Bosch Intelligent Bolt Seat Occupancy Sensor System Helps Protect Vehicle Occupants

FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich., Sept. 16 -- Although recent legislation has increased seatbelt usage levels, many vehicle occupants in the United States still travel without their seatbelts fastened. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), of the nearly 33,000 passenger vehicle occupants killed in 2002, 59 percent were unbelted. Taking this fact into account, Bosch has introduced a new technology to provide occupants with an added level of safety -- the intelligent bolt (iBolt) airbag release sensor system.

The Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 208 (FMVSS 208) demands an airbag release precisely match the passenger's weight. The iBolt sensor system meets this requirement by monitoring passenger position and allowing more accurate airbag deployment in crash situations.

"Unfortunately, we know that not everyone wears a seatbelt, so it is imperative we design technology that takes this possibility into account and ensures optimal airbag deployment," said Reiner Emig, senior vice president, electronic systems. "Occupancy sensing is one of many examples of Bosch's dedication to minimizing the risk of injury to vehicle passengers."

The iBolt system utilizes sensors in the four anchor points of the seat frame to calculate weight and distribution on the passenger seat. The vehicle occupant protection system uses this data to determine optimal passenger airbag deployment, differentiating between a full release for large adults, a weaker release for small adults and children, and a suppression release for children in safety seats and unoccupied seats.

Other intelligent sensors also recognize front and side impacts as well as potential rollover situations, taking passenger seat occupancy into account. This additional data allows the release of airbags with twin or multiple-stage gas generators to match the way the passenger is positioned.

By fusing classical mechanics and electronics into "mechatronics," iBolt's four sensors are built directly into the seat chassis, replacing the normal securing bolts. This application reduces or eliminates the need to alter existing seat designs or modify the system for vehicle seats with varying seat covers, allowing for easy installation on all vehicle types. In addition, the sensors have an overload protection against damage in light collisions and require no special measures to connect to the vehicle electronics.

One of the largest North American automotive suppliers, Bosch develops, manufactures and supplies precision components and systems -- including body electronics, chassis and powertrain -- for every major vehicle manufacturer worldwide.

In North America, the Bosch Group manufactures and markets automotive original equipment and aftermarket products, industrial automation and mobile products, power tools and accessories, security technology, packaging equipment and household appliances. Bosch employs more than 23,000 associates in facilities across North America and reported sales of $6.6 billion in 2003. For more information, visit http://www.boschusa.com/ .