Abstract:
A restraint system and method is adaptive to the size of the occupant, and adapts both pretensioning and load limitation characteristics to the occupant. The adaptive restraint system generally includes a retractor, a belt anchorage pretensioner, and a retractor pretensioner. The system is operable in at least a first mode and a second mode. In the first mode, both the belt anchorage pretensioner and the retractor pretensioner are activated when the occupant is estimated to be above a predetermined size, thereby providing a first load limitation characteristic. In the second mode, only the belt anchorage pretensioner is activated when the occupant is estimated to be at or below the predetermined size, thereby providing a second load limitation characteristic.
Abstract:
A vehicle occupant protection device (30) and a method of controlling the protection device (30) are provided. The protection device (30) includes first and second seat belts (36 and 38) and first and second load limiters (86 and 88) that are associated with the first and second seat belts (36 and 38), respectively. The protection device (30) also includes at least one sensor for sensing a characteristic of at least one of the occupant (18) and of the vehicle (14). The protection device (30) further includes a controller (260) that is responsive to the at least one sensor for controlling the first and second load limiters (86 and 88).
Abstract:
A safety-belt arrangement for use in a motor vehicle has a safety-belt (5), one end of which is connected to a retractor (8), a sensor (11) generates a signal representative of the amount of safety-belt paid-out from the retractor. A force limiter (10) is associated with the retractor to permit safety-belt to be paid-out with a variable force limiting effect. A control arrangement (12) changes the level of force applied by the force limiter (10) in dependence upon the length of safety-belt paid-out from the retractor.