초록 ▼

An automotive air bag system and a method are provided which restrict activation of an air bag to situations in which the weight of the vehicle occupant meets or exceeds a predetermined amount, e.g., 50 pounds. Occupant weight is determined using a weight pressure sensor positioned underneath the ve

An automotive air bag system and a method are provided which restrict activation of an air bag to situations in which the weight of the vehicle occupant meets or exceeds a predetermined amount, e.g., 50 pounds. Occupant weight is determined using a weight pressure sensor positioned underneath the vehicle seat such that it bears pressure from the weight of the seat occupant. The sensor comprises (a) a vessel containing fluid with at least one wall of the vessel defining a first opening; (b) a ram in contact with the fluid, with the ram extending in a substantially linear fashion from the fluid contact inside the vessel to a point outside of the vessel, with the ram capable of being pushed against the fluid contact by the weight of the seat occupant, thereby increasing the fluid pressure; (c) a pressure sensor in fluidic communication with the fluid inside the vessel via a conduit connected to the first opening, with the pressure sensor capable of sensing the fluid pressure, comparing the fluid pressure to a set pressure, and issuing a control signal based upon the comparison; and (d) a switch connected to the pressure sensor for receiving the control signal, with the switch connected in series with the control electronics, the control signal directing the switch to assume either an open state or a closed state and thereby controlling whether the air bag is activated by the control electronics.

대표청구항 ▼

[ We claim:] [1.] A weight pressure sensor device for controlling the operation of an air bag system for use in automotive vehicles, said air bag system comprising an air bag positioned within a vehicle opposite a predetermined vehicle seat position, said air bag being coupled to inflation means act

[ We claim:] [1.] A weight pressure sensor device for controlling the operation of an air bag system for use in automotive vehicles, said air bag system comprising an air bag positioned within a vehicle opposite a predetermined vehicle seat position, said air bag being coupled to inflation means activated by control means for deploying the air bag in the event of vehicle impact, said device comprising:(a) compressible means connected to said vehicle seat for registering a weight pressure exerted on said seat, said compressible means including a vessel containing a fluid adapted to flow in response to said weight pressure exerted on said seat;(b) sensor means coupled to said compressible means for sensing said weight pressure registered by said compressible means with reference to a predetermined pressure setpoint, said predetermined pressure setpoint being adjustable; and(c) switch means coupled to said sensor means for enabling said air bag system when said weight pressure sensed by said sensor means is at least equal to said predetermined pressure setpoint.