Method and occupant protection system for occupant protection

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for occupant protection of a vehicle (100), wherein the method comprises the following method steps: S1: determining a chest injury of an occupant (P) based on evaluation variables (W) upon a collision of the vehicle (100), wherein the evaluation variables (W) comprise at least a seatbelt pressure and / or a seatbelt pressure rate of change at the chest of the occupant; S2: adjusting a seatbelt force limit threshold (F) depending on the determined injury. The invention relates also to a corresponding occupant protection system (1) for a vehicle (100) and a corresponding vehicle (100). With certain embodiments of the invention it is possible to assess the chest injury of an occupant in real time upon a collision of the vehicle and to quickly adjust the force limit threshold accordingly, thereby avoiding further injuries to the occupant.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for occupant protection, an occupant protection system, and a vehicle having such an occupant protection system. Background Technology

[0002] Safety is one of the most important performance characteristics of a car. To ensure vehicle safety, various safety technologies have been developed, such as passive safety technologies like seat belts and airbags, and active safety technologies like lane departure warning, collision warning, and traction control.

[0003] In existing technology, seat belts tighten rapidly during a vehicle collision to protect occupants from serious injury. However, due to the immense impact force, the tightening of the seat belt can cause chest injury to the occupant. Maintaining the same seat belt force limiter at this point could lead to secondary chest injury. Furthermore, due to individual differences among occupant types, such as age, gender, and physical condition (children, the elderly, pregnant women, etc.), the pre-set seat belt force limiter may not match, resulting in injury. Therefore, there is a need to improve existing seat belt force limiters to adapt to different situations during a collision, thereby preventing serious occupant injuries. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The object of the present invention is to provide an improved method for occupant protection, an improved occupant protection system, and a vehicle having such an improved occupant protection system, so as to at least solve some of the problems in the prior art.

[0005] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a method for occupant protection in a vehicle is provided, wherein the method comprises the following steps:

[0006] S1: Determine the degree of chest injury of the occupant based on assessment parameters when a vehicle collision occurs, wherein the assessment parameters include at least the seat belt pressure at the occupant's chest and / or the rate of change of seat belt pressure;

[0007] S2: Adjust the seat belt force limiting threshold according to the obtained damage level.

[0008] The advantage of this is that, in the event of a detected chest injury to an occupant, the seatbelt force limiting threshold can be rapidly reduced, thus preventing secondary chest injury. Alternatively, if no chest injury is detected, the seatbelt force limiting threshold can be increased, thereby securing the occupant more reliably to avoid injury.

[0009] According to an optional embodiment of the present invention, in step S2, the seat belt force limiting threshold is adjusted by the detonation device.

[0010] According to an optional embodiment of the present invention, the evaluation parameters further include: occupant vital signs, vehicle speed and / or vehicle acceleration.

[0011] According to an optional embodiment of the present invention, in step S1, the degree of chest injury of the occupant is predicted based on the assessment parameters before the occupant suffers a chest injury.

[0012] According to an optional embodiment of the present invention, in step S1, one or more of the evaluation parameters are used as input quantities to determine the degree of chest injury of the occupant through a neural network algorithm.

[0013] According to an optional embodiment of the present invention, the method further includes:

[0014] S01: Obtain the occupant's vital signs information in advance, including the occupant's height, weight, body type, gender, age and / or health status;

[0015] S02: Classify the occupants based on the obtained vital signs information;

[0016] S03: Pre-set the corresponding seat belt force limit threshold according to the occupant category.

[0017] According to an optional embodiment of the present invention,

[0018] It is known that the occupants' vital signs are pre-stored; and / or

[0019] The occupant's vital signs are detected through a sensor system; and / or

[0020] Manually enter the occupants' vital signs information.

[0021] According to an optional embodiment of the invention, the current seatbelt force limiting threshold and / or the location and / or extent of injury to the occupant are indicated visually and / or audibly.

[0022] According to a second aspect of the present invention, an occupant protection system for a vehicle is provided for implementing the method according to the first aspect of the present invention, wherein the occupant protection system comprises at least:

[0023] - At least one seat belt system, the seat belt system comprising a seat belt and an adjustable seat belt force limiter;

[0024] - A sensor system configured to detect and evaluate parameters, such as seatbelt pressure at the occupant's chest and / or rate of change of seatbelt pressure, the occupant's height, weight, body type, gender, age and / or health status, vehicle speed and / or vehicle acceleration; and

[0025] - An analysis and control unit configured to determine the degree of chest injury of the occupant based on the assessment parameters, and to control the seat belt force limiter to adjust the seat belt force limit threshold based on the determined degree of injury.

[0026] According to an optional embodiment of the present invention, the sensor system includes:

[0027] - A vital signs sensor, particularly a camera, configured to detect the occupant's height, body type, gender, age and / or health status, and / or to perform facial recognition on the occupant;

[0028] - A seat pressure sensor, the seat pressure sensor being configured to detect pressure on a vehicle seat;

[0029] - Seatbelt pressure sensor, the seatbelt pressure sensor being configured to detect seatbelt pressure at the occupant's chest and / or the rate of change of seatbelt pressure;

[0030] - A speed sensor, configured to detect vehicle speed;

[0031] - An acceleration sensor, the acceleration sensor being configured to detect vehicle acceleration;

[0032] - A collision sensor, which is configured to detect vehicle collisions.

[0033] According to an optional embodiment of the present invention, the seatbelt force limiting device includes a force limiting bar having a constant inherent seatbelt force limiting threshold, and

[0034] The seat belt force limiting device also has a friction force limiting disc and / or a multi-stage cutting force limiting disc for adjusting the seat belt force limiting threshold.

[0035] According to an optional embodiment of the present invention, the seat belt force limiting device includes an adjustment mechanism, the adjustment mechanism including a motor with a pinion and a rack that cooperates with the pinion, wherein the rack is driven to move by the motor to change the position of the rack in action with the friction force limiting disc and / or the multi-stage cutting force limiting disc, thereby adjusting the seat belt force limiting threshold.

[0036] According to an optional embodiment of the present invention, the seat belt force limiting device further includes an ignition device, particularly a miniature gas generator, which can be triggered to quickly adjust the position of action with the friction force limiting disc and / or the multi-stage cutting force limiting disc in order to adjust the seat belt force limiting threshold.

[0037] According to an optional embodiment of the present invention, the adjustment of the seat belt force limiting threshold is completed within 10ms after the ignition device is triggered.

[0038] According to a third aspect of the invention, a vehicle is provided, the vehicle including an occupant protection system according to a second aspect of the invention for implementing a method for occupant protection of a vehicle according to a first aspect of the invention.

[0039] According to a third aspect of the invention, a vehicle is provided, the vehicle including an occupant protection system according to a second aspect of the invention for implementing a method for occupant protection of a vehicle according to a first aspect of the invention.

[0040] Some embodiments of the present invention enable real-time assessment of occupant chest injuries during a vehicle collision and rapid adjustment of the force limiting threshold accordingly, thereby preventing further injury to the occupant. Attached Figure Description

[0041] The invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, which will provide a better understanding of its principles, features, and advantages. The drawings include:

[0042] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of an occupant protection system 1 for a vehicle 100 according to the present invention is shown.

[0043] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a vehicle seat in a vehicle 100 according to the present invention is shown, in which an occupant P is located.

[0044] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the seatbelt force limiting device 12 of the occupant protection system 1 according to the present invention is shown.

[0045] Figure 4 A flowchart illustrating a method for occupant protection of a vehicle 100 according to the present invention is shown schematically. Specific Implementation

[0047] To make the technical problems to be solved, the technical solutions, and the beneficial technical effects of this invention clearer, the invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and several exemplary embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this invention.

[0048] exist Figure 1 The diagram shows a vehicle seat in a vehicle 100 according to the present invention, in which an occupant P is located. Figure 2 The diagram schematically illustrates a system block diagram of an occupant protection system 1 for a vehicle 100 according to the present invention.

[0049] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the occupant protection system 1 according to the present invention includes a seat belt system 10, a sensor system 20, and an analysis and control unit 30. Here, the seat belt system includes a seat belt 11 and an adjustable seat belt force limiter 12. Figure 1 It can also be seen that the sensor system 20 includes a vital signs sensor 21, which is in particular a camera, positioned in the vehicle 100 at a location suitable for sensing the occupant P inside the vehicle, such as in the overhead space (see [link]). Figure 2 Here, the vital signs sensor 21 is configured to detect the occupant's height, body type, gender, age, and / or health status. Additionally, the vital signs sensor 21 is also configured to perform facial recognition on the occupant. The sensor system 20 also includes a seat pressure sensor 22 disposed in the seat (see...). Figure 2 The seat pressure sensor is configured to detect the pressure on the vehicle seat, thereby enabling, for example, the detection of the weight of the occupant P seated in the seat. Furthermore, the sensor system 20 includes a seatbelt pressure sensor 23, configured to detect the seatbelt pressure at the occupant's chest and / or the rate of change of seatbelt pressure. Figure 2 As shown, the seatbelt pressure sensor 23 is arranged on the seatbelt 11, particularly at the chest of the occupant P in use. Preferably, the seatbelt pressure sensor 23 is a flexible, thin-film pressure sensor, which is, for example, arranged in a multi-point distribution on the seatbelt 11. This allows for real-time detection of the pressure change curve at the occupant's chest. Furthermore, as... Figure 1 The diagram also shows that the sensor system 20 further includes a speed sensor 24 for detecting vehicle speed, an acceleration sensor 25 for detecting vehicle acceleration, and a collision sensor 26 for identifying vehicle collisions.

[0050] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the analysis and control unit 30 is configured to classify occupant P based on occupant P's vital signs, such as height, weight, body type, gender, age, and / or health status, and control the seatbelt force limiting device 12 to pre-set an appropriate seatbelt force limiting threshold F based on the determined occupant category. Further, the analysis and control unit 30 is configured to determine the degree of chest injury of the occupant based on an evaluation parameter W, and control the seatbelt force limiting device 12 to instantaneously adjust the seatbelt force limiting threshold F based on the determined degree of injury. Here, the evaluation parameter W includes, for example, the seatbelt pressure at the occupant's chest, the rate of change of seatbelt pressure, the occupant P's height, weight, body type, gender, age, and / or health status, and vehicle speed and / or vehicle acceleration.

[0051] In particular, the seatbelt system of the present invention also includes a memory that stores the correspondence between seatbelt pressure at the occupant's chest, the rate of change of seatbelt pressure, and the degree of chest injury to the occupant. Here, the correspondence between seatbelt pressure at the occupant's chest, the rate of change of seatbelt pressure, and the degree of chest injury is obtained through a large amount of crash test data, for example, by training a neural network. When a vehicle collision occurs, one or more of the evaluation parameters W are used as inputs to calculate the degree of chest injury to occupant P using a neural network algorithm.

[0052] Optionally, the occupant protection system 1 further includes a display device and / or a broadcasting device for displaying and / or broadcasting the current seat belt force limiting threshold F and / or the location and / or extent of injury to the occupant P.

[0053] Optionally, the occupant protection system 1 also includes a transmitting device for transmitting information such as the occupant P's injury information, the location of the accident, and / or vehicle information to a rescue organization.

[0054] exist Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the seatbelt force limiting device 12 of the occupant protection system 1 according to the present invention is shown. Figure 3 As shown, the seatbelt force limiting device 12 includes a force limiting rod 121 with a constant inherent seatbelt force limiting threshold F0. Furthermore, the seatbelt force limiting device 12 also includes a friction force limiting disc 122 and a multi-stage cutting force limiting disc 123. The friction force limiting disc 122 and the multi-stage cutting force limiting disc 123 allow for additional changes to the seatbelt force limiting threshold F0 based on the constant inherent seatbelt force limiting threshold F0 of the force limiting rod 121. For example, by adjusting the engagement position or force with the friction force limiting disc 122, the additional frictional force provided by the friction force limiting disc 122 can be adjusted, thereby changing the seatbelt force limiting threshold F. As another example, by adjusting the cutting position or the number of cutting layers (exemplarily up to three layers in this case) of the multi-stage cutting force limiting disc 123, the seatbelt force limiting threshold F can be changed in a stepwise manner.

[0055] According to an advantageous embodiment of the present invention, such as Figure 3 As shown, the seatbelt force limiting device 12 includes an adjustment mechanism 124, which comprises a motor 1241 with a pinion and a rack 1242 that engages with the pinion. Here, the analysis and control unit 30 can control the motor 1241 to drive the rack 1242, thereby changing the position of the rack 1242 in relation to the friction force limiting disc 122 and / or the multi-stage cutting force limiting disc 123. In this way, the desired seatbelt force limiting threshold F can be flexibly adjusted.

