초록 ▼

An airbag with two or more inflators can be inflated in successive stages separated by a time interval, inflated simultaneously or some not inflated at all, depending on crash severity. The first stage inflation is controlled in accordance with a conventional algorithm for single stage deployment. D

An airbag with two or more inflators can be inflated in successive stages separated by a time interval, inflated simultaneously or some not inflated at all, depending on crash severity. The first stage inflation is controlled in accordance with a conventional algorithm for single stage deployment. Deployment time and velocity parameters used for the first stage are employed to determine the crash severity and the time interval of the next stage. There is no time delay in the case of a very severe crash, but for a moderately severe crash the time interval is proportional to the difference of the time or velocity and a selected minimum time or velocity value.

대표청구항 ▼

[ The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined as follows:] [1.] A method of controlling deployment of multiple stages of a vehicle inflatable restraint comprising the steps of:sensing vehicle acceleration;initiating a deployment algorithm for a

[ The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined as follows:] [1.] A method of controlling deployment of multiple stages of a vehicle inflatable restraint comprising the steps of:sensing vehicle acceleration;initiating a deployment algorithm for a first stage of the restraint when the sensed acceleration exceeds a threshold, and if such deployment algorithm determines that the first stave should be deployed:producing at least one first stage deployment parameter including a deployment time between the initiation of said deployment algorithm and the deployment of said first stage;comparing the produced first stage deployment parameter to predetermined thresholds to determine crash severity; anddetermining if and when to deploy a second stage of the restraint based on the determined crash severity.