Importance

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Abstract

A collision detection system for a vehicle comprising an acceleration sensor for sensing the acceleration and deceleration of the vehicle wherein the acceleration sensor is a piezoelectric sensor; signal processing circuit coupled to the piezoelectric sensor for generating a first output when the vehicle deceleration is greater than a predetermined amount. A diagnostic pulse generator is coupled to the piezoelectric sensor for applying a diagnostic pulse to the piezoelectric sensor for distorting the piezoelectric sensor, thereby causing the piezoelectric sensor to generate an electrical output. The electrical output is applied to the signal processing circuit wherein the signal processing circuit produces a second output in response thereto. The piezoelectric sensor is mounted on a pendulum such that when the vehicle accelerates or decelerates, the pendulum moves relative to the vehicle thereby distorting the piezoelectric sensor whereby the piezoelectric sensor produces an output as a function of the distortion. The piezoelectric sensor includes an electrode which is divided into a plurality of electrode segments. At least one of the electrode segments is an output electrode for providing an electrical signal as a function of the distortion of the piezoelectric sensor and at least one of the electrode segments is an input electrode for receiving an electrical signal and distorting the piezoelectric sensor in response thereto.

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First Claim