Land vehicles – Wheeled – Attachment
Reexamination Certificate
1997-12-18
2001-03-27
Johnson, Brian L. (Department: 3618)
Land vehicles
Wheeled
Attachment
C180S282000, C307S010100
Reexamination Certificate
active
06206415
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to automotive vehicle occupant restraint systems, particularly airbags. It relates more specifically to mechanisms for selectively disabling part or all of those systems.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Since inflatable occupant restraint systems or airbag systems have come into widespread use in the automotive industry, it has been observed that there are certain instances in which it may be desirable to deactivate the airbag system, or a portion thereof, in a vehicle during the period in which the vehicle is in use. Exemplary of such instances is that present when a vehicle has airbags for both the driver and front passenger positions and a rear facing infant seat is placed in the front passenger position, not properly positioned for use with the airbag. Another example is that of a driver who is small in stature and must operate the vehicle from a seating position that is very close to the steering wheel of the vehicle.
Since practically all airbag systems presently in use are activated by transmitting an electrical signal powered by the vehicle electrical system, it has been suggested to provide switching to effect deactivation of the airbag system, or a portion thereof, on a selective basis. U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,324,074; 5,234,228; 5,161,820; and 5,544,914 are exemplary of such approaches.
Certain disadvantages, however, are noted in the prior art disabling systems. These disadvantages arise from the appropriate desire of the designer of the occupant restraint system to ensure that because of the inherent normal benefit of having the airbag system operating, the disabling takes place only when intended and only under control of the operator of the motor vehicle. It is also desired that the reliability and efficacy of this disabling device be monitored during a vehicle operating event which might normally give rise to operation of the airbag deactivated by the deactivation system. Further, it is desirable that one have the flexibility to selectively disable only the desired airbag(s) in a multi-airbag system.
Further, in order to minimize the cost to vehicle owners, preferably any airbag deactivation system will be easy and quick to install, generally using existing airbag system connections that are in place on a large variety of airbag equipped vehicles; and will be easily adaptable to various vehicles with common parts to further minimize the cost. Also, preferably, any changes to the existing airbag system will not detract from the current overall safety of the vehicle due to the new deactivation equipment.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In its embodiments, the present invention contemplates an airbag restraint system for use in a vehicle. The airbag restraint system includes a first airbag assembly adapted to be mounted within the vehicle, and a second airbag assembly adapted to be mounted within the vehicle. An airbag control circuit operatively engages the first and the second airbag assemblies, and includes a wiring harness, a diagnostics module having connector adapted for receiving the wiring harness, and a deactivation module having a connector interchangeable with the connector for the diagnostic module connected to the wiring harness and wiring extending to the diagnostic module connector. The airbag restraint system also includes an airbag deactivation circuit, operatively engaging the deactivation module, including switch means for selectively deactivating the first airbag assembly, the second airbag assembly, and both airbag assemblies. The present invention further contemplates an airbag restraint system for use in a vehicle. The airbag restraint system includes a first airbag assembly adapted to be mounted within the vehicle, a second airbag assembly adapted to be mounted within the vehicle, and an airbag control circuit operatively engaging the first and the second airbag assemblies. An airbag deactivation circuit operatively engages the airbag control circuit and includes a switch having multiple positions whereby one or more airbag assemblies can be selectively deactivated. Also, a remote indicator assembly, spaced from and operatively engaging the airbag deactivation circuit, has means for indicating the switch positions where one or more airbag assemblies are deactivated.
Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide an airbag deactivation system that will selectively deactivate one or more airbags in a vehicle, when desired.
Another object of the present invention is to provide an airbag deactivation assembly that is easily adapted to install in a large variety of vehicles equipped with multiple airbags and will indicate the particular airbags deactivated.
A further object of the present invention is to provide an airbag deactivation system that can be selectively configured to allow for deactivation of only certain airbags within a particular vehicle, but does not require a change in the circuitry and connections of the system.
An advantage of the present invention is that the airbag deactivation system is configurable to provide an optimal viewing location of deactivation indicators for both driver and front seat passengers.
Another advantage of the present invention is that the deactivation system is switchable with generally any typical ignition key for a light vehicle, but not generally by children or inadvertently.
An additional advantage of the present invention is that the airbag deactivation module will maintain a record of the current switch setting during an airbag actuation event.
A further advantage of the present invention is that a vehicle airbag system can still perform a diagnostic check even when one or more airbags are deactivated.
REFERENCES:
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patent: 5474327 (1995-12-01), Schousek
patent: 5528698 (1996-06-01), Kamei et al.
patent: 5544914 (1996-08-01), Borninski et al.
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patent: 5653462 (1997-08-01), Breed et al.
patent: 5816611 (1998-10-01), Parn
patent: 5866954 (1999-02-01), Daniel et al.
patent: 5938234 (1999-08-01), Cuddihy et al.
Cuddihy Mark Anthony
Drummond J B
Niesluchowski Matt Alan
Ross Richard Michael
Simmons Paul
Fleming Faye M.
Ford Global Technologies Inc.
Johnson Brian L.
Kelley David B.
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