Patent ID: 6420803
Filing Date: 2002-07-16
Classification: B60R

Abstract:
For a vehicle having mountable vehicle components, a system for improving vehicle safety in a crash situation, comprising:a plurality of pyrotechnic bolts for mechanically coupling at least a portion of the vehicle components to the vehicle; first means coupled to the vehicle for measuring forces experienced by the vehicle during a crash and for producing a signal indicative of said forces; second means coupled to said first means for comparing said signal with a threshold wherein an activation signal is generated by said second means when said threshold is attained; and third means coupled to said second means and to said plurality of pyrotechnic bolts for initiating failure of said plurality of pyrotechnic bolts in accordance with a prescribed sequencing plan when said activation signal is generated, wherein said prescribed sequencing plan dictates an order in which failure of said plurality of pyrotechnic bolts is to occur.