Abstract: Disclosed is a device for measuring accelerations for a vehicle passenger protection system, whereby a first and second acceleration sensor with a first or second sensitivity direction are fitted in relation to a prespecified main direction of measurement, which form a first or second transverse projection in their projection onto a first or second transverse direction which is aligned vertically to the main direction of measurement, together with suitable evaluation devices for evaluating the processed first and second measuring signals. The first and second transverse projection of the first and second sensitivity directions run parallel to each other, and the first and second main projection of the first and second sensitivity direction run antiparallel to each other. Furthermore, the evaluation of the measured values provided by the sensors is conducted in such a manner that at least a partial error compensation results when the reference value changes in relation to the first and the second signal.

Abstract: A method of operating a restraint system includes classifying a collision into a collision classification, generating a protruding contact sensor output and deploying the restraint system in response to the contact sensor output and the output classification. The method may also use a pre-crash sensor with or without classification and deploy the restraint system in response to the pre-crash sensor signal and the protruding contact sensor signal.

Abstract: A side impact object sensing system for a vehicle includes a single radar sensor mounted on each side of the vehicle, each sensor generating a range and range-rate value for a detected target object, and a controller coupled to each radar sensor. The controller calculates an estimated target object speed, an angle of the target object line of travel with respect to the respective sensor line of sight, and a shortest distance value from the respective sensor to the target object line of travel, and compares the shortest distance value and a change in the angle value to respective threshold values for potential collision threat assessment.

Abstract: An airbag electrical control unit mounted in a vehicle includes a position detecting circuit that detects a current position of the vehicle; a computing circuit that computes impact that the vehicle undergoes using a signal from a sensor; and a notifying circuit that notifies a previously designated recipient of a notification data that includes the detected current information alone or both the detected current position and the computed impact. Here, a traveling mode that addresses a traveling-period trouble generated while the vehicle is traveling and a parking mode that addresses a parking-period trouble generated while the vehicle is being parked are switched into each other.

Abstract: A method of determining a triggering decision for restraint devices in a vehicle, a triggering decision being determined as a function of a float angle, a vehicle sliding velocity and the vehicle tilt angle. The vehicle tilt angle is characterized here by a vehicle lateral acceleration and/or a vehicle sliding velocity. A passenger detection system may be used in addition.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for sensing information about the position and/or movements of the body of a living being or a part of the body inside the body, in particular for use in a motor vehicle. The method includes the steps: Send (18) an electromagnetic signal (15) that includes, according to the invention, frequencies in the radar range, to a predetermined area of the body of a living being, Receive (20) an electromagnetic signal (22) reflected from the area of the body, Evaluate (30) the captured receive signal (22) with regard for the difference in delay time and/or frequency relative to the transmit signal (15) to determine the information. With the method according to the present invention, the breathing and heart rate and the position of the body of a driver of a motor vehicle can be monitored in contactless fashion during the drive.

Abstract: A method for determining the trigger time for restraint means in a vehicle is provided, where, by forming two time windows for the speed reduction in a crash, the slope of the speed reduction in the respective time windows and the position of the time windows are determined. In this manner, an exact determination of the trigger time in conjunction with a crash time and the crash speed may be achieved, which are ascertained with the aid of a pre-crash sensory system.

Abstract: A vehicle has two acceleration sensors, which are provided forward and rearward respectively from the rear end of a driver seat in the vehicle. The acceleration sensors output signals, which are the basis for sensing a signal related to rotation of the vehicle. The sensed signal is the basis for determining whether the vehicle has a lateral collision.

Abstract: In a passenger detection apparatus for a vehicle, a microcomputer conducts a timer counting operation using a sub-clock signal fed from an CR oscillation circuit in a stand-by state and carries out a zero-point correction on a load sensor in an activated state. In addition, the microcomputer calibrates the accuracy of the timer count through the use of a main clock signal fed from a crystal oscillator. This enables the timer count to be conducted in a low current dissipation state by the CR oscillation circuit, and enables the accuracy of the timer count to be surely maintained through the calibration based on the main clock signal.

