Importance

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Abstract

A device for controlling an air bag apparatus includes a first acceleration sensor mounted in a passenger compartment for detecting an acceleration thereof and a second acceleration sensor mounted in a front portion of a vehicle body. A control unit electrically connected to the first and second acceleration sensors does not output an operation signal to a trigger circuit for inflaters until a first value derived from a signal detected by the first acceleration sensor has exceeded a first criterion and when a second value derived from a signal detected by the second acceleration sensor has exceeded a predetermined acceleration greater than an acceleration corresponding to the first criterion. In the event of a collision, because a very large impact force is applied to the front portion of the vehicle body, the control unit actuates the air bag apparatus appropriately based on the signals detected by both the first and second acceleration sensors. If a shock is applied to the vehicle body due to the run-up of a wheel onto a curb or the like, and even if the first acceleration sensor outputs a signal that allows actuation of the air bag apparatus, the second acceleration sensor does not output the operation signal, because it is not outputted until a further greater shock is applied to the vehicle body, thus preventing erroneous operation of the air bag apparatus.

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First Claim