Crash Sensor Basic Requirements

The primary purpose of this paper is to suggest basic crash sensor requirements which will form the basis for discussion of this subject. No attempt has been made in the body of this paper to suggest a particular crash sensor scheme or to recommend specific detectors or devices. However, an Appendix is provided in which is described the current General Motors sensor scheme. As air cushion systems are developed and evaluated, it becomes more apparent that the crash sensor is, perhaps, the most vital system component. In view of the criticality of this system component, a suggested comparative analysis of crash sensors has been included.