Gm Global Technolgoy Operations, Inc.

Sean T Coughlin

Scott David Thomas

Dorel M Sala

George D Allen

Lisa M Furton

Fred W Huntzicker

Chin-Hsu Lin

Alok Warey

Tricia E Morrow

Orhan Demirovic

Praneeth Nelapati

Jeffrey Allen Clark

Julie A Kleinert

Mitesh Lalwala

Carolyn M Mavis

Susan H Owen

Paul M Van Rooyen

Antonio Antonucci

A vehicle event database includes simulation-based vehicle event metadata associated with a vehicle architecture. The metadata is generated by determining vehicle event pulses, applying the vehicle event pulses to a vehicle simulation model, collecting injury data associated with body regions of a simulated occupant within the vehicle simulation model, and predicting a probability of injury to the body regions of an actual occupant of a vehicle having the vehicle architecture based on the injury data. A vehicle event notification is received from a vehicle. Vehicle data and occupant data are received. The simulation-based vehicle event metadata associated with the vehicle architecture of the vehicle is retrieved from the vehicle event database. An injury to a first body region of the body regions of the actual occupant is predicted based on the vehicle data, the occupant data, and the simulation-based vehicle event metadata using an injury prediction model.

Systems and methods for predicting post-event vehicle occupant injury

A system includes a first webbing payout sensor configured to detect a first webbing payout of a seatbelt associated with a vehicle seat, the first webbing payout being a length of webbing extended from a retractor of the seatbelt, an occupant detection module configured to identify a state of the vehicle seat, the occupant detection module identifying an occupied state when an occupant is seated on the vehicle seat and an unoccupied state when the vehicle seat is free from an occupant, and a seatbelt wear condition module in communication with the first webbing payout sensor and the occupant detection module and configured to identify whether a seatbelt buckle extender is used in conjunction with the seatbelt based on the first webbing payout and the state of the vehicle seat identified by the occupant detection module.

System and method for determining whether a seatbelt buckle extender is used in conjunction with a seatbelt

A method for controlling an inflatable airbag system in a motor vehicle having a seatbelt includes detecting a position of a vehicle occupant relative to an airbag suppression zone (ASZ). Electronic input signals are received from a sensor suite, including an occupant position signal and a seatbelt usage status signal. A restraint capacity setting of the airbag is adjusted in response to the electronic input signals such that corresponding restraint activation logic is executed by the controller based on whether the occupant is belted or unbelted. Different ASZs may be used for belted and unbelted occupants. A motor vehicle includes a vehicle body defining a vehicle interior, an airbag, a seatbelt, a sensor suite for detecting a position of an occupant relative to the ASZ, and a controller operable for controlling a restraint capacity setting and location of the ASZ in accordance with the method.

Motor vehicle with selective airbag suppression based on occupant position and seatbelt usage

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, a system is provided that includes a sensor system configured to generate sensor data associated with a seat of a vehicle; and a processor communicatively coupled to the sensor system and configured to determine, from the sensor data, a baseline position of a child seat sitting on the seat of the vehicle, determine, from the sensor data, a displacement of the child seat from the baseline position, and selectively generate notification data based on the displacement.

Cabin child seat monitoring methods and systems

A method for controlling a passenger restraint system aboard a motor vehicle includes receiving, via a controller, biometric vulnerability classifier signal(s) indicative of vulnerability characteristics of a passenger seated in an interior of the motor vehicle. In response to the biometric vulnerability classifier signal(s) and a detected vehicle event requiring an actuation of the passenger restraint system, the method includes automatically adjusting an actual capacity setting of the passenger restraint system via the controller. A motor vehicle includes a vehicle body defining a vehicle interior, a passenger restraint system positioned in the vehicle interior; and a controller operable for controlling the actual capacity setting of the passenger restraint system in accordance with the method. The passenger restraint system may include a seatbelt, a seat, and one or more airbag systems.

Biometric vulnerability-based control of a passenger restraint system aboard a motor vehicle

A system includes a first webbing payout sensor and a seatbelt wear condition module. The first webbing payout sensor can detect a first webbing payout of a seatbelt associated with a seat of a vehicle. The first webbing payout is a first length of webbing of the seatbelt dispensed from a first retractor of the seatbelt. The seatbelt wear condition module can identify whether the seatbelt is worn correctly based on the first webbing payout. The system may further include a second webbing payout sensor that detects a second webbing payout of the seatbelt associated with the seat. The second webbing payout is a second length of webbing of the seatbelt dispensed from a second retractor of the seatbelt. The seatbelt wear condition module identifies whether the seatbelt is worn correctly based on the first webbing payout and the second webbing payout.

System and method for determining whether a seatbelt is used incorrectly, and for taking corrective action when the seatbelt is used incorrectly

A system according to the present disclosure includes a pawl actuator control module. The pawl actuator control module controls a pawl actuator of a seatbelt retractor to disengage a pawl of the seatbelt retractor from a control disc of the seatbelt retractor. The pawl actuator control module disengages the pawl of the retractor from the control disc when at least one of: a tongue of the seatbelt is disengaged from a seatbelt buckle; a button on the buckle is pressed; a manual disengagement button is pressed; an occupant is present in the seat; and a user provides an instruction to disengage the pawl via a user interface device. The seatbelt retractor allows a seatbelt to be extracted from the seatbelt retractor when the pawl is disengaged from the control disc and prevents the seatbelt from being extracted from the seatbelt retractor when the pawl is engaged with the control disc.

System and method for disengaging a locking retractor to permit extraction of a seatbelt from the retractor, and for generating a message indicating that a locking mechanism in the retractor is engaged

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Shelby Township, MI, United States of America

Sean T Coughlin