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 (also known as pelvic and thorax) 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 to its mounting location by a single screw or by a nut and a weld stud. The front sensors are located on each vertical support member of the Front End Module (FEM) carrier between the cooling module and the front lamp unit. A side sensor is located on each inner B-pillar and each inner C-pillar and concealed behind the interior trim.
Each sensor housing has an integral connector receptacle (4), an integral locator pin (3) 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 housing, which is laser welded 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.