Abstract: In a method for controlling a safety system in a vehicle, wherein an output signal of at least one impact sensor is subjected to frequency analysis in an evaluation unit which is integrated into an electronic control unit, the frequency analysis is performed in at least one predetermined frequency range, the spectrum of the output signal is compared with references patterns, the dependence of the spectrum on the present speed of the vehicle and/or the present outside temperature of the vehicle is taken into account, and a triggering signal is generated from the control unit to trigger planned protective measures if a person to be protected is detected with at least a predetermined probability.

Abstract: The capacitance of a shielded capacitive load cell is determined so as to minimize the effect of stray or parasitic capacitance between the load cell and other objects including the shield. The load cell conductors are coupled across input and output terminals of an operational amplifier that is tied to a reference voltage. A constant current is applied to the load cell, and the resulting rate of change in voltage at the amplifier output is measured as a representation of the load cell capacitance. In a vehicle seat sensor application including an electromagnetic interference shield between the load cell and the seating surface, the amplifier output is coupled to the load cell electrode furthest from the shield, the amplifier maintains the other load cell electrode at a virtual reference voltage, and the shield is tied to the reference voltage.

Abstract: A vehicle occupant protection system includes a seat belt device and a knee bag device for protecting an occupant sitting on a seat of a vehicle. The protection system also includes a control unit for controlling the seat belt device and knee bag device based on a detection signal and a prediction signal from at least one of a device for detecting a state of the seat, a device for detecting whether the seat belt device is used, a device for predicting a collision, and a device for detecting a condition of an accident.

Abstract: A power distribution unit useful in a truck tractor to apply electrical power to a selected one or more of a plurality of signal terminals of a tractor-mounted connector in a tractor-to-trailer electrical connection. The power distribution unit comprises a power bus adapted for connection to a power source, an output terminal corresponding to each signal terminal of the connector, a switch connected between each output terminal and the power bus, and an actuator associated with each switch and operable upon receipt of a respective control signal to operate the associated switch.

Abstract: An Impact sensor assembly provides a modular housing for vehicle impact sensors. The assembly comprises an impact sensor, an upper housing member, a lower housing member and a connector for establishing an electrical connection between the assembly and an appropriate vehicle system. The assembly may further include electronics for processing signals received from the sensor. The lower housing member receives and retains the sensor, and closeably interacts with the upper housing member to encase the sensor. The assembly defines structural features that ensures its proper installation into a vehicle. The preferred embodiment assures proper functioning of deformation impact sensors. A method of installing the assembly provides a process for rapid and proper installation of the assembly into a vehicle.

Abstract: An air bag sensor module fastening device for a vehicle is provided includes a vehicle mounting structure having an internally threaded member. A sensor is secured to a base for sensing vibrations caused by a crash of the vehicle. The base has an aperture extending therethrough that is aligned with the internally threaded member. The aperture includes a retaining portion. A fastener for securing the base to the vehicle mounting structure has a shaft with a head and a threaded portion opposite the head. The threaded portion is temporarily retained within the retaining portion in a shipping position. The threaded portion has a minor diameter and the shaft portion has a shaft diameter less than the minor diameter. As a result, the shaft will not be in an interference fit relationship with the retaining portion so that the compressive load of the fastener alone secures the base to the vehicle mounting structure.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling the sensing of an occupant in a seating area are provided. The occupant is characterized as one of an adult, child or other category. One characterization change parameter, such as a hysteresis time period or thresholds for characterization, is applied for a first time period. After that time period, the characterization change parameter is changed. For example, if the characterization stays the same for ten seconds, the hysteresis is changed from five to ten seconds. As another example, if the characterization stays the same for one minute, the thresholds associated with that characterization are broadened to decrease the likelihood of a change in characterization. In some systems and methods, a confidence parameter or probability associated with the characterization is used to control the changes of the characterization change parameter.

