Adaptive Airbag Activation for Consecutive Crash Scenarios
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing airbag activation methods fail to effectively reduce passenger injury risk in vehicle crashes, particularly when passengers are not properly positioned due to previous collisions, increasing the risk of injury during consecutive accidents.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that adapt the airbag deployment threshold based on individual crash parameters, including rear and front collisions, occupant position, and movement prediction, using a combination of on-board and satellite sensors to enhance protection in both single and consecutive crash scenarios.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the airbag activation threshold is set for properly positioned passengers, then the airbag deployment is optimized for standard crash scenarios, but the protection effectiveness decreases when passengers are not properly positioned due to previous crashes
Solution Approach 1:
The airbag activation system dynamically adjusts the deployment threshold based on real-time detection of passenger position and crash sequence. The control unit modifies activation parameters according to the detected scenario (single crash vs. consecutive crashes with intermediate positioning), transforming a static activation system into an adaptive one that responds to changing conditions during the vehicle operation
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback from collision detection units that continuously monitor crash events and passenger positioning. After a first collision, the system receives feedback about the intermediate period conditions, and uses this feedback to adjust the activation threshold for subsequent collision detection, creating a closed-loop control system that adapts to the actual vehicle and passenger state
2Reliability
If the airbag activation threshold is lowered to protect passengers in all positions, then protection coverage increases, but the risk of unnecessary deployment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies different activation thresholds for different crash scenarios rather than using a single uniform threshold. Specifically, it implements a lower threshold for consecutive crashes where passengers may be in compromised positions, while maintaining the standard threshold for isolated crashes. This localized parameter adjustment ensures appropriate protection without triggering unnecessary deployments
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit changes the activation parameter (threshold value) based on the detected crash sequence pattern. When a first collision is detected followed by an intermediate period, the system changes the activation parameter for the second collision detection to account for potential passenger repositioning, thereby adapting the deployment criteria to the specific scenario
3Device complexity
If the system uses a single collision detection threshold, then the device complexity is low, but the system cannot distinguish between single and consecutive crash scenarios
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection and recording of the first collision event during the intermediate period before the second collision occurs. By detecting and storing information about the initial crash and the time interval, the system prepares the activation threshold adjustment in advance, enabling it to respond appropriately when the second collision is detected without requiring complex real-time analysis
Data Source
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AI summary
The disclosure relates to a method (122) for controlling an airbag activation device (108) in a vehicle (100), the method (122) comprising: detecting, by at rear collision sensing unit (110), a rear collision; transmitting, from the rear collision sensing unit (110), a signal (s1) indicating the rear collision, to a control unit (114), detecting, by a front collision sensing unit (112), a front collision; transmitting, from the front collision sensing unit (112), a signal (s2) indicating the front collision, to the control unit (114); adapting, by the control unit (114), based on the signals (s1, s2) received from rear collision sensing unit (110) and the front collision sensing unit (112), a threshold for activating an airbag deployment according to at least one activation parameter, and/or activating, by the control unit (114), a delay timer being configured to activate an airbag deployment after a predetermined amount of time after the rear collision. The disclosure also relates to an airbag activation device (108) for a vehicle (100).