Vehicle occupant protection device having shoulder belt load limiters and an associated method

摘要

A vehicle occupant protection device ( 30 ) and a method of controlling the protection device ( 30 ) are provided. The protection device ( 30 ) includes first and second seat belts ( 36 and 38 ) and first and second load limiters ( 86 and 88 ) that are associated with the first and second seat belts ( 36 and 38 ), respectively. The protection device ( 30 ) also includes at least one sensor for sensing a characteristic of at least one of the occupant ( 18 ) and of the vehicle ( 14 ). The protection device ( 30 ) further includes a controller ( 260 ) that is responsive to the at least one sensor for controlling the first and second load limiters ( 86 and 88 ).