bag inflation system responsive to occupant position. The instant invention provides improved discrimination between animate and inanimate objects, and improved detection of rearward facing infant seats, with reduced likelihood of false position measurements due to occupant extremities or objects proximate the air bag inflator.
127 Citations
45 Claims
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1. An apparatus for controlling the activation of a safety restraint actuator responsive to an object that is subject to restraint by the safety restraint actuator, comprising:
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a position sensor, responsive to the electric field influencing properties of the object, for measuring the distance between a point of reference and the object, wherein said position sensor further comprises at least one electrode incorporated into a distal portion of the safety restraint actuator; and a controller operatively coupled to said position sensor for activating the safety restraint actuator, responsive to said measurement of distance. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21)
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22. A method of controlling the activation of a safety restraint actuator responsive to an object that is subject to restraint by the safety restraint actuator, comprising the steps of:
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a. creating an electric field proximate a distal portion of the safety restraint actuator; b. measuring the distance between a point of reference and the object from the influence of the object on said electric field. - View Dependent Claims (23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33)
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34. A method of controlling the activation of a safety restraint actuator responsive to an object that is subject to restraint by the safety restraint actuator comprising the steps of:
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a. Sensing the capacitance of an electrode incorporated into a distal portion of the safety restraint actuator; b. measuring the distance between a point of reference and the object from the level of said capacitance. - View Dependent Claims (35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45)
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Specification