Collision detection device and vehicle

Abstract

The invention provides a collision detection device and a vehicle. The collision detection device and the vehicle can efficiently and accurately detect A-pillar collision without being affected by environmental factors. The collision detection device comprises at least one strain gauge, and the at least one strain gauge is arranged on an A column of a vehicle, senses mechanical strain generated by collision of the A column and outputs a corresponding resistance change signal. The strain gauge is directly arranged on the vehicle A column, the mechanical strain generated at the moment of collision of the A column body can be directly obtained in real time, the structure is simple, the cost is low, the detection process is not affected by the environment, the detection blind area problem of a traditional front sensor in special collision scenes such as rear-end collision of a passenger vehicle and a truck can be effectively solved, and the detection accuracy is improved. And the collision of the A-pillar area can be quickly and accurately identified, so that the safety performance of the vehicle is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to collision detection devices and vehicles, and belongs to the field of vehicle technology. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, passive safety systems in passenger vehicles primarily rely on collision sensors (such as acceleration sensors and pressure sensors) installed at the front, sides, and rear of the vehicle to detect collision events. In a frontal collision, the front expansion or acceleration sensors can usually effectively detect deceleration signals, triggering occupant restraint systems such as airbags. However, in accidents involving passenger vehicles rear-ending trucks, the truck's cargo bed floor is typically at a similar height to the passenger vehicle's A-pillar, meaning the cargo bed may directly impact the A-pillar area. Such collisions often bypass traditional sensors mounted on the front crossbeams or radiator support, resulting in delayed sensor response or even complete failure to detect collisions, severely impacting the timeliness and accuracy of occupant protection system activation.

[0003] To address the difficulty in recognizing A-pillar collisions, existing technologies attempt to incorporate environmental perception sensors such as radar and visual cameras. These sensors monitor the type, distance, and relative speed of obstacles in front of the vehicle to predict collision risks. However, these solutions are not only costly, but their detection accuracy also drops significantly or even fails under adverse weather and lighting conditions such as rain, snow, fog, strong sunlight, or nighttime, making it impossible to guarantee accurate identification of such collision scenarios.

[0004] Therefore, there is an urgent need for a collision detection device that can effectively detect A-pillar collisions, is unaffected by environmental factors, and has high detection accuracy, in order to make up for the shortcomings of existing technologies and improve the safety protection capabilities of passenger vehicles in special collision scenarios. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To address the technical problems in the prior art, this disclosure provides a collision detection device and vehicle that can efficiently and accurately detect A-pillar collisions regardless of environmental factors.

[0006] Specifically, the first aspect of this disclosure provides a collision detection device for a vehicle, comprising: at least one strain gauge, wherein at least one strain gauge is disposed on the A-pillar of the vehicle, senses the mechanical strain generated by the collision on the A-pillar, and outputs a corresponding resistance change signal.

[0007] According to the collision detection device with the above configuration, by directly arranging strain gauges on the A-pillar of the vehicle, the mechanical strain generated by the A-pillar body at the moment of collision can be directly and in real time. It is not only simple in structure and low in cost, but also its detection process is not affected by the environment. It can effectively overcome the detection blind spot problem of traditional front sensors in special collision scenarios such as passenger cars rear-ending trucks, and can also achieve rapid and accurate identification of collisions in the A-pillar area, thereby improving the safety performance of the vehicle.

[0008] Preferably, in the collision detection device of the first aspect, the A-pillar includes an inner panel and an outer panel located outside the inner panel, and the strain gauge is attached to the surface of the inner panel facing the interior space.

[0009] According to the collision detection device with the above configuration, by attaching strain gauges to the side of the A-pillar inner panel facing the vehicle interior, the mechanical strain signals transmitted from the outer panel to the inner panel can be accurately and directly captured when a collision occurs, ensuring the sensitivity and authenticity of the collision detection. Moreover, placing the strain gauges inside the vehicle also avoids the influence of the external environment, eliminating the need for complex additional protection, thereby improving operational stability and service life. Finally, this installation method can also make full use of the concealed space between the inner side of the A-pillar and the interior panel, without changing the original appearance of the vehicle body. The installation process is simple, low-cost, and highly feasible.

[0010] Preferably, in the collision detection device of the first aspect, each of the strain gauges is arranged along the extension direction of the A-pillar.

