Airbag deployment rate and airbag door sensor system

An airbag module comprising:

• a gas generator module;
• an airbag in gas receiving relation to the gas generator module, the airbag arranged to deploy in a first direction;
• a capacitive sensor mounted to the airbag, and positioned so that when the capacitive sensor is active, before the airbag is deployed the capacitive sensor has a field of detection which extends in the first direction to detect the presence of an out-of-position vehicle occupant spaced from the airbag module;
• and
• an electronic system in signal receiving relation to the capacitive sensor, and in controlling relation to the gas generator to modify airbag deployment if an out-of-position vehicle occupant is detected.

A vehicle mounted airbag system comprising:

• a airbag in gas receiving relation to a gas generator module;
• a gas generator vent, mounted to the gas generator module for venting gas from the gas generator module;
• portions of a vehicle structure forming a door through which the airbag passes as the airbag is inflated, the door defining a swing distance and a door surface facing a vehicle interior;
• a vehicle occupant sensor positioned between the airbag and the door surface facing the automobile interior, the vehicle occupant sensor detecting the presence of an out-of-position vehicle occupant within the swing distance of the door;
• at least one airbag deployment rate sensor having a tape which is attached to the airbag, so that tape is withdrawn from a cartridge fixedly mounted with respect to the gas generator module as the airbag is inflated by gas from the gas generator module;
• and
• an electronic system in signal receiving relation to the at least one airbag deployment rate sensor, and in signal receiving relation to the vehicle occupant sensor, and in controlling relation to the gas generator, and the gas generator vent.

An airbag module comprising:

• a gas generator module;
• a airbag in gas receiving relation to the gas generator module, the airbag arranged to deploy in a first direction;
• a gas generator vent, mounted to the gas generator module for venting gas from the gas generator module;
• a capacitive sensor mounted to the airbag module, and positioned so that when the capacitive sensor is active it has an effective field of detection which extends in the first direction about 5.1-15.2 cm (2-6 inches), for detecting the presence of an out-of-position vehicle occupant through a closed airbag door;
• at least one airbag deployment rate sensor having a tape which is attached to the airbag, so that the tape is withdrawn from a cartridge fixedly mounted with respect to the gas generator module as the airbag is inflated by gas from the gas generator module;
• and
• an electronic system in signal receiving relation to the at least one airbag deployment rate sensor, and in signal receiving relation to the capacitive sensor, and in controlling relation to the gas generator and the gas generator vent.

A capacitive sensor in connection with a vehicle airbag door comprising:

• a vehicle structure having an airbag door, the door defining a vehicle interior, into which the door opens;
• an electrically non-conductive film positioned parallel to the door and not in the vehicle interior, the film having a first surface;
• at least one linear array of at least four capacitive plates, the at least one linear array comprising conductive ink printed on the first surface of the film;
• a floating ground comprising conductive ink printed on the first surface of the film and positioned between each capacitive plate of the linear array so that each capacitive plate forms a capacitor with the floating ground;
• an oscillator connected to each capacitive plate to cause an electric charge on the capacitor formed by each capacitive plate with the floating ground to oscillate;
• a circuit connected across each capacitor which measures the amplitude of the oscillating electric charge on each capacitor;
• and
• a circuit that compares said measured amplitudes.

A method of deploying an airbag through a door comprising the steps of:

• receiving the output of at least one crash sensor with an airbag crash controller and determining, based on the at least one crash sensor, that a crash is taking place;
• if the crash meets a selected criteria for deploying an airbag through the door, than determining from at least a linear array of capacitors mounted between the airbag and a vehicle interior, an amplitude of an oscillating electromagnetic signal on each capacitor;
• comparing the amplitude of the oscillating electromagnetic signal on each capacitor to determine a position of an out-of-position vehicle occupant;
• if an out-of-position vehicle occupant is not detected or the position of an out-of-position vehicle occupant meets a first selected criteria, then deploying an airbag;
• monitoring the output of airbag deployment rate sensors and if the airbag deployment meets second selected criteria indicating impact with an out-of-position vehicle occupant, then venting the airbag.