Patent ID: 6428039
Filing Date: 2002-08-06
Classification: B60N,B60R,G01G

Abstract:
A safety arrangement in a motor vehicle, the safety arrangement comprisinga seat to be occupied by a passenger of the vehicle, a plurality of sensors located between the seat and the floor of the vehicle, each adapted to provide an indication of the downward force applied to it, control means adapted to initiate and control the inflation of an air-bag and adapted to receive signals from the sensors, and adapted to control the inflation of the air-bag in dependence upon the nature of the said signals, the sensors comprising means which, at least in ordinary use of the seat, form the sole connection between the seat and the floor of the motor vehicle, each sensor comprising a first portion connected directly or indirectly to the floor of the motor vehicle by being mounted on a carriage slideable along a rail mounted on the floor of the motor vehicle, and a second portion connected directly or indirectly to a sub-frame of the seat, said two portions being inter-connected by a deformable element having sensor means responsive to deformation thereof, wherein part of the carriage is located adjacent part of the sub-frame, one of a) said part of the carriage and b) said part of the sub-frame carrying a projection of a predetermined diameter, said projection being located within an aperture of slightly greater diameter formed in the other part, the arrangement being such that in the event that a substantial force is applied to the seat, the projection carried by the one part will engage the wall of the aperture carried by the other part.