Patent ID: 6036225
Filing Date: 2000-03-14
Classification: B60R

Abstract:
An apparatus for controlling an actuatable occupant restraint device for a vehicle, said restraining device having a plurality of actuatable stages, said apparatus comprising:crash sensing means for sensing crash acceleration and providing a crash acceleration signal indicative thereof;velocity determining means responsive to said crash acceleration signal for determining a velocity value and providing a velocity signal indicative thereof;control means coupled to said actuatable device for (i) effecting actuation of a first of said actuatable stages when said determined velocity value exceeds a first threshold value, and (ii) upon said determined velocity value exceeding a second threshold value, determining a crash severity index having a value related to a time interval from when said determined velocity value exceeds said first threshold value to when said determined velocity value exceeds said second threshold value, said control means controlling actuation of a second of said actuatable stages in response to said crash severity index value.