[0011] The collision detection device with the above configuration can match the sensitive axis of the strain gauge with the main force direction of the A-pillar in frontal collision or rear-end collision conditions, thereby maximizing the capture of mechanical strain generated by the A-pillar structure and improving the sensitivity of collision detection.

[0012] Preferably, in the collision detection apparatus of the first aspect, for each of the A-pillars, the strain gauges are configured in multiples and distributed at intervals along the axial direction of the A-pillars to form a strain monitoring array.

[0013] The collision detection device with the above configuration can perform distributed monitoring of the A-pillar, fully capture the strain response of each point along the length of the A-pillar during the collision, avoid the risk of missed detection, and thus improve the reliability and fault tolerance of collision recognition.

[0014] Preferably, in the collision detection apparatus of the first aspect, for each of the A-pillars, the strain gauge is configured as one, extending substantially the entire length of the axial direction of the A-pillar.

[0015] According to the collision detection device with the above configuration, by setting only one long strain gauge, the overall structural integrity of the A-pillar can be monitored with only a single signal acquisition channel. Compared with the multi-point array scheme, this significantly reduces system cost, wiring difficulty, and computational burden of subsequent signal processing. Moreover, the coverage of the strain gauge can ensure that the strain generated can be effectively captured regardless of whether the collision force is applied to the top, middle, or bottom of the A-pillar, thus exhibiting excellent reliability.

[0016] Preferably, the collision detection device of the first aspect further includes: a signal conditioning circuit electrically connected to the strain gauge to convert the resistance change signal into a voltage signal; and a controller electrically connected to the signal conditioning circuit, the controller being configured to execute preset collision determination logic to determine whether a collision has occurred based on the amplitude and duration of the voltage signal.

[0017] The collision detection device with the above configuration can convert the resistance change signal output by the strain gauge into a stable and reliable voltage signal using a signal conditioning circuit, so that the controller can collect and process it. The controller executes the preset collision judgment logic based on the amplitude and duration of the voltage signal, which can accurately distinguish between real collisions and interference conditions such as daily vibrations and minor scratches, improve the accuracy and anti-interference capability of collision detection, realize the reliable identification of A-pillar collision events, and provide timely and accurate triggering basis for the vehicle safety protection system.

[0018] Preferably, in the collision detection device of the first aspect, the controller is configured to determine that a collision has occurred when the amplitude of the voltage signal exceeds a preset first threshold and the rate of change of the voltage signal over time exceeds a preset second threshold.

[0019] According to the collision detection device with the above configuration, by configuring the controller to determine that a collision has occurred when the amplitude of the voltage signal exceeds a preset first threshold and the rate of change of the voltage signal over time exceeds a preset second threshold, it can effectively distinguish between the high-intensity, rapidly changing strain signal generated by a real collision and interference signals such as vibration, bumps, and minor scratches during daily driving, thereby improving the accuracy and anti-interference capability of collision detection and realizing rapid and reliable identification of A-pillar collision events.

[0020] Preferably, in the collision detection device of the first aspect, the controller is configured to be electrically connected to the vehicle's airbag control system and to send a trigger signal to the airbag control system when a collision is determined to have occurred.

[0021] The collision detection device with the above configuration can promptly and accurately trigger the airbag deployment after recognizing an A-pillar collision event, shortening the response time of the safety protection system, improving the occupant protection capability of the vehicle in special collision scenarios such as rear-ending a truck, and ensuring the safety of drivers and passengers.

[0022] Preferably, in the collision detection device of the first aspect, the strain gauge is further disposed on the B-pillar and / or C-pillar of the vehicle.

[0023] According to the collision detection device with the above configuration, by further installing strain gauges on the B-pillar and / or C-pillar of the vehicle, the coverage of vehicle collision detection can be further expanded. It can not only identify collisions suffered by the A-pillar, but also effectively detect collision events occurring on the side and rear of the vehicle, improve the detection capability and recognition reliability of multi-directional collision scenarios of the whole vehicle, and enhance the overall safety protection effect for drivers and passengers.

[0024] The second aspect of this disclosure provides a vehicle that includes the collision detection device described in the first aspect, thereby achieving the same technical effects as the first aspect.

[0025] The collision detection device and vehicle disclosed herein have been described in general terms above. The following description, with reference to the accompanying drawings, will provide further details for easier understanding. Attached Figure Description

[0026] The accompanying drawings are provided to better understand the invention and are not intended to unduly limit the scope of the invention. Wherein: Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram showing a portion of the vehicle in this embodiment; Figure 2 This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the A-pillar of the vehicle in this embodiment; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the arrangement of strain gauges on column A in this embodiment; Figure 4 This is a block diagram showing the general configuration of the collision detection device in this embodiment.