[0056] In particular, the adjustment mechanism 124 can pre-set an appropriate seat belt force limiting threshold F based on pre-measured occupant vital signs data, such as the occupant P's height, weight, body type, gender, age and / or health status.

[0057] According to an advantageous embodiment of the present invention, by Figure 3 It can also be seen that the seatbelt force limiting device 12 further includes an ignition device 125. This ignition device is specifically a miniature gas generator. In the event of a collision and when a rapid adjustment of the seatbelt force limiting threshold F is desired, the analysis and control unit 30 can trigger the ignition device 125, thereby rapidly reaching the desired position with respect to the friction force limiting disc 122 and / or the multi-stage cutting force limiting disc 123. Figure 3 The diagram exemplarily illustrates that one detonation device 125 is provided for both the friction limiting disc 122 and the multi-stage cutting limiting disc 123. However, alternatively, multiple detonation devices 125 can be provided to achieve different final action positions and thus different seatbelt limiting force levels. Preferably, the seatbelt limiting force threshold F can be adjusted within 10 ms after the detonation device 125 is triggered.

[0058] exist Figure 4 The flowchart of a method for occupant protection of a vehicle 100 according to the present invention is shown schematically.

[0059] According to the present invention, the method includes the following steps:

[0060] S01: Obtain the vital signs information of occupant P in advance. This vital signs information includes occupant P's height, weight, body type, gender, age, and / or health status. Here, the vital signs information may be stored information about a known occupant P, which is automatically retrieved when the known occupant P is identified, for example, through facial recognition. Alternatively, the vital signs information of occupant P may be detected in real time by a sensor system and / or manually entered through an input device.

[0061] S02: Classify the occupants P based on the acquired vital signs information. For example, classify them as children, youths, the elderly, men, women, or pregnant women, etc.

[0062] S03: Pre-set the corresponding seat belt force limiting threshold F according to the occupant category. For example, a lower seat belt force limiting threshold F can be set for vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and pregnant women. Alternatively, a higher seat belt force limiting threshold F can be set for heavier individuals.

[0063] S1: At the moment of collision of vehicle 100, the degree of chest injury of occupant P is instantaneously determined based on the assessment parameter W, wherein the assessment parameter W includes at least the seat belt pressure and / or the rate of change of seat belt pressure at the occupant's chest. Additionally, the assessment parameter W may also include occupant P's vital signs, vehicle speed and / or vehicle acceleration, etc. In particular, the degree of chest injury of occupant P is predicted based on the assessment parameter W before chest injury occurs.

[0064] S2: Instantly adjust the seatbelt force limiting threshold F based on the determined degree of injury. For example, if a chest injury to occupant P is detected or predicted, the seatbelt force limiting threshold F is instantaneously reduced to prevent further injury. Alternatively, if a chest injury to occupant P is not detected or predicted, especially if the seatbelt force limiting threshold F is insufficient due to excessive vehicle speed and / or acceleration, the seatbelt force limiting threshold F is increased to provide reliable restraint for occupant P.

[0065] In the accompanying drawings, the size of each component, the thickness of a layer, or an area is sometimes exaggerated for clarity. Therefore, the shape and size of each part in the drawings do not reflect the true scale.

[0066] Furthermore, in describing representative embodiments, the specification may have presented methods and / or processes as a specific sequence of steps. However, the method or process should not be limited to the specific order of steps described herein, to the extent that it does not depend on such a specific order. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, other sequences of steps are also possible. Therefore, the specific order of steps set forth in the specification should not be construed as a limitation of the claims. Moreover, the claims concerning the method and / or process should not be limited to the steps performed in the written order, and those skilled in the art will readily understand that these orders can be varied and still remain within the spirit and scope of the embodiments of this application.

[0067] Although specific embodiments of the invention have been described in detail herein, they are given for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention. Various substitutions, alterations, and modifications may be conceived without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A method for occupant protection in a vehicle (100), wherein, The method includes the following steps: S1: When a collision occurs in the vehicle (100), the degree of chest injury of the occupant (P) is determined based on an assessment parameter (W), wherein the assessment parameter (W) includes at least the seat belt pressure at the occupant's chest and / or the rate of change of seat belt pressure, wherein the degree of chest injury of the occupant (P) is predicted based on the assessment parameter (W) before the occupant (P) suffers chest injury. S2: Adjust the seat belt force limiting threshold (F) according to the obtained degree of injury, wherein, in the case of predicted chest injury of occupant (P), the seat belt force limiting threshold (F) is instantaneously reduced.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein, In step S2, the seat belt force limiting threshold (F) is adjusted by the detonation device (125).

