Acceleration Type
Remote or satellite acceleration-type impact sensors (1) are mounted in various locations in the vehicle. These sensors are mounted remotely from the impact sensor that is internal to the Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC). Sensors at the front of the vehicle provide an additional logic input for use by the ORC to control the front airbags and the seat belt pretensioners. Sensors on each side of the vehicle provide an additional logic input for use by the ORC to control the side curtain airbags, the seat belt pretensioners and the seat airbags.
Although the front and side acceleration-type impact sensors are similar in appearance and construction, they may not be interchangeable. The front impact sensors may monitor acceleration forces on a different axis than those monitored by the side impact sensors. Each sensor is secured with a single screw to its mounting location. The front sensors are located on the back of each vertical support member of the headlamp mounting cross member between the cooling module and the front lamp unit. A side sensor is located near the base of each inner B-pillar and near the belt line of each C-pillar and concealed behind the interior trim.
Each sensor housing has an integral connector receptacle (3), an integral locator pin with two latch features (5), and an integral mounting hole with a metal sleeve (2) to provide crush protection. A cavity in the center of the molded plastic impact sensor housing contains the electronic circuitry of the sensor which includes an electronic communication chip and an electronic acceleration sensor. Potting material fills the cavity and a molded cover (4) is laser welded over the cavity to seal and protect the internal electronic circuitry and components.
The front impact sensors are each connected to the vehicle electrical system through dedicated take outs and connectors of the headlamp and dash wire harness, while the side impact sensors are connected through dedicated take outs and connectors of the body wire harness.
The acceleration-type impact sensors cannot be repaired or adjusted and, if damaged or ineffective, they must be replaced.