초록 ▼

Arrangements and method for controlling a deployable occupant restraint device in vehicle, such as an airbag, in which a crash sensor determines whether deployment of the occupant restraint device is required as a result of the crash and an occupant position sensor determines the position of the occ

Arrangements and method for controlling a deployable occupant restraint device in vehicle, such as an airbag, in which a crash sensor determines whether deployment of the occupant restraint device is required as a result of the crash and an occupant position sensor determines the position of the occupant. Deployment of the occupant restraint device is controlled based on the determination by the crash sensor if deployment of the occupant restraint device is required and the position of the occupant. The position of the occupant is determined preferably by ascertaining the position of the seat or a part thereof, e.g., the seat portion or back portion, relative to a fixed point of reference to thereby enable an approximation of the position of the occupant to be obtained. The payout of a seatbelt from a seatbelt retractor can also be measured and used to better provide the actual position of the occupant. An additional approximation of the position of the occupant can be obtained by receiving waves from the space above the seat in order to improve the determination of the likely, actual position of the occupant.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] An arrangement for controlling a deployable occupant restraint device in a vehicle to protect an occupant in a seat in the vehicle during a crash, comprisingcrash sensor means for determining whether deployment of the occupant restraint device is required as a result of t

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] An arrangement for controlling a deployable occupant restraint device in a vehicle to protect an occupant in a seat in the vehicle during a crash, comprisingcrash sensor means for determining whether deployment of the occupant restraint device is required as a result of the crash whereby a determination whether deployment of the occupant restraint device is required is made by said crash sensor means,seat position determining means for determining a position of the seat or a part thereof relative to a fixed point of reference to thereby enable a first approximation of a position of the occupant to be obtained,occupant position sensing means for sensing the position of the occupant of the seat whereby a second approximation of the position of the occupant is obtained by said occupant position sensing means, andprocessor means coupled to said crash sensor means, said seat position determining means and said occupant position sensing means for controlling deployment of the occupant restraint device based on the determination by said crash sensor means whether deployment of the occupant restraint device is required, the position of the seat or part thereof and the second approximation of the position of the occupant.