초록 ▼

In accordance with a preferred embodiment, a vehicle crash discrimination system (10) comprises a plurality of coil sensors (18) permanently mounted to a vehicle pillar, and a magnet 20 either mounted to a door (14) edge surface juxtaposed to the coils, or to the pillar if a suitable ferromagnetic f

In accordance with a preferred embodiment, a vehicle crash discrimination system (10) comprises a plurality of coil sensors (18) permanently mounted to a vehicle pillar, and a magnet 20 either mounted to a door (14) edge surface juxtaposed to the coils, or to the pillar if a suitable ferromagnetic flux collector is mounted on the door edge. The shape, size and spacing of the coils is predetermined to provide output signals in the coils responsive to the change in the magnetic field caused by movement of the door surface. The change in magnetic field is analyzed to indicate a vehicle crash.

대표청구항 ▼

[ We claim:] [1.] An apparatus for controlling the activation of a motor vehicle safety restraint system responsive to a crash, comprising:a. a motor vehicle comprising a first set of two proximal elements that undergo relative motion responsive to the crash;b. a first magnetic circuit spanning betw

[ We claim:] [1.] An apparatus for controlling the activation of a motor vehicle safety restraint system responsive to a crash, comprising:a. a motor vehicle comprising a first set of two proximal elements that undergo relative motion responsive to the crash;b. a first magnetic circuit spanning between proximal portions of said two proximal elements of said motor vehicle, wherein said first magnetic circuit has both a magnetic field and a reluctance, the magnetic field of said first magnetic circuit is responsive to the reluctance of said first magnetic circuit, the reluctance of said first magnetic circuit responsive to said relative motion, and said first magnetic circuit comprises:i). a first plurality of coils responsive to the magnetic field of said first magnetic circuit;ii). at least one first permanent magnet as the source of magnetomotive force for said first magnetic circuit; andiii). at least one first air gap between said two proximal elements of said motor vehicle, wherein said at least one first air gap defines a first separation zone; andc. a processor operatively connected to said first plurality of coils, wherein said magnetic field of said first magnetic circuit is responsive to said relative motion of said first set of two proximal elements of said motor vehicle, each of said first plurality of coils generates a signal responsive to the changes in said magnetic field of said first magnetic circuit, and said processor controls the activation of said motor vehicle safety restraint system responsive to said signal.