Safety device for passenger airbag

摘要

The present invention improves on the safety of the passenger airbag. The current state of the industry monitors the passenger seat for occupancy and prevents the airbag from opening if the seat is unoccupied. The subject device expands this functionality by observing for a proper seating position. It is unfortunate that many passengers do not observe a proper seating position. In the most dangerous situations, passengers keep their legs on the dashboard or leave heavy objects on top of the airbag cover during vehicle use. This improper seating position often leads to debilitating, life changing injuries when the airbag opens. The proposed device monitors the passenger airbag beyond occupancy to include the scenarios depicted above. It might consist of a simple, low-cost pressure switch on the airbag cover which senses when heavy objects or legs are present. In a more advanced version, the sensor might include a touch membrane covering the passenger side of the dashboard to sense lighter objects or hands held against the air bag that the low-cost pressure senor would otherwise not be able to detect. The most advanced version could include camera vision system with AI image recognition to include other improper seating positions or large objects held by the passenger in front of the air bag. This includes positions or objects that are not in direct contact with the dashboard but still pose a significant risk of injury upon deployment of the airbag.