Patent ID: 7422085
Filing Date: 2008-09-09
Classification: B60R

Abstract:
1. A vehicle occupant protection system comprising: a protection system for protecting an occupant; a drive unit for driving the protection system; a detector for determining whether the protection system is in use or not in use; a controller for controlling the drive unit in response to a detection signal outputted from the detector; and a power unit including at least a battery, wherein the detector has a first detection circuit including a first switch that is in an open position when the protection system is in use and is in a closed position when the protection system is not in use, and a second detection circuit including a second switch that is in the closed position when the protection system is in use and is in the open position when the protection system is not in use, wherein a power supply from the power unit to the first detection circuit is stopped when the protection system is not in use, and the power supply from the power unit to the second detection circuit is stopped when the protection system is in use; and wherein the controller controls the drive unit in response to the detection signal outputted from the one of the first detection circuit or the second detection circuit that is supplied with power.