A system comprises a controller for a vehicle. The controller comprises a processor and a memory. The memory stores instructions executable by the processor. The controller is programmed to receive data values from a sensor 26 to detect infrared light. The sensor is in a line of sight to a vehicle foot well 30. The controller is further programmed to activate a knee bolster 22 upon determining, based at least in part on the data values, that an object is present in the foot well 30. The controller is yet further programmed to deactivate the knee bolster 22 upon determining, based at least in part on the data values, that there is no object in the foot well 22. Another embodiment of the invention may feature a pivotable driver seat 12, which upon pivoting to face the rear seats and when there is no object detected in the driver foot well 22, the driver position knee bolster 22 will be deactivated.
Driver knee bolster deployment control
2017-08-02
Patent
Electronic Resource
English
IPC: | B60R Fahrzeuge, Fahrzeugausstattung oder Fahrzeugteile, soweit nicht anderweitig vorgesehen , VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR |