Patent ID: 6196579
Filing Date: 2001-03-06
Classification: B60N,B60R

Abstract:
A rear impact restraint system for protecting a vehicle occupant during a rear impact crash event, said system comprising:a vehicle seat having a seat back portion;an actuatable rear impact occupant protection device for, when actuated, protecting a vehicle occupant during a rear impact crash event;a first sensor for sensing the position of an occupant positioned on said vehicle seat, said first sensor providing a signal indicative of the position of the occupant;a rear impact sensor for sensing a rear impact crash event and providing a signal indicative of said rear impact crash event; anda controller, in response to said first sensor signal, determining a condition according to the relative position of the occupant with respect to the position of said vehicle seat, said controller selectively actuating said rear impact occupant protection device in response to said rear impact sensor signal and said condition,said seat back portion comprising an upper end, a lower end and a seat back axis extending through said upper and lower ends of said seat back portion,said vehicle seat further comprising a headrest at said upper end of said seat back portion,said controller determining said condition according to the relative position of the occupant with respect to said headrest.