METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DEPLOYMEN OF AN AIR BAG

摘要

A method and apparatus for controlling the deployment of a passive inflatable restraint system wherein driver and passenger air bags are employed. Each air bag has two independently actuatable gas generators (28,30) which are activated in a fixed time sequenceThe sequence is timed to provide an initial low inflation rate tojust open the air bag container and initially deploy the air bag followed by a higher gas flow rate to complete filling of the airbag. In response to signals from vehicle acceleration sensors (104), an electronic control unit (110) determines if impact severity warrants deployment of the air bag. If deployment is required, the control unit (110) provides a first signal (106) for activating a first initiator (38) and a second signal (108) for activating a second initiator (40), the second signal being delayed a predetermined time after the first signals is generated. A passive occupant detection system (114) identifies infants and small children and instructs the control unit (110) to suppress deployment ofthe air bag.