Abstract: A vehicle including a side impact crash sensor, a transfer structure interposed between the side of the vehicle and the sensor and an occupant restraint system such as a side impact airbag system. When an object strikes the side of the vehicle or vice versa, the transfer structure serves to transfer the lateral force from the side of the vehicle to the sensor and is designed so that it does not distort upon the application of the lateral force. The side impact crash sensor detects the force or acceleration applied to the side of the vehicle, and the airbag system connected to the sensor deploys an airbag based on the detected force or acceleration. The transfer structure may be constructed to account for mismatch between the point of impact of an object on the side of the vehicle and the location of the sensor.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for identifying and categorizing the weight and characteristics of the occupant currently occupying a vehicle seat. The method for identifying and categorizing the occupant or object involves measuring the deflection of the upper surface of the seat cushion at several points and therefore the weight distribution of the occupant. The system contains multiple weight sensors arrayed for detecting the distribution of the load causing the seat deflection. The system also includes a sensor to measure ambient temperature, preferably for temperature compensation due to the effects extreme temperatures may have on the compression properties of the seat cushion material and the weight sensors. A system processor interprets the data acquired by the sensors, and utilizes an algorithm and weight tables to simulate a neural network in providing an output a control signal indicative of the categorization of the occupant or object.

Abstract: A method for adjusting a plurality of vehicle cockpit devices via a two-part process that utilizes device position constraints to determine candidate arrangements and then, ultimately, recommended arrangements of the vehicle cockpit devices to determine a desired setting of the various devices. The position constraints are determined using positioning data obtained from an occupant. An exploratory search routine is used to determine the candidate arrangements with the cockpit devices being moved to each candidate arrangement so that the occupant can be queried concerning the desirability of each such arrangement. The occupant's responses are then stored for later retrieval. Thereafter, a plurality of recommended arrangements of the cockpit devices are determined using a meta-heuristic pattern search along with a neural network search accelerator that permits screening of each recommended arrangement.

Abstract: In order to form a device for detecting and preprocessing weights acting on a vehicle seat in such a way that it can be used in particular in conditions which are very difficult in terms of measuring technology, and in particular under the other special ambient conditions within a vehicle, and the weighing signal of which is substantially uninfluenced by this and can consequently provide a reliable parameter for airbag activation, it is proposed that this device comprises at least three load cells, which are disposed on load-carrying parts of the vehicle seat at corner points of an imaginary polygonal area and in each case generate a weighing signal corresponding to the weight, and an electronic evaluation circuit, which receives and preprocesses the weighing signals of the load cells and generates an output signal based on the weighing signals, the evaluation circuit comprising an evaluation function with which a localization of the center of gravity of the weight acting on the vehicle seat can be carried ou

Abstract: The disclosure describes systems and methods that pertain to interactions between a vehicle and an occupant within the vehicle. More specifically, various systems and methods for enhancing the decisions of automated vehicle applications (collectively “decision enhancement system”) are disclosed. In a safety restraint embodiment, a sensor is used to capture various sensor readings. Sensor readings are typically in the form of images. Occupant information, such as location attributes, motion attributes, and occupant category attributes can be obtained from the sensor readings. Such information can then used by the system to enhance the decisions made by various automated applications.

Abstract: A fluid-filled seat bladder assembly includes multiple capacitive sensing elements for detecting variation in bladder deformation due to occupant weight. The bladder is defined by upper and lower elastomeric sheets that are peripherally sealed by welding, and the capacitive sensors are defined by metalized films adjoining the upper and lower elastomeric sheets. The bladder fluid separating the upper and lower metalized films acts as a dielectric material, and the capacitance or electric field coupling of each sensor increases when the separation between the respective upper and lower films decreases due occupant seat weight. The cumulative change in capacitance or electric field coupling reflects the total seated weight, and the individual capacitance or electric field coupling changes provide a profile of the pressure distribution across the seat for improved occupant classification.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for deploying airbags in a vehicle in which a first inflatable airbag protects an occupant in a seating location during a crash and a second inflatable airbag moves the occupant in the seating location away from an interior surface of the vehicle upon inflation. A crash sensor system determines that a crash involving the vehicle will occur or is occurring and initiates inflation of the first and second airbags. The second airbag may be inflated prior to inflation of the first airbag such that inflation of the second airbag causes the occupant to be moved away from the interior surface of the vehicle and into a better position for deployment of the first airbag. In one exemplary embodiment, the first airbag is a side curtain airbag and the second airbag is arranged in a door of the vehicle to move the occupant away from the door.