[0027] List of reference numerals

[0028] 1 vehicle

[0029] 10 A-pillar

[0030] 11 outer panel

[0031] 12 Inner Panels

[0032] 20 strain gauges

[0033] 30 Signal Conditioning Circuit

[0034] 40 Controller

[0035] 100 Collision Detection Device Detailed Implementation

[0036] The technical solution of the present invention will be described more clearly below by referring to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0037] It should be noted that the accompanying drawings of this invention are merely schematic diagrams for clearly illustrating the parts related to the present invention, and do not show some unnecessary parts. Therefore, these drawings should not be construed as limiting the invention, and may differ from the actual structure in use. Furthermore, it should be understood that the terms "up," "down," "left," "right," "front," and "rear," etc., indicating orientation or position, may appear in the following description for ease of explanation and are not restrictive. In this disclosure, "up," "down," "left," "right," "front," and "rear" all represent conventional vehicle directions, i.e., the front of the vehicle is "front," the rear is "rear," the roof is "up," the bottom is "down," and left and right when facing forward are "left" and "right." The description is based on the conventional state of the vehicle with the seats facing forward. Similarly, for clarity and brevity, descriptions of well-known functions and structures are omitted in the following description.

[0038] First, refer to Figures 1 to 4 The overall structure of the collision detection device 100 for vehicles in this embodiment will be described. Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram showing a portion of the vehicle 1 in this embodiment, mainly showing the position of the A-pillar 10 on the vehicle body; Figure 2 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the A-pillar 10 of the vehicle 1 in this embodiment, showing its internal structure; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram showing the arrangement of the strain gauges 20 on column A 10 in this embodiment, illustrating the specific installation method of the strain gauges 20; Figure 4 This is a block diagram showing the general configuration of the collision detection device 100 in this embodiment.

[0039] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, vehicle 1 includes an A-pillar 10. In this embodiment, the A-pillar 10 is typically composed of an outer panel 11 and an inner panel 12. The outer panel 11 is located on the outside of the inner panel 12 (i.e., the side facing outwards from the vehicle). The two panels work together to form a closed sheet metal structure, which together constitutes the main structure of the A-pillar 10, providing the necessary structural strength and rigidity for the vehicle body.

[0040] The collision detection device in this embodiment mainly includes at least one strain gauge 20. The strain gauge 20 is disposed on the A-pillar 10 of the vehicle 1 to sense the mechanical strain generated by the collision and output a corresponding resistance change signal. By directly arranging the strain gauge 20 on the A-pillar 10 of the vehicle 1, the mechanical strain generated by the A-pillar 10 body at the moment of collision can be directly and in real time acquired. This not only results in a simple structure and low cost, but also ensures that the detection process is unaffected by the environment. It effectively overcomes the blind spot problem of traditional front sensors in special collision scenarios such as passenger cars rear-ending trucks, and enables rapid and accurate identification of collisions in the A-pillar area, thus improving vehicle safety performance.

[0041] As a preferred implementation method, such as Figure 2 As shown, the strain gauge 20 can be attached to the surface of the inner panel 12 facing the interior space (i.e., the interior surface) using a high-temperature resistant and vibration-damping adhesive. In the event of a collision, the strain gauge 20 attached to the inner panel 12 can accurately and directly capture the mechanical strain signal transmitted from the outer panel 11 to the inner panel 12, ensuring the sensitivity and accuracy of the collision detection. Furthermore, placing the strain gauge inside the vehicle avoids the influence of the external environment, eliminating the need for complex additional protection, thereby improving operational stability and service life, and facilitating the installation, wiring, and subsequent maintenance of the strain gauge 20. Finally, this installation method fully utilizes the concealed space between the inner side of the A-pillar 10 and the interior panel, without altering the original appearance of the vehicle body. The installation process is simple, cost-effective, and highly feasible.

[0042] Continue to refer to Figure 3 The arrangement of strain gauges 20 in this embodiment will be described in detail.