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The assessment parameters (W) also include: occupant (P) vital signs, vehicle speed and / or vehicle acceleration.

4. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, In step S1, one or more of the evaluation parameters (W) are used as inputs to obtain the degree of chest injury of the occupant (P) through a neural network algorithm.

5. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The method further includes: S01: Obtain the vital signs information of the occupant (P) in advance, including the occupant (P)'s height, weight, body type, gender, age and / or health status; S02: Classify the occupants (P) based on the acquired vital signs information; S03: Pre-set the corresponding seat belt force limit threshold (F) according to the occupant category.

6. The method according to claim 5, wherein, It is known that the occupant's (P) vital signs information is pre-stored; and / or The occupant's (P) vital signs are detected through a sensor system; and / or Manually enter the vital signs information of the occupants (P).

7. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, Indicate the current seatbelt force limiting threshold (F) and / or the location and / or extent of injury to the occupant (P) in a visual and / or auditory manner.

8. An occupant protection system (1) for a vehicle (100), for implementing the method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, The occupant protection system (1) includes at least: - At least one seat belt system (10), the seat belt system including a seat belt (11) and an adjustable seat belt force limiter (12); - Sensor system (20), said sensor system (20) is configured to detect and evaluate parameter (W); and - Analysis and control unit (30), the analysis and control unit (30) is configured to determine the degree of chest injury of the occupant based on the assessment parameter (W), and control the seat belt force limiting device (12) to adjust the seat belt force limiting threshold (F) based on the determined degree of injury.

9. The occupant protection system (1) according to claim 8, wherein, The sensor system (20) includes: - Vital signs sensor (21), the vital signs sensor (21) is configured to detect the height, body type, gender, age and / or health status of the occupant, and / or to perform facial recognition on the occupant; - Seat pressure sensor (22), the seat pressure sensor being configured to detect the pressure on the vehicle seat; - Seatbelt pressure sensor (23), the seatbelt pressure sensor being configured to detect seatbelt pressure at the occupant's chest and / or the rate of change of seatbelt pressure; - Speed ​​sensor (24), the speed sensor being configured to detect vehicle speed; - Accelerometer (25), the accelerometer being configured to detect vehicle acceleration; - Collision sensor (26), the collision sensor is configured to detect vehicle collisions.

10. The occupant protection system (1) according to claim 8 or 9, wherein, The seatbelt force limiting device (12) includes a force limiting bar (121) having a constant inherent seatbelt force limiting threshold (F0), and The seat belt force limiting device (12) also has a friction force limiting disc (122) and / or a multi-stage cutting force limiting disc (123) for adjusting the seat belt force limiting threshold (F).

11. The occupant protection system (1) according to claim 10, wherein, The seat belt force limiting device (12) includes an adjustment mechanism (124), which includes a motor (1241) with a pinion and a rack (1242) that cooperates with the pinion. The motor (1241) drives the rack (1242) to move, thereby changing the position of the rack (1242) in relation to the friction force limiting disc (122) and / or the multi-stage cutting force limiting disc (123), thereby adjusting the seat belt force limiting threshold (F).

12. The occupant protection system (1) according to claim 10 or 11, wherein, The seat belt force limiting device (12) also includes an ignition device (125). By triggering the ignition device (125), the working position of the friction force limiting disc (122) and / or the multi-stage cutting force limiting disc (123) can be quickly adjusted so as to adjust the seat belt force limiting threshold (F).

13. The occupant protection system (1) according to claim 12, wherein, The adjustment of the seat belt force limiting threshold (F) is completed within 10 ms after the ignition device (125) is triggered.

14. The occupant protection system (1) according to claim 8, wherein, The assessment parameters (W) include seatbelt pressure at the occupant's chest, seatbelt pressure change rate, occupant's (P) height, weight, body type, sex, age and / or health status, vehicle speed and / or vehicle acceleration.

15. The occupant protection system (1) according to claim 9, wherein, The vital signs sensor (21) is a camera.

16. The occupant protection system (1) according to claim 12, wherein, The detonation device (125) is a miniature gas generator.

17. A vehicle (100) comprising an occupant protection system (1) according to any one of claims 8 to 16, for implementing a method for occupant protection of the vehicle (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

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