Abstract: A vehicle occupant safety system includes a crash severity determination system and one or more vehicle occupant safety devices. The crash severity determination system includes at least one crash sensor which generates a crash signal based upon the severity of the crash. A continuously variable crash severity output signal is generated based upon the crash signal from the crash sensor. Generally, for a given crash type, the crash severity signal is inversely proportional to the amount of time between the beginning of the crash and when the crash signal crosses a threshold. This continuously variable crash severity signal is sent to the vehicle occupant safety devices, which activate proportionally to the crash severity signal.

Abstract: Sensors are mounted within a seat structure for measuring seat occupant weight. The sensors can be mounted in any one of various sensor configurations. So that common hardware can be used for each different sensor configuration, a virtual matrix is created and output from the sensors is mapped into the virtual matrix. The virtual matrix includes virtual cell locations that do not have a corresponding sensor output; i.e., there are fewer physical cells (sensors) than virtual cell locations in the virtual matrix. A weight output signal from each sensor is mapped into the corresponding position in the virtual matrix and the remaining virtual cell locations have values assigned to them based on data supplied by the surrounding physical cells. Seat occupant weight is determined based on output from the virtual matrix and the occupant is placed into one of the various occupant classifications. Deployment force of a restraint system is controlled based on the classification of the seat occupant.

Abstract: The invention relates to a control circuit for at least one passenger protection system (6-8) in a motor vehicle, comprising a plurality of sensors for detecting a respective parameter of the motor vehicle, and an evaluation unit connected to the sensors at the input side and adapted to produce, in accordance with the measured parameters, a release signal (Enable1) activating the passenger protection device in the case of an accident. The control circuit further comprises a check unit (10) connected to the sensors at the input side and adapted to check the mutual plausibility of the parameters measured by the sensors and to output a first disable signal (Error) for the passenger protection device in the case of an incorrect plausibility check.

Abstract: A control system (10) for an automotive vehicle (50) coupled to a countermeasure system having a countermeasure includes an object sensor system (18) generating an object signal, an object distance signal, an object azimuth position signal, and object relative velocity signal. The control system (10) further includes an object classifier coupled to the object sensor system (18) generating an object classification signal in response to the object signal and a controller coupled to the object sensor object classifier for activating the countermeasure (42) in response to the object distance, object azimuth position, relative velocity and the object classification signal.

Abstract: A device for classifying persons or objects, in particular for occupant classification in a motor vehicle, includes an arrangement for acquiring characteristic data on the person to be classified or the object to the classified; at least one algorithm for extracting features from the instantaneously acquired characteristic data; at least one filter for determining the classification of the person or the object from the instantaneously extracted features, taking into account the time progression of the features extracted for the person to be classified or the object to be classified; and a first counter for initiating the resetting of the filter when the algorithm, during the first time interval specified by the first counter, has exclusively provided features for the non-presence of a person or an object, so that the resetting behavior of the algorithm, or the filter downstream from the algorithm, may be decoupled from the output of the determined classification in a simple manner.

