Dwight L. Schwarz

A Sensor for Crash Severity and Side Impact Detection

This paper describes a crash detection sensor developed for use in two difficult crash discrimination situations: side impact and crash severity sensing. By changing the calibration of the unit during manufacturing, the unit can function as either a side or frontal impact sensor. Furthermore, the sensor can characterize the severity of the crash event and pass the information to a central restraint system control module. The entire sensor, which is composed of a micromachined accelerometer, a custom integrated circuit, and a microprocessor, is contained in a small, rugged module that is designed to be mounted near the impact zone.