COLLISION RECOGNITION DEVICE FOR A VEHICLE

A collision recognition device for a vehicle is proposed, comprising a pressure sensor with a first electrode and a second electrode, both having first and second ends, the second end of the first electrode being connected to a first terminal of a first resistor, the second end of the second electrode being connected to a first terminal of a second resistor During use, a first voltage V1 is applied to the first end of the first electrode, a second voltage V2 is applied to a second terminal of the first resistor so that a voltage difference between said first terminal of the first resistor and said second terminal of said first resistor forms a first status voltage indicative of circuit integrity. A first signal voltage V3 at the second end of the second electrode is indicative of whether said first and second electrodes are in contact. During a collision, the two electrodes are pressed together in the collision zone, which creates an electrical contact in this region. The signal voltage V3 thus changes, and a collision can be detected. A fourth voltage V4 is applied to the first end of the second electrode and a fifth voltage V5 is applied to a second terminal of the second resistor so that a voltage difference between the first terminal of the second resistor and said second terminal of the second resistor forms a second status voltage indicative of circuit integrity.