Pressure-based crash detection system incorporated in side rail
AssigneeFord Global Technologies, LLC
InventorsMahmoud Y. Ghannam, Todd N. Clark, Eric L. Stratten, Swadad A. Carremm
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A vehicular crash sensing system includes a bumper cap for contacting a bumper. A chamber fits into a side rail attached to the bumper, the chamber being sealed by the bumper cap. A stop element limits movement of the chamber into the side rail. A pressure sensor detects an increased chamber air pressure during crushing of the chamber resulting from movement of the bumper with respect to the stop element.
Claims9
A vehicular crash sensing system, comprising:
- a bumper cap for contacting a bumper;
- a chamber for fitting into a side rail attached to the bumper, the chamber being sealed by the bumper cap;
- a stop element limiting movement of the chamber into the side rail;
- and
- a pressure sensor for detecting an increased chamber air pressure during crushing of the chamber resulting from movement of the bumper with respect to the stop element.
A crash sensing system for a vehicle having a first frame member with a contoured surface and having a second hollow frame member attached to the first frame member, comprising:
- a bumper cap having a first end surface shaped to nest into the contoured surface of the first frame member;
- an elongated chamber having an outer wall, at least a portion of which is sized to be received in the second hollow frame member, wherein the outer wall has an end opening at a first end for receiving a second end of the bumper cap, and wherein the bumper cap substantially seals the end opening;
- a reaction cap substantially closing a second end of the outer wall of the chamber, wherein the reaction cap or the elongated chamber include a stop surface for abutting a reaction surface that is stationary with respect to the second hollow frame member;
- and
- a fluid sensor for detecting a change in the fluid in the chamber caused by crushing of the outer wall in response to a crash force received by the frame members and transmitted through the bumper cap, wherein the outer wall has a side opening for receiving the pressure sensor;
- wherein the first frame member is comprised of a bumper and the second hollow frame member is comprised of a crush can.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.