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Abstract

A method for rapidly distinguishing between severe and minor crash events by utilizing both vehicle deceleration data and vehicle impact velocity. Crash severity parameter values are initially calculated in accordance with vehicle deceleration data obtained from an on-board accelerometer. These values are then modified as a function of the vehicle impact velocity in accordance with a shaping function. Vehicle impact velocity can be obtained from existing vehicle tachometers and speed sensors. The modified crash severity parameter values, when plotted versus time, result in signal traces which form two clearly distinguishable sets--one set being signal traces of severe crash events and the other set being signal traces of minor crash incidents. The two sets of modified crash severity parameter signal traces are distinguishable from one another much earlier than signal traces of unmodified crash severity parameter values. Threshold boundary curves can be lowered and more closely tailored for deployment of an airbag earlier than previously possible, without sacrificing system immunity to minor crash incidents.

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First Claim