US4985835A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method and apparatus for activating a motor vehicle safety system
Assignee: Audi AG
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Filing: 1989-01-24
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Granted: 1991-01-15
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Expires: 2009-01-24
Abstract
Abstract An improved method for determining when an automotive safety system should be released. The improved method calculates and predicts the movement of dislocation of the driver from the seated position at a predetermined time in the future based upon signals provided from one or more acceleration sensors.
Inventors
- 👤 Georg Sterler
- 👤 Heinz Bader
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-25 21:17
CPC Classifications
B; B60; B60R; B60R21/00; B60R21/01; B60R21/013; B60R21/0132; B60R21/02; B60R21/06; B60R21/08
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
123 words
A method for activating a motor vehicle safety system comprising: measuring the deceleration of said vehicle and producing an acceleration signal indicating the magnitude of said vehicle deceleration; calculating from said acceleration signal the projected position of a passenger of said vehicle due to said deceleration in accordance with the following formula: ##EQU2## where: t x =time x z=activation time of the safety device a (t)=acceleration sensor signal at time t v rel =relative velocity, calculated by integration of a (t) S I (t)=projected position of passengers at time t (calculated by doubled integration of the acceleration sensor signal.) K 1 -K 4 =evaluation factors; and activating said safety system if said calculated projected position of said passenger exceeds a predetermined threshold value.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
123 words
A method for activating a motor vehicle safety system comprising: measuring the deceleration of said vehicle and producing an acceleration signal indicating the magnitude of said vehicle deceleration; calculating from said acceleration signal the projected position of a passenger of said vehicle due to said deceleration in accordance with the following formula: ##EQU2## where: t x =time x z=activation time of the safety device a (t)=acceleration sensor signal at time t v rel =relative velocity, calculated by integration of a (t) S I (t)=projected position of passengers at time t (calculated by doubled integration of the acceleration sensor signal.) K 1 -K 4 =evaluation factors; and activating said safety system if said calculated projected position of said passenger exceeds a predetermined threshold value.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
41 words
A method according to claim 1 wherein said deceleration is measured over at least two consecutive time intervals and said safety system is activated if said calculated projected position exceeds said threshold value for said at least said two time intervals.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
20 words
A method according to claim 2 wherein said projected position is calculated through differentiation and integration of said acceleration signal.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
36 words
A method according to claim 2 wherein deceleration of said vehicle is measured by sensing both the longitudinal and transversal components of deceleration to produce a combined acceleration signal indicating magnitude and direction of vehicle deceleration.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
20 words
A method according to claim 1 wherein said projected position is calculated through differentiation and integration of said acceleration signal.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
36 words
A method according to claim 5 wherein deceleration of said vehicle is measured by sensing both the longitudinal and transversal components of deceleration to produce a combined acceleration signal indicating magnitude and direction of vehicle deceleration.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
36 words
A method according to claim 1 wherein deceleration of said vehicle is measured by sensing both the longitudinal and transversal components of deceleration to produce a combined acceleration signal indicating magnitude and direction of vehicle deceleration.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1994-01-14 | 1994-07-16 | 1995-01-15 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1998-01-14 | 1998-07-16 | 1999-01-15 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2002-01-14 | 2002-07-16 | 2003-01-15 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |