Pedestrian protection sensing system for vehicle having metal bumpers

摘要

A method and apparatus for controlling deployment of pedestrian head protection devices on a motor vehicle having a metal bumper is disclosed. The disclosed inventive concept involves strategic placement of accelerometer sensing devices and the derivation of a real time impact signal from the signals generated by the accelerometers. This real time impact signal is used along with thresholds and a time window to control deployment. The apparatus includes a metal bumper, two support brackets attaching the bumper to the vehicle and at least two accelerometers fitted to the bumper proximate the brackets. The derivation and use of a single impact signal from said first and second signal-generating accelerometers is achieved by taking the larger of two absolute values derived from the accelerometers.

主权项

1. A method for sensing object impact for use with a vehicle comprising the steps of:
forming a vehicle having a metal bumper, first and second rail support brackets and a central processing unit, said bumper having a first end and a second end opposite said first end; positioning a first accelerometer between said first bracket and said first end, a second accelerometer between said second bracket and said second end, positioning third and fourth accelerometers between said brackets, said third accelerometer being between said first bracket and said fourth accelerometer and said fourth accelerometer being between said second bracket and said third accelerometer; generating signals from said accelerometers; and deriving a single impact signal from said signals.