Method and apparatus for providing a deployment signal for a vehicle occupant restraint device during a side impact crash

摘要

A method and apparatus (10) provide a deployment signal for deploying a vehicle occupant restraint device (20) during a side impact to a vehicle. The method includes the step of sensing a non-door side impact at a non-door location, and the step of providing a non-door side impact signal. The method further includes the step of sensing an on-door side impact at a vehicle door, and the step of providing an on-door side impact signal. The non-door side impact signal is evaluated to determine if it indicates a non-door deployment crash condition. The on-door side impact signal is evaluated to determine if it indicates an on-door deployment crash condition. A deployment signal is provided for deploying the vehicle occupant restraint device (20) when either of the side impact signals indicates a deployment crash condition.