The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Feb. 13, 2001
Filed:
Nov. 12, 1998
Brian Blackburn, Rochester, MI (US);
Joseph R. Brown, Grosse Ile, MI (US);
Joseph F. Mazur, Washington, MI (US);
Scott B. Gentry, Romeo, MI (US);
Ford Global Technologies, Inc., Dearborn, MI (US);
Abstract
A method for sensing the occurrence of a vehicle crash is provided for a vehicle having an occupant restraint system operatively connected with a crash sensor having an accelerometer, which produces an accelerometer signal, and with an occupant position sensor which produces a position signal. The crash sensor includes an adjustable filter. The method includes the steps of: a) calculating an estimated occupant displacement by integrating the accelerometer signal twice; b) comparing the estimated occupant displacement to the position signal; and c) adjusting the adjustable filter based upon the comparing step to optimize control of the occupant restraint system. In this manner, actual body position of the occupant may be more accurately predicted and measured, which allows optimization of air bag deployment.