Inflatable Restraint Sensing and Diagnostic Strategy

Inflatable restraint systems have been developed by ASL, an affiliate of the Takata Corporation, which provide significantly more dependable passenger protection. This paper describes a strategy to increase the system availability by improving reliability and reducing performance uncertainties. The unique components and systems developed for this purpose are described. New sensors, diagnostic circuits and fault tolerant fire paths are discussed. Of special interest is the reconfiguration technique described, which provides continued protection in spite of a component failure or other system fault.