| 摘要 |
A collision deformation sensor system for activating passive safety systems in a vehicle. The system includes one or more deformation sensors (12a, 12b). The sensors (12a, 12b) take the form of patterns (30) or circuits which vary their resistance with deformation. The sensors (12a, 12b) are placed upon one or more structural components (22) of the vehicle, such as a door interior, a quarter panel and/or a chassis frame. In the event of a collision, the deformation of the structural component(s) (22) causes the resistance of the sensor (12a, 12b) to alter. This resistance change is sensed and, if sufficiently large to indicate a dangerous collision, the controller activates the passive safety system(s). The controller may receive signals from sensors, such as accelerometers to verify a collision and/or sensors to indicate passenger presence. The controller may also determine the severity of the collision and adapt the performance of the passive restraint system(s) to the particular collision. <IMAGE> |
