Airbag System provides child seat static suppression.
Press Release Summary:
SeatSentry(TM) Low Risk Deployment System provides airbag suppression option for automakers seeking to comply with NHTSA FMVSS-208 Static Suppression for Advanced Airbag Systems. Utilizing electric-field technology, single-layer sensor assembly is capable of classifying occupants and child seat presence. If human body is detected, signal is sent to airbag's electronic control unit to suppress or to enable airbag deployment in accordance with NHTSA requirements.
Original Press Release:
ELESYS Announces Child Seat Static Suppression for Low Risk Airbag Systems
SeatSentry(TM) Technology
SUWANEE, Ga., March 20 / -- ELESYS North America Inc., automotive electronic safety systems, today announces its Low Risk Deployment (LRD) system for advanced vehicle airbags. This new addition to ELESYS' SeatSentry(TM) product line is an available airbag suppression option for automakers seeking both to comply with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's (NHTSA) FMVSS-208 Static Suppression for Advanced Airbag Systems and to support low cost initiatives.
The newly developed Low Risk Deployment (LRD) system has a single-layer flexible sensor assembly capable of accurately classifying occupants and child seat presence. It is a lower cost airbag strategy that equals the robust system capabilities of a full suppression system. It will allow OEM's to meet the mitigated injury requirements in FMVSS-208 for low risk deployment, as well as contribute to cost savings. "This system is unique in that it is not dependent on belt tension sensors for its robust classification capabilities. It also has immunity to child seat changes and seat structural changes which can be a problem for other systems," says ELESYS' Susan McCarthy, General Manager of Sales and Marketing.
ELESYS' SeatSentry(TM) is an expansive electric-field imaging technology, on which several of ELESYS' products are based: Passenger Sensing System - PSS, a full suppression system, which is currently in production for GM vehicles, and Occupant Detection System - ODS, a side airbag suppression system, which is currently in Honda and Acura vehicles.
The SeatSentry(TM) technology is based on electric-field technology. Using this electric-field (e-field) technology a low-level electric signal is sent to sensors in a seat cushion and/or seat back. The e-field can sense the presence, position and motion of a human body because of the human body's ability to conduct electricity. It can measure the human body mass by the size of the interference it causes within the e-field in the seat (cushion or seatback). The level of interference is directly related to the size of the body -- larger people create larger interferences. Conversely, if items such as a briefcase or Child Restraint Seat occupy the seat, very little interference is measured due to the non-conductive nature of the objects. If a human body is detected then a signal is sent to the airbag's electronic control unit (ECU) to suppress or to enable airbag deployment in accordance with the NHTSA FMVSS-208 Static Suppression for Advanced Airbags requirements for occupant classification.
"We have been working with this technology since the mid '90's," said Phil Rittmueller, Vice President of ELESYS North America Inc., "and we find it extremely robust and very reliable -- especially for detecting infants, children and child seats. We are able to adapt it quickly to many different vehicles and seat requirements."
About ELESYS North America Inc.
ELESYS North America Inc. (http://www.elesys-na.com/), headquartered in Suwanee, Georgia with a Detroit Safety Center in Plymouth, Michigan, is a global business leader with a history of providing automotive safety electronics on which consumers have depended for the last decade. ELESYS remains at the forefront of occupant sensing and classification technology. Its SeatSentry(TM) system was first installed in Honda vehicles in 2002 and continues to receive accolades for improving vehicle safety. With a NHTSA 5- Star crash rating given to several vehicles equipped with its automotive electronic safety systems millions of drivers can rely on ELESYS' passive and active safety systems: SeatSentry(TM) systems (Passenger Sensing Systems - PSS, Occupant Detection System - ODS and Low Risk Deployment - LRD), Airbag Sensors and Controllers, Adaptive Cruise Control, All-Terrain Vehicle Transmission Controls, Anti-Lock Brakes, Electronic Power Steering, Traction Control System, and Vehicle Stability Controls. ELESYS has proven it delivers a high standard of quality. ELESYS' automotive electronic safety systems are featured in a variety of vehicle models, including SUVs, CUVs and passenger cars, for several vehicle manufacturers in North America.
CONTACT: Marguerite Wills of ELESYS North America Inc., +1-734-451-4485,
marguerite.wills@elesys-na.com