Abstract: An improved method of selectively suppressing deployment of a vehicular inflatable restraint utilizes dynamic variation in the apparent weight of a vehicle occupant to infer a free mass of the seat occupant. The free mass of the occupant is inferred by filtering out portions of a weight-responsive signal due to occupant position adjustment and inferring the occupant free mass based on the variation of the apparent weight with respect to the variation in vertical acceleration of the vehicle. The decision to allow or suppress deployment of the restraint is determined based on a comparison of the static weight reading with at least one threshold, and the occupant free mass is used to adjust the threshold in a direction to minimize the overall variability of the system. Measures of the seat belt tension and the seat temperature are also be used to adjust the threshold in a direction to minimize system variability.

Abstract: The present invention provides a coolant for an air bag inflator in which unevenness in density in the axial direction is reduced even though the coolant is compressed in its axial direction. The coolant is a molded product made of wire rods and compressed in its axial direction. An absolute value of a difference between a radial pressure loss of the axially upper half portion of the coolant and a radial pressure loss of the axially lower half portion of the coolant is 10 mm H2O or less at a flow rate of 250 liters/minute under the atmosphere of 20° C.

Abstract: A method for having the control unit access the measured data of individual sensors flexibly over time, and includes providing for the control unit to transmit a request message to the sensors, and having each sensor, by comparing the request message with its own address, derive whether and in what time slot, it should transmit its measured data to the control unit.

Abstract: A pre-crash assessment system includes a host vehicle in motion. A remote sensor, status monitoring sensors, and safety device actuators are coupled to the host object. The remote sensor detects target object dynamics. The status monitoring sensors detect host object dynamics. The safety device actuators activate safety devices. A threshold for each safety device actuator is defined by a safety device activation specification. A safety device controller generates tracking signals based on host object and target object dynamics by generalized conic curve fitting techniques. The safety device controller also estimates future positions of the host and target objects, and estimates whether the potential for crash between the host and target objects is within the threshold criteria for specific safety device actuation.

Abstract: A motorcycle having a passenger seat at the center of vehicle body frame, has side members guarding the left and right sides of a passenger M sitting on the passenger seat with air bags in the side members for expanding the air bags in case of necessity. As the structure has the side members guarding the left and right sides of the passenger, the structure can reinforce the vehicle body frame. Further, since the structure includes the air bags in the side members, it can contribute to the protection of the passenger.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for verifying that an occupant sensing system reliably classifies vehicle seat occupants as adults or children, a small number of systems is tested using test objects that have physical characteristics representative of a lower limit adult and an upper limit child. Average measured parameter values are calculated for each test object, as well as standard deviation. Margins are then calculated for each of the two test objects, using separate statistical formulas. If the margins for both objects are non-negative, it is concluded that the system demonstrates a minimum reliability, with a desired confidence level.

Abstract: In a vehicle (102) a method of detecting air bag (106) deployment includes detecting an acoustic energy level increase (150) and developing a spectral content (502) of the increase. Further comparing the spectral content (502) to a template (134) and if spectral content (502) correlates to template (134), outputting an air bag deployment signal (138). An apparatus for detecting air bag deployment includes a means for detecting an acoustic energy level increase (150) in a vehicle (102), a spectral content (502) of the acoustic energy level increase (150) and a template (134), where the spectral content (502) is compared to template. An air bag deployment signal (138) is outputted if the spectral content (502) correlates to the template (134).

Abstract: The present invention provides a safety system control method for a host automotive vehicle. The method includes providing a first vehicle safety countermeasure and providing a second vehicle safety countermeasure operable in a first mode corresponding to the first vehicle safety countermeasure being inactive and a second mode corresponding to the first vehicle safety countermeasure being activated. The method also determines a collision threat with a target object and selectively activates the first vehicle safety countermeasure as a function of the collision threat. The second vehicle safety countermeasure is then activated in the second mode when the first vehicle safety countermeasure is activated. Otherwise, the second vehicle safety countermeasure is activated in the first mode when the first vehicle safety countermeasure is inactive.

