US 6,789,818 B2 · Variable time venting algorithm

Abstract

An algorithm for evaluating information from sensors interacting with strips that are extended during activation of the airbag determines whether the airbag has contacted an out-of-position occupant. In one embodiment, each strip includes an alternating pattern that generates a frequency in a sensor through which the strip passes during deployment. The frequency generated is based upon the speed with which the strip passes by the sensor and, in turn, the speed of deployment of the airbag. A controller evaluates the frequency and the changes in frequency from the sensor during deployment. Depending upon the specific configuration of the system and the specific vehicle, a decrease in the speed of deployment of the airbag may be indicated by a decrease in the frequency of the signal. A decrease in speed of deployment may indicate that the airbag is in contact with an occupant.

Claims10

Dependent claims

A vehicle airbag system comprising:

an airbag;
an airbag inflator for selectively inflating the airbag;
at least one strip connected to the airbag;
at least one sensor generating an output based upon deployment of the at least one strip, the sensor sensing a velocity of the strip;
and
a controller determining whether the airbag has contacted a vehicle occupant based upon a frequency of the output from the at least one sensor, the at least one strip including a pattern that generates the frequency in the output of the sensor that varies based upon the velocity of the strip, and the controller causes the airbag inflator to reduce inflation of the airbag based upon a determination that the airbag has contacted the vehicle occupant as indicated by a decrease in velocity of deployment of the airbag, the controller applying a frequency domain transform to the output from the sensor and the controller analyzing the frequency domain-transform to determine whether the airbag has contacted the vehicle occupant.

3 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Variable time venting algorithm

Life of this patent

Variable time venting algorithm

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims10