Abstract: An airbag control unit including two, independent trigger control paths that operate sets of first and second switches placed in series with a power source, sets of trigger outputs, and a ground. Each trigger control path is capable of detecting a shock and determining if the shock is a crash-level shock. Each trigger control path outputs a trigger signal to a switch when a crash-level shock is detected and the trigger control path is armed. Current is only supplied to the trigger output if both trigger control paths sense a crash-level shock and are armed. Upon sensing a shock, each trigger control path can power a power hold element that provides temporary power to the trigger control paths long enough to process the shock signals and generate any necessary trigger signals.

Abstract: A vehicle seat includes a load sensor for measuring a load applied from an occupant and a seat cushion frame, wherein the seat cushion frame comprises right and left side frames extending in a front-and-rear direction, the load sensor is attached to the seat cushion frame, and a concave portion is formed in at least one of the right and left side frames at a position opposite to the load sensor.

Abstract: A vehicle-occupant protection system in a vehicle has a first sensor and a second sensor on a lateral side closer to a seat of an occupant. The first sensor is either forward of or lateral to the seat of the occupant in the front-rear direction of the vehicle. The second sensor is rearward of the first sensor. The system further includes a collision determination section, which concludes an occurrence of a collision when a signal of the first sensor exceeds a determination threshold value in a situation where a signal of the second sensor has not exceeded a determination threshold value. Upon concluding the occurrence of the collision, the collision determination section activates a movement restraint device to restrain the occupant from moving away from the seat.

Abstract: A leg restraint for side-seated vehicle occupants that includes a leg-restraining member for being mounted in proximity to a side-facing vehicle seat and selectively moveable between a deployed, laterally-extending leg-protecting position and a retracted, non-leg interfering position, and a sensor for detecting abrupt movement in the direction of forward travel of the vehicle incident to an abrupt deceleration of the vehicle and outputting a signal. A gas-inflatable bag is positioned operatively proximate the leg-restraining member and is responsive to the signal output by the sensor for inflating and deploying the leg-restraining member upon the occurrence of the abrupt deceleration of the vehicle.

Abstract: A side collision determination apparatus for a vehicle includes: a first acceleration sensor and a second acceleration sensor mounted on each side surface of the vehicle; and a determination unit configured to perform determination whether a level of collision, which has occurred at apart of the side surface, is equal to or higher than a prescribed level. The determination unit performs the determination based on the acceleration detected by a non-collision side one of the first and second acceleration sensors when the part of the side surface at which the collision has been occurred is adjacent to the sensor-mounted position. The determination unit performs the determination based on the acceleration detected by a collision side one of the first and second acceleration sensors when the part of the side surface at which the collision has been occurred is apart from the sensor-mounted position.

Abstract: A flyback converter includes a transformer to convert an input voltage into an output voltage, a control circuit senses a primary current of the transformer to generate a current sense signal, and a sensing circuit is configured to sense a variation of the current sense signal between two time points for extracting the input voltage information therefrom.

Abstract: A capacitive occupant detection system comprises at least one sensing electrode to be arranged on the bottom side of a seat cushion, a seat heater like structure to be arranged on a top side of said seat cushion, and an evaluation unit operatively coupled to said at least one sensing electrode for determining a value representative of the capacitance between the at least one sensing electrode and the seat heater like structure.

Abstract: A headrest position adjusting device 100 includes a distance measuring device 10 and a drive motor unit 30. The distance measuring device 10 includes a plurality of sensing electrodes 11 to 15 and a detecting circuit 20. The detecting circuit 20 includes a plurality of capacitance sensing circuits 21 to 25 connected one-to-one to the sensing electrodes 11 to 15, and an arithmetic processing circuit 28. The drive motor unit 30 includes a motor driving circuit and a drive motor. Based on the detected capacitance values, the detecting circuit 20 calculates a difference value between a capacitance value of the sensing electrode which shows the largest capacitance value and the capacitance value of the sensing electrode which shows the lowest capacitance value, and thereby measures an electrode-head distance L. A position adjusting operation for a headrest 43 is performed based on the measurement result.

Abstract: A method is provided for operating a system of a vehicle for protection of a vulnerable road user. The system includes a remote sensor, a contact-based sensor, and a pedestrian protection device. The method may include scanning a region in front of the vehicle by the remote sensor to detect a target object and, if a target object is detected, classifying the target object into an object category based on information from the remote sensor. The method may also include selecting the selectable fire interval of an evaluation algorithm using the object category as input and, if an impact is detected by the contact-based sensor, the contact-based sensor sending information about the impact to the evaluation algorithm. The method may also include the evaluation algorithm evaluating if the signal is within the selectable fire interval, and in that case activating the pedestrian protection device.

Abstract: A control unit and a method for triggering personal protection devices are proposed, which charge an energy reservoir for the control unit via a charging circuit. The charging circuit sets a charging rate for charging as a function of a signal generated outside the charging surface.

Abstract: A vehicle seat includes a load sensor for measuring a load applied from an occupant and a seat cushion frame, wherein the seat cushion frame comprises right and left side frames extending in a front-and-rear direction, the load sensor is attached to the seat cushion frame, and a concave portion is formed in at least one of the right and left side frames at a position opposite to the load sensor.

Abstract: A method is presented of optimizing an airbag suppression threshold for an airbag suppression system in a vehicle. The method includes defining a first value as the airbag suppression threshold such that deployment of an airbag is suppressed above the first value. Next, one or more factors indicative of a presence of a child restraint seat in the vehicle seat are determined. The airbag suppression threshold is set to a predefined second value when each of the factors are met. The factors include determining whether a locking feature in a set belt webbing retractor is in a first state configured to prevent withdrawal of the seat belt webbing. Other factors may include determining whether a speed of the vehicle is within a predetermined speed range and whether a load applied to the vehicle seat is within a predetermined seatload range.

Abstract: An airbag system upon deployment indicates the type of power system in a vehicle in which the airbag system is contained in. The airbag system includes an airbag inflator, a crash sensor in communication with the airbag inflator, and an airbag. The airbag includes a flexible fabric cushion that has an exposed surface after the airbag is inflated by the airbag inflator. The exposed surface has an indicator that shows the type of power system within the vehicle.

Abstract: An occupant protection system is provided. The occupant protection system includes a sensor for detecting an impact at a time of collision, a determination device for determining the collision based on a detection signal of the sensor, and a an occupant state detection device for detecting whether an occupant's posture is maintainable. When the occupant's posture is maintainable after a primary-collision, the determination device determines a secondary-collision by comparing the detection signal of the sensor with a first threshold. When the occupant's posture is not maintainable after the primary collision, the determination device determines the secondary-collision by comparing the detection signal of the sensor with a second threshold smaller than the first threshold.

Abstract: A method for protecting a vehicle occupant in a vehicle seat of a vehicle that includes at least one protection element arranged on the vehicle seat and that can be triggered in order to protect the vehicle occupant located on the vehicle seat is triggered in the event of an impending collision or in the event of a collision. A momentum (motion impulse) is exerted on the vehicle occupant or at least one body section of the vehicle occupant when the protection element is triggered. Due to the momentum the vehicle occupant or at least one body section of the vehicle occupant is moved away from a collision section of the vehicle that is colliding or will collide with the object. The intensity of the momentum is varied in relation to a determined accident severity and/or a determined accident type.

Abstract: A motor vehicle includes an occupant protection device which is provided for a side region of the motor vehicle. The occupant protection device includes a sensor capable of ascertaining an air pressure signal, and a control device capable of evaluating the air pressure signal and activating the occupant protection device when determining that the air pressure signal indicates the presence of a pressure wave generated before a collision.

Abstract: Apparatus for moving an automotive vehicle seat along a track includes a motor, a first sensor sensing rotation of the motor, and a second sensor detecting presence of the seat at a reference position along the track. A controller determines a seat position based upon signals from the first sensor and calibrates the determined seat position based upon a signal from the second sensor indicating that the seat is at the reference position. This allows any error that as accumulated in the seat position as determined by the first sensor to be eliminated each time the seat reaches the known reference position.

Abstract: An occupant restraint system of the present invention includes a curtain airbag (2), a side airbag (4), a seat belt (6) with a built-in pretensioner, and a rollover detection device (11) configured to detect or predict rollover of a vehicle (1). The occupant restraint system further includes a control device (11) configured to perform control of deploying the side airbag when the rollover of the vehicle is detected or predicted by the rollover detection device, activating the pretensioner (19) after a predetermined time elapses from the deployment of the side airbag, and then deploying the curtain airbag.

Abstract: A risk-degree setting unit (108) sets the degree of risk for the case where an inverter (103) performs conversion processing (inverter risk degree), and sets the degree of risk for the case where a storage battery (105) stores electrical energy (storage battery risk degree). A final output destination determination unit (109), based on the degrees of risk set by the risk-degree setting unit (108), determines the final output destination of electrical energy output from an electric motor (106), and controls the turning ON or OFF of a relay (110). The final output destination determination unit (109) turns the relay (110) ON when the storage battery (105) is determined as the final output destination of the electrical energy output from the electric motor (106), and turns the relay (110) OFF when the inverter (103) is determined as the final output destination of the electrical energy output from the electric motor (106).

Abstract: An upper rail is movable in a rear and front direction with respect to a lower rail fixed to a vehicle floor. A load sensor is fixed to an upper surface of the upper rail, and a rectangular frame is attached onto the load sensor. A rod of the load sensor penetrates a web of the rectangular frame, a washer and a spring holder, and a coil spring is wound around the rod. A bush is fitted to an edge of a hole of the washer, and a step is formed between an upper surface of the washer and the bush. A nut is screwed to the rod and tightens a bottom of a cup portion of the spring holder. The coil spring is sandwiched between the spring holder and the web and is compressed, and an end portion of the coil spring engages with the step.

Abstract: Vehicle including a seat support structure, a cushion arranged thereon and having an upper surface for supporting an occupying item and that deflects downward as a function of weight of the occupying item, and a sensor system including a force-measuring device that responds to downward deflection of the cushion. An interrogator sends a signal to the force-measuring device and the force-measuring device transmits, after receipt of the signal from the interrogator, a return signal to the interrogator related to the response of the force-measuring device to the downward deflection of the cushion. In a method for obtaining an indication of weight of an occupying item of the seat, a signal is transmitted from the interrogator on the vehicle to the force-measuring device and from the force-measuring device, the transmitted return signal related to the response of the force-measuring device to the downward deflection of the cushion is received.

Abstract: An upper rail is movable in a rear and front direction with respect to a lower rail fixed to a vehicle floor. A load sensor is fixed to an upper surface of the upper rail, and a rectangular frame is attached onto the load sensor. A rod of the load sensor penetrates a web of the rectangular frame, a washer and a spring holder, and a coil spring is wound around the rod. A bush is fitted to an edge of a hole of the washer, and a step is formed between an upper surface of the washer and the bush. A nut is screwed to the rod and tightens a bottom of a cup portion of the spring holder. The coil spring is sandwiched between the spring holder and the web and is compressed, and an end portion of the coil spring engages with the step.

Abstract: A vehicle seat includes a load sensor for measuring a load applied from an occupant and a seat cushion frame, wherein the seat cushion frame comprises right and left side frames extending in a front-and-rear direction, the load sensor is attached to the seat cushion frame, and a concave portion is formed in at least one of the right and left side frames at a position opposite to the load sensor.

Abstract: An advanced weight responsive supplemental restraint computer system that minimizes both actual and perceived dangers related to the deployment of vehicle air bag systems by distinguishing between the varying size and weight of a passenger and also sensing the imminence of a collision in order to cater the air bag deployment to the unique physical attributes of the passenger.

Abstract: A vehicle seat includes a load sensor for measuring a load applied from an occupant and a seat cushion frame, wherein the seat cushion frame comprises right and left side frames extending in a front-and-rear direction, the load sensor is attached to the seat cushion frame, and a concave portion is formed in at least one of the right and left side frames at a position opposite to the load sensor.

Abstract: A system for testing a number of electronic module assemblies (EMAs) that control one or more personal restraint systems. A programmed processor with a computer system transmits signals that instruct the EMAs to perform a diagnostic self-test. The results of the self-test are received by the computer system and stored in a computer readable memory. In one embodiment, the computer system is a cabin management computer system for use on an aircraft.

Abstract: Low cost airbag system (1) for a vehicle that deploys to protect a driver and optionally a passenger during a crash involving the vehicle. The airbag system includes a crash sensor system (2) that detects a crash involving the vehicle, a driver side airbag module (40) mounted to a steering wheel and including a driver side airbag (42) that inflates to protect the driver and a gas generator (108) that generates inflation medium to inflate the driver side airbag (42). A control module (6) is coupled to the crash sensor system (2) and gas generator (108) and initiates generation of inflation medium by the gas generator (108) based on detection of a crash by the crash sensor system (2). A similar system is provided for the passenger side airbag module (20).

Abstract: A method for an automatic transmission includes measuring torque of a component of the transmission using a torque sensor in communication with the component. The torque of the component is estimated from information other than the measured torque. The measured torque is rejected from being used in a control operation of the transmission if the difference between the measured torque and the estimated torque is greater than a selected threshold.

Abstract: An exemplary passenger airbag for a vehicle passenger restraint system may include an inflatable cushion having an upper rear portion with a convex surface and a lower rear portion with a concave surface when the airbag is deployed. The airbag may further include a longitudinal tether secured to the lower rear portion to limit longitudinal expansion of the inflatable cushion and form the concave surface in the lower rear portion.

Abstract: An upper rail is movable in a rear and front direction with respect to a lower rail fixed to a vehicle floor. A load sensor is fixed to an upper surface of the upper rail, and a rectangular frame 30 is attached onto the load sensor. A rod of the load sensor sequentially penetrates a web of the rectangular frame, a plain washer and a spring holder upward, and a coil spring is wound around the rod. A bush is fitted to an edge of a hole of the plain washer, and a step difference is formed between an upper surface of the plain washer and the bush. A nut is screwed to the rod, and the nut tightens a bottom of a cup portion of the spring holder. In such a way, the coil spring is sandwiched between the spring holder and the web and is compressed, and an end portion of the coil spring engages with the step difference.

Abstract: A security system is described, comprising a sensor module (15) which accommodates a laser sensor (10) working with self-mixing interference. The laser sensor (10) generates measurement data which are related to the velocity of an object such as the body of a human being and, optionally, the distance between the laser sensor (10) and the object. Dependent on the measurement data assembled by the laser sensor (10) and supplied to a control circuit (30) such as an airbag computer, the airbag computer activate security means such as an airbag (35)in order to prevent injuries of the human body. Furthermore, a method of driving such a security system is described.

Abstract: A metal plate (14) is buried in a gasket (12) of a case (10) for accommodating an electric device such as an inverter. The metal plate (14) is connected to a control board (400) in the case (10), and the voltage of the metal plate (14) is determined. A reference voltage is applied to the metal plate (14), and the case (10) is grounded. When the metal plate (14) is brought into contact with the case (10) or disconnected due to a crash, the voltage of the metal plate (14) is thereby changed, and the control board (400) detects a crash, based on the change in the voltage.

Abstract: An occupant weight sensing apparatus configured to be coupled to a vehicle seat. The apparatus includes a base configured to be connected to a vehicle, a lever pivotally connected to the base, a rocker configured to be connected to the vehicle seat, the rocker also pivotally connected to the lever, and a sensor coupled to the lever. A force applied to the seat causes pivotal movement of the lever relative to the base. The sensor detects the pivotal movement to sense the weight of the occupant.

Abstract: A control unit and a method for triggering passenger protection device for a vehicle are described, a computer having an integrated circuit transmitting a signal and, as a function of this signal, a current source in the integrated circuit outputting a current for charging the capacitors connected to the integrated circuit and situated in the ignition circuit. The charge of these capacitors is output via a third interface using a characterizing measuring signal.

Abstract: An impact sensor calibration tool, wherein an impact sensor is installed on a vehicle and in wireless communication with a processor, which analyzes data reported by the impact sensor. Specifically, the impact sensor of the present invention continuously measures two dimensional acceleration of a vehicle. Changes in vehicle acceleration create impulse data and the impact sensor reports this data to a processor. The processor performs statistical calculations on the data to identify the vehicle's normal use operation and from this, develops an impact threshold wherein impulses exceeding this threshold are identified as impacts. The impacts may be further characterized as real impacts and stored in memory for subsequent analysis.

Abstract: An impact alert system and method for reducing personal injury at vehicle impact, include at least one sensor arrangement adapted to monitor the surroundings of a vehicle, and to generate surrounding signals dependent thereon, a control unit adapted to receive the surrounding signals, and to evaluate the signals in order to predict an impact situation depending on the signals: The control unit is further adapted to, provided that an impact situation is predicted, determine the impact situation depending on the signals, and to determine an optimal muscle activation for an occupant for the impact situation, whereby the system is adapted to make an occupant in vehicle start achieve the optimal muscle activation before the impact situation.

Abstract: A pressure sensor, which detects a pressure in a space close to an inner side of an exterior member of a vehicle, and an occupant protecting device, which protects an occupant inside a vehicle are provided. An electronic control unit determines an occurrence of collision in the case where the pressure and a change per unit time of the pressure each satisfy a collision condition, and then makes the occupant protecting device operate. At this time, the collision condition is set to restrict the determination indicative of an occurrence of collision unless the change per unit time of the pressure is larger with lowering the pressure.

Abstract: An active safety apparatus for vehicles and a method of controlling the apparatus, which can actively control the operation of a safety device, such as an airbag device or a seatbelt device installed in a vehicle for restraining a passenger behavior and protecting a passenger in a vehicle collision, based on the conditions of a vehicle collision and the passenger behavior which vary depending on the conditions of the vehicle collision, thereby optimally protecting the passenger for the conditions of the vehicle collision and improving passenger safety of the vehicle.

Abstract: A system for protecting an occupant positioned in a seat of a vehicle. The system includes a gas emitting device positioned adjacent to an occupant of a vehicle. The system also may include a controller configured to control the activation of the gas emitting device. A sensor configured to detect the vertical acceleration of the vehicle, may be included. The controller may be configured to receive a signal from the sensor and activate the gas emitting device when the signal from the sensor is indicative of a condition where the vertical acceleration of the vehicle exceeds a predetermined threshold. When activated, the gas emitting device may be configured to emit gas toward the legs of the occupant so that the force of the emitted gas directly forces the legs of the occupant to move.

Abstract: A safety system for a motor vehicle includes a sensor suite detecting a lateral impact and a vehicle yaw, an occupant safety system, and a control module receiving signals from the sensor suite. The control module activates the occupant safety system if either: a) an impact magnitude detected by the sensor suite is greater than a first impact threshold and a vehicle yaw magnitude detected by the sensor suite is greater than a yaw threshold; or b) the impact magnitude is greater than a second impact threshold higher than the first impact threshold. The system may be operated to determine a longitudinal location of the impact on the vehicle by comparing a magnitude of the impact and a magnitude of the vehicle yaw. The occupant safety system may then be activated in a mode based upon the longitudinal location of the impact and/or appropriate for a spinning vehicle.

Abstract: An occupant detection sensor includes a sensor member disposed on a surface of a vehicle seat and detecting sitting of an occupant, a wiring member electrically coupling the sensor member with an external device, and a covering member covering the sensor member and the wiring member. The wiring member and the covering member are included in a coupling section that is disposed along the surface of the vehicle seat. The coupling section includes a bent portion and a stress absorbing portion that absorbs stress generated at the bent portion.

Abstract: An airbag control apparatus of a vehicle includes an occupant determination device, a deployment determination device, a storage device, an airbag controller, and a voltage variation detector. The airbag controller is configured to control deployment of an airbag based on the deployment/non-deployment information. The voltage variation detector is configured to detect a variation in a voltage of an in-vehicle battery and configured to output voltage variation information to the airbag controller. If the voltage variation information indicates that the voltage detected by the voltage variation detector varies, the airbag controller controls the airbag based on deployment/non-deployment information stored in the storage device immediately before the airbag controller receives the voltage variation information indicating that the voltage detected by voltage variation detector varies.

Abstract: A motor vehicle includes an occupant protection device which is provided for a side region of the motor vehicle. The occupant protection device includes a sensor capable of ascertaining an air pressure signal, and a control device capable of evaluating the air pressure signal and activating the occupant protection device when determining that the air pressure signal indicates the presence of a pressure wave generated before a collision.