[0043] In one embodiment, such as Figure 3 As shown in (A) on the left, for each A-pillar 10, multiple strain gauges 20 can be set and arranged sequentially at preset intervals along the axial direction (i.e., length direction) of the A-pillar 10, thus forming a strain monitoring array. This array comprehensively captures the strain response at each point along the length direction of the A-pillar during the collision, avoiding the risk of missed detection. Through this array-like layout, distributed monitoring of the A-pillar 10 in the spatial dimension can also be achieved. When a collision occurs, the strain gauges 20 at different locations will produce different responses due to the different locations and intensities of the force: for example, the strain gauge 20 near the impact point has a higher amplitude output signal and a earlier response time, while the strain gauge 20 far from the impact point has a lower amplitude output signal and a later response time. Therefore, by analyzing the differences in signal amplitude and time difference at each point in the array, it is possible not only to determine whether a collision has occurred, but also to preliminarily infer the approximate location of the impact force on the A-pillar 10 and the load transmission path.

[0044] like Figure 3(B) on the right side of the diagram illustrates another embodiment, in which only one strain gauge 20 is used for each A-pillar 10. However, the strain sensing area of ​​this strain gauge 20 is configured to extend along the axial direction of the A-pillar 10 and substantially cover the main stress-bearing section of the A-pillar 10, for example, from the connection between the upper end of the A-pillar and the roof crossbeam to the connection between the lower end and the door sill. In this case, the strain gauge 20 can be implemented using a long gauge length strain gauge whose sensitive grid coverage area extends axially; or the strain gauge 20 can also be implemented using a strain gauge with a continuous sensitive grid that extends axially along a preset path, such that its axial projection length is substantially equal to or close to the axial length of the A-pillar 10. This single long-span layout in this other embodiment simplifies the complexity of the strain gauge system compared to the first embodiment, requiring only a single signal acquisition channel to monitor the overall structural integrity of the A-pillar 10, effectively reducing system cost and wiring difficulty. Moreover, this arrangement ensures that the structural strain generated by the collision force applied to the top, middle or bottom of the A-pillar 10 can be effectively captured by the single strain gauge, eliminating the detection blind spots that may exist in the discrete point layout and achieving full coverage protection of the A-pillar area.

[0045] Next, the signal processing and judgment logic of strain gauge 20 in this embodiment will be explained.

[0046] Continue to refer to Figure 4 The collision detection device 100 in this embodiment also includes a signal conditioning circuit 30 and a controller 40. The signal conditioning circuit 30 is electrically connected to the strain gauge 20 and receives the resistance change signal output by the strain gauge 20, converting it into a standard, easily processed voltage signal. Specifically, since the amplitude of the resistance change signal output by the strain gauge 20 is small and easily affected by vibrations and electromagnetic interference during vehicle operation, the signal conditioning circuit amplifies and filters the resistance change signal using built-in instrument amplifiers, low-pass filters, and other components to eliminate interference signals and output a stable voltage signal, ensuring the accuracy of subsequent collision determination and improving the anti-interference capability of the entire detection device. The controller 40 is electrically connected to the signal conditioning circuit 30 and is configured to execute preset collision determination logic to determine whether a real A-pillar collision event has occurred based on the received voltage signal from the signal conditioning circuit 30.

[0047] The following describes an example of how the controller 40 performs the above-mentioned judgment logic. When the amplitude of the voltage signal output by the signal conditioning circuit 30 exceeds a preset first threshold, and the rate of change of the voltage signal over time exceeds a preset second threshold, the controller determines that a collision has occurred in vehicle 1. The first threshold defines the intensity of the collision strain, corresponding to the severity of the collision, and can be pre-calibrated based on the vehicle 1's body structure and safety protection requirements. The second threshold defines the rate of strain change, corresponding to the speed at which the collision occurs, effectively distinguishing between a real collision and disturbances such as vibrations, bumps, and minor scratches during daily driving, thus avoiding false triggering.

[0048] By executing the above-mentioned collision determination logic, the controller 40 can effectively distinguish between the high-intensity, rapidly changing strain signals generated by real collisions and interference signals such as vibrations, bumps, and minor scratches during daily driving, thereby improving the accuracy and anti-interference capability of collision detection and enabling rapid and reliable identification of A-pillar collision events.

[0049] When the controller 40 determines that a collision event has occurred, it can immediately send a trigger signal to the airbag control system of vehicle 1. After receiving the trigger signal, the airbag control system quickly controls the airbag to deploy, the seat belt to pretension, and other safety protection actions, shortening the response time of the safety protection system and ensuring that effective protection is provided for the occupants at the moment of the collision, thereby reducing the risk of injury or death to the occupants.

