Abstract: Systems and methods for starting an engine of a hybrid vehicle are described. In one example, the method selects one or more electric machines to start an engine. The method may reference a data structure, such as a matrix or table, and the matrix or table outputs which of the one or more electric machines is applied to start the engine.

Abstract: A vehicle seat weight sensing system includes a plurality of sensors mounted below a seating surface of a vehicle seat. Each sensor includes a tubular inner wall about which are coiled an activation coil and a detection coil. All of the weight of the seating surface is borne by the inner walls of the sensors. The activation coil induces a current in the tubular inner wall which is detected by the detection coil. Stress in the inner wall alters the signal detected by the detection coil. Analysis of the wave form of the signal indicates the amount of stress applied to the tubular inner wall and the weight upon the vehicle seating surface. A fastener connecting to vehicle seat components passes through the tubular inner wall and retains the sensors in the vehicle seat.

Abstract: A vehicle seat weight sensing system includes a plurality of sensors mounted below a seating surface of a vehicle seat. Each sensor includes a tubular inner wall about which are coiled an activation coil and a detection coil. All of the weight of the seating surface is borne by the inner walls of the sensors. The activation coil induces a current in the tubular inner wall which is detected by the detection coil. Stress in the inner wall alters the signal detected by the detection coil. Analysis of the wave form of the signal indicates the amount of stress applied to the tubular inner wall and the weight upon the vehicle seating surface. A fastener connecting to vehicle seat components passes through the tubular inner wall and retains the sensors in the vehicle seat.

Abstract: An airbag module has a capacitive vehicle occupant sensor to detect an out-of-position vehicle occupant who is closely spaced from an airbag deployment door. The airbag module incorporates tape sensors, which monitor the rate at which a airbag is deployed, and a vent which can be actuated if the airbag deployment sensor controller or system logic associated with the airbag indicates a premature collision of the airbag with an out-of-position vehicle occupant. A capacitive vehicle occupant sensor is attached to the airbag module, or to the door through which the airbag deploys. In the event a vehicle occupant is closely spaced from the deployment door(s), airbag deployment is inhibited, the airbag module is simultaneously vented, or the airbag deployment profile is otherwise modified.

Abstract: Disclosed is a safety restraint design controller for controlling the design of a safety restraint system so that a predetermined desired level of an occupant's response is produced. The controller has a database for storing a occupant restraint factor response model. The model interrelates at least one predetermined restraint factor with the occupant response; the restraint factors having a level which is indicative of setting values for controlling the safety restraint design. A database engine connected to the database determines a level for the occupant response based upon the model and upon a first level of the restraint factors.