Abstract: An air bag sensor module fastening device for a vehicle is provided includes a vehicle mounting structure having an internally threaded member. A sensor is secured to a base for sensing vibrations caused by a crash of the vehicle. The base has an aperture extending therethrough that is aligned with the internally threaded member. The aperture includes a retaining portion. A fastener for securing the base to the vehicle mounting structure has a shaft with a head and a threaded portion opposite the head. The threaded portion is temporarily retained within the retaining portion in a shipping position. The threaded portion has a minor diameter and the shaft portion has a shaft diameter less than the minor diameter. As a result, the shaft will not be in an interference fit relationship with the retaining portion so that the compressive load of the fastener alone secures the base to the vehicle mounting structure.

Abstract: An air bag assembly utilizing a releasable anchoring structure operatively connected to one or more extendible tethering elements and providing adjustable cushion depth. A displaceable support element selectively engages or disengages the anchoring structure during operation of the vehicle taking into account steady-state inputs such as vehicle velocity, occupant size, seating position, and seat-belt use. The displaceable support element may be automatically engaged or disengaged from the anchoring structure as occupant and/or driving conditions change prior to actual air bag deployment.

Abstract: A computer based method for activating a vehicular safety device for passenger protection is disclosed. The method uses two front-end acceleration sensors and a passenger compartment sensor. When a collision situation is sensed, current acceleration data is integrated to produce velocity and displacement values for the sensor locations. The velocity and displacement values are selectively used in at least three vehicle collision mode analyses. Examples of such collision modes are a full frontal mode, an angle mode and an offset deformable barrier mode. Each collision mode has sub-modes corresponding to the desired levels of airbag inflation. When appropriate threshold values are exceeded, device activation for one or more activation stages is initiated.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hybrid gas generator, in particular for filling a gas bag, comprising a combustion chamber (3) which contains a predetermined amount of a gas generating material (11) and which comprises an outlet opening of the combustion chamber, further comprising an activating device (9) for activating the gas generating material (11) and further comprising a gas vessel (5) containing a stored gas, which is connected with the combustion chamber (3) via the outlet opening of the combustion chamber, which is sealed off in the initial state, and which comprises at least one outlet opening (25) for the gas mixture which is sealed off by means of an outlet membrane (23) in the initial state.

Abstract: Sensors are mounted within a seat structure for measuring seat occupant weight. The sensors can be mounted in any one of various sensor configurations. So that common hardware can be used for each different sensor configuration, a virtual matrix is created and output from the sensors is mapped into the virtual matrix. The virtual matrix includes virtual cell locations that do not have a corresponding sensor output; i.e., there are fewer physical cells (sensors) than virtual cell locations in the virtual matrix. A weight output signal from each sensor is mapped into the corresponding position in the virtual matrix and the remaining virtual cell locations have values assigned to them based on data supplied by the surrounding physical cells. Seat occupant weight is determined based on output from the virtual matrix and the occupant is placed into one of the various occupant classifications. Deployment force of a restraint system is controlled based on the classification of the seat occupant.

Abstract: A method for classifying a rollover event of a vehicle is used to classify a rollover event on the basis of a rotational angle and a rotation rate of the vehicle and to transmit an emergency call as a function of the classification. The rollover event itself is recognized on the basis of a momentum or energy criterion. The rotation rate is summed to determine the rotational angle, the summed rotation rate as well as the rotation rate being compared to classification boundaries as a pair of values in order to perform a classification. The emergency call is made only if the restraint devices have been deployed.

Abstract: A method for controlling an emergency power supply of at least two power loads, includes steps of: assigning an energy storage device of the power supply to one of the at least two power loads; and after a failure of a power source for a predetermined autarchy time period, using the energy storage device to ensure that power is supplied to the one of the at least two power loads; and after an occurrence of at least one predetermined condition, using residual energy present in the energy storage device to supply power to another one of the at least two power loads. Preferably a firing device of a vehicle occupant protection system is used as one of the power loads.

