Patent ID: 6209909
Filing Date: 2001-04-03
Classification: B60N,B60R,B60W,G01S,G08G

Abstract:
A motor vehicle having a passive restraint system including at least first and second airbags and an inflator system for inflating said at least one airbag, said inflator system comprising:inflator means for controlling accumulation of a gas in said at least one airbag and thus inflation of said at least one airbag, said inflator means comprising a first inflator means structured and arranged to produce gas and direct the gas into said first airbag and a second inflator means structured and arranged to produce gas and direct the gas into said second airbag,a first anticipatory crash sensor for determining that a crash requiring an airbag will occur based on data obtained prior to the crash and, upon the making of such a determination, triggering said first inflator means to release gas into said first airbag to thereby inflate said at least one airbag at a first inflation rate; anda second crash sensor for determining that a crash requiring an airbag will occur or is occurring and, upon the making of such a determination, triggering said second inflator means to release gas into said second airbag to thereby inflate said at least one airbag at a second inflation rate greater than said first inflation rate.