Restraining device with dynamic “danger” zone

• US 6,533,317 B2
• Filed: 09/10/2001
• Issued: 03/18/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 03/10/1999
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Volkswagen AG
• Original Assignee: Volkswagen AG
• Inventors: Kath, Christoph
• Primary Examiner(s): Dickson, Paul N.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Fleming, Faye M.
• Application Number:
  US09/949,975
• Publication Number:
  US 20020063418A1
• Time in Patent Office: 554 Days
• Field of Search: 280/735, 280/734, 180/268, 180/271
• US Class Current: 280/735
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/01516 using force or pressure sensing means
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/0153 using field detection presence sensors
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/01542 detecting passenger motion
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/01544 detecting seat belt parameters, e.g. length, tension or height-adjustment
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/01554 Seat position sensors
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/01558 monitoring crash strength

Abstract

An air bag restraint system includes a controller which is responsive to first sensor signals representing the position of an occupant and second sensor signals. The controller defines a danger zone according to the second sensor signals representing vehicle conditions, and inhibits air bag activation if the first sensor signal indicate the occupant is within the defined danger zone.

Claims

1. An air bag restraining system for a motor vehicle comprising:

a first sensor providing a first sensor signal representing the positions of a vehicle occupant;

a second sensor providing a second sensor signal representing a parameter relating to deployment of an air bag;

an air bag arranged to inflate in response to a trigger signal; and

at least one processor for defining a danger zone having a size which is variable according to said second sensor signal, responsive to said first sensor signal to determine if said vehicle occupant is within said defined danger zone, and for providing said trigger signal if said occupant is not within said danger zone.

2. A system according to claim 1 wherein said second sensor provides a second sensor signal characterizing the severity of an accident, and wherein said processor defines a small danger zone for a severe accident and a large danger zone for a low severity accident.

3. A system according to claim 1 wherein said second sensor provides a sensor signal representing vehicle speed.

4. A system according to claim 1 wherein said second sensor provides a sensor signal representing negative acceleration of the vehicle.

5. A system according to claim 1 wherein said second sensor provides a sensor signal representing direction of vehicle motion.

6. A system according to claim 1 wherein said second sensor provides a sensor signal representing a location of an impact on the vehicle.

7. A system according to claim 1 wherein said second sensor provides a sensor signal representing seat belt use by a vehicle occupant.

8. A system according to claim 1 wherein said second sensor provides a sensor signal representing weight of a vehicle occupant.

9. A system according to claim 1 wherein said second sensor provides a sensor signal representing seat occupancy.

10. A system according to claim 1 wherein said second sensor provides a sensor signal representing position of a vehicle seat.