Abstract: To provide a collision detecting apparatus for a vehicle, including an integrating apparatus for cumulatively integrating an output from the acceleration sensor when the output exceeds a specific calculation start level, and a collision detecting apparatus for outputting a collision signal when a cumulative integral value calculated by the integrating apparatus exceeds a threshold value. The collision detecting apparatus is intended to accurately perform a collision decision with a high responsiveness irrespective of the severeness of the collision. The collision detecting apparatus includes a differentiating apparatus D for differentiating the output G from the acceleration sensor S, and a correcting apparatus H for correcting the threshold value &agr; on the basis of a differential value (dG/dt) calculated by the differentiating apparatus D.

Abstract: A triggering algorithm contains an accident classification section. The accident classification section senses the type of an accident that occurs. The accident classification section forms probability values for the types of accident in question when an accident cannot be classified unambiguously. By reference to the type of accident or the probabilities that are determined, weighting factors are formed and are taken into account in the calculation of the criterion and/or of one or more comparison thresholds. The triggering algorithm is modular and can thus be easily standardized on a module-specific basis.

Abstract: An occupant classification system (12) for an automotive vehicle (14) is provided. The system (12) includes a weight-sensing device (24) that generates a weight signal and an accelerometer (26) that generates an acceleration signal. The weight-sensing device (24) and the accelerometer (26) are coupled to a seat system (20). A controller (22) is electrically coupled to the weight-sensing device (24) and the accelerometer (26). The controller (22) determines occupant classification in response to the weight signal and the acceleration signal by monitoring a frequency domain representation of the weight signal divided by the acceleration signal. A method for performing the same is also provided.

Abstract: The implementation of dual-stage inflators in some production vehicles is quickly becoming a common reality. A dual-stage inflator has two firing squibs that can fire independently, simultaneously or in a delayed mode. This tailorability provides the ability to fire a low level, high level or staged delay level depending on the impact velocity or other means. For each restraint condition, the inflator output threshold speeds are identified. A biomechanical gray zone, for each injury assessment reference value, is defined based on occupant performance. The upper and lower bound of each biomechanical gray zone is associated with a type of occupant, inflator output, belt restraint and injury parameter.

Abstract: A side impact crash sensor for a vehicle including a housing and a mass within the housing movable relative to the housing in response to accelerations of the housing. The mass moves upon acceleration of the housing and when this movement is in excess of a predetermined threshold value, it is possible to control an occupant protection apparatus (such movement being indicative of a crash involving the vehicle). The housing is mounted in such a position and a direction as to sense an impact into a side of the vehicle. Possible mounting locations of the housing include inside a door of the vehicle, between inner and outer panels not associated with a door of the vehicle, a seat in the vehicle and remote from the side of the vehicle. In the latter case, the vehicle includes a sufficiently strong member connecting the sensor to the vehicle side such that there is little or no plastic deformation between the sensor and the side of the vehicle.

Abstract: An electric circuit module has a case made of a non-magnetic material. The case has an attachment portion for fixed mounting on a vehicle part made of a magnetic material and a permanent magnet fixed within the case. The module further has a Hall effect sensor fixed within the case in positional relation to the permanent magnet and the attachment portion such that the Hall effect sensor generates a first signal when the attachment portion of the case is fixedly attached to the vehicle part and a second signal different from the first signal when the attachment portion of the case is not so mounted. The module also has an electric circuit in the case with circuit elements responsive to the Hall effect sensor to provide a first mode of operation in response to the first signal and a second mode of operation in response to the second signal. The module is particularly useful when at least one of the electric circuit elements is an accelerometer, for example in a vehicle passive restraint deployment system.

Abstract: A circuit board having an impact sensor element thereon is mounted on a depressed portion formed between a pair of thick portions of a supporting member. The supporting member includes a pair of protecting walls between which a connector leading out electrical signals from the circuit board is disposed. The supporting member is fixed to a support frame of a vehicle by screws or bolts inserted through the thick portions. The supporting member is formed with a resin material as a unitary body. Since the circuit board and the connector are mounted on the supporting member at positions protected by solid structures of the supporting member, they are prevented from being hit by vehicle parts falling apart when a collision occurs.