Ground Sensing Circuit for Airbag Control Enclosure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mechanical switches used to disable airbag deployment during maintenance operations often become inoperative, leading to unintended airbag deployment, especially when airbag control systems detecting rollovers are being removed from vehicles while power is still on.
Innovation Solution
An airbag control system with a ground sensing circuit that detects the presence or absence of a predetermined potential when the enclosure is mounted or dismounted from a grounded surface, preventing airbag deployment by using a conductor to connect to the grounded surface and sensing disconnection to inhibit deployment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mechanical switches are used to disable airbag deployment during maintenance operations, then airbag deployment can be disabled, but the switches may become inoperative over time leading to unintended deployment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical switches with an electrical sensing system. The ground sensing circuit detects the presence or absence of ground potential through electrical connections rather than mechanical switch positions. This substitution eliminates wear and failure associated with mechanical components while maintaining the ability to disable airbag deployment during maintenance operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a ground sensing circuit as an intermediary between the mounting condition and the airbag deployment control. This circuit senses ground potential through a conductor connected to the grounded surface and uses this information to control the deployment disabling function, providing a reliable intermediate detection mechanism.
2Ease of operation
If the airbag control system is mounted on a grounded surface, then normal operation is enabled, but during maintenance when dismounted, unintended deployment may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary detection of the ground connection status before airbag deployment can be triggered during maintenance operations. The ground sensing circuit continuously monitors the electrical connection to ground, and the control module is pre-configured to disable deployment when no ground connection is detected, preventing unintended deployment before it can occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the ground sensing circuit continuously monitors the electrical connection status and provides this information to the control module. The control module adjusts the airbag deployment state based on this feedback, enabling deployment when grounded (normal operation) and disabling it when not grounded (maintenance mode).
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Effectively prevents airbag deployment during maintenance operations by accurately determining when the airbag control system is being dismounted, ensuring safety by avoiding unintended airbag activation.
Implementation Method 1
The circuit detects presence of the predetermined potential when the enclosure is mounted on the surface. The circuit detects absence of the predetermined potential when the enclosure is dismounted from the surface.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for inhibiting deployment of an airbag includes a rollover sensor and a circuit that are enclosed in an enclosure. The enclosure is mounted on a surface that is at a predetermined potential. The circuit detects presence of the predetermined potential when the enclosure is mounted on the surface. The circuit detects absence of the predetermined potential when the enclosure is dismounted from the surface. The circuit inhibits deployment of the airbag when absence of the predetermined potential is detected.