Abstract: To be configured inexpensively to enable cost reduction and sense sitting posture of an occupant highly accurately, occupant posture sensing apparatus 100 includes capacitance sensor unit 10 and circuit unit 20. Capacitance sensor unit 10 includes first and second sensing electrodes 11 and 12 provided at portions of vehicle interior ceiling 2 ahead of and right above a seat 40 and connected to capacitance sensing circuit 21 of circuit unit 20 and shield-driving circuit 23 through selector switches SW1 and SW2. CPU 29 of circuit unit 20 determines sitting posture of occupant (human body) 48 sitting on the seat 40 based on information regarding position of head 49 of the occupant 48 by using capacitance values detected by capacitance sensing circuit 21 based on capacitances from sensing electrodes 11 and 12. Posture information regarding the determined sitting posture is output to ECU mounted on a vehicle 1 and used for controlling air bag deployment, etc.

Abstract: The protective suit is for use by persons engaged in various potentially hazardous activities, but is particularly well adapted for wear by motorcyclists and others engaged in motorsports activities. The suit is equipped with airbags that differ from conventional automotive airbags in that the present airbags deflate more slowly to protect the wearer of the suit over a few seconds in an accident. The suit is also equipped with warning lights that are actuated in the event of an accident. The suit is electronically connected to a belt having various electronic systems capable of monitoring the condition of the motor vehicle and the wearer of the suit through sensors in the vehicle and suit. The suit is further electronically connected to the vehicle, the vehicle having a lockout system that prevents the vehicle from being started until the suit, belt, and helmet are properly connected and operable.

Abstract: A headrest position adjusting device 100 includes a distance measuring device 10 and a drive motor unit 30, and the distance measuring device 10 includes a plurality of sensing electrodes 11 to 15 and a detecting circuit 20. The detecting circuit 20 includes a plurality of capacitance sensing circuits 21 to 25 connected one-to-one to the sensing electrodes 11 to 15 and an arithmetic processing circuit 28, and the drive motor unit 30 includes a motor driving circuit and a drive motor. Based on the detected capacitance values, the detecting circuit 20 calculates a distance calculation angle ? formed by points representing the positions and output values of the sensing electrodes 15 and 11 located at the highest and lowest positions and a point representing the position and output value of the largest output value, and thereby measures an electrode-head distance L. A position adjusting operation for a headrest 43 is performed based on the measurement result.

Abstract: An occupant protection system for vehicle, includes an own-vehicle information acquisition unit acquiring an own-vehicle information including a route information on a course of an own vehicle to a destination, an other-vehicle information acquisition unit acquiring other-vehicle information that is received through vehicle-to-vehicle communication and that includes position information of another vehicle, a crash condition calculation unit calculating a crash condition between the own vehicle and said another vehicle on the basis of the own-vehicle information and other-vehicle information, and an operation preparation unit preparing a system which corresponds to a crash damage decreasing system decreasing a level of a crash damage of an occupant of the own vehicle, and which is adapted to decrease the level of the crash damage that corresponds to the crash condition calculated by the crash condition calculation unit to operate.

Abstract: A pressure sensor, which detects a pressure in a space close to an inner side of an exterior member of a vehicle, and an occupant protecting device, which protects an occupant inside a vehicle are provided. An electronic control unit determines an occurrence of collision in the case where the pressure and a change per unit time of the pressure each satisfy a collision condition, and then makes the occupant protecting device operate. At this time, the collision condition is set to restrict the determination indicative of an occurrence of collision unless the change per unit time of the pressure is larger with lowering the pressure.

Abstract: A safety system for a motor vehicle includes a sensor suite detecting a lateral impact and a vehicle yaw, an occupant safety system, and a control module receiving signals from the sensor suite. The control module activates the occupant safety system if either: a) an impact magnitude detected by the sensor suite is greater than a first impact threshold and a vehicle yaw magnitude detected by the sensor suite is greater than a yaw threshold; or b) the impact magnitude is greater than a second impact threshold higher than the first impact threshold. The system may be operated to determine a longitudinal location of the impact on the vehicle by comparing a magnitude of the impact and a magnitude of the vehicle yaw. The occupant safety system may then be activated in a mode based upon the longitudinal location of the impact and/or appropriate for a spinning vehicle.

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.