Side collision occupant protection system

Abstract

A system and a method for protecting the occupant of a vehicle during a side-impact detects an approaching vehicle and identifies a collision threat. A collision threat level is assessed based on a set of parameters, and when the collision threat exceeds a pre-determined collision threat threshold level, the system unlatches the occupant's door, pushes it a few centimeters outwards, and locks it in that position. Pressure sensors and accelerometers disposed at suitable locations on the sides of the vehicle, provide crash signals to a Restraint Control Module (RCM). When the crash signals exceed a certain threshold, the RCM commands an airbag deployment module to deploy the airbag between the occupant and the door. Since the door is pushed outwards, an extra pre-crush space is created between the occupant and the door, which allows the use of larger and softer side airbags to provide enhanced protection to the vehicle occupants.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.