[0050] The collision detection device 100 disclosed herein has been described in general terms. Below, its working process is briefly illustrated.

[0051] For example, when vehicle 1 is involved in a rear-end collision with a truck, and the truck's cargo box directly impacts the A-pillar 10 of vehicle 1, the A-pillar 10 will bend, compress, or stretch due to the collision. The impact force first acts on the outer panel 11 of the A-pillar 10 and is quickly transmitted to the inner panel 12, which is connected to the outer panel 11. Consequently, the strain gauges 20 attached to the inner surface of the inner panel 12 undergo microscopic mechanical deformation along with the inner panel 12, causing a change in their internal resistance value. The signal conditioning circuit 30 collects this resistance change signal in real time and converts it into an amplified, clean voltage signal before sending it to the controller 40. The controller 40 analyzes the voltage signal according to preset logic (such as the dual-threshold logic including a first threshold and a second threshold mentioned above). Once it determines that the amplitude and rate of change of the signal meet the characteristics of a real collision, it determines that an A-pillar collision event has occurred and sends a trigger signal to the vehicle 1's airbag control system or remote monitoring platform, causing the airbags to deploy.

[0052] Compared with existing technologies, the collision detection device 100 provided in this disclosure can directly detect the mechanical strain of the A-pillar body by directly integrating the strain gauges into the A-pillar structure. This effectively overcomes the blind spot problem of traditional front sensors in special collision scenarios such as rear-ending trucks. Moreover, it is not affected by environmental factors such as weather, lighting, and obstruction, and significantly improves the passive safety performance of the vehicle.

[0053] Furthermore, in the embodiment described above, strain gauge 20 is exemplified as being disposed on the A-pillar 10 of vehicle 1. However, in addition to the A-pillar 10, strain gauge 20 can also be disposed on the B-pillar and / or C-pillar of vehicle 1. This further expands the coverage of vehicle collision detection, enabling the identification of collisions not only to the A-pillar but also to effectively detect collisions occurring on the side and rear of the vehicle. This enhances the detection capability and reliability of multi-directional collision scenarios, thereby strengthening the overall safety protection for occupants.

[0054] In addition, in the embodiment described above, strain gauge 20 is attached to the interior side of the inner panel 12 of the outer panel 11 and inner panel 12 of the A-pillar. However, this is not limiting. For example, strain gauges may also be attached to the outer panel 11 side of the inner panel 12 or the inner panel 12 side of the outer panel 11.

[0055] The specific embodiments described above do not constitute a limitation on the scope of protection of this invention. Those skilled in the art should understand that various modifications, combinations, sub-combinations, and substitutions can occur depending on design requirements and other factors. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of this invention should be included within the scope of protection of this invention.

Claims

1. A collision detection device for vehicles, characterized in that, include: At least one strain gauge is disposed on the A-pillar of the vehicle to sense the mechanical strain generated by the collision of the A-pillar and output a corresponding resistance change signal.

2. The collision detection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The A-pillar includes an inner panel and an outer panel located outside the inner panel, with strain gauges attached to the surface of the inner panel facing the interior space.

3. The collision detection device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, Each strain gauge is arranged along the extension direction of column A.

4. The collision detection device according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, For each of the A-pillars, multiple strain gauges are configured and distributed at intervals along the axial direction of the A-pillar to form a strain monitoring array.

5. The collision detection device according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, For each of the aforementioned A-pillars, one strain gauge is configured to extend substantially the entire axial length of the A-pillar.

6. The collision detection device according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, Also includes: A signal conditioning circuit, which is electrically connected to the strain gauge, converts the resistance change signal into a voltage signal. and A controller, electrically connected to the signal conditioning circuit, is configured to execute preset collision determination logic to determine whether a collision has occurred based on the amplitude and duration of the voltage signal.

7. The collision detection device according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The controller is configured to determine that a collision has occurred when the amplitude of the voltage signal exceeds a preset first threshold and the rate of change of the voltage signal over time exceeds a preset second threshold.

8. The collision detection device according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, The controller is configured to be electrically connected to the vehicle's airbag control system and to send a trigger signal to the airbag control system when the collision is determined to have occurred.

9. The collision detection device according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, The strain gauges are also installed on the B-pillar and / or C-pillar of the vehicle.

10. A vehicle, characterized in that, The collision detection device includes any one of claims 1-9.

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