초록 ▼

A safety device controller for controlling safety devices and a method of controlling activation of a safety device in a vehicle safety system are disclosed. The safety device controller is capable of activating various safety devices to protect the occupants of a vehicle in the event of a crash. It

A safety device controller for controlling safety devices and a method of controlling activation of a safety device in a vehicle safety system are disclosed. The safety device controller is capable of activating various safety devices to protect the occupants of a vehicle in the event of a crash. It is capable of operating devices such as airbags, seatbelt tensioners, fuel cutoff switches, battery disconnect switches, emergency notification devices, and location notification devices. The safety device controller is capable of performing self tests and sending the results of these tests to a central electronic control unit over a communication bus. Upon receipt of a coded command from the central electronic control unit, the safety device controller activates a safety device by discharging stored energy into a squib or electromechanical device to activate the safety device. An optional safing sensor may be installed in the safety device controller to prevent inadvertent actuation of the safety device.

대표청구항 ▼

[ We claim:] [1.] A safety device controller for controlling activation of a safety device in a vehicle safety system comprising:(a) power means for storing energy on an energy storage capacitor by charging the energy storage capacitor to a predetermined voltage;(b) communication means for receiving

[ We claim:] [1.] A safety device controller for controlling activation of a safety device in a vehicle safety system comprising:(a) power means for storing energy on an energy storage capacitor by charging the energy storage capacitor to a predetermined voltage;(b) communication means for receiving a safety device activation command from a communication bus, the safety device activation command comprising an address part and a command part;(d) diagnostic means for reading integrity data of the safety device controller;(e) control means for generating a safety device activation signal in response to the safety device activation command and the integrity data; and(f) safety device activation means for coupling the energy stored on the energy storage capacitor to a safety device in response to the safety device activation signal, whereby the energy storage capacitor discharges through the safety device causing